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Virtual mechanic

I am interested in buying an SUV that is priced between Rs. 11 lakh and Rs. 13 lakh. I have shortlisted the 4WD Scorpio and 4WD Safari. My driving will be mainly on open city roads, around 30km a day, and an occasional highway outing. Please help me make a decision.

The new Scorpio is better-suited than the Safari for urban driving. It also offers good performance and has an impressive fit and finish. However, there is a new Safari due later this year that promises to be more refined and better built. But the Safari's dimensions won't change. Though that offers unparalleled space and comfort, the car's large size can be a handful in town.

Is it worth waiting for the new Swift or should I consider any other hatchback?

We feel the new Swift will be one of the best hatchbacks to be launched this year and it's certainly worth waiting for. It is bigger and much better than the current Swift and will be much nicer to drive too. The new Swift will be launched this August and so it won't be a long wait.

Between the Skoda Fabia Diesel and the Volkswagen Polo Diesel hatchbacks, which one should I go for?

Both these cars use common engines and other components are quite similar but we prefer the Fabia as it is spacious and feels a nit better built because of low levels of localisation (the import content is still quite high).

I am looking to buy a used Honda City ZX and came across a VTEC version from September 2007. The owner has quoted a price of Rs 5.2 lakh. The car seems to be in good condition, apart from a few nicks and scratches. It does however have signs of rusting in the engine bay. Also, both the rear doors have had paintwork done. Other than that, it is well-equipped with a rear spoiler, parking sensors, a 2 DIN audio system, alloy wheels and fog lamps. Is the pricing right for I quite like the vehicle.

The present valuation for a 2007 City in good condition is in the range of Rs 4.75 lakh to Rs.5 lakh, so the price quoted is on the higher side. The accessories fitted on the car don't really add to the value. Signs of rusting in the engine bay indicate an accident job, so it is best to get this car checked in the body shop of an authorised Honda dealer.

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