After going through various reports, inputs and experiences - which are mostly mixed reports on Verna, I have decided to put my post here.
I own a Viva CRDi and it has clocked 60500+ today. Have already spoken to Firstchoice for selling and got a quote of 4.2 lakhs. I was seriously considering Verna CRDi SX ABS for replacement. I commute 80 kms daily to and fro work approx 25 in city conditions and 55 on highways( more open roads). Max I do on these roads till city is 120-130 mostly. On weekends I drive to any destinations just to enjoy the drive and have been very satisfied with the car. Just 2 punctures till date and one breakdown( after parking in garage- tried to run it for some reason and it didnt start- figured out- battery conked off( 11 days left in completing two years).
The Exide battery that I fitted now gives a miss sometimes as I feel it has something to do with the Amps the original came with and the one this gives( original was also Exide).
Now the problem is that after reading all the reports and feedbacks- I am scared. Is this car( Verna VGT) really unstable at speeds above 130? I do go on soem real good drives around 150 on Baroda Ahmedabad and Mumbai- Pune Expressways and I have been so comfortable on these roads in this car. Seamless and endless power delivery. The car feels better at higher speeds. In fact so comfortable at speeds beyond 120 and pulls so nicely even in top gear.
Sam & hellstar in their posts have mentioned that the car doesnt inspire confidence at higher speeds. Most roads( except GQ) have fair share of small bumps/ uneven surfaces and turns and ups and downs and considering my needs/ hobbies- things I like to do, do you still suggest that I should go for Verna in exchange for Viva CRDi- I am losing almost 3 lakhs here ( purchased Jan 2005 for 7.2) and 2lakhs ( total 5) in DP for Verna .
But I love to switch to a car which is better than Viva CRDi in all repsects- including handling and stability at high speeds.
Featurewise - I like Verna coz of 2 din, ABS and disc( all four) and driver seat height.
Have been postponing Pete's for Viva an Mags too and 130/110 rally( I have a pairs- but didnt want to touch the wirings due to warranty issue) but in this new car - I would luv to do everything- Pete's , Mags- & tyres upgrade - for ride handling and performance- no comfort( unlike Sam) , so please, give your advise.
1. Should I look at some other car?- Can stretch budget just a bit more and all that comes to mind is - Skoda Rider, Magnum( TCDi) and nothing else but I would luv to a performing car with good FE and Verna is best in these aspects.
2. In case, no then which is meeting most of the requirements , in you opinion.
3. Please, recommend tyre upgrade with rims( the best options for Performance and handling). I have read various threads and posts on this. Still a customised!! reply for me will be highly appreciated.
4. Pete's after how much mileage?
5.Ceramic holders and relay is must with Rally 130/110?
thanks.
I can also consider Getz diesel- but waiting period is very long and no ABS, so I am not too keen.
And for a second car- I was too confused between Hyundai PA ( i10) hoping that it gets launched soon and on the other hand a Safari. Safari for lure of it and PA( automatic) for economy and convenience of it being an auto.
I have ruled out Octavia rider auto - because its underpowered now and likely to get a upgraded version mid 2008 and hence, resale value may hit.
I dont intend to keep a car longer than 3 years and hence, good resale value is also important. But in case of Safari , if no hassles then may keep for longer( 4 years-warranty period).
So could be it be in a combination-
1. Getz VGT& Safari ( EX 4*4)- middle option but no ABS , Airbag etc.(approx. 17 lakhs)
2. Verna & PA - ( 14.5 lakhs) but will miss Safari and then whats the point then ?( I dont think I ll go for this option-
)
3. Safari & PA - one for city and one for long drives.( approx 15.5 lakhs).
4. Verna & Safari- costliest option-( total 19.5 lakhs).but would be so good I guess.
May I have your valuable opinions and advises, please.