Leasing vs. buying a used car or buying a new one?

Hi everybody!
I am moving to Gurgaon with my partner in less than 2 months. We are very excited about the idea . I've read everywhere that public transportation in Gurgaon doesn't practically exist. So we are thinking about getting a car (self drive, but we don't know which the best option is:

-leasing for a year
-buying a used car
-buying a new car

We don't want to spend a lot of money, though. Could anyone help us out?

Thanks.

Buy a scooter and sell it when you go. Honda Activa is the best. If you insist on a car go for a pre-owned car. Maruti Suzuki does a thorough repair and maintenance job on the cars that are traded in and then they sell them with a guarantee of a year or so...

Some other brands may also offer this facility.

Thanks for your reply.
We've thought too about buying a Scooter. But, is it dangerous to drive a Scooter in Gurgaon?
Anyway,we are definitely looking for pre-owned cars. Which ones are the best? We don't want to spend more than 120.000 INR.
What kind of thing do we have to be aware of when buying a pre-owned car?

If you're still alive.

With that budjet, you will get a really old crappy car. Better to stick with a scooter and use the money saved to get a cab/auto when needed.

Financially, I guess so... but remember that two-wheelers are the most dangerous vehicles to drive world-wide and that that danger is much, much higher in India.

It's not impossible. I know foreigners who drive bikes here, and even enjoy it. Best get used to Indian roads, traffic, and the ways of things before venturing out under your own power.

After reading the last comment, I've definitely put this "scooter idea" out of my mind
I think the best option is buying a pre-owned car. I've checked out some webs and there are quite a lot Maruti Suzuki used cars for a good price. Are they reliable? Which other cars could I rely on when they are used cars? How much should I pay for one of those?

Hi there, if you have ridden 2 wheelers before, you will be fine. Just start off slowly, cruise along at walking pace after awhile build up the speed and you will start to fit in. It looks like hell out there but once you learn to read the traffic, surprisingly it's pretty easy, and can become quite entertaining. For around 60,000R's you would get 2 near new top of the range scooters, and they are much easier to sell on than a dodgy one lakh car, bring your helmets from home, cheers Red

Search Youtube on 'Driving in India' for some samples.

120000 will probably get you a basic Maruti 800 type which is a few years old (4?5? I am not an expert here) but will be good for another year- your requirement- if you look for one with a not too high mileage. I suspect that financially this will make the most sense, if you want to drive a car.

Driving in India may be difficult but it is certainly possible, especially if you are looking to drive mainly in Gurgaon.

Thank you all very much for your replies!
I saw a Maruti 800 for 75.000, but I don't like the car at all. I think we should increase our budget to 200.000R's. Maybe there's something better for that price. Any ideas?

Book a Tata Nano ! you will save on the trouble of fixing issues with an old car which might crop up. example - changing wipers/tyres/oil etc or fixing some noise etc.

The only problem is you will have to wait- why not try for a nano which is for resale?

1.2 should get hatchbacks (wagonR/Santro) for 7-10 years vintage. Generally speaking they are quite reliable cars. You can get an Esteem or Accent (sedan) as well, they too are easy on pocket to run and repair.

I agree with this view of Mr Aggarwal. I have an Esteem. It's a dependable car and being a discontinued model you will get it for cheap. Just make sure it wasn't used as a taxi before being sold to you. It used to be a popular taxi. So the risks are high. Stick to either Maruti or Hyundai for reliable service back up. Other brands won't have that kind of service network or reach.
Things to be cautious about - the usual ones you should check before buying any secondhand car anywhere in the world, like ownership papers, various critical parts, battery, tyres, body etc.
Try to buy directly from the owner instead of small time used car dealers. All of them are unscrupulous. Avoid them like plague.

Hi
You can check this site carwale.com. It is always better to buy a new car. Never buy a two wheeler for travelling between Delhi and Gurgaon, I have been driving two wheeers since 1976, but when ever in Delhi I never drive a two wheeler.

Maruti company also sells used cars with warranty, you can buy a used Alto or 800 from them. CHECK THIS SITE- www.marutitruevalue.com

Thanks
Alok