Hi Folks!,
Last weekend , I started my search for the next car. The current one is M800 which I plan to keep forever
After driving the palio, I had almost decided that my next car would be a fiat. However it looks like it will remain a dream. Well, let me begin with the tragic news. I went to fiat-india website and found out that Sundaram motors listed as the only dealers in Bangalore. Surprisingly they have stopped selling fiat cars and they said there are no fiat dealers in Bangalore and they said production of fiat vehicles has stopped. I was surprised since I was expecting better response considering the latest announcement of a Tata Fiat collaboration.
So fiat was unfortunately off my list..
Next stop was to check out the ford Ikon, ended up checking out the fiesta!!... Ikon is known for being expensive to maintain...but I found the car quite comfy...
Also, there was a mitsubishi dealer in the same premises.. I thought that since the lancer cedia is available, the older lancers are available for good discounts, I was dissapointed. The petrol lancer costs 8L on-road which is not value for money for the older car.
Anyway, the last and most promising option was the Baleno. Took a test drive and I was really impressed...
Now I am clear as to why Baleno owners are so happy with the car...its a true performer...
I am just about to finalize the car. But I have some queries which I request the users to help me out:
1. Current discounts offered - 1 year insurance + Around 35K cash discount.
On road price around 6.7 for Lxi. After discount around 6.1-6.2
Have any forum members received better deals? I even read some in 5L bracket in this forum...
2. Is the 95K price diff to Vxi worth it? Being in the 7L bracket I feel it is closer to newer competition.
3. I saw that the head room in the rear seat is less than ford ikon. But I am 6ft tall (and would be at the drivers seat..
) , and my family members are shorter...so it wont be a problem would it?
4. What are the best finance options available?
5. Autocar had a confusing review, they mentioned that 13inch tires improve ride and 14inch tires offer better handling...so is it always one without the other?
6. I am assuming that maintenance costs are less... is that a wrong assumption?