i am planning to buy a car (hatch back). I have taking in views of few who already have cars. Below are my questions: 1. Pertol car is cheaper than diesel and the maintenance cost is also very low. On a long run which car segment is better to buy. 2. These days diesel cars are coming with better technology where the maintenance cost is being reduced. Is this a fact and what are the diesel version hatch back cars with low maintenance 3. After speaking to a mechanic, he said that the average maintenance cost of pertol car would be around 2000/-, where as for diesel car it is 10000/-. Is this right. My Req: 1. I need a hatch back car which is spacious & fuel efficient.This will be my first car. 2. my budget is 5 Lacs. 3. I am ready for an 2nd hand car if thats in budget and in good condition 4. My usage will be as below I use the car mostly on weekends (sat&Sun) I use the car on weekdays very rarely, say (4-5 times) in a month for office (30kms) I use the car for tours once in a month or by monthly. Please answer the above queries and suggest a better car.

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Sir,
1. Considering that you will be using your car moderately, I would suggest that you buy a petrol car.
2. Diesel car are coming with better technology, but their maintenance cost is still more than a petrol car. Diesel hatchback available in your price range are Tata Indica and Chevrolet Beat. GM provides maintenance plan for Rs 25,000 extra which will cover usual maintenance charges for first 45,000 kms
3. Mechanic is wrong. There is a difference, but not that high.

1&2
Spacious and efficient car in less than Rs 5 lacs - Toyota Liva offers maximum space on the inside. Hyundai i10 offers performance. Honda Brio offers quality, and reliability. Ford Figo offers good engine and more space. A-Star offers good looks and best after sales servicing.
3
I would consider buying second hand car not because you are buying a car for the first time, but prices of new cars are too high. Second hand car market offers much better rates.If you can look around a bit, you might get your hands on a great deal.
4
Perfect for a petrol car, and petrol is not as harsh as diesel on the environment.

Hope this helps.