Alto - good for only first time buyers.

I had to buy a car for my Mom, so thought of giving a try to this option -Alto-Lets go!.. This car is just good for milege, and for single driver only.  In terms of power a brand new alto is even worse than a old-carborettor fitted (non-mpfi) engine Maruti-800.

Over the past years i have had 5 cars, from Fiat, Maruti 800, Wagon-R, Santro to Esteem. As said this is only an entry level car, People who have been driving powerful cars of 1.1 engines , will not find this car confortable, and truely speaking if u can buy Alto for 3.1Lakh , then stretchng for another 60k is a better option and getting on a 1.1L engine car.

Pros -

 

1. Maneuvering the car is easy, just like a toy.. Reversing the car is easy as compared to big segment cars like Santro, Swift, wagon_R
   
2. AC is Good, Effective.
   
3. City mileage has been arnd 15 -17 depending on speed, traffic, with AC, etc. 
   
4. Cheapest car so obviously a + point as u save money (but at the cost of satisfaction)!
   
5. low maintenance, cheaper parts as compared to other cars obviously.
   
6. Good for starters and Women drivers.
   
7. Power steering quite good, needs little effort, but felt size of steering wheel is large for this car.
   
8. Resale value & service of maruti a  point to be taken.

Cons -

 

1. Pick up is not good but okay for 1-2 ppl, but with 3-4 ppl pick up is v poor, & with AC pick up is horrible, u wld get frustated pressing the accelerator in AC !! can hardly pull 4/5 ppl with AC on !!
   
2. All seats are cramped up
   
3. Vey jerky pick up in 1st & 2nd gears ! the car can hardly move much in 1st gear & gives back a jerk if clutch not pressed slightly. Only from 3rd gear (above 30kmph) onwards jerks are not felt so much.
   
4. Very less boot space (170L). 
   
5. Getting in & out of car is extremly uncomfortable (I'm 5"9').
   
6. Avg plastic Quality
   
7. Gear box not at all smooth, continous problems with reverse gear even after service ! Also the gear throw is longer than other cars. IN short its a bit Wierd!
   
8. Day/night mirrors are not there, so at night time a lot of reflection occurs from front glass, side & rear view mirror. Night driving is really uncomfortable in alto.
   
9. Long drives for more than 4 hrs (with small breaks) really uncomfortable & tiring ! Alto not meant for good long drives.
   
10. Since the width of d car is not much, even if a healthy person sits in front passenger seat - the gear box tends to touch him significantly & comes in d way !
    
    

Moral of the story-

1. This is entry level car
2. If you are buying car for the first time. Lets Go!
3. If you are downgrading yourself from 1.1L car to 800cc. please think 10 times.
4. Only good for Women, girls and starters.
5. Ofcourse- Car with the best milege on petrol is here. If milege is your top priority. Lets Go!
6. I feel Maruti 800 is still better than going for Alto.

All the Best! for your car selection.

good fuel economy, avg style, compact, v easy to drive, good visibilitypoor pickup, bumpy ride, v jerky drive in 1st & 2nd gear,night driving difficulty, v less boot space