In the world of motor bikes there are arguments between what is vintage and what is classic. Two persons would unlikely ever be one in opinion over the constituency of vintage. What could be gathered from arguments in simple terms is that vintage is that which was manufactured some decades back, about 30 years back at least. On the other hand classic could be considered an adjective for that which sets a new standard or is set according to some new standard. Bikes too fall under the categories of classic and vintage. Certain motorcycle companies classify motor bikes on the basis of ages.
Vintage ones are those manufactured in the years 1948-1969. Collecting antique and vintage objects is a hobby of passion and pride. Now, there are quite a number of bike lovers who are bending for vintage bikes. A lover of bikes would understand the pride and love associated with riding a vintage bike or simply having one in one’s collection. However much one knows about bikes, the person might not always know he technicalities related to choosing and buying a vintage motor bike. Here are some points that one can remember while choosing a vintage bike.
First it is important to know where to buy a vintage motor bike from. There are auctions for them and some may be found online too. Do lots of studies on vintage bikes and gather some good knowledge on them before going to choose a bike. This will enable a person to know the true worth of a bike and thus help deciding where to go to get hold of a proper one. The source of purchase is important as it would let one have a genuine buy at a fair price. All doubts can be solved later on.
However after the buying of a vintage bike little remains to be done. It would be advisable to a buyer to go for a renowned and known seller. He should be knowledgeable on bikes. This helps make an authentic purchase and help the buyer know about the bike better. If you look around properly, in magazines, internet etc, there are plenty of dealers present with all the mentioned points offering to you. Some would even deliver the bike at your doorstep. Keep all aspects in mind and decide on the seller as you decide on the bike.
Buying an old motor bike is exciting. Let this excitement prevail by making sure before buying that the motor bike that is being chosen for buying is a genuine item. Check that the thing is not fake, put up deceptively for sale. Antique and vintage items often have forged pieces and copies of the same. They at times can be very similar to the original. Therefore make a research and get to know precisely how the actual vintage bike looked like. If you could lay your hands on some pictures of the original bike, then match them with the one on sale to know if the item is authentic or not.
While doing research on bikes, the chassis numbers and engine numbers of the motor bikes can also be found out with ease. So, try to find out if it is available with the motor bike seller. These pieces of information are useful for the long haul indeed. This valuable information could help track the motor bike’s previous owners too.
Another very important aspect to consider while going for a vintage bike purchase is the price of the same. Before the purchase one must know and keep in mind that since it is an antique or vintage bike it might cost quite something. It is important to make a budget before buying. In all the excitement at the prospect of having a vintage bike let the price paid for it is reasonable. Again make a research properly to know the value of the bike and what could the approximate value be.
Make sure that it is genuine else all spending goes down the drain. Sometimes restoration of the bike after buying could cost more that the price paid to buy it. If the replacements are done by original parts then the cost could go up higher. However this would increase the bike’s antique value. While tracing the owners if the bike is found related to some famous person for instance a racer or that the bike was famous during its time, these if proven true raises the value of the bike both in worth and money.
An old motor bike like any other old thing cannot be expected to be flawless. If the thing is something like 30 years old and not an item of display, then it would definitely be more problematic. A brand new motor bike too may show some problems and here it is a vintage bike that we are talking about. So, have an open mind while choosing a vintage bike. It is to be remembered that it is actually a second hand item. After the motor bike is bought and delivered to the house it would be good to make a thorough check of the entire thing then itself. Photographs with dates could also be taken and kept. A test drive should be taken. Let it be restored to the dealer immediately if there is any problem and not wait for later. Given above are some tips to guide you through a good choosing and buying process of the vintage bike that you have aspired for so long. Possessing a vintage bike involves lots of difficulties some which might not be even known to the buyer while buying. Know about the bike thoroughly before buying it. Checking whether it is still in workable condition or not and checking the price would be right before buying. Know everything beforehand as once the bike is bought there is no way out then if things are not as you expected. These tips are to help a person to buy a bike and not scare them. Do not be deceived and make a wise decision.
SUV’s are a different breed altogether when you talk of cars. SUV’s or Sports Utility Vehicles are much loved in India. This is one country where SUV’s are fabulously popular and many companies are now cashing in on this new found love for SUV’s in the last few years. There are many companies in the fray now and customers are finding it hard to choose between models as well. As a result, people are getting confused when it comes to choosing the best SUV for themselves and their families. Which is the best SUV that you can buy currently in the Indian market? While this is one decision that necessitates careful thinking and consideration of many factors, you have to get down into the bare essentials first.
SUV’s have had a long and fulfilling growth story in India. Many foreign companies have entered the Indian car market which had been booming for the last few years and they have brought out cutting edge SUV’s of their own. This has been a major point as far as availability and choices are concerned. In earlier years, SUV’s denoted the sturdy jeeps and vans of yore. Not everyone wanted to buy a jeep all the time. As a result, the very first lot of SUV’s catered to those who wanted the same rugged driving and usage experience with all the comfort and premium features intact.
Contemporary SUV’s today come with almost every conceivable modern feature known to man. They boast of the latest technology and powerful engines which can take on any road. SUV’s are also known for their abilities on rough terrain and their off roading capabilities in the case of a few. Alongside, SUV’s also come with increased ground clearance which is a big boon on Indian roads. They can be used easily for towing purposes and the overall stability of the car is a fabulous aspect to keep in mind as well. SUV’s offer a considerably high seating and driving position which enables greater road safety as well.
The tip on the iceberg is the powerful engine and rugged tires that are mainstay of most contemporary SUV’s available in India. Alongside, SUV’s come with an arsenal of safety features that promise to safeguard drivers from the harshest of situations on roads. They are highly in demand as commercial vehicles as well and this is another sector which has witnessed the proliferation of good quality SUV’s which can outrun any regular vehicle with elan.
How do you choose your SUV? You have to factor in your usage requirements and other aspects of owning the car. What are you essentially looking for? Does it have to be a no nonsense family car? Does it have to be a powerful car that can zoom over bumpy roads with elan? Or does it even have to be a premium car that promises unmatched driving pleasure and luxury? Your needs should dictate your decision above all else. Are you into offroading? You should then choose from vehicles that are best suited towards the same.
Some of the best vehicles available for offroading include the Toyota Land Cruiser which does not do a bad job in the luxury and premium department either. Alongside, there are other must buys on offer including the Mahindra Thar which is an out and out jeep with contemporary features, Ford Endeavor, Mitsubishi Pajero and the Nissan X Trail. These are some of the best SUV’s out there in the Indian market today. If you are looking for something in the ultra luxury segment, the Range Rover Evoque or Land Rover would be your best bet. These are heavily armored cars which come with the best possible luxury features that one can possibly expect in this country. Alongside, you can also take your pick from the budget segment. Mahindra, in particular, specializes in coming up with affordable yet feature laden SUVs in almost every segment barring the compact SUV space.
The Mahindra XUV500 is a great choice and is total value for money, as is the Mahindra Scorpio which is easily one of the largest selling cars in India. These cars promise loads of features at a very decent price and this has driven more and more customers towards Mahindra SUVs. If you are looking for something more up market and premium, you can check out the Chevrolet Captiva, Skoda Yeti, Toyota Fortuner and of course, the exciting new Renault Koleos.
Force Motors has brought out its own line of SUV’s in India that are very attractive to say the least. You can indulge in SUV’s from top of the line brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi as well. The Audi Q7, in particular, promises to be a top buy for Indian roads with sheer engineering ability, innovations and features. Alongside, the other end of the spectrum comprises of staple vehicles like the Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Xylo and so on.
These are actually MUV’s and the list also includes the Toyota Innova which has done fabulously in India so far. The compact SUV segment is booming after the success of the Renault Duster which can seat only five though. The Ford EcoSport has also been a great success and the Maruti Suzuki S Cross, which was launched only recently, promises to take the story forwards. Multiple compact SUV’s are lined up for Indian markets and customers have many reasons to rejoice. However, bear in mind that compact SUV’s can usually take only five passengers unlike full blown rugged SUV’s which can seat seven people in tandem. However, if you have a problem with parking and maneuvering, you can consider opting for the rugged power of an SUV in a small and compact package like the Renault Duster. You can also look at other options like the Tata Aria and Honda CRV which are stylish and sophisticated SUV’s. Choosing an SUV may not be very easy but you can easily find multiple options that fit both your requirements and your budget.
India is a confusing market for automobile companies. The world’s biggest democracy is known for its fluctuating consumer behavior and changing trends. Nowhere is this more visible than the Indian automobile market. Indian customers are sparking growth across two extreme poles of the value chain. The mid range segments are steadily losing out on customers. Why is this happening? The entry level hatchback, sedan and compact SUV segments are finding more takers than before owing to lower prices, better features and branding initiatives. Alongside, the luxury car segment has been growing steadily and luring customers away from mid range or high end SUV’s and sedans. People either want to shell out a little more for the exclusivity and brand value that comes with a luxury car purchase or spend less in acquiring entry level aspirational models with better features.
However, the Indian luxury car market is growing by leaps and bounds especially for foreign luxury car manufacturers. India was earlier a restricted market for luxury car manufacturers. The luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes Benz or even Audi were only witnessed in films and at auto shows and expos. However, the scenario has totally changed in recent times. The economy has expanded and so has disposable incomes of citizens in the country. Alongside, the number of Indian entrepreneurs, successful businessmen, high flying professionals and corporates along with celebrities has been on the rise throughout the last few years. India is a prominent entrant into the billionaires and millionaires clubs with many members doing it proud in various sectors.
Luxury cars are a newly acquired taste for the automobile crazy India. However, foreign car manufacturers are not being able to ignore the Indian market anymore. They are rushing to set up shop in India and are expanding their dealerships and service networks. India is steadily graduating towards becoming a priority market for these luxury car brands and this augurs well for the future. Markets in the West are clogged up due to the global slowdown and industrial fluctuations. India is a future market that can yield rich returns if tapped properly according to the managing director of Segment Y Automotive Intelligence, Paul Blokland. According to him, manufacturers of luxury cars are seeking new markets that offer the promise of growth.
These markets cannot be found in the United States of America or Europe anymore. Even Japan cannot be a very lucrative prospect for manufacturers of foreign luxury cars. India is a country where approximately one percent of the entire billion plus population has the means to buy a car. India is still far behind China which is the largest emerging market for cars in the whole world, the size of the market is the winning factor here. The size of the market gives it a potential that is vast and exciting for any industry and sector and automobiles are no exception. Foreign car makers cannot resist the lure of the huge and untapped Indian automobile market. Even till a decade earlier, the only prominent luxury car brand present in India was Mercedes Benz.
BMW set up shop in the country only in the year 2006 and Audi came to town soon thereafter. Top end business is only about 0.5% of the overall car market in India but luxury car brands are witnessing top class sales figures. These sales figures are much better than countries where luxury car brands have been present for close to fifty years including Thailand and Malaysia among others. The total sales figures may seem tiny even now with just about 9, 000 luxury vehicles sold among 1.8 million cars sold overall last year in India. However, the slow and patient approach of luxury car makers is paying rich dividends now. According to Blokland, most luxury car companies doing business in India are very happy with their overall sales figures and statistics including Lamborghini and Rolls Royce which are the giants in this space.
Luxury car makers have not had it easy with regard to tapping into the unpredictable automobile market in India. The economy is unpredictable and Indians have always preferred vehicles that are cheap, compact and efficient with regard to fuel consumption. This is a historic trait that has come down through the ages right from the iconic Maruti 800. The Tata Nano has been a huge hit and sensation and the company has been coming out with newer models to satiate huge demand for this feature packed, tiny car which is also the cheapest car in India. According to the managing director and president of General Motors India, Karl Slym, the company brought out the Chevrolet Beat hatchback and had to typically give it some Indian flavors. These changes included tweaking the suspension to take on harsh road conditions. Alongside, the suspension system of the Beat was strengthened and made tougher. The transmission system was also changed and made more efficient in order to help Indian customers brave harsh conditions on roads.
Foreign luxury car manufacturers have kept their product offerings intact in the country. They have been facing multiple challenges with regard to finding a market niche for themselves. Traffic jams, lack of open road space and other impediments have essentially forced Indian customers to opt for functionality over form based aspects. Those who desire a ride that is premium and stylish, have to pay hugely for the same. The import duties which go up to more than 100 percent double the price tags of foreign cars. This has forced Mercedes Benz and BMW to assemble a few models locally in India and this brings down taxes and duties by a huge amount. BMW India president, Peter Kronschnabl talks about how the company discovered the true nature of the Indian luxury car connoisseur. Indian customers could afford luxury vehicles but would not really do anything special to purchase the same. As a result, BMW invested in dealerships, showrooms and also showcased both the driving and chauffeur driven experience to its customer base in India. These efforts have borne fruit as BMW finished last year as the top selling luxury foreign car manufacturer in India. According to experts, this is just the topping on the iceberg to come!
Used car purchases are very common in today’s times but what we do not really get to see is vintage car purchases. Purchases of vintage cars are really uncommon in today’s times. We do not really get to see many people putting up an investment for a really beautiful vintage car. However, people have been collecting and purchasing vintage cars down the years. There are many collectors who have enviable collections of vintage cars. This is something that can be defined as true passion alone as vintage cars do not really make for a great financial investment in most cases.
However, that does not mean that you should shy away from buying a vintage car. If you end up making the right choices, your vintage car can actually double in value and make its presence felt as an investment to be reckoned with. However, you have to be willing to invest time, energy and money into this investment for the long haul. A little patience and perseverance is the key factor in this case. Always select your vintage car with care and caution. Do not go for cars that are too old; you might not get hold of appropriate car parts and components in most cases. Alongside, this will lead to loads of hassles and headaches with regard to sourcing these components from outside.
You will have to keep your car waiting in the garage and spend hefty sums of money on replacing components and parts. This is a time consuming and really expensive affair of sorts, one that you would do well to avoid if you are not a seasoned car collector. If you are a first timer, it would be best to go for something that can be driven on a day to day basis and can also make for a good investment. In this regard, it should be mentioned that cars from the sixties and seventies make for great investments according to car magazines and other industry sources.
These vehicles have a retro charm and feel about them and are contemporary at the same time. The vehicles from the seventies, especially, come in striking designs and are dominated by newer innovations in engine placement, quality, horsepower and interiors. It is best to avoid cars that have been owned by celebrities and public figures in the past. While you may actually end up with a good vintage car of your own, you might end up paying four or five times the actual value of the car. This is mainly because of the brand name of the celebrity attached to the vehicle. These are investments that you firmly steer clear of by all means.
Always consult a friend who is knowledgeable about vintage cars or even an expert with regard to the make, model and year of your ideal vintage car. Read up on vintage cars available currently in the market and endeavor to do some homework with regard to the approximate prices of the same. This will help you get a better deal on your investment. You should also negotiate your prices with the used vintage car seller. Get your own mechanic or local car expert to scan the car thoroughly and prepare a professional assessment of the same. While this may take some time initially, it is worth it with regard to saving you money in the long run. How is this possible?
Firstly, a comprehensive inspection of the car will help you determine all possible flaws and problems lying within the same. This will save you from making a bad investment, one that will have you spending heaps of money on repairing, servicing, replacement and repairing. This is one situation that you are spared from in case you get a thorough car checkup conducted. Always go for a test drive whenever possible in order to gauge the condition of the car yourself. This will help you get a feel of the car and its overall drivability in case you are planning to use it on a regular basis. Using it on a regular basis should actually be your purpose as stowing cars away in garages actually leads to wear and tear and many other damages.
Always determine whether you have the time and means to maintain your vintage car and keep it in mint condition. Read up on maintenance, regular servicing and proper storage and adjustment to weather conditions. Always be sure of your own capabilities in this regard before making an investment as this will otherwise turn out to be a fruitless exercise. At the same time, if there are some minor repairs required for the car, you can bargain for a considerably lower price with the vintage car seller. This will also help you save money in the bargain. First time and amateur buyers should not ideally purchase cars that need extensive restoration as this is a time consuming and specialized process and you should not jump to it the very first time itself.
Vintage cars are a labor of love and you will have to engage a dedicated and sincere mechanic or car expert who will love and care for the car as much as you do. This is a must in order to ensure a longer life and greater value for your car. In case you are not very aware of repair jobs and servicing, you need to find the right person who will keep your beautiful vintage car in mint condition. The value of the vintage car should appreciate further in a minimum of two to four years. This may prompt you to sell the car off at a good price but true blue car collectors cannot quite bring themselves to sell these beauties off. They remain in the collections of true blue car fanatics who treat these cars like their own offspring at times! Are you one of these passionate vintage car enthusiasts? If the answer is yes, then you should opt to purchase one of these cars right away!
Are you a bike enthusiast? Bikes are one of the greatest joys known to mankind, men in particular! These days however, women bikers are also making their presence felt in India and this is heartening news for bike makers and mainstream companies operating in this sector. There are many companies operating in this market space indeed and they are coming out with more and more products for both men and women. Scooters and bikes now rule the Indian market with elan and popular bike companies are facing competition from premium bike brands. The presence of top brands like Harley Davidson, Hyosung, Kawasaki, Indian and others would have been unfathomable in earlier decades.
However, the new breed of superbike and premium bike enthusiasts is pulling out all the stops to acquire and enjoy these mean machines and luxury bike brands are having a blast in India. Harley Davidson even went a step ahead and unveiled the Street 750 at a delectable price for Indian bike lovers. The low prices were possible through local assembling and lower duties and taxes as a result. This is one good move by Harley Davidson and even other globally acknowledged bike companies are coming out with more and more products for the Indian market. Which bike should you ideally purchase? The bike market in India is governed to large extent by the budget of the customer.
Your budget will ultimately determine your purchase and the kind of options you have. You have to determine the kind of usage experience you are looking at with your bike. Are you a daily commuter looking for efficient daily usage experiences? Are you looking for a bike that gives you a fabulous experience with regard to tackling congested traffic and daily hassles? Are you looking for a bike that gives you greater savings in terms of fuel economy and is a practical option to use on an everyday basis? If your answer is yes, you should definitely go for entry level or commuter bikes. There are some particular specialized commuter bikes that are now available in the country.
These bikes are fuel efficient, give you greater savings and are easy to use on a daily basis for commuting to work or other places of interest. These bikes are long lasting, durable and come with the latest features like start stop technology these days. Start stop technology has revolutionized the entire fuel efficiency concept and has helped people save more on their daily running costs. You can go for either the Bajaj Discover range of bikes or the Splendor iSmart from Hero Motors. The latter has been a time tested, popular bike that was once very popular with Indian customer. The Hero Honda Splendor was a very affordably priced, popular bike that resonated with a large section of youngsters and mid generation customers alike.
The legacy has survived as it seems and this new generation Splendor certainly deserves our recommendation as a top notch commuter bike. You can expect to spend between INR 35, 000 to INR 70, 000 for these bikes. There is another category of bikes that you might be very interested in. This pertains to top superbikes like the Kawasaki Ninja and the CBR. Yamaha also has bikes in these segments. These superbikes provide ample speed and acceleration abilities and are great options if you have the cash and the passion to spend on power and thrills. However, there is one aspect that often turns out to haunt superbike users, namely the quality of Indian roads and the growing levels of traffic congestion in major cities. This is why most superbike riders cannot really ride at high speeds and harness the full potential of these bikes. There are very few roads and driving tracks available and this is a major deterrent to buying superbikes. These bikes are mostly available between INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs and above. The Suzuki Hayabusa and the KTM Duke are other recommended options in this segment.
The Bajaj Pulsar is also in a class of its own and these powerful options defy categories and stereotypical branding maneuvers with their powerful features and overall ability. Alongside, you can also go for top end bikes from Harley Davidson, Indian, Hyosung and Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield in particular, has brought out an enticing café racer bike which should be a tempting proposition if you have the budget to afford the same. Good options in this segment include the Harley Davidson Street 750 which was mentioned earlier. This segment will have you spending anywhere between INR 1 lakhs and INR 7 lakhs depending upon the bike in question.
If you are looking to buy a full fledged Harley Davidson with all the frills, expect to shell out anything between INR 8 lakhs and INR 16 lakhs for the same! There are multiple bikes in every category depending upon your desires, needs and particular budget. You can easily purchase top end luxury bikes in India now and that too without any hassles. More and more companies are in the race to launch their products in India and this spells good news for bike enthusiasts and lovers. The premium segment is doing pretty well in India, more than what was expected actually and this augurs well for the growth of the biking market in general. If you are into superbikes and are thinking of buying one, you should also check out biker forums and clubs for advice. Not only will you be empowered with regard to making the right choices, you will also be able to join a vibrant community of riders and partake in newer experiences that are both enlightening and informative at the same time. India is now a melting pot of various brands and there never was a better time to snap up a bike. You have to decide on your budget and choose your preferred bike accordingly. Here’s to a successful bike purchase decision on your part!
Sports utility vehicles or SUV’s have always been loved by Indian customers from a long time. Sports Utility Vehicles possess a non definable appeal about them. Why are SUV’s so appealing? This mainly has to do with the rugged styling and powerful exteriors that we witness on SUV’s. Most SUV’s look downright rough and tough and this is something that is easy to fall for if you are a prospective car buyer. However, before splashing your cash down for that SUV you have always desired, take some time to think your decision through. Are SUV’s the right choice for you? Experts and car industry professionals have long debated about the pros and cons of buying an SUV.
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| SUVs in India |
What emerges out of all such debates and discussions is the steadfast love people have for rugged cars and this holds true for India which has had a long tradition of well loved and appreciated SUV’s. Mahindra & Mahindra was one of the pioneering companies in this regard along with Tata which also brought out some really functional SUV’s. No one really remembers which was the first SUV to come out in India. However, the origin of SUV’s lay in the humble yet powerful jeeps that ruled Indian roads for many decades. Jeeps are now the sole privilege of the armed forces and very few mainstream customers.
However, there was a time when everyone had a thing for these stripped down, rugged off roaders which were powerful, functional and extremely capable. Driving a jeep tested your physical and mental abilities to the fullest. Jeeps could navigate all terrains with elan and lasted long. Their service record was impeccable and they were a huge draw with army men and civilians alike. The humble Indian jeeps gave way to SUV’s as a little more luxurious and feature rich package, albeit in a more attractive and appealing manner.
SUV’s provided the total offroading experience backed by superior handling, ride quality and increased safety. Alongside, modern day SUV’s kept practical comfort and luxury needs intact while offering a power packed ride at the same time. This was loved by Indian customers and they started purchasing modern SUV’s with gusto. Contemporary SUV’s started gaining a firm footing in India but this trend starting diminishing with increasing population inflow into major cities and the rapid urban sprawl. Alongside, the increasing number of cars on roads and shortage of adequate parking and garage space started proving to be a major hazard.
Narrow city lanes and by lanes did not quite help either. This made customers shy away from SUV’s and opt for hatchbacks or even sedans in some cases. SUV’s started losing their once coveted fan following even though they were still being bought for commercial and business purposes. They lost steam as a mainstream consumer car to be bought and used without any business, commercial or familial purposes to justify the buy. Alongside, the rising costs of SUV’s were another problem that forced car companies to produce these behemoths in limited amounts. The Indian government created new taxation laws, according to which, almost all SUV’s would be more expensive.
Car manufacturers had no choice but to pass on the burden to the customer. This made a huge dent in the sales figures of major car manufacturers and companies. As a result, the viability of SUV’s as the right choice for Indian roads began to be debated and this continues till date. There are many pros and cons to owning an SUV. Here are some of the top things you should keep in mind before buying an SUV.
The advantages of buying an SUV
Needless to say, SUV’s also offer a plethora of advantages. SUV’s are hardy and rugged cars and offer fabulous support for all terrains. They are perfect for dusty, cracked and poor roads and even hilly and mountainous areas. SUV’s can combat bad weather conditions and other obstacles with ease, being natural off roaders. Those who have a passion for off roading can only indulge this with SUV’s as they can go where no other car can.
Alongside, contemporary SUV’s come with loads of luxury features and comforts for passengers. They are packed with top end safety features as well. SUV’s are in general, safer than most other cars because of their height and body weight. They are fabulous for towing purposes and are safer to drive because of the high seating position. Alongside, their powerful engines and good fuel consumption statistics on the highway make them ideal vehicles for travelling and taking long driving trips. Moreover, SUV’s can accommodate up to seven people and even nine in some cases, making them a natural choice for people with large families.
The disadvantages of buying an SUV
As mentioned earlier, the practical impediments in our daily lives are a big bane for SUV’s in general. SUV’s are huge and therefore difficult to maneuver and park properly on roads. They cannot be easily steered into narrow lanes and by lanes. Alongside, keeping an SUV requires plenty of garage and parking space which only a few can actually afford or possess going by space constraints in congested Indian cities these days. Moreover, contemporary SUV’s are very costly and this acts as another barrier towards owning the same.
SUV’s provide great fuel economy on the highways but on congested city roads they cannot be driven fluently and therefore provide lower fuel economy. Alongside, not many are confident of being able to drive these big beasts and this is another surprising barrier for many when it comes to purchasing SUV’s. You can also look at compact SUV’s which are a big draw these days. They are smaller and a little more power packed than other compact cars. However, these cars lack the power and off roading abilities of full fledged SUV’s and they do not have that imposing road presence that many of us fall in love with. If you are okay with the huge size, parking and driving constraints and practical aspects, you should fully indulge your desire to own an SUV.
It is not easy buying a used car by any means. Buying used cars takes loads of time, energy and effort on your part. Used car purchases have to be handled quite deftly on your part in order to land a good investment. Choosing a good vehicle is the first and foremost criteria here. Choosing the wrong vehicle can lead to serious financial problems in the future. Your overall costs will go for a toss in case of a faulty car. This usually arises from frequent maintenance, repair and servicing charges which in turn, arises from breakdowns and part failures of used cars.
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| Used Car Deals |
The wrong car can break down or fail at inappropriate times and this can lead to huge costs on your part. The overall driving experience will be compromised severely and you will never be able to quite enjoy your car to the fullest possible extent. This is something that can become a serious dampener of sorts. Alongside, you will have to fork out huge sums of money owing to repair and maintenance needs. This will be a serious drain on your pocket and serve to negate the whole investment on your part. You should be able to finalize your used car deal properly. Always have a thorough strategy and buying mechanism in place before you actually venture out to purchase your used car. This will keep you safe from any hassles later on.
Do not go by a single source of information alone. Check out all available car models thoroughly before you decide to buy one. Always go for cars that have a solid history of service and performance. You can also choose cars that are still being produced as this will increase the value of your investment when you sell the car off to another buyer. Cars that are currently in production will also help you find better parts, components and mechanics easily. Be careful when you are going for vintage cars. It is best to do some thorough research on the type of vintage car you want and the basic features you require in the same. Vintage cars can make for a costly proposition and you have to be patient for about three to four years before you can expect a solid return on your investment in terms of value appreciation.
Always check some basic information and details about any car you are keen on buying. Check the accident history of the vehicle, its service history and its registration and other details. Many used car buyers are often unable to resist the temptation of a seemingly attractive purchase and get taken for a ride later. This can happen due to many reasons, the foremost being improper registration and tax payments for the car in question. In many cases, used car sellers choose to conceal information and details pertaining to the registration and tax payments for the car. You should thoroughly check whether the car is still under the purview of registration. You should also check whether there are any pending dues or taxes to be paid for the car.
Sellers often push sell particular cars to buyers and coax them into buying the same, thereby shifting the burden entirely to them. You would not like being saddled with a car that has huge tax and registration dues pending along with loads of paperwork. This is one area where you have to be very alert in order to avoid any possible problems later on. Alongside, always contact multiple dealers at a time. Talk to several dealers simultaneously and ask them to confirm the availability of your vehicle before you actually visit the showroom. What happens in many cases is that dealers give a vague idea of availability even when the car is not in stock. They then try to shift the customer to other models in lieu of greater benefits and more attractive offers.
Get your mechanic to take a close look at the car. If there are any minor repairs or service activities required, you can actually use the situation to your advantage. How is this possible? If you feel that these repair activities are minor and will not require high expenses on your part, you should bargain for a lower price with the seller. This will help you save some money at the same time. At the same time, you should ask for price quotes from multiple dealerships and sales outlets. Always get hold of as many quotes as possible for the car you want to buy and list out the features and amenities you desire. The dealer who matches your price and requirements in the best possible manner should be the one you go to eventually.
Do not be in a tearing hurry to conclude the transaction and take your time before making a final purchase decision. Always compare prices thoroughly. You can even buy your cars from online classifieds portals as this will help you contact sellers directly and save money on the profits earned by dealers and showrooms. Always bear in mind that certified used cars from top brands are always bound to be more expensive. However, these cars may make for a safer option if you are really anxious about the condition of the car and do not have a solid mechanic’s assessment to rely on. Always choose your car model carefully and if you are keen on resale value, go for models that were quite popular in their time. Bargain your prices effectively with the dealer or owner of the used car in question. Always set a price point that is way lower than the original price quoted by the seller. In most cases, the seller will come down from his/her original quoted price and you will still get to save some money in the bargain. Buying used cars can be a tricky affair if you have not done your homework beforehand. However, using these tips will help you make a solid used car purchase decision!
The newly launched Hyundai car is a compact sedan. This is probably the first compact sedan coming from this carmaker and has thus been able to create quite a stir. By now, dealers are reported to have already had 11,000 bookings registered for the car from clients; additionally there are over a lakh enquiries having come from interested buyers from all parts of the country about Hyundai's latest compact Sedan.The Hyundai Xcent sedan is comparable to the Grand i10 hatchback in terms of its built. Since it's relatively small in size for its sub-4 metre size, the same low rate of excise duty is applied on its purchase which means that you can get a sedan for a much lesser price than usual.
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| Hyundai Xcent |
The Xcent Sedan will be available to customers in both diesel and petrol variants and an option for automatic transmission on the petrol car.
Design and Built
As mentioned earlier, the Grand i10 and the Xcent have a lot in common and are built on the same wheelbase. The C-pillar sits upright and identical to the i10 and even the peeled back headlamp style, angular dog lamp, side strips, slot-like grille etc. are same as the i10. What's new and unique to the Xcent is the chrome lining featured on the hexagonal grille and a 15-inch wheel which is larger than that of the i10.
The roof of the sedan follows smoothly into the boot and has a contoured bumper with an attractive lip. It has tiny tail lights and overall gives off a neat and stylish appeal to the viewer that is more or less pleasing.
The rear suspension is relatively stiffer than the i10 making it suitable for weight loads and the Xcent is 15kg heavier than the Grand i10. Safety equipment including ABS is standard and the driver and passenger airbags come only on the S (O) and SX (O) trims. It also has larger 15 inch wheels and tyres and the suspension travel is a little limited.
Interiors
The steering has chunky look and feels well as soon to hold it as well as to merely admire it. Its two-tone dashboard is similar to that of the i10 and has all audio and air-conditioning controls within an easy reach. AC vents can be adjusted as per your liking.
Steering rake and seat height can also be adjusted easily to make you comfortable while driving while the front seats are slightly narrow yet firm and supportive. The headrests are short and not expected to offer much of protection in the event of a rear collision. The rear seats are relatively safer as well as comfortable and the headrests are adjustable and best suited for 2 passengers. There is sufficient leg space and includes a foldable centre armrest which also includes 2 cup holders and one litre bottle holders on each of the door sides.
The Xcent also offers sufficient luggage space with a 407 litre boot easily housing large suitcases. Other typical equipment include a reversing camera, keyless entry, automatic climate control, steering mounted controls, rear parking sensors, auto folding mirrors etc. Media facilities include 1GB on-board storage, aux and USB compatibility, Bluetooth and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.
Engine Specifications
The Hyundai Xcent has a small engine bay of 1.1 litre diesel engine capacities which makes it lose out when compared with rivals like Maruti Swift Dzire or the Honda Amaze. It has a 3-cylinder U2 CRDi unit, revised ECU mapping and also includes the turbo'swastegate which promises a longer sustained boost. This gives the Xcent a flatter torque curve of 13% and a 1bhp increment in power to 71bhp.
In spite of the small capacity diesel motor that the car has, it has relatively low amount of turbo lag and the progress transition is very smooth right from when you start the car to speeding it up to build up power. Shuffling through gears is also quite smooth and power stays steady till a peak of 3800 rpm; the sudden power fall after this can pose difficulties when overtaking other vehicles on highways. The light clutch and five speed gearboxes promise a smooth change. The 3-cylinder engine tends to patter at low speed but once it builds up, you're up for a smooth ride. The engine goes from 0-100kph in 18.61 seconds which is relatively long when compared to the Amaze and Dzire. For smooth rides within the city, the Xcent will definitely meet your expectations.
The Xcent petrol performs even better having a wide spread torque and power up till 5000 rpm. 0-100kph requires 14.23 seconds and the motor is smooth and refined giving it a classier appeal.
Fuel Efficiency
Even when you drive through the most heavily congested roads of Mumbai traffic, the diesel Xcent gives an impressive performance of 16.2kpl which when compared to the Grand i10 is far better. The Xcent sedan's lower drag makes it great for highway speed with a delivery of 20.3kpl. A fuel economy of 18.2 kpl for about 780 kms proves good efficiency on the car's part. The car's petrol counterpart is also good with 11.5 kpl in city driving and 16.3 kpl when driving on the highway roads.
Entertainment features
Hyundai Xcent offers a dual-DIN audio system inclusive of a CD player. You can also connect your cell phone or portable audio player via Bluetooth, USB port or the aux port. There is also 1GB of internal memory storage on board allowing you to store some within the system. Syncing media with the phone is easy and connectivity via Bluetooth is also quite smooth. Sound quality however from the four speakers installed in the car can be reviewed to be of average standards.
Verdict In all, the Hyundai Xcent is a perfect car with all you could possibly expect from a small and compact sedan at a pocket friendly price. It has a well-proportioned size, reasonably good performance to drive smoothly on city roads, high quality comfortable cabin and well-equipped with modern car amenities so there isn't really much to complain about.
