TLDR;
Rakesh sold his Ford Figo Aspire and aimed to buy a new car with the proceeds, exploring options from premium German brands to more budget-friendly choices. He faced dilemmas regarding the practicality of a diesel car versus his actual usage, leading him to consider petrol models for a fun driving experience. Ultimately, he found a car that met his criteria, a German model, the details of which will be revealed in the next video.
- Selling the Ford Figo Aspire after nine years.
- Initial search for premium German cars (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi) within a budget.
- Shift to considering petrol cars for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Selling the Ford Figo Aspire [0:00]
Rakesh discusses selling his Ford Figo Aspire after nine years, a decision influenced by the desire to explore new cars and potentially upgrade to a higher segment. Despite initial reluctance, he made a video explaining his reasons for selling. Finding a buyer was surprisingly easy due to the video, although many offers were low. Eventually, a friend who had followed the Aspire's journey offered a fair price, leading to a smooth sale with paperwork completed at home. Selling the car brought a sense of joy, akin to letting go of something that had reached the end of its useful life, making way for new possibilities.
The Dilemma: To Buy or Not to Buy? [2:31]
After selling the Aspire, Rakesh faced a dilemma: whether he even needed a new car, considering he already owned a Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The Jimny, bought two years prior, was still in great condition and enjoyable to drive. Rakesh found the Jimny practical for daily use, offering good fuel efficiency after removing the roof racks. He realised that his Aspire was only driven about 4,000 kilometres a year, making a diesel car unnecessary. This led him to question the need for a new car, balancing practical needs with his passion for driving.
Searching for a New Car: Premium Brands [4:13]
Rakesh began his car search with premium brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, scouring online marketplaces. He quickly realised that good models within his budget were scarce, often finding high-mileage vehicles from other states. Specifically, he looked at the BMW 320d (F30 model from 2012 onwards) but found them too expensive. Older models (pre-2012) had known issues. Similarly, while he considered the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204), good models were pricey. He also explored the Audi A4 but was put off by its CVT and front-wheel drive.
Exploring Alternatives: Japanese and German Options [7:25]
Rakesh considered Japanese cars but was drawn to German engineering for his next purchase, prioritising value over resale value. He recounted an experience where a used car dealer honestly advised him against buying a Mercedes-Benz C220 due to its poor condition and maintenance issues. This honesty was a valuable lesson in the used car market. Following this, he lowered his sights to Skoda Laura, Octavia, Volkswagen Jetta, Vento, and Skoda Rapid, focusing on diesel models due to his preference.
The Hunt for a Diesel: VW Vento and Skoda Rapid [9:39]
Rakesh narrowed his search to a Volkswagen Vento and a Skoda Rapid, both diesel automatics. He visited a used car showroom in Kaloor and found a clean Vento DSG with low mileage (64,000 km). Despite liking the car, he hesitated due to the asking price. Before he could negotiate, the car was sold to someone else. Undeterred, he found a Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI DSG with low mileage (54,000 km) but four previous owners. After a convincing explanation about the ownership history, he decided to see the car.
The Skoda Rapid Saga: Location and Blow-By [10:56]
Rakesh faced a series of challenges when trying to view the Skoda Rapid. The location provided was incorrect, leading him on a long journey. Upon arrival, the car had scratches, but the low mileage was appealing. However, a test drive revealed a slight lag and engine dullness. During a final check, significant blow-by (excessive smoke from the dipstick) indicated worn piston rings, leading him to abandon the purchase.
Exploring Spinny and Car24 [13:43]
Rakesh explored Spinny and Car24, online platforms for used cars. Spinny offered cleaner, well-maintained cars but at a higher price compared to private sales. He test drove a Polo, Vento, and Duster 1.3. Car24 had less clean cars and minimal test drive opportunities. He found that Spinny had better quality cars but required a willingness to pay more. Ultimately, he was not satisfied with either platform.
Shifting to Petrol: A Fun Car [15:08]
Rakesh re-evaluated his criteria with the help of Vivek, a German car expert. He questioned the need for a diesel car given his limited annual mileage and the potential for costly repairs like injector issues. This led him to consider a petrol car for a more fun and engaging driving experience. He wanted a car that he could drive enthusiastically, making a turbo petrol engine appealing. He considered a Polo GT TSI but found it beyond his budget. Finally, Vivek suggested a car that Rakesh decided to buy, a German model, the details of which will be revealed in the next video.
