[Raajiv]

The Search:

With a budget of 5-5.5L, wifey and myself set to buy out a car this New Year. About our self, we are new to the world of cars as our commute to work and other places was only in a bike. So all this I am going to put is in the eyes of a prospective first car buyer and in the experience of a novice in the world of automobiles.

Average Distance traveled per week: 150-200 kms.So a diesel car is out of concern. (Point learned from Team-BHP)

Requirements:

1. Safety (This was in top priority since we were newbie’s to the world of cars)
2. Comfort (With the kind of roads in our territory, I need a comfortable ride!!)
3. FE (Ofcourse, Indian head thinking here and the sky rocketing prices of fuel in India!!)
4. *** and Maintenance (With 2+ years of experience in Team-BHP, it was easy for me decide either the Maruti or Hyundai is going to fit my bill here!!)

So, after a lot of test drives and haggling with the dealers, booked the Hyundai i10 Magna Option with DSC,Chennai.Since the car is pretty new and has made it debut in India, Did not get any discounts from the dealer apart from the standard fitments, but I haggled hard to get body cover and Teflon coating done. With all set after taking a loan from a nationalized bank, the delivery date was fixed on Feb 18,2008 and boy I cannot express my happiness in words here.I was as excited as a school kid !!!!!!My first possession of four wheels!!!!

Feb 15 – Sorrow day:

On Feb 15, received a call from the dealer stating that the Deep Ocean Blue color was not available even on 18 Feb, so delivery may get delayed, but we had the option of choosing an Alpine Blue color 2008 model. Convinced everyone for the Alpine Blue Color, As I did not want to wait a long time to get my hands on the car.

Feb 16 - Inspection Day:

Fine Saturday Morning, decided to check out the model at the dealer’s yard. There she was filled with all muck and slush. Quickly noted the Chassis Number, Engine Number and also checked for interior/exterior damages. After a thorough inspection, convinced myself that the car is for me.So, decided to make the payment the same day and voila, confirmed that the date of delivery is on Feb 18, 2008.

Feb 17 – Dreamy Day:

I was dreaming all through the day only about her.Wifey suggested me to get my things packed up and was willing to arrange a stay for me at the dealership. J


Feb 18 – Delivery Follies:

Day started with a bang! The Sales Person called me and informed me that I had to get a hypothecation certificate to get the car registered. With my Bank not working on Monday I had only the option of getting it the other day and since Feb 18 was very auspicious, decided to take the car with the name board reading “For Registration”.

Took a day off @ the office and reached the dealership at around 4.30 PM.With the handy checklist provided at Team-BHP,carefully ensured that all the checks are made by me. So all set, @ 5.30, cranked her for the first time and started rolling after the customary pooja.Drove directly to a fuel station nearby and checked for tyre pressures.(Point Learned from Team-BHP)
Reached home safely and parked the car right opposite to my Lovely French Window in the Living Room, so that I can have a glare at her. Will put up the Initial Impressions soon once I get her registered and have a nice drive.

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