Latest questions answered by experts

Hi team, I live in Pune and am planning to buy a Harley-Davidson X440T from the HD 2 Rivers dealership. However, they are not allowing me to conduct a PDI of the vehicle, saying that it is not permitted by the company. They want me to make the full payment and register the motorcycle in my name first, after which they will deliver it within 10 days of payment. Can you tell me whether a company can legally deny a customer a PDI? If not, what can I do in this situation? I want to be completely sure about the product I am getting, as PDI is an important part of the vehicle-buying process nowadays. Please suggest what I should do.

•2h

You are absolutely right to insist on a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and to be cautious about the process. A PDI is a standard part of the vehicle delivery process and is meant to ensure that the vehicle you are receiving is in perfect condition before registration and final delivery. There is no company policy from Harley-Davidson that prohibits a customer from inspecting their vehicle before registration. This is more likely a dealership-level practice, possibly to streamline their own processes.Our advice would be to push back firmly. Ask the dealership to show you the specific written policy from Harley-Davidson India that prohibits customer PDI before registration. If they cannot produce one, escalate the matter to Harley-Davidson India customer care and explain the situation clearly. You can also request that the dealership allow you to inspect the vehicle in their yard or PDI area before registration, even if it is not a full formal PDI. If the dealership remains uncooperative, it is worth considering another dealership in Pune, as this is not standard industry practice.Ultimately, you are the customer, and you have every right to be completely satisfied with the product you are buying. Do not let the dealership pressure you into skipping a basic ownership safeguard.

•2d

I will be booking the Atlantic Blue 390R next month. I am from Ahmedabad and recently visited the dealership for a test ride and quotation. The quotation they provided is attached in the photo. Before I book the motorcycle, I want to understand what the following charges are for: 1. Municipality Charges: I have never heard of this charge. Is it compulsory? 2. 5-Year Extended Warranty: The dealer said it covers only engine wear and tear. Is this really worth getting? Has anyone actually used this coverage, or is it just an additional way of charging consumers? 3. HYPO: I assume I won’t have to pay this since I am buying the motorcycle outright with cash. Is that correct?

•4h

Congratulations on your new KTM 390 Duke R - we're sure you're in for a hair-raising journey. Let’s break down the charges:Municipality Charges: This is not a standard charge everywhere, but some cities levy a small fee at the time of registration, usually for road maintenance or local transport infrastructure. It’s typically a few hundred rupees and is collected by the RTO. If it’s a significant amount, ask the dealer for a breakup or check with your local RTO agent.5-year extended warranty: This is a genuine KTM-backed product, but it’s important to understand what it covers. It’s essentially an extension of the standard warranty, but after the initial period, it usually covers only major engine and gearbox components, not wear-and-tear items like clutch plates, brake pads or consumables. Whether it’s worth it or not depends on your ownership plans. If you plan to keep the bike long-term and keep it stock, then it's definitely worth shelling out the small amount, as it will give you peace of mind in the long run.HYPO: This is a hypothecation charge, which is only applicable if you’re taking a loan. If you’re buying the bike outright, you don’t need to pay this.A couple of additional tips: check if the insurance premium quoted is competitive – you can often get a better deal by buying it yourself online. Also, ask for a detailed breakup of the “handling” or “logistics” charges - if you don't seem convinced by these, tell the dealer to remove them.Overall, most of these charges are legitimate, and some we would even recommend you spend on (like the extended warranty), but it’s always worth asking for a detailed breakup and questioning anything that doesn’t make sense. Happy riding!

KTM 390 Duke R

•2d

Looking to buy my first car with a petrol automatic. I have never driven before, and going forward, I will mostly use the car for city driving with occasional highway trips. My budget is around Rs. 15 lakh. I am confused between the Brezza ZXI+ AT and Victoris VXI AT. Which one should I go for? Please suggest some better options as well within a budget of around Rs. 15-17 lakh.

•4h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI+ AT. As a first-time buyer with mostly city driving and occasional highway runs, the Brezza is the more confidence-inspiring choice. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and predictable, the torque converter automatic is reliable and easy to live with, and the higher seating position gives you excellent visibility in traffic. This Maruti Suzuki car is also a genuinely comfortable 5-seater with a well-sorted ride, and Maruti's service network is a big plus for long-term ownership.The Maruti Suzuki Victoris VXI AT is a good car, but if you don't need the extra space, you are better off with a higher trim of the Brezza with more features. If you are looking for alternatives, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 AT is worth a look. It is one of the most spacious compact SUVs, has a wide cabin and a strong turbo petrol engine, but the boot is smaller than the Brezza's. The Skoda Kylaq AT is another option if you want a more engaging driving experience, but as a first car, the Brezza's ease of use and ownership peace of mind make it the better recommendation.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Skoda Kylaq

•2d

I am looking to buy a car under Rs. 22 lakh. I want an automatic transmission, a diesel or turbo-petrol engine, and a feature-loaded, stylish interior.

•5h

Go for the Kia Seltos diesel automatic. It is the most balanced choice under Rs 22 lakh. The diesel engine is strong, efficient, and well suited to both city and highway driving, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with. If your usage is limited and you are open to a turbo petrol, this Kia car also gets the 1.5-litre turbo petrol with a DCT. The Seltos also offers one of the most feature-rich and stylish interiors in the segment, with a premium feel that stands out. This diesel car is a genuinely well-rounded package that delivers performance, comfort and a strong ownership experience.The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is also worth considering if you need more space and a stronger feature list, but it is a larger Mahindra car and not as easy to live with in the city.Overall, the Seltos diesel automatic strikes the best balance between performance, features, and long-term ownership satisfaction.

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•3d

Hi, I am currently using a 2021 Maruti S-Presso manual and am planning to upgrade to a new car. I am looking for a sub-4-metre SUV with an AMT. My budget is Rs 10-12 lakh. My annual usage is around 6,000 km, with 60% highway driving and 40% driving in Chennai city. I also plan to take one or two solo trips each year. Please suggest a good car with low maintenance, good mileage, and strong safety.

•6h

Given your usage of around 6,000 km a year with a 60% highway bias, consider the Skoda Kylaq or Mahindra XUV 3XO, both of which are available with powerful turbo-petrol engines and smooth 6-speed torque converters (automatic). Both these cars are excellent highway cruisers too, and if you maintain steady speeds, they will return respectable fuel efficiency too.Alternatively, you could consider the Kia Sonet HTK (O) DCT too. It is a very polished offering, and compared to the Mahindra and Skoda, it will be a bit more efficient too.

I am planning to purchase my first car and am a new driver, so I am also new to driving on the roads. Budget: Rs 15 lakh Need an automatic transmission I work in Delhi, but my hometown is in Uttarakhand. My usage will be around 60% city driving and 40% highway/hill runs. Overall running will still be around 1,000 km per month. Open to both EVs and petrol/diesel cars. I don't have a home charger, but there are common AC/DC chargers in my society and office. Which car should I choose? I like the Mahindra 3XO RevX A and Skoda Kylaq Prestige+. I would also like suggestions for EVs if there are any that fit my requirements. I am open to other options as well.

•7h

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX A. It is the better fit for your usage and budget. As a new driver with a car under Rs 15 lakh budget, you need one that is easy to drive in Delhi traffic, comfortable on highways, and capable on hill roads. This Mahindra car delivers on all three. The turbo-petrol engine is punchy enough for highway overtakes and hill climbs, while the automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to live with in the city. The car also feels solid and planted on the highway, which is important for long drives to Uttarakhand.The Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ is a good alternative if you prioritise driving dynamics, but the 3XO offers better value for money and a more spacious cabin. On the electric car front, the Tata Nexon EV and Kia Syros EV are the only realistic options within your budget, but without a dedicated home charger and with regular highway and hill driving, an EV isn’t the most practical choice right now.The 3XO RevX A strikes the right balance between city comfort, highway stability, and hill capability, making it the best first car for your needs.

Should I choose the Creta SX Premium Automatic or Manual? I live in a tier-2 city and drive in city traffic as well as on the highway for 1-2 days a week. Which transmission would be better for my usage? Need suggestions.

•8h

Go for the Hyundai Creta SX Premium automatic. Your usage pattern of city traffic combined with regular highway runs makes the automatic the more sensible choice. The Creta’s IVT automatic is smooth and reliable, making stop-and-go traffic far less tiring, while still being responsive and relaxed on the highway. In a second-tier city, where traffic can be unpredictable, the convenience of an automatic really comes into its own. The manual is a good gearbox, but unless you are a keen driver who enjoys shifting gears, the automatic will make daily driving much easier without sacrificing performance or efficiency in any meaningful way. This Hyundai car is a well-rounded SUV with good ride comfort, a refined cabin and strong ownership experience, and the automatic simply makes it easier to enjoy all of that every day.

Hyundai Creta

•3d

I recently learned how to drive and am planning to buy a car that I intend to keep for the next 9-10 years. My budget is Rs. 15-18 lakh on-road. I prefer a petrol car because my daily running is around 35 km, along with weekend trips with my family. My family members already own a Tata Nexon, so I would prefer something different rather than buying another Nexon. Please suggest the best petrol cars within my budget, keeping in mind: Long-term reliability and maintenance, comfortable family use and weekend highway trips, good fuel efficiency, automatic transmission, if possible, and safety and ease of driving for a new driver Features that will remain useful over the next 9-10 years I am particularly confused about whether I should prioritize a 360-degree camera since I am a new driver. Is it actually worth choosing a car/variant specifically for the 360-degree camera, or can I manage with a normal rear camera and parking sensors? I would appreciate a practical recommendation.

•9h

Go for the Honda Elevate CVT. It is the most sensible long-term choice for your requirements. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth, reliable, and easy to live with, and the CVT automatic is one of the most seamless and stress-free transmissions for city driving. This Honda car is also well suited to weekend highway trips, with a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin that works well for family use. Honda’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs makes it a strong 9-10 year ownership proposition, and the car is easy to drive with good visibility and light controls, which is important for a new driver.On the 360-degree camera question: it is a useful feature, but it is not essential. A good rear camera and parking sensors are more than adequate for everyday parking and manoeuvring, especially as you build confidence. It is not worth compromising on the overall car choice just to get a 360-degree camera.If you want something a bit more feature-rich, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a good alternative. This Mahindra car offers more equipment and a more premium feel, but the Honda Elevate remains the more sensible long-term ownership choice.

Honda Elevate

Mahindra XUV 3XO

•2d

Hi Team, I have a Kiger Turbo CVT RXZ, the top model, which I bought in 2023. I’m now planning to move to a 7-seater by next year. My usage is quite low, around 100 km per week. However, I also take long family trips of around 600-800 km one way once every quarter. Which car should I consider waiting for, given that my priorities are long-distance comfort and decent fuel economy? I also wanted to know whether I should sell my Kiger or keep it as a secondary car for temporary or short-distance use. Or would it make more sense to sell the Kiger and buy a new 7-seater? Please suggest. Thanks!

•10h

With your usage pattern of around 100 km a week and quarterly long trips of 600-800 km one way, a petrol 7-seater is the right direction. The Kia Carens Clavis 1.5 turbo petrol automatic is the best fit for your needs. This Kia car offers a comfortable ride, strong performance and a spacious cabin, making it well suited for long family trips. The petrol engine is also a better fit for your running than diesel, given your relatively low annual mileage.On the Renault Kiger, it makes sense to sell it and put the money towards the new 7-seater. Keeping two cars for your usage pattern is not financially efficient, and this Renault car is still relatively new, so you will get a better resale value now than if you wait another year or two. The Carens Clavis is also relatively compact and can comfortably handle both your city and highway needs, so there is no strong case for keeping the Kiger as a secondary car.Go for the Carens Clavis petrol now and sell the Kiger. It is the most sensible and hassle-free solution for your usage.

Kia Carens Clavis

Renault Kiger

•4d

Hi, I own a Hyundai Venue petrol Turbo DCT SX(O) top model, June 2022 facelift, 2nd gen. I now want to upgrade to a 7-seater. I go on long road trips every year, around two or three times, covering 3,000-7,000 km, for which I need good boot space with the third row folded. The usual number of passengers is four, and never more than five. I want a top-end automatic turbo-petrol car. I have test-driven the Kia Carens Clavis, MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar. I liked all of them and can't make up my mind. Please help unconfuse me and point me towards the right car. Budget is not a worry. Among these three, which would be the best? If not, and you can suggest something else, I am game. I won't buy a Tata or Mahindra product due to too many ownership niggles.

•12h

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis turbo petrol automatic. It is the most practical and well-rounded choice for your needs. This Kia car offers a genuinely usable third row that folds flat to create a large, flexible boot, which is exactly what you need for long road trips with four to five passengers and lots of luggage. The turbo petrol engine paired with the DCT delivers strong performance and a familiar driving experience coming from your Hyundai Venue, while the ride quality is comfortable and the cabin is spacious and well-appointed.The MG Hector Plus is a good car with a comfortable ride and a premium feel, but the third row is less usable and the boot space with the third row folded is not as generous or as flexible as the Carens Clavis. The Hyundai Alcazar is a solid option with a refined turbo petrol engine and a premium cabin, but the third row is tighter and the overall space utilization is not as good as the Carens Clavis.Since you have ruled out Tata and Mahindra, the Carens Clavis is the best fit. It offers the right balance of space, comfort, performance and practicality for long-distance touring with your family.

Currently using a 2007 Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, I am looking to buy a good automatic SUV for around Rs 11 lakh. No AMT. I need an all-rounder car, as I am more of a practical user than a car guy. The Nissan Magnite N Connecta CVT and Renault Kiger Techno CVT are the front-runners. Is spending around Rs 2 lakh more for something like the Venue HX5 DCT worth it? Are there better options?

•13h

Go for the Nissan Magnite N Connecta CVT. It is the best fit for your requirements. The CVT is smooth and well suited to your practical usage. This Nissan car is also well priced, offers good space and is a genuinely good all-rounder. The Renault Kiger Techno CVT is mechanically identical, so the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and your proximity to their service network.Spending Rs 2 lakh more for the Hyundai Venue HX5 DCT is not worth it in your case. The DCT is a more performance-oriented gearbox and is not as smooth or as stress-free in city driving as a CVT. The Venue is a good car, but the extra money is better spent on a higher variant of the Magnite or Kiger.If you are open to stretching your budget slightly, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AT is worth considering. It is a slightly larger car, with better highway performance and a genuinely strong all-rounder.Overall, the Magnite N Connecta CVT is the most sensible and practical choice for your needs.

Hello Team I am a 45-year-old person living in Noida Extension and working in Gurgaon, where I drive 10 times a month. The morning journey takes around 90 minutes, while the evening journey takes around 2.5 hours. I currently drive a Honda Amaze CVT and am looking for an upgrade. My budget is around Rs 20 lakh. Could you please suggest an overall good car?

•14h

Given your daily reality of long, traffic-heavy commutes between Noida Extension and Gurgaon, the priority should be comfort, ease of driving and low fatigue rather than outright performance.Since a lot of your driving is in stop-and-go traffic, a hybrid car makes a lot of sense. Consider the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid or the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid. They can run in electric-only mode when crawling in traffic and deliver terrific fuel efficiency. At the same time, they are relaxing and easy to drive, with comfortable cabins that should make your long commutes less tiring.If you can install a home charger and don’t drive long distances too often, a full electric car like the new Kia Syros EV might also be worth a look. EVs are generally ideal for stop-and-go traffic and will make your long commutes as stress-free as possible.Overall, a hybrid like the Hyryder or Victoris makes the most sense, but an EV is worth considering if you can charge at home.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Kia Syros EV

•5d

Currently, I am using a Swift VXi petrol and planning to upgrade. My annual running is around 11,000-13,000 km, 80% of which is in the city, with occasional highway trips. Although I don't consistently drive at triple-digit speeds on highways, I really value good acceleration and overtaking capability in my new car. Driving dynamics are also important to me, and since some of my family members, including myself, are prone to motion sickness, I am okay with less body roll and a slightly stiffer suspension. I have capped my budget at Rs 20 lakh maximum on-road, and an automatic transmission is a must. I will be exchanging my Swift, which is expected to fetch around Rs 2-2.5 lakh here in Kerala. I have shortlisted the VW twins with the 1.0-litre AT as well as the 1.5-litre DSG. I am also considering the Seltos IVT and DCT. The XUV 7XO Diesel AT is another option under consideration. I have ruled out the Duster because the rear-seat experience feels like a step back. I am also getting offers for the Hycross GX petrol through a corporate tie-up with my company. I am completely confused among these options. My family wants a smaller car, but I want something that I can comfortably keep and use for at least 5-7 years.

•15h

Go for the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG. It is the best fit for your requirements. You want strong acceleration and confident overtaking, and the 1.5 TSI delivers exactly that. This Skoda car is a genuinely quick car with a strong mid-range, which makes highway overtakes effortless without needing to push the car hard. The Kushaq also has a well-sorted chassis with controlled body roll and a slightly firmer suspension setup, which helps with motion sickness by reducing the floaty feeling on undulating roads. At the same time, it is not uncomfortable in the city. The Kushaq is also compact enough to be easy to live with in urban conditions, which addresses your family's preference for a smaller car. The Kia Seltos IVT is smooth and easy to drive, but it does not offer the same level of performance or driving engagement. The Seltos DCT is quick, but the gearbox can feel a bit jerky in stop-start traffic. The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is a strong product, but it is a much larger car and does not align with your family's preference for a smaller vehicle. The Toyota Innova HyCross GX is a great family car, but it is not the right fit for your usage pattern and driving preferences. The Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG strikes the right balance between performance, dynamics, size and long-term usability. It is a car you will enjoy driving for the next 5-7 years.

Skoda Kushaq

Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Innova HyCross

•5d

Hello I am a Doctor currently drive around in an 2018 Honda Jazz, I am very happy with it but it's time now to get a new car and budget around Rs. 16-18 lakhs, I need a car which easily seats 5 and with a good trunk for outstation travels each month, my monthly run is around 200km tops when in city and a highway run every 2-3 months is around 300kms, I live in Mumbai so you guys know the usual problems, so need a advice as I am scared for e20 and e20+ fuel changes and am scared about EV resale prices, currently short listed the Kia Seltos (prefer petrol or CNG (if any chance in near future))as the most favourite and need some advise for other cars. Would a diesel make sense when I don't drive every day?

•16h

Based on your usage, a diesel car does not make sense. Your monthly running is low, and your highway trips are infrequent, so you will not recover the higher upfront cost of a diesel. A Petrol car is the right choice here.The Kia Seltos is a good option, but at your budget you will be looking at the lower variants, so you might have to skip a few features.On E20, do not worry. Modern petrol engines are engineered to handle E20 fuel and are engineered to take on higher blends too (upto a certain level).On CNG, there is no factory CNG option on this Kia car, but given your low running, a CNG car does not make financial sense anyway.In case you're looking to get an electric car, and you can arrange for home charging, consider the Kia Syros EV or MG Windsor Pro. Both are spacious five-seater EVs which should serve your needs.

I currently use a Skoda Slavia Ambition 1.0 automatic since last 4 years. Now, I am thinking of switching the car but I am confused between Honda Elevate V CVT petrol and Kia Seltos HTK iVT petrol.

•1d

Given that you are coming from a Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI automatic, the Kia Seltos HTK IVT petrol is the more natural upgrade. The Seltos offers a noticeably larger and more premium cabin, better rear seat space and a more substantial feel overall. The IVT gearbox is smooth and well-suited to city driving, and the car feels like a genuine step up from the Slavia in terms of comfort and overall ownership experience.The Honda Elevate V CVT petrol is a solid and reliable choice, but it does not feel like as much of an upgrade from the Slavia. The cabin is not as spacious or as premium as the Seltos, and the overall ownership experience is more about simplicity and reliability than about feeling like a significant step up.The only caveat with the Seltos HTK is that it is not the most feature-rich variant in the lineup. If you can stretch to a higher variant, the Seltos becomes an even stronger recommendation. If not, it is still the better choice over the Elevate because it offers a more substantial upgrade from your current car.

I want to buy a car for my dad. He is a teacher, and our budget is around Rs. 14-15 lakh. Which car would be perfect for him?

•1d

For your father, a teacher with a budget of Rs 14-15 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the most sensible recommendation. It is a straightforward, reliable and easy-to-drive SUV that prioritises comfort and practicality over flashy features. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and refined, making it well-suited to both city commutes and occasional highway runs, while Maruti's extensive service network ensures a hassle-free ownership experience. The Brezza also offers a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin, which will be appreciated on longer journeys. If your father prefers a sedan, the Honda City is a strong alternative, offering a more premium feel and excellent long-term reliability. However, the Brezza's higher seating position and easier ingress and egress make it the more practical choice for daily use.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Honda City

•2d

I am a 60 years old retired woman and I want to buy a new automatic car. Which car would be suitable for me?

•1d

We would recommend the Maruti Suzuki Baleno automatic. At your age, ease of use, comfort and reliability are the most important factors, and the Baleno delivers on all three. The automatic gearbox is smooth and easy to operate, making city driving stress-free, while the car itself is compact enough to be easy to park and manoeuvre. Maruti's service network is the best in the country, which means maintenance will be straightforward and affordable. The Baleno also offers a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin, making it a pleasant car to use on a daily basis. If you prefer a slightly higher seating position and a smaller foot print, the Hyundai Exter AMT is a good alternative, offering the same reliability with a more SUV-like stance. Both cars are sensible, hassle-free choices that will serve you well for many years.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Hyundai Exter

•1d

I'm driving Tata Altroz NA petrol manual for the past five years. Now, I want to switch to a diesel engine since most of my running would be on rough terrain and ghat roads. My yearly running is around 15,000 km. I am looking for a used Nexon diesel due to budget constraint. I live in Mangalore. Would it be a good option or should I look for some other brand/model? I would prefer manual only since I like driving manual cars and I don't need very fancy features. Please suggest.

•1d

Given your usage of 15,000 km a year, rough terrain, ghat roads and a preference for manual driving, a diesel SUV is the right direction. The Tata Nexon diesel is a good choice for this use case. The diesel engine has strong low-end torque, which is exactly what you want for hill climbs and rough roads, and the Nexon’s ground clearance and suspension setup are well suited to the kind of terrain you’re describing. It’s one of Tata Motor's older cars and has been constantly updated since its introduction for improve aspects of performance comfort and reliability so get as new a car possible as your budget allows. If you find a well-maintained example with a clean service history, the Nexon diesel is a very sensible and cost-effective upgrade from your Altroz.If you want to consider alternatives, the Hyundai Venue or even the Maruti Suzuki Brezza diesel (from the previous generation) is worth a look. Overall, the Nexon diesel manual is a good fit for your requirements. Just focus on finding a well-maintained used example with a full service history.

MG's certified range numbers for the ZS EV never quite match what owners actually report. Should brands be required to publish real-world tested ranges instead of certified lab figures?

•1d

Drove my Rumion 900 km straight for a family wedding last week. The third row held up fine even with two adults in it for most of the trip.

Need expert advice?

Ask the Autocar community and experts.

Latest questions answered by experts

Need expert advice for your car?

Can't decide between two cars?

Worried about service and upkeep?