I want to buy my first car. I am 43 years old. I have booked a pre-owned Hyundai i20 Sportz, 2023 registration, which has only run 9,500 km and has no dents or major scratches, at Rs 6.35 lakh. At the same time, if I spend Rs 2 lakh more, I can get a new Hyundai Exter SX model at Rs 8.35 lakh. What should I do? Should I buy the pre-owned i20 or the new Exter at Rs 8.35 lakh? Please reply this time.

Autocar India

•4h

Some dealers might have stock of the exact colour or variant of the Hyundai Creta that you're looking for. In order to liquidate it quickly, they're offering you a higher discount. It isn't necessarily a wrong or defective product. Compare the proforma invoices that multiple dealers have sent you - there might be certain (optional) costs which some dealers may have levied, like 'accessories pack', 'miscellaneous charges', etc., thereby escalating the final on-road price. Some dealers might even inflate insurance costs, so look for that as well. Pick the dealer who is giving you the best deal, or is providing you with delivery of your car at the earliest.At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you pick the car from, as long as the dealer registers and insures it correctly for you. After you buy the vehicle, you can also opt to service it at your preferred authorised service centre.

Hyundai Creta

Autocar India

•8h

You should consider the Kia Seltos IVT for your requirements. The SUV is powered by a refined 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that's mated to a smooth CVT automatic gearbox. As for the efficiency, we managed 10.31kpl in the city and 14.22kpl out on the highway, in our real-world mileage tests. The Kia Seltos also comes with a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and a long list of features. Given your budget, go for the Seltos IVT HTE (O) variant, which costs Rs 15.55 lakh (on-road Delhi).

Kia New Seltos

Autocar India

•9h

The new Tata Punch is a solid choice in the Rs 8 lakh budget; however, it is quite narrow, which means seating three in the back seat can be a bit tight. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is better in this regard, with a slightly wider and more comfortable rear seat, but do visit both showrooms and experience them yourself. Both cars are comparable in terms of performance and efficiency, but the Baleno’s four-cylinder engine is more refined than the Punch’s three-cylinder unit.Apart from the different body style and slightly raised suspension, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is essentially the same as the Baleno. Therefore, the main reason to upgrade to the Fronx is if you need the higher ground clearance or want the turbo-petrol engine, which is not available on the Baleno.Regarding the Tata Nexon, to get a reasonably well-equipped variant, you will need to stretch your budget to around Rs 10 lakh and opt for the Pure Plus petrol variant. For the additional money, you get an SUV body style, a roomier cabin with a better rear seat than the aforementioned options, and a turbo-petrol engine with much stronger performance. If it isn’t too much of a financial burden, it is worth stretching to get the Nexon. But if you want to stick to your budget, the Baleno remains a good choice.

Tata Punch

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Nexon