When I need to travel within the city & our Jeep Compass is unavailable, I take a cab but lately, I’ve been facing multiple issues with Uber/Ola.
BHPian aayusht recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hi everyone
I am exploring whether I should buy a beater car or not (and if yes, which option). I could use a few suggestions from this community. My wife and I currently have a Jeep Compass Petrol Automatic for about 1.5 years now and are very happy with it. She drives to work 3-4 days a week, and the remaining weekdays I drive to work (1-2 /week). At weekends we mostly travel together.
Whenever I need to travel within the city and the Jeep is not available, I take Uber/Ola and if I am able to preplan, I prefer BluSmart. However, lately, I have been facing frequent issues with Uber/Ola and it gets frustrating. I know it’s not a new trend and social media is plagued with complaints about Uber/Ola. I had almost stopped using Uber/Ola because of the poor conditions of the cars, the driver behaviour and their whimsical cancellation requests, often high wait time and at times the atrocious prices for short distances.
I have done a rough assessment and financially it does not make sense to buy a new or used car, given that the usage will be very low. Uber/Ola/Blusmart will turn out to be cheaper. However, the above-listed issues sometimes just boil your blood and financial logic gives way to preferences for convenience.
I wouldn’t mind buying a bicycle for short distances, however staying in Gurgaon, I can confirm that the dust and bad traffic sense will really discourage you from riding bicycles on the roads.
I am eligible for a car lease program from my office but don’t want to commit to the cash outflow (or another loan).
Constraints & requirements
- Usage is less than 300KM/month; I just need the car for running errands, and go for playing tennis, all within 5 KM from my home, and for barely 3-4 days a week.
- Budget < 3.5/4 Lacs (lower, the better); I already have a loan for the Jeep Compass and my house.
- Petrol (Delhi NCR 15-year rule). will prefer to use the beater for as long as possible.
- Wife is against manual since she says she won’t be comfortable driving a manual now that she is used to automatic. However she and I have driven manual cars all our life and since it’s a car for running errands, and going for tennis, I believe I will be the only one using it. Manual options fit my budget.
- Not worried about fuel efficiency, but need the car to be mechanically sound.
- I strongly prefer a car with decent suspension but might need to stretch my budget.
- Wife and I have decided to not go for 2-wheelers – never ridden in our life nor does it make sense in Gurgaon’s dust-filled and poor traffic-infested roads.
- Used EVs (such as that of Bhpian SS-Traveller) seem interesting but there are charging limitations in our society. However not dismissing such options.
- If we end up with a used car, then will prefer to buy from someone we know (directly or indirectly or via Team-Bhp) or from reliable(ish) used car brands. Don’t want to go via OLX. Recently someone I know bought a Jeep Compass Petrol from Spinny and was happy with the experience.
Options being explored
- 2016 Tata Tiago XZ petrol manual; has served my dad without any headaches in the last 7 years and easily fits in my budget. Problem – it’s a manual and my wife is not comfortable with manual. I have driven the car and think it’s just right for my requirements. Estimated price 4.2Lacs as per online valuation.
- 2013 VW Polo Trendline manual for about 3.5Lacs being sold by an acquaintance. I have not seen the car but I am told it is maintained fairly alright. I like the Polo but it’s almost 10 years old now and my wife is against Manual.
- Spinny; came across a 2015 Alto automatic for 3.12Lacs; I am not keen on an Alto since the suspension is poor. I don’t mind the AMT (not a fan of AMT, but need to look at the budget).
What options have I not explored?
Thanks to Bhpian Ninjatalli who patiently listened to me crib today and helped me explore a few options and direct me to some of the interesting threads.
Here’s what BHPian Aroy had to say about the matter:
As there is the 10/15 year rule in NCR, second-hand cars will have limited road life.
I have an Alto K10 and its run is less than 1000 km/year (20k in 13 years) which I use for short-distance travel – markets, friends etc.
Get a new K10 and enjoy it for the next 15 years. In the past 13 years, I have rarely faced any problems. The tyres lasted 10 years so I am on the second set. Battery changed twice and brake pads once. The service costs are less than 3K from MASS (includes oil, fluids, washing etc)
Keyword: Need a beater car under 4 lakh for running errands: What are my options