One lakh rupees – and what are your options asks AutoCar (Oct ’08)?
For starters, one lakh rupees (ex-showroom price) is the price of a new Tata Nano with no frills. For air- conditioning and few more accessories, the cost will nudge Ra. 1.5 lakh. But what if you want something different something more powerful, something bigger?
One that offers more luggage capacity and highway usage… Enter the second hand car.

With the burgeoning car market in the country, the used car market is booming also. Among the better known is First Choice, which sells second hand cars with a warranty. AutoCar (Oct. ’08) went shopping and came back with a few deals that are definitely worth checking out.

The Fiat Siena/ Fiat Petra saloons are trading for anywhere between Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh, depending on the year of manufacture. (2002 model 1.6 Petra for Rs. 95,000 in the classifieds, a 2000 model Siena 1.2 for Rs. 80,000 online.)
From the Fiat stable, there’s the popular Palio 1.6 and the S10. An S10 with 45,000 km on the odometer for Rs. 1.15 lakh is not a bad bargain at all.

The evergreen Esteem Maruti ended production at the end of 2007 but prices on its seconds are still high. The diesel Esteem was not a big seller, but if you’re in the market for a compact saloon with diesel economy, this is a good bet. AutoCar (Oct. ’08) found a 2003 petrol model for Rs. 1.4 lakh

The excellent Zen 1.0 litre all-aluminium engine is a gem, earning the Zen the epithet of India’s first hot hatch. One 2004 Zen found by AutoCar had 77,000 km on the clock, and had an asking price of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

If you’re in the market for a car which boasts a more luxurious feel, the Opel Astra is worth a look. The Astra didn’t sell too well and relatively low- mileage cars can be bought for less than Rs. 1.5 lakh. Not too many of them are in the classifieds as the sellers are mostly private. But if you come across a decent example, you should consider it. Be warned though- spares are expensive and scarce.

Last but not the least is the Ford Ikon. The 1.6 lugs like no other engine of that capacity, although the top-end is a bit bunt. The steering feel and feedback are brilliant too. The brakes need regular attention and fuel economy is average, plus some spares are ridiculously expensive. AutoCar (Oct ’08) found a 2000 model Ikon 1.6 from First Choice for Rs. 1.15 lakh.