Honda City
₹ 11.74 Lakh Onwards
smoothness and low maintenance of a Honda City
Even with the rising petrol cost - you will not be able to justify the upfront and maintenance cost of a diesel car with your 1500 km/month. Add to that the incredible comfort and smoothness and low maintenance of a Honda City! Will break it down for you as follows:
Upfront - Diesel (verna or vento) cost about 2,00,000 more that comparable CITY model. (Ex showroom, insurance, RC, Lost interest or additional EMIs). Couple that with the waiting period.
Running - You will surely save a lot here but not even enough to cover your 2,00,000 upfront investment for your 1500/month
Service - After the initial 15,000 kms, your diesel car will start weighing heavy on your pocket at the time of service. Most of extra cost of petrol then will be compensated for by this extra expense coupled with the high upfront cost
Spares - while Honda City will run hassle free for the longest time, your diesel counterparts will demand expensive spares after 50K. More frequent change of tires and if you dont drive your car very frequently, the maintenance of diesel will rise further.
Resale - No one wants to buy a beat up diesel car that has done, lets say 1,00,000 km. There is great uncertainty about such a car, hence the low resale value.
Overall: Diesel option become viable when your driving exceeds 3000 km /month