Best budget car to buy in 9 lacs for a medium-sized family in 2021

[syeddanishanwar]

ou have to bang shut the doors in any cultus pre current generation.

I have never owned a Cultus but have an experience riding in one. The ride is much better than a WagonR or Mehran. Also, the maintenance cost is not that high considering it doesn't have advanced features like power steering, central locking, powered windows, ABS, CAT converter etc. similar to a Corolla or Honda.

You should test drive 2 to 3 cars before buying one. This will give you an idea about engine noise and condition. You should buy a car in the best possible condition - engine and paint.

[irfan-tariq]

@syeddanishanwar thank you so much for your kind suggestion. I really appreciate it.

Actually, in Suzuki Cultus, VXLi is the only variant that comes with company-fitted power steering, power windows, central locking, and power door locks, and i want to buy this specific variant.

And yes absolutely, your suggestion to test drive 2 - 3 cars before purchase is really a great suggestion. Thank you so much brother!

[syeddanishanwar]

nk you so much for your kind suggestion. I really appreciate it.

Actually, in Suzuki Cultus, VXLi is the only variant that comes with company-fitted power steering, power windows, central locking, and power door locks, and i want to buy this specific variant.

And yes absolutely, your suggestion to test drive 2 - 3 cars

Great. If you want to buy the specific variant, you should make sure that the Power Steering is not leaking. I had bought a car with a leaking PS. It costs about 20k to repair the leak. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with a powered version.

[mgalaxy3]

I have never owned a Cultus but have an experience riding in one. The ride is much better than a WagonR or Mehran

TBH, I've found Cultus to be one of the WORST cars in ride quality.

It's just too pathetic.

WagonR is million times better and more comfortable.

Sure, maintenance is cheap for old Cultus.

[syeddanishanwar]

Ride quality is a subjective term. Everyone has different perspectives.You may be right about the JDM WagonR which is a million times better the Pak assembled car.

But personally I have found that between a petrol driven Pak Suzuki's WagonR and Cultus, the latter has a more smooth drive. PK WagonR drive is uncomfortable similar to a Mehran. Moreover, the looks of WagonR dabba is ugly.
So, I believe that Cultus is a better car than PK WagonR. A newer model Cultus is cheaper as well as compared to the dabba car i.e. WagonR.

Again these are my personal opinions that does not mean I am right.

[ibaloch777]

I second. WagonR is far more superior in ride quality and comfort.

[ali454]

Wagon R has a better ride comfort than old cultus.

[shaiki]

I agree, ride quality is subjective. One group of people hates Honda City for its stiff suspension because people in that group may mostly drive on bad roads. While another group may love the better handling of Honda City because of the stiff suspension.

What are your thoughts on the Cultus(new shape) vs Swift debate? Think in terms of driving pleasure, power, handling and practicality.

[syeddanishanwar]

may mostly drive on bad roads. While another group may love the better handling of Honda City because of the stiff suspension.

I have not owned these so I cannot comment on the ride quality from the driver's perspective. But based on the online reviews, I have surmised that Swift is better in terms of ride pleasure since it has a 1300cc engine. Some say the ride of Swift is even better than Passo and Vitz due to a more powerful engine. But the economy is horrendous of about 9-10 kmpl.

Cultus (newer and older model) is a more practical car due to improved economy. My brother owns a 2018 VXR manual version and he says its economy is about 19 kmpl. I didn't believe it at first but I was amazed when he pointed to the dashboard screen that proved his point.

[shaiki]

Your brother is absolutely right. I also owned a Cultus VXR back in 2019 and always kept a hard foot on the gas pedal but still it managed to give me 15kmpl. I even remember sometimes when driving at like 70kmph constantly, the meter was showing an instance fuel average of 30kmpl. Just amazing!!

Have sold the cultus and now I have my eyes on the swift. I think it is a superior car in terms of driving, also has a hydraulic clutch and with bigger and wider wheels.

[pwuser151705762629]

Besides items mentioned by other respected members which cover all aspects, cultus ac is horrendous with blow limited only to front seats. Can be improved a LOT if ac compressor can be rewired with a new cutout to ensure it DOESNT trip.

[irfan-tariq]

Assalam-o-Alaikum all my brothers,

I hope you all are doing great and enjoying good health.

Unfortunately, because of the increasing dollar price in Pakistan and its effect on our used car market, i haven't bought my car till now.

I have been exploring the car market in Gujranwala and Lahore for the past 5-6 months now, and the cars people are selling in 9 - 9.5 lacs are in the worst conditions. Therefore, i had to arrange another 3 lacs for my car because of the current car prices and their conditions. Now Shukar Alhamdulillah i have 12 lacs to buy my first car.

Brothers, I have only a few questions from you...

How do you compare the reliability, fuel average, maintenance costs, value-to-money, and prone to rust build-quality of the following 3 used cars in 12 lacs price?

1- Suzuki Cultus EFI - Old Shape (1000cc)
(2015 - 2017 model)
Less than 80K km mileage - (according to PakWheels Ad)
In a condition similar to these Ads below:
https://www.pakwheels.com/used-cars/suzuki-cultus-2017-for-sale-in-lahore-5422156
https://www.pakwheels.com/used-cars/suzuki-cultus-2017-for-sale-in-lahore-5515393
https://www.pakwheels.com/used-cars/suzuki-cultus-2017-for-sale-in-lahore-5545155

2- Honda City i-DSI Manual (1300cc)
(2005-2006 model)
Less than 150K km mileage - (according to PakWheels Ad)
In a condition similar to these Ads below:
https://www.pakwheels.com/used-cars/honda-city-2006-for-sale-in-lahore-5540445
https://www.pakwheels.com/used-cars/honda-city-2006-for-sale-in-lahore-5571790

3- Toyota Vitz F 1.0 - 2nd Generation (1000cc)
(2005 - 2006 model)
Less than 150K km mileage - (according to PakWheels Ad)
In a condition similar to this Ad below:
https://www.pakwheels.com/used-cars/toyota-vitz-2007-for-sale-in-lahore-5570417

USAGE:
I need a family car for my daily/normal family use (4-5 passengers with AC usage in summer). It will be my first car so i want to be extra careful about not buying a mechanic's pocket-friendly car which will need some extra care other than normal maintenance. I understand that a cheap spare part with low build quality (Suzuki) will also need more frequent replacements than a good-quality spare part (Toyota) with a little more but reasonable price. I think this makes the running cost of the car more or less the same for both the cheap and expensive spare parts. Am i right? I will be keeping this car for a long period (at least 3 - 5 years - if it will remain trouble-free).

I absolutely understand the concept that the newer the car model, the better it will be. And i know i have mentioned one 6 Years old Suzuki car, one 16 Years old Toyota JDM car, and one 16 Years old Honda car above, and i also know that it sounds absolutely ridiculous and stupid to compare a 6 Years old car with a 16 Years old car (sedan or hatchback is not a concern here). Well, maybe i am being dumb, and that's what i want to know if i am being stupid here, or not...

In the scenario of the above 3 different cars (1000cc Local Suzuki with <=80K Km Mileage, 1000cc JDM Toyota with <=150K Km Mileage, 1300cc Local Honda with <=150K Km Mileage), can you please answer the following questions and share your valuable and expert opinions???

1- How do you compare the reliability, fuel average, maintenance costs (running cost of the car including spare parts replacements either due to damage, rust, low build-quality of spare parts and the frequency with which the spare parts need to be replaced), value-to-money, and prone to rust build-quality of these cars for the next 3 - 5 more years if bought now in 2021 (with Petrol prices touching Rs. 138 - 148 per liter), keeping their models and mileage in mind?
2- How much MAXIMUM mileage of used Suzuki, Honda, and Toyota cars is considered good/suitable for purchase if maintained properly? (I know odometers can be easily reversed)...
3- Is it really possible for a 2005/2006 model (15-16 Years old) car like Toyota Vitz and Honda City i-DSI to have a genuine mileage of 150K km on the odometer (150,000 km / 15 Years = 10,000 km per Year -> 10,000 km per Year / 12 Months = approx. 834 km per month) like people mention in many ads, without the odometer reversing (even after having a history of 2-3 different registered car owners for that same car, and when asked, they always tell "Doctor Sahab ki gaari thi, ghar se clinic tak hi use ki thi"... Ya "Army Officer ki second gaari thi, garage main hi khari rehti thi")...?

The reason i'm asking the comparison of the above 3 particular cars is that i've seen a majority of the engine bays and the floors of 2015-2017 model Suzuki Cultus cars quite rusty and in pretty bad conditions, while on the other hand, there are still a few Toyota Vitz and Honda City i-DSI cars with pretty decent engine bays and floors with quite normal rusts, even after 16 Years of car age. It's not a hidden truth that the build-quality of cars up till 2008 - 2010 was good. After each passing year from 2011, 2012, 2013, and afterward, the build-quality of locally assembled vehicles in Pakistan (both cars and bikes) has been going downwards each passing year. Even owners of new model 2020/2021 PKDM Suzuki Cultus and Suzuki Alto complain about the build-quality issues in their new cars (that's just a concern. I don't want to go off-topic, i just want to make a sensible decision with my hard-earned money from my salaries).

What are your thoughts? Please let me know what do you guys think about the above questions...

Thank you so much in advance!

[Massive_One]

if i were you, i would've gone for Cultus.. it's newer, is very reliable (kept EFI one from 2007 till 2021), and its resale is very good (sold the car the same day ad was posted on olx).

city in my opinion is very overpriced these days : (

and used imports are not my cup of tea : / ...

so, the bottom line is.. reliability and resale wise, you will not have any problem with the cultus.. if you are okay with a hatchback with decent leg space, good ac, decent power, and very good resale go for Cultus.

if you need a sedan then City of course (but be prepared to visit mechanics more often then).

[irfan-tariq]

@Massive_One thank you so much for your valuable advice. What do you say about the fuel average (4-5 passengers with AC, both within city traffic and on long routes with medium/harsh foot), reliability, rust issues, and maintenance costs (running cost of the car including spare parts replacements either due to damage, rust, low build-quality of spare parts and the frequency with which the spare parts need to be replaced) of Suzuki Cultus EFI?

I personally like the economy of Suzuki Cultus. Its model will be new, spare parts are cheap, and it's easy to maintain as the first car for a beginner like me. Sedan or hatchback is not a major concern for me. My main concern is reliability, less visits to mechanics (other than the normal regular maintenance), rust issues on the body and floor (as i want to keep this car for at least next 3-5 years InshaALLAH, if it will remain trouble-free)...

The Suzuki Cultus cars i'm seeing in Lahore and Gujranwala market are quite rusty and abused, even 2016-2017 models (in 12 lacs price). For the non-rusty 2015/2016/2017 Suzuki Cultus, people are asking 14 lacs in Lahore and Gujranwala markets these days. Just like people demand 11 lacs for Suzuki Mehran 2019 model in Lahore and Gujranwala car markets. Resale has brought these two cars quite high in Pakistan, where a person like me questions what he is getting in 14 lacs these days and compares a 6 years old Suzuki with a 16 years old Honda/Toyota car...

[Massive_One]

Resale has brought these two cars quite high in Pakistan, where a person like me questions what he is getting in 14 lacs these days and compares a 6 years old Suzuki with a 16 years old Honda/Toyota car...

that's true : ( nothing is value for money these days : (
you can also look for Swift though .. in 12 lacs, maybe you'll find a good Swift ?

[irfan-tariq]

@Massive_One Suzuki Swift is no doubt a great car when compared with Suzuki Cultus, but i've heard that its fuel average is not good. People say it normally gives 9-11 within city traffic. Also, the Suzuki Swift i'll be getting in 12 lacs price will be max. 2009-2010 model.

[Massive_One]

People say it normally gives 9-11 within city traffic. Also, the Suzuki Swift i'll be getting in 12 lacs price will be max. 2009-2010 model.

that's true, it does give 9-11 in city (with AC). in 12 lacs you can get 2010 or 11 model.
but yes, Swift is a very good car, but requires a little bit more maintenance as a trade off.

[rixwan_daredevil]

As somebody who had the same budget and chose cultus 2012, Islamabad registered, 76k driven (if meter wasn't reversed), bumper to bumper (9/10 body), needed some work in the engine and suspension (8/10 mechanical), white color, for PKR 1,030,000...I would also suggest cultus. This was in the beginning of September, 2021 - prices have gone up since then! After changing the shocks, springs and head and tappet adjusted along with other misc things done, the car has costed me PKR 1,070,000. But now the body is 9/10 and so are the mechanics.

Firstly, I'd suggest that you buy a slightly older model (2012-2014) in good condition as compared to higher and bad condition. There is A LOT of variation in prices when it comes to cultus EFI in the market - jis ka jo dil kar raha hai wo price demand kar raha hai. Now, to answer your questions:

1. Fuel Average: 2 people with AC gives me 13-14 within city with a heavy foot, 2 people without AC gives me 15-16 within city with a heavy foot, haven't taken on long route yet but it is only going to be better.
2. Rust: Haven't faced any issues here yet - you can easily check the car for rust issues as they will be very visible.
3. Reliability: It's a market's car, every mechanic knows their way around this car. Also, the car does a little bit of choo-choo-chaa-chaa here and there so be prepared. Otherwise, I think reliability wise it's very good.
4. Maintenance cost: Parts are a bit expensive as kaabli parts are not readily available (there was only one or two japanese versions of this car). Shocks and springs PAIR costed me PKR 11,000. Original tail lights cost around PKR 9,000 for a pair. Bumpers are fairly cheap. Oil change was for PKR 4,500 with oil filter.
5. Frequency of maintenance: I think you WILL have to get some work done on the used car to make it your own. But if you have a good mechanic, that maintenance will be onetime only.

I, too, looked at other cars before buying - old civic, city and corolla. I decided to get something which was easy on the pocket when it came to maintenance - because maintenance to karwaani hee karwaani hai jo marzi used car le lo. Also, i looked for fuel economy as well.

Yes, cultus isn't as comfortable as other cars - the ride isn't as smooth, there is a bit of cabin noise, seats aren't as comfortable, but it is economical and head-ache free for the most part. When I go to the workshop, most of the cars I see over there ARE civics and cities and corollas. I see cultus too but not as much as the other ones.

So...to summarise, I would also recommend getting a cultus - a good conditioned 2012-2014 model. Also, I would recommend spending some time finding a reliable car expert and to take them with you when searching for cars. Pay that person AIK LAKH RUPAY if you have to because those AIK LAKH RUPAY will save you LAKHON RUPAY in the long run. The seller market is lethal! Beware!

[irfan-tariq]

Wow, @rixwan_daredevil, thank you so much for the much detailed and brotherly advice. I really appreciate the time and effort you made for answering all my questions.

Ok, so that was the only confusion in my mind regarding Suzuki Cultus's reliability. Now that all my brothers have cleared my confusion and all of you are suggesting to go for Suzuki Cultus, i have no reason to look anywhere else (in this budget)...

Once again, thank you so much all my brothers for your time and effort in clearing my confusion... May Allah bless you all with good health, happiness, success, and prosperity. Ameen.

[rixwan_daredevil]

Of course! Ameen!

Remember, you WILL HAVE TO get some work done (spend some more money on top of the buying price) after you get the car IA. So while buying and negotiating, keep that extra cost in mind. Whatever work you think is required, get a quotation for that work and subtract it from the offer. E.g. for my car, the initial demand was 1,080,000, but we found out that initial maintenance would cost around 30-50k so the offer we made was 1,010,000. Ended up around 1,030,000.

Telling you this because I too am a regular 9 to 5 worker. I understand that spending 1 million+ is a big deal for us. Getting something for 1 million+ and then having to spend even more money is heart wrenching. So just be prepared with the budgeting.