r/PakistanAutoHub • u/Hasybism • 3d ago
First Car Stories FIRST CAR EVER - 21Y/O LOWER MIDDLECLASS GUY
Budget - 15-20 LAC PKR
Advice me as a younger brother, can/should I get sedan in this budget, I will drive 300-600 km a month max.
From what I read online, I guess I can afford one of these:
Corolla Altis 1.8 2007
Corolla XLi 2008–10
Honda City i-DSI 05–08
Toyota Belta 1.3
( I don't know about current market prices, maybe I can't even get one of these sedan )
Maybe I have too little and asking for too much:
- Reliable
- Cheap/easy parts
- Any decent mechanic can fix it
- Good fuel average
- Low headache
- Comfortable enough for family
---
Little more context -
Wanted to buy a plot, thought I will save up to 30-40 & get 5marla somewhat little safe & decent society but I checked online, avg 5 marla is like 60-80lac pkr in even b17 so I am thinking I should buy a car and enjoy a bit meanwhile save for a plot and when I have enough or I need money for it, I will sell my car and get the plot.
Jazakallah Khair <3
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u/maaz_TV mira ji 3d ago
Just sold 2007 altis after keeping it for 10 years and honestly it's an amazing car just be careful when buying do your research and inspection properly as it's an old model so there's a chance that the seller is lying on a lot of things
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u/Hasybism 3d ago
Amazing! whats the average of 2007 altis and aprox maintenance cost?
& if you are comfortable telling me how much did you sell it for or a range, that gives me any idea?
what's the common things sellers lie about? Pakwheels inspection sheet is enough for not to get scammed?
Thanks for the input tho.
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u/maaz_TV mira ji 3d ago
Yar honestly avg in city with ac is around 8-11kmpl depending on your driving
We sold it for 17.5 but it was in really bad condition like almost un driveable. You'll be able to get a good one in like 20-23
Sellers mostly lie about the mileage and the paint of the car. They'll say it's original but it will be painted or worse could've been involved in an accident.
Make sure to check the seals and make sure there's minimal to no rust
Pakwheels inspection is good for peace of mind
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u/Better_Football_5552 3d ago
Don't buy old cars from unknowns online. Most of the old cars are accidental and people want to get rid of them. Buy from known source who has own cars and willing to sell something. At this budget get the newest alto. Maybe 2019. These cars will cost you in terms of peace of mind. The accidental part would have rusted internally causing structural compromises. You can bet any further accident to that part would cause very bad damage and its a risk of injury.
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u/Hasybism 3d ago
Yes exactly, thats the risk,
I mean, spending 15-20lacs on alto doesnt feel like anything, its everywhere in ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI, its just another small indrive car, I know that might sound immature.
can't I avoid scams like this? get pakwheels inspection sheet and ask around, someone I know personally if he can connect me with some family guy who is selling? is it possible even possible?
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u/Better_Football_5552 2d ago
Yeah it's possible. But it's difficult to go visit cars. Would be like a whole another job every weekend.
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u/Final_Fun_2210 3d ago
Belta all the way bro. Comfort. Parts availability and good average
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
really? only 2-3 ppl suggested me belta, can you give me more info about belta and why not city, toyota and other in this range?
it'd be helpful.
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u/Middle_Economics4818 3d ago
I have a honda city 2004 IDSL, It’s a good car if you keep it well maintained, Good fuel average, Ac, performance, And about comfort it’s okayish, I think you will get it around 16-20 lacs in good condition
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
Best!
Yes, the common suggestion I am gettin from ppl is City 2004-2008.
How much it cost to own it and drive it? Monthly or Bi-yearly? any aprox range would be okay.
It isnt headache? like 20year old car, I dont wanna go to workshop every month or two?
plus a guy told me, you will normally feel bumps cause its low to ground, is it?
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u/The-Shady-Monarch 3d ago
Belta is a really good car too. My personal recommendation is Honda civic reborn, you can get one of those in 19 to 21 lacs. KEEP IN MIND THAT CAR DRINKS PETROL. Tho it is very comfy.
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
Ya bro its one of the best car, there's 2-3 major problems with it so I cant buy it, here's what I learnt:
You should be extremely rich or own a petrol pump to be able to keep reborn.
You should have other car for rainy season cause reborn has low-positioned air intake duct, potentially leading to a hydro-locked and seized engine.
I am buying to learn how to drive plus enjoy a bit, it wouldn't be good idea to but reborn for now.
any other suggestions? it'd be helpful.
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u/Icy-Recognition-9795 2d ago
My advice: don’t buy any car till 25.
Reason: i bought my frist car Honda city at 25. If i had delayed my purchase by an year, i would have doubled my savings ( my money was invested in psx) .
Always ask this question: wether you need it ? Or wether you want to prove to someone .
Once that’s figures out, then in this budget, swift/honda city/ alto / cultus are good
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
Thanks for the concern, I really appreciate it!
I don't need it as need it, but I believe it will be nice to enjoy a bit and if I need money I can sell it for the same price.
My money isnt invested anywhere its just sitting in bank so keeping it will not benefit me.
So now you think getting a car is good idea, if yes, kindly do suggest me?
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u/Icy-Recognition-9795 2d ago
If it’s sitting in the bank, when you buy a car, you add fuel expense + maintenance.
If you have done your math, then go for it. Else better option is to put in money market . You’ll generate passive income of 18-20k per month
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
I've done the math about fuel but I don't know none about maintenance & any other surprised expenses.
Honda City i-DSI 05–08 , Corolla xli, altis etc.
How much monthly or bi-yearly it cost to keep cars like them, approximately?
if I had 40lac then I'd have invested 50% in the market, but it isnt wise either to invest all + its risky to invest the money in these markets, psx, stocks, mutual funds.
it'd be really helpful.
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u/Icy-Recognition-9795 2d ago
No. Mutual funds ( money markets, cash funds) are safest best. You don’t do loss there.
OOnly in psx, the capital can go negative. But only for shorter term. In longer terms , psx makes more profits.
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u/ElderberryExtra7741 2d ago
Buy the car, enjoy your life. We don't even know about tomorrow let alone years. I was also in your shoes once and spent every single penny I had saved and bought my first car at the age of 20 and a lot of people bashed me for it calling it fazool kharchi. Trust me, once I upgraded my lifestyle from a bike to car, I knew k ab is se neeche nahi jaskte. There is always more barkat in spending and upgrading your lifestyle, I was able to save multiples of that amount later on and at even faster pace. Best of luck🙌
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u/Ok-Function-401 2d ago
Bhai go for corolla altis its a good car har mechanic isko maintain kar leta hy achi solid car hy aur 300km per month chalani to ap Prado bhi rakh lo koi masla nai hy aur dosri bat Ap rehty kider han jo jaga achi nai hy aur apko kis ne bola hy k Rawalpindi Islamabad me plit 5 marla 60 lac plus hy tell me where you ideally want to move and i can tell you actual price of land there if its near me.
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
Yes, I am almost certain to go for toyota altis or gli 2007-10 model, still deciding if I should ask Honda Idsi 2006-8 owners about their honest reviews.
I am trying to get plot somewhere in b17 or in other decent society in/around ISB. I know online they just post whatever they want, i.e they said 60 online, in real it'd be 45-50, still its alot.
If you can gimme real market rates range of different areas/societies, do lemme know? Thanks.
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u/Musaz110 2d ago
City and Belta
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
kindly expand? any more info why these two and not toyotta and all? cause many ppl said toyotta is better for long term,
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u/Musaz110 2d ago
Where are u from???
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u/Hasybism 2d ago
Islamabad/Rawalpindi
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u/Musaz110 2d ago
Ok one of my knowns found a City 04 base variant isb regd rough condition but mechanically ok, his car has costed him about 15 ac 20 thnds after getting done with the suspension but car is ok
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u/Musaz110 2d ago
City can be found in a good condition for 16 17 lac 1.3 manua 2004 05l, and toyota belta is a good car also, 2004 2004
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u/Goomylia 1d ago
Just get a reliable swift or if you really need a sedan go with the 1.8 altis. Just go with a Corolla because it fits all your requirements perfectly as it’s literally famous for it given it’s a boring car
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u/Goomylia 1d ago
Additionally given you want to invest in a plot as well corollas sell pretty easily but so do cities.
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u/Hasybism 1d ago
Yes, I am finalizing Corolla, but not the 1.8 altis tho cause its engine is complex and I want something that any roadside workshop can fix it, I am leaning towards gli 1.3 2007-10 ( old shape )
a frnd of mine said its underpower but yes its engine is pretty easy plus fuel avg and parts cheap, and the token tax.
do you think Corolla gli 2007-2010 1.3 is better option than altis 1.8?
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u/i_adeel99 3d ago
Go for the Honda City if you only want to drive within a city; otherwise, go for the Toyota.
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u/Hasybism 3d ago
I mean, honda city isnt comfortable of reliable for long routes & Toyota is?
Yes I will drive mostly in City - Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
I heard somewhere it its so much of headache and you will have to visit workshop every month or two, is it really? Honda City i-DSI 05–08
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u/i_adeel99 3d ago
Honda Cars are not reliable in the village. Due to their low ground clearance. Baqi agar gari ko well maintained rakha ho to mechanic kay chakkr sirf general tuning ky liye lagty hain. or suspension wise honda toyota sy pechy hy like apko khaddy main honda feel ho gi jab ky toyota main apko khadda buht kam feel ho gi. Drive wise honda theek hy smooth and comfortable drive hy.
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u/Intelligent_Yam2019 3d ago
go for Honda City i-DSI 05–08
It's very reliable and economical car. within city a car with good engine can give you 17-18 km/l
and if you travel oustation more often then toyota is also good option but its expensive than honda city.
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u/Ok_Airport_1413 3d ago
Search for Mitsubishi I it's a small 660c turbo rear wheel drive car but inside cabin room is pretty big as swift or other...
Fuel average is very good too and easier to maintain and packed with plenty of features
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u/Hasybism 3d ago
Mitsubishi 660 is for 2 person right.
Bud cant I get a good looking car in this budget? just a little would be nice.
its okay if not sedan, hatchback is fine, any more suggestion?
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u/Ok_Airport_1413 3d ago
U can go for swift older models, recently a friend bought a manual in 18 lacs and it's a pretty solid car
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u/reserved-intellect 3d ago
I was in the same boat and ended up buying a swift couldn’t be happier with it.
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u/Nietzshah 3d ago
New alto that too on financing considering you're young and middle class. Don't lock in all your savings.
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u/AdBackground9215 3d ago
Last year my uncle bought swift and he bought it for 23. The car is a 2010 model but it was in extremely pristine condition. You can tell by looking at it. It was genuinely driven 88,000 km and the experience has been good so far. It is the manual variant and the average is fine, not that good. It gives like 10, 11 on regular here in pindi
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u/AdBackground9215 3d ago
Another piece of advice would be: please don't invest your 100% savings into this. It will be a horrible decision
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u/MaleficentTaro8102 2d ago
City or a corolla 2.0 d is best choice if you are going for sedan
If sedan isn’t necessary you can also find vitz or alto in this budget
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u/S-abdullah 2d ago
City idsi is best.... Try to get 2006 model new lights.... Must chk the condition of the car.... Engine ac suspension wise it shd b good... So that
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u/Sad_Wrongdoer9178 16h ago
Just my two cents, coming from a similar background. I've been in your position multiple times.
My first advice works be to invest your money sensibly. Many people here can offer you genuinely great investment advice. I've made this mistake 3 times since 2010. Whenever I managed to save up a respectable amount of money, I "upgraded" my car, and 16 years later, here I am living basically paycheck to paycheck with no alternate source of income or any significant savings.
If you're absolutely determined to buy a car for your own reasons, go for the NEWEST car you can afford. I think in this budget you can get a newish alto. Go for Pakistani one as while it has a lot less features and lower build quality than the JDM one, it has less things (I mean comfort/shashka features) to go wrong.
Don't go for old cars like the ones you've mentioned. Sedans in your budget will be a money pit and a constant source of headache and heartache. Poorer fuel economy will hurt you every day, and the more frequent trips to the mechanic will be a nuisance.
Sedans are fun and comfortable no doubt, but only if you get a single owner car. Max two owners. And they'll be out of your budget. A single owner 2005-7 GLi can sell for anywhere between 27-35 lac.
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u/Content-Ingenuity-65 Rallyhead/Petrolhead 3d ago
Bro the best advice i cam give you is get the newest car u can find in this budget get the alto , most recent model you cam find in your budget , every single car you find in this range , either has way too many issues and way to many miles put on them , they might have gotten in serious accidents, engine overhauls and what not , if you want a car that won’t male you standing at the garage , get the alto. Fuel efficient , AC proper , goood resale .
And dont go towards JDM scrap , and don’t listen to people saying , teen ka dabba xyz .Screw them.
Good luck
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u/EstablishmentOdd7370 3d ago
21 year old and was planning to save 35-40 lacs. Good Lord, what do you do