Latest questions
Asked by: Jitendrasinh I am a police officer and want to buy an SUV with a budget of around ₹11/12 lakh. My job involves some rough driving, and about 80 percent of my driving is on the highway. I plan to keep the vehicle for at least 5-7 years without selling it. I want a diesel car with good mileage, and my daily running is 50/60 km. Given your requirements for rugged and tough suspension, the Mahindra Bolero Neo will be a good option to consider. It has a torquey diesel engine that has good power delivery, and thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout, it is a bit better in hilly areas as well. The N10 (O) variant will fit in your budget and gets a decent kit like a reversing camera, cruise control and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen.The other option that is good over rough roads and highways is the Tata Nexon diesel in the Pure Plus variant. It has more power and is more modern-looking, but it isn't as tough as the Bolero, and in this price range, you won't get many features. Also, its front-wheel drive layout puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to driving uphill and in challenging terrain. Asked by: Alok My budget is ₹10 lakh. My daily usage is around 80 km in the city, and I also do a 400 km highway trip once a month. Which car should I buy? Given that your running is within the city, a compact automatic would be ideal. The Nissan Magnite CVT would suit you well, though it is at the upper end of your budget. As a daily driver, you will find the CVT gearbox smoother than an automated manual (AMT), which is what most others offer at this price point.Further, you will also find Magnite's engine performance very good on your highway trips, and the ride is stable and confident. You can also consider the Tata Altroz, which offers a good ride, compact dimensions, and a choice of a dual-clutch-auto (DCT) or a more affordable AMT. Asked by: Soham Saha I currently own a 2022 Baleno Zeta AGS and am very happy with its mileage, low maintenance, and ease of driving. I want to exchange it for a compact 7-seater that’s easy to maneuver on Bangalore streets and also comfortable for long road trips. I recently drove the Renault Triber and liked its steering and ride quality. My budget is up to ₹10 lakh- should I buy a new compact 7-seater or consider a good second-hand option? Given your requirements and budget, you have two options. The Renault Triber is well-priced, genuinely practical, versatile and can accommodate up to seven passengers. But its 72hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine feels lethargic, especially when the car's fully loaded.Alternatively, you could consider the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The Ertiga is more spacious, has a more powerful and refined engine and being a Maruti car, you'll also like the peace of mind it comes with. There are currently two Maruti Ertiga variants (LXi and VXi) that are priced below Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). Asked by: Shailesh Shinde I want to buy an automatic SUV with a budget of ₹12-14 lakh. My daily city travel is about 40 km, and I do an outstation trip every three months, of around 250-400 km. Should I buy a diesel or petrol SUV? Since your usage isn't particularly high, a petrol automatic would make sense. Not only will it be more refined than a diesel, but also be more affordable to purchase. Within your budget, there are plenty of options, with naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines and CVT, DCT, AMT and torque converter automatic gearbox options. If you want a well-rounded SUV, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the one to go for. It's got a spacious cabin, it comes loaded with features, and there are two petrol options as well. However, if you enjoy driving, you'll find good value in the Skoda Kylaq. Asked by: Hemant Soni I’m considering whether to buy a used car or a new car after driving my current vehicle for 10 more years. I’m thinking about getting a BMW or Audi hatchback in good condition. What are your thoughts? You will not find many used BMW and Audi cars (hatchbacks) in India because very few were ever sold.BMW did offer the 1 Series hatchback for a short time, but the numbers were still limited.Instead, it’s better to explore their small SUVs like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1. If you are open to Mercedes-Benz cars, you can also check the A-Class or B-Class hatchbacks, though these too are rare, or consider the Mercedes GLA. When buying a premium used car, though, make sure you buy from the brand itself, as they all have an approved used program. You can also buy one from a very reputable reseller, and if things go wrong, it can be very expensive to fix. Asked by: Jagdish Patra I’m looking for an SUV in the ₹80 lakh range. I’m considering the Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Lexus NX 350. My monthly running is about 600 km, and I want a vehicle that offers comfortable, refined driving performance. Which is the best choice? While the Volvo XC60 is an excellent option in this segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 will be the better buy. It is the most powerful SUV in the segment, has more wow-factor when it comes to the interior, will hold its value a lot better and has a comfier ride. Yes, it is more expensive, but all things considered, it is worth spending extra and getting a well-rounded SUV. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts