Today's the day my relations here in Madras, make a choice of which of the two cars in the pics below to buy. Your opinions will be valued too, along with my Indian auto friends as i put in my two cents in this endeavour.
Choice#1
Brand new Dec2008 Maruti-Suzuki Zen Extilo LXi with "Sports" package. Includes factory cd changer/mp-3 player, sports seat covers, body trim, front power windows, electronically adjustable side mirrors, remote locks/immobilizer,floor mats, tint, teflon coating and wheel covers among other small accessories added. List price on the road is INR 4.03lac. Based on the Govt. tax reduction and manufacturer rebate a cash discount of INR40,000 plus additonal manufacturer's discount of INR10,000 added on. Price qouted to take the car out of the showroom is INR3.53lac(rounded off).
Choice #2
Used April 2008 Maruti-Suzuki Zen Estilo VXi with 6700km on the odometer, all doors power windows, power adjustable side mirrors, aftermarket alloy wheels, tint, factory warranty, Kenwood aftermarket cd/mp-3 player, floor mats, leather seat covers and faux wood paneling on dash. Asking price INR3.05lac. Negotiable. Probably come down to an even 3lac.
Trade in
2006 Hyundai(India) Santro Xing XO model, 22000km . Trade in offer INR2.25lac.
Here's the dilemma. Do we by the brand new car, which means an extra INR1.3lac approx. additional payment or do we buy choice #2, which will result in max INR75,000 additional outflow?. :s. It all boils down to money, doesn't it?.