The Hindu Business Line : For my beautiful scooterette

I am planning to buy a four-stroke scooter. I am 67 years old and have been using a 1998 model TVS Champ for the past eight years. I wonder which one of the three, the Hero Honda Pleasure, the Bajaj Wave or the Honda Activa, should I choose. Which of these will suit my age and come out on top when we consider durability, mileage and cost?

V. Thyagarajan

The Bajaj Wave is available in dealerships across the country. But interest for this scooterette is on the wane, partly because of competition and partly because of the expected arrival of two new scooterettes — one compact and one full-size — from Bajaj later this year. So, though the Bajaj Wave has its strengths and is a good product to consider, the potential for newer products coming in is high within the next few months.

There is little to distinguish between the Honda Activa and the Hero Honda Pleasure.

Both feature the same engine, though they are from different manufacturers. The only difference between the two is in the build materials used and the saddle height.

The Honda Activa features a conventional scooter design, metal body panels and a slightly taller saddle position. The Hero Honda Pleasure, on the other hand, offers a more modern, young design theme, ABS body panels and a slightly shorter riding position. The engine and transmission are identical.

Choose between the Activa and the Pleasure depending on design and posture preferences. Put off the decision if your can wait a couple of months to check out the Bajaj's new entrants — the Blade DTSi and the Kristal DTSi.

I am from Chennai and have decided to buy a second-hand car that costs less that Rs 1 lakh. My current options include a Fiat Uno, but I am wondering if I will find spare parts and maintenance a problem as the company has stopped production of this car. Are there any other alternatives in this price bracket?

Ahamed Shameer

You will land up with a lemon, if you buy the Fiat Uno. There is nothing wrong with the car and the engine will probably outlast every other part on it, but finding spares and quality service space will be a challenge.

The best alternative you can find under the Rs 1 lakh price bracket will be used Maruti 800s.

Avoid the Daewoo Cielo, the Opel Astra, the Fiat Uno and the Daewoo Matiz in the used car mart. All of them will be tantalisingly priced at below the Rs 1-lakh mark and will look spectacular bargains, but finding spares will be an uphill task afterwards.

I am a non-resident Indian from Dubai. I visit India once a year and wish to buy a car for use during my stay here. Will I have maintenance issues if I leave the car unused for one year? I am looking for a six- or an eight-seater. I am not too worried about the initial buying cost being high, but the spares prices and maintenance costs in the long run must be less. What kind of problems will I face with an automatic car being run on kutcha or poorly finished roads?

K. Devaraj

Leaving a vehicle unused for a long period is always problematic. As ironic as it may seem, both using and not using a car can cause damage and deterioration. Most of a vehicle's passive parts such as body panels, underbody and interiors can be protected from long-term deterioration such as rusting which will happen whether or not the car is in use. But moving parts such as the engine and, to a lesser degree, suspension components need regular lubrication and positive wear, which comes from periodic usage.

Another important factor is the battery. Even as electrical devices such as a music system and lighting are discharging it, the alternator recharges the battery every time the car is driven. Even though the lights and appliances such as a music system will not be used when the car is standing still, the battery could still get discharged slowly due to active power draining devices such as a car security and alarm system.

In the absence of regular alternator-driven recharge, the battery could well be dead by the end of the year.

So, leaving the car unused for a whole year may not be a good idea. While idling the car regularly can do some good, the better option would be to take it out on periodic drives.

If you are looking for a six/eight-seater of quality, we will recommend the Toyota Innova. Spares prices and regular maintenance charges will be almost on a par with vehicles in its category. Excluding sport utility vehicles, the Innova will be the best people mover to consider on build quality, ride comfort and the value for money parameters.

You will not face any problems running an automatic on poorly paved roads in India.

Queries may be sent to: q&a@thehindu.co.in or by post to Q&A, Business Line, 859/860, Kasturi Buildings, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

More Stories on : Automobiles | Question 'N' Auto

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page