Tata Nano
₹ 2.05 Lakh Onwards
Nano Features
Hi Joshy.
Maruti is a market proven car and still got the value. Only issue is it is not sold/registered in metros and selected cities since it not compliant to the latest BIS level. And really interested for a new one, wait and see any new variant is coming (there are re market roomers on an upcoming version).
About NANO: It is really good. It got lot of space, up right sitting, road clearance, visibility, mileage, low maintenance and a lot. If you go for LX variant you will get power windows, and AC at 2.25l (in Bangalore - remember the highest registration charges/tax in India). I bet you will never get and AC M800 on the same rate. (Referring to AC, you would have lived in Antarctica to keep the cooling level to HI in a NANO - it is that real chilling inside). I took a drive with my friend to Chennai from Bangalore (400 km approx with short breaks for tea/snacks) and it was a cool drive giving a mileage of 20-21 with 4 adults inside.
Regarding space: there is a lot. You can store a lot on the dash board, keep a huge back pack in front - below the dash ( cannot dream in alto/M800). I never felt the back seat is hotter ever due to a rear engine.
Referring fire incidents. It is not only nano caught fire (Wagaon-Rs, Altos, M800s, Santros, Audi and the latest - a 108 Force ambulance too). Even after did some wiring for a melody horn in my 2004 alto, I got a similar experience while driving. Since I was aware of the circuit, I got to know the trouble as soon as the burning smell came in and disconnected it.
An incorrect wiring done for the gadgets like lamps/horns can set any car on fire.
CAUTION: DONOT MAKE ANY CHANGE IN ANY WIRING IN NANO OR ANY OTHER CAR WITHOUT PROPER INSULATION OR USE OR RELAYS/CUT OFFS. NEVER NEVER CUT ANY CURCUIT AND TAP/TAPE IT FOR POWER. IT WILL END UP IN A DISASTER
My suggestion: go for a nano and enjoy driving at a less cost, escape from the traffic easily.
Last comment: You said, you will be using the car once in a month. Then better go for a new one since you end up in more maintenance than usage cost for a second hand (occasionally, it may not start when you need the car) but driving around 10 kms per week will be good to keep you r battery healthy or else disconnect after use till the next drive so that it could be drained in a span of 2 weeks of idle time.