Used Vs New confusion

[abdullah274]

Assalam u alaikum. Hoping that the entire community would be fine. A friend of mine is confused in making a decision. He has a budget of 22 to 24 lakhs and is stuck between Alto vxr brand new and City/Corolla 2012-2014.
Currently he's having a 2005 Model Mehran.
Despite of the fact alto will be new but it just can't justify its price and what about all the factors regarding city or corolla in terms of fuel economy and maintenance expenses. What is the take of pakwheels community members on this issue.

[sargodhiyan101]

go for an old well maintained car, these new Prices dont justify

[kjohn_18]

Honda city .... fuel efficient. In this budget u can get a well maintained genuine City

[salman_w]

Hi,
Just looking at the facts, I reckon that preferences matter. Honda in the mentioned price will be driven upto 1lack km or more and who knows how. Also as great as the mileage of city is in its category it's not comparable with Alto.
City would now be requiring minor work that will keep on coming as rubber parts and such have a limited life. Engine mounts, rubber bushings, suspension work etc. will pop up.
Alto is an option if you want trouble free warranty backed service for 5 years without spending anything on the maintenance while if you need a trunk and don't mind the visits to a mechanic then go for city.
For a city commuter if you are not worried about ostentatiousness then alto can be it. Car prices have become high and the price will effect second hand cars in the same way.
In conclusion if you don't worry about the peace of mind that comes with a new car then you have many options, city and corolla being one of them.

[abdullah274]

I agree with you sir. My friend is oriented towards city but ghar ke bare are saying gari kaam nikalegi. And he's like if you spend 50K after buying a used one it's gonna be much better as compared to dinky.

[salman_w]

it's a bet either way.

[kjohn_18]

Bro All depends on the condition of car and ur luck. Not all 2nd hand cars r bad. I sold mine 5 yrs used city in just like brand new condition. 47k driven only. Not even a dot like scratch b2b. It was just like as I took out showroom delivery. I am sure there was no work required for next 3 to 4 yrs except engine oil change. So try to find such a car and even if u have to pay little extra. Its worth.

[arslanawan222]

don't spend this much on suzuki teen, get a good used vehicle, these new prices are not justified

[nfssaad]

because new cars are getting expensive, old used good cars will automatically increase in prices.

[pwuser149711646514]

An increase in new prices also affects the preowned market. So if you are looking forward to get CITY OR COROLLA in this budget, you will have to compromise on the condition of the car.

Also, this decision depends on the usage. If you are looking to drive a vehicle more than 1000km in a month, I don't think CITY or COROLLA will be physible but if you are going to have it just as a family car then it may be a good decision.

[abdullah274]

Keeping a Mehran for more than 10 years hardly drove it above 14000kms in this span​. You can say like max 300-400Km a month now due to job etc

[salman_w]

Also another point is that alto's suspension is softer that the city's so it's a bit more comfortable. Turning radius is also better in Alto and steering is super soft. the aforementioned with a small size makes it an ideal city car. On long routes definitely a city or corolla is preferable. Maybe go for a jdm 660. Aftermarket parts will be expensive but it will have many functions and premium feel. My brother in law just got an N one and that car is much better looking and driving than Alto.

[saadtiger412]

Suspension of city is hard but seats are much more comfortable as compared to local Suzukis. I use a 2022 cultus and its seats are very uncomfortable as compared to our City.

[salman_w]

You may be right. I only have had a test drive of new Alto and i was surprised by the room this little car has plus the ride quality. but that's just me. someone's opinion might vary. I currently have Alto on booking.
In retrospect, I once suggested a cousin to get the Alto. He didn't and got a 2005 eagle eye instead in the same money. Now he has had major engine issues and the car still does missing. Its value today would be almost the same but the alto is much higher because its new car.
I believe old cars i.e. more than 5-7yrs old cars cannot be compared to new. Instead they should be compared to older cars of the same price bracket. If one wants a bigger car there is a route, one should get into a good new car first and then switch to a bigger car later in a much newer model. Buying a 10yr old economy car in Pakistan is a risk in my eyes.
Just my view, I don't want to shove it on anyone just giving my own experience with cars.

[saadtiger412]

I agree about the reliability of the new cars. I just commented about the comfort of new hatchback vs old but bigger sedan.

[abdullah274]

How will you put Cultus 2016 old shape in pristine condition and Swift 2019 old shape in excellent condition against buying a new alto sir. Have heard swift has a pathetic fuel average while Cultus old shape has mixed views some people claim 14-15kmpl even.

[salman_w]

Both the models you have mentioned are now obsolete. City is a better seller than both old cultus and the old swift. Moreover the cultus old shape was a 1980s model sold in the market as new. I personally would not buy both these cars as all they offer is a bigger engine that is only good for making outstation trips. Alto can also do that but the mileage selling point will be negated on longer drives as it would average same as a cultus old shape on long.
New Alto price is now a bit steep. I booked at 18.60 and even that was a bit much for me. Its speculated that maybe the price raise due to dollar increase may be taken back but nothing is for sure. Most people have opted to wait rather than booking on the super inflated prices of today's market. I say that if one has to they can opt for an older Alto. Maybe a VXR if they don't need AGS.
As conclusion and as per my own views i would still go for an alto but a used one in the same bracket as 19 for AGS or lower for other variants. If i had to buy today and i need a car urgently.
Swift is a fuel guzzler my friend and its usp is its pickup and speed being a 1300 hatchback. old cultus will be too old very soon no matter if its a 2016. its a 1980s technology internationally. Drive both cars and then decide. For me Alto is a much more modern experience and economical,offering a better resale and has plenty of space as well.