Luckyj

Hi Guys, I have noticed even in same vehicle models, which has the beige interior has a higher market value than black interior. On the other hand some people mention that black interiors are easy to keep & maintain. Others quote that beige interiors are much suited for hot climatic environments like here in Sri Lanka. Above all, the personal preference aspect seems to play a significant role when it comes to selecting beige interior or black interior. Would really appreciate your opinions on pros & cons, and overall impact of beige interior & black interior to a vehicle.

Wow…what an epic thread. Beside buying cars, there are many great insights been discussed.....life, marriage, financing & budgeting, kids etc. Thanks everyone!!!! Some great points which were mentioned are; 1] Prior to making the buying decision its very much important on identifying the real requirement, availability of budgets, evaluating other expenses & commitments and keeping room for possible future scenarios. 2] Save & spend....not spend & save. 3] Buying should be necessity driven. Not desire driven. 4] After marrying, its always better to delay the arrival of kids for few years 5] Debt management is so critical & credit card is a killer. If a credit card is really required, try to keep it at home.

Watchman - agreed on your point 100%. What is really required to focus is on the “Need”. I knew a friend who has virtually suicide because of bad budgeting. The maximum he could go with his savings was Rs. 2 million. However the guy was over the moon, and blindly leased balance Rs. 2.5 million and bought the car. The sweet tale only lasted three months and he has to face some really bad time. The monthly cash outflow was unbearable to him and now he is looking to sell the car. The joy he had on the day he has bought the car is gone forever, and now he is cursing it.

What I feel that the rationale behind all these initiatives is to control foreign reserves and limiting the outflow of national wealth out of the country. Government cannot please everyone, every socio-income levels from a single budget and there will be always benefited and losers. Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are in extremely low level, and on urgent basis these types of measures have to be taken. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has been a country without policies for long long time. Therefore getting things on track will also take long time. Looking at this current matter, government should look on it with some sensitivity. If they can decide not to apply new tax increase for people who has already placed their orders [who has open the LCs] or at least for the vehicles in the harbor/ships, it would be really great.

Maheshdbr – you can keep on asking from thousands of people about different cars, their features, values, fuel efficiency, resell values, budget impacts etc. and for surely each & everyone will tell different stories. Everyone thinks his or her car as the best one on the planet . That's why most of the time car models like Corolla 121s which are 10-12 years old, going above 3 M First you decide the main requirement of buying a car. Is it for daily travel or only for weekend/leisure/family travels? Then compare this against your budget. If it’s for daily travelling, then fuel efficiency will be a concern. For family travels, better to have a little big car. Likewise list down these points and discuss within yourself on what you actually want. Then it’ll be easy for you to make the decision. But at the end of the day, 75% - 80% of the final decision should be purely yours. For an example, you may decide to pay 3 M for a 121. For most it may look like a foolish decision, but for you.....it's MY DECISION .

Maheshdbr - all these models which I mentioned are minimum 15 years old and had been driven at least 150,000 km. If you are going for the old sedan option, you need to check the condition of prospective cars thoroughly. Ever never be that miserable guy who has been dumped or caught to a shitty oldie. However there are considerable number of good old cars which have been used carefully with good care.

fuel efficient car.....less than 1.5 million. I think what amilawuk has suggested is a good choice. Requirement & available budget, thats what need to be think of extensively. If you looking for a car for daily travel with this budget, better to go for a fuel efficient small car. If you mainly use the vehicle in weekends and for family/lesuire travels, then you can consider a sedan. Corolla 110, Sunny FB 14, Soluna, Civic EG8 some of the sedan models you can look for. Corolla 110 should be the first option. Resell value....just let it go. Way things are moving forward, you can't gain profit by selling a car after 2-3 years of use.

Machan, go for a brand new Maruit/Suzuki small car. With the tax reduction, probably you will be able to buy new one with your budget. When comparing with a small car, you cannot expect super fule efficency from a sedan [unless its a hybrid]. Generally all the famous sedans in the market does in betwen 7 - 10 km in city travelling. I found what people say and what actualy the vehicle delivers, always has a gap. Most of the time the develivery is less than whats been told Second hand market........its a slowly diminishing segment. In near future vehicles will become something like consumer durables and you'll not be able to gain profits by buying & selling. Toyota Soluna does average 8-10 km in city & 12-14 outstation. But its a very good car for its price.

Thanks sathyajith. In fact I'm going through some Axela & Lancer threads at this moment as well Few days ago when we were discussing on vehicles, one of my friend showed me a Mazda Axela and said it’s a superb car. He said 2006-08 models are going well below 3 M & feature list is amazing when comparing with price. Further he adds it does 10 km in city & performance wise it's brilliant.

What you're saying is that even though FD1 with 1800CC & FD4 with 1600CC engines, there is no difference in fuel efficiency. I had a chat with one FD4 auto user and he said that his car does average 9-10 km in city & 14-15 km outstation. I felt he is not lying too [he said he has been using the car for last 02 years & has no plans to sell it immediately]. Before the Soluna, I used a 1987 Mazda Familia 323. A rock solid car. Still remember a journey which I had with myself & 4 other friends to Walapane through all the hilly roads. It didn't disappoint us at all & it was amazing. Guys what about Mazda & Mitsubishi. Mazda Axela & Mitsubishi Lancer. Aren't they good cars? Have they been overshadowed by Toyota & Honda.

Ramishka - Will there be a big difference between FD1 & FD4? looking at your details I guess its FD1 - 7 km & FD4 - 9 km and both figures for driving in city.

Well considering posts up to now, most of you suggesting to go for a sedan rather than an aqua. hmm, even my heart also prefers a sedan Considering both fuel efficiency & comfort, seems to be Axio is the front runner for my budget. Hopefully I'll be able to find a descent Axio [probably YOM 2007-09], with in my budget. But I haven't give up on a Honda Civic as well

ramishkad - FD3s manufactured before 2012 are equipped with a 1330CC engine, right? Does it make the big car underperforming? And how about its maintenance? Does Stafford motors good enough to care them and any outside maintenance experts?

Reckless - True, in future fuel ll be a concern. At the moment it's not a big worry for me as monthly usage is only around 500-600 km. Our Soluna produce average 9 km in city & 13 km outstation. But with my future arrangements & monthly 1500 km + mileage, yes it'll be something to think of . tcfern1 - Thanks for the suggestion mate. I would love to go for a Hybrid sedan. Unfortunately my budget is max 3.3 M . I can add another 2-3 laks, but I don't want to do that. Beacause if something urgent/critical happens, I'll be totally helpless