So, we have had a fair share of all cars in our garages, ranging from a 1991 Padmini Premier to a 2022 Jeep Compass Model S.
BHPian na_agrawal recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Good Morning BHPians,
We are in the month of February in 2022, inches away from the end of this fiscal year and the end of Q1. Also, in the automotive sector, we have the all-new Skoda Slavia, VW Virtus, Toyota Belta, Kia Carens, and Citroen C3 up on the cards. This goes without mentioning, the onset of upcoming EV cars and petrol prices breaching the 100 INR mark. (Although, where I live currently, it’s still 96) Keeping the above in mind, let’s take a step forward.
I come from a background wherein my family and my extended family members are fond of driving cars and will wake up at an ungodly hour if there’s a road trip involved. So, we have had a fair share of all cars in our garages, ranging from a 1991 Padmini Premier to a 2022 Jeep Compass Model S.
But now the time has come for this BHPian to own a set of wheels just for himself. I will turn 26 this year and want to burn a hole in my wallet but as usual, I am utterly confused.
I am hell-bent on a 2022 VW Vento Highline MT in Lapiz Blue but I am overwhelmed with the 10 year age of that car plus the fact that it’ll be phased out in the next 3 months, courtesy Virtus. I would like to get some insights and guidance that if at all this will be a good decision or this might go south on me. Also, what else should I take a look at, my requirements are as below:
- Rs 9 – 11 lakh budget.
- Fun to drive.
- Spares and maintenance should not be a pain in the a..
- Manual and petrol.
- Should be decently kitted.
For reference, we have currently the below cars – (if this helps)
- 2017 Hyundai i20 Active SX(o)
- 2009 Honda Civic V MT
- 2019 Kia Seltos HTK+
- 2021 Kia Seltos GTX+ DCT
- 2022 Jeep Compass Model S Petrol
Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter:
If you really love the car and are sold on it, then its age shouldn’t matter. 3 of the 4 cars I own are discontinued models, but I still love them (the 4th might see a new generation soon too). In my books, the Vento / Rapid have aged well and are still the most fun-to-drive C2 sedans in the market.
That being said, do wait a month for the Slavia and see what it has to offer. Skoda might price it really well, after the Kushaq overpricing debacle. Speaking of which, take a spin in the Taigun / Kushaq as well. Never know what might “click” with your heart & mind.
I would buy a Taigun / Kushaq 1.0 over the Vento 1.0.
Here’s what BHPian Bibendum90949 had to say on the matter:
Vento is a little too long in the tooth now. Though the styling is timeless, you would start to get a dated feel with it in a couple of years as the new car smell wanes and the initial new car euphoria dies down. Since you’ve two Seltoses in the family and after having enjoyed a wide array of features and creature comforts in it, Vento would appear plain vanilla for you. Mechanically, it’s still a very good car though but lacks a lot of nifty feel-good elements vis-a-vis recently launched cars.
Do explore the latest generation cars, Slavia and Virtus are worth a look. Since you like Vento, the chances of you striking a chord with Virtus is very likely but would overshoot your budget. Good luck on the new car hunt.
Here’s what BHPian AKSarkar1 had to say on the matter:
I would say go for it! Why? Let me explain as a Vento Owner, might be a bit long but do bear with me!
Safety: The Vento does tick all the requirements of safety that requires. However, for me safety is more a feeling. When I sit in my Vento the car feels like a tank and inspires confidence. When driving at triple digits the car feels planted and extremely confident in being able to handle its own power. This feeling to date I have been able to get only in my Mercedes cars out of the other cars that I own in my garage.
Heritage: This car was essentially localized for the Indian market. When I was at uni in Germany the Polo 6R had recently launched and many of my friends had bought it then. Even a decade or so later, most of them still have that car. Essentially, these cars have an internationally proven record and image.
Driving Dynamics: Need not say anything about this, been proven and spoken about over the years. If you are a bit crazy as some of us BHPians, get a remap and watch the car fly.
Mod friendliness: Yes sure the car is over 10 years old but the sheer mod-friendliness nature of the car has allowed me to subside the new car itch over the years.
Slavia/Virtus dilemma: As GTO said, I would wait for the official prices of the Slavia to come out. If they are truly as crazy as what they are thought to be, VW will follow suit. That would automatically mean that the Virtus would be out of price range.
My Vento is a 2015 car and is due to complete 7 years in a couple of months. Given the direction of VAG in India and the pricing of the Slavia, I have ruled out the option of buying a new car from them. I would be hanging on to my Vento for at least 4 to 5 years more if things go as per plan. People buy into value and not marketing and IMHO the values of the brand have changed. I see countless new owners on our forum braving creaking, squeaking and mechanical failures of their Kushaqs after parting with over a million rupees. These things are something no extent of marketing can help change.
As for the new car itch, I am thinking of buying a pre-owned A4 for myself instead of a Slavia/Virtus. The VAG group truly butchered a great opportunity to make a car that would have continued giving them a cult following.
All the best and I look forward to welcoming a new Vento owner into the Team-BHP family!
Here’s what BHPian travelwriter had to say on the matter:
I was in a similar situation in August 2021 and was really keen on Rapid or Vento. I had my share of well-wishers telling me to go for a Hyundai or a Suzuki or a Honda but my mind was set on VW and its cousin.
I went for the Vento HL Plus AT and, believe me, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to driving.
The build quality is great.
Here in Hyderabad, I have had a decent response from service centres (the first service isn’t done yet).
It is a great car to drive in city traffic or on the highway. The way the 1-litre engine effortlessly handles overtaking and cornering give me a lot of confidence.
I never felt that phasing out of a car was a show-stopper. The car is great, service is available and it ticks all the boxes; I guess that is what matters to me most.
Yes, it does not come with a cinemascope screen, does not have a sunroof and does not have much chrome. If these are on your must-have list, drop it by all means.
But if it is safety, driving and comfort you seek, this is the car you should stick to.
By the way, I paid just over Rs 14.5L and bought the insurance on my own. I am certain you can get a good Rs 80K off the list price if you are a glib talker (unlike me).
Keyword: Do I buy a VW Vento today or wait for Skoda Slavia/VW Virtus