Hi friends,

Thanks a lot for all your valuable suggestions. Based on your suggestions, I have decided that I will extend my budget and keep safety too in mind while buying a car.

It looks like Toyota Corolla is a good overall fit in terms of cost, safety, maintainence, resale value as well. I am contemplating on Toyota Corolla. The choices I have are 1.3 Xli or 1.8 XLi, Manual or Automatic.

I thought about 1.3 Xli automatic but the salesman said that automatic transmission draws more engine power and hence may not be a good fit. Also, when using air conditioner in car, the engine seems to be really at load. So, 1.8 Xli is required.
So, it looks like 1.8 Xli automatic could be apt for me.

Any thoughts / suggestions on this?

Thanks a lot
Gautam