Buying a Used Diesel Car - Need Advice

[ZenandEnfield]

@ Releesh, feel free to OT here. But Amby isn't logical, it would have to be a jeep, sierra or a safari.
@ ss80, you are right about the difficulty in getting parts and the v2 is vfm.

 

[TAIDhana]

Sierra was a troublesome car even when service support was available. Though it was an amazing UV and one of its kind, the Sierra we had gave us lot of trouble - Engine seizure once & premature timing belt failure both leading to 20+ bills.

If you have sufficient backup (neighborhood workshops who are specialized in such cars) and time at your disposal to maintain, you can consider Sierra. Else, my recommendation would be to go for a more reliable car.

 

[Releesh]

@ Releesh, feel free to OT here. But Amby isn't logical, it would have to be a jeep, sierra or a safari.
@ ss80, you are right about the difficulty in getting parts and the v2 is vfm.

.Amby is the last option i suggested.I just mentioned Amby, because it is a diesel sedan comes in your budget and you are a bullet owner. I think Amby required the same care you give for bullet and it is better than Sierra.

 

[ZenandEnfield]

@ Releesh, its ok.
Still searching...

 

[Sam Dinkar]

Whats the update on the search Gopal sir? Any new ideas/thoughts/shortlist?

 

[ZenandEnfield]

Sam, Added Indica V2, jeep & safari to the list.
Saw 6 sierras, of which 5 were not in working condition.
It was sad to see them, like the neglected race-horses of Ooty.
The owners had fallen on bad times.:-(
Makes me appreciate my Zen more, like the song, if you can't have the one you love, then love the one you are with.:-D

 

[jarpickle]

I just saw someone trying to steer an MM540 and it did not look easy.

You might want to look at something that has power steering.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

Agreed with Keith on the MM540 part. At your age you may preferably be interested in buying something that at least keeps you comfortable.

Look for used Logans. They are going cheap and are pretty sturdy - you should be able to get a low run 2007/08 DLE model for around Rs. 2 lakhs. Needless to say, avoid taxis.

p.s.: This thread has re-ignited my old passion for Sierras. Now to find one in a 'buyable' condition, possibly the last of the 2000 models with 'Turbo'!!

 

[ZenandEnfield]

@ Jarpickle. No ps in the jeep? But the driving pleasure is worth the pain.

 

[jarpickle]

I don't think the old jeeps came with PS.It was difficult to maneuver in the parking lot.The drivers face said it all.

 

[ZenandEnfield]

My zen doesn't have ps. At least Sierra and old safari comes with ps but hydraulic not electric? Yes, no

 

[Sam Dinkar]

Yes, the Sierra and Safari have hydraulic power steering. If my memory serves me right, the Qualis was the first 'civil' UV in the country to sport an electric power steering.

 

[jarpickle]

Comparing the handling of the zen and a jeep are we?

When I drive the Ertiga and then the 800, the little 800 feels like a truck.Even the steering wheel size is small in the Ertiga.It makes you feel really weird.

 

[ZenandEnfield]

@ Jarpickle, Yes, turning the zen is like turning a truck! :-)
@ Sam - 2007/8 DLE, are you referring to Indica or Logan.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

Logan. The diesel variants were sold in DLE, DLX, DLS, DLSX variants in that order. DLE did not have power windows, silver finish interiors, door trims, wheel caps (aaaaarrrggghhhhhhh) and driver information system over the DLX.