2005 Zen 30K on the ODO

[amtak]

It was the 15th day of January 2005 when I got my first car. A spanky Silky Silver Zen from Spectra Motors Borivali, Mumbai. It was indeed a special moment for me to get a baby (Car) home!!! The way we landed up buying the Zen is also interesting...went to Spectra motors borivali to ask for the Wagon R as I used to love the car for its features and the comfort part. The sales team generously offered me a test drive...Since I didn't know how to drive a car then, the drove me around giving me the pro's abt the Wagon R. One thing to note is that when I told them I cannot drive they told me that I should atleast start the car to feel it...which was nice on their part...plus the normal goodies that one expects...like WATER and TEA being asked for!. I came out of the showroom with a pleasant smile on my face...A walk for abt 10 meters takes you to Wasan Motors (TATA showroom then, TATA-FIAT now). I asked for the INDIGO, the salesman promtly took me out in the blazing sun at 12.30 noon without even asking me for water or something....reached the car, and there he opened the boot...saab itna bada hai dekho! opened the doors....they open so wide...and then told me, lets do the paper work now!!! no test drive no formalities! we are a TRUCK company (my thoughts then). I went in took the quotation and walked out of the showroom never to go back again.

Now a major task was to convince my family members for the wagon R. My mom liked the Alto and brother the Esteem...went again to the showroom with elder brother. He took me straight behind the wagon R and asked me....VOLVO ka bus dekha hai...peeche se same dikhta hai!!! ...while talking to the sales lady we saw a red ZEN there...and instantly liked it...mutual decision! No questions asked...booked a silky silver color. Loan formalities and other documentation was completed soon within 2 days...the waiting period was 15 days and as soon as the car arrived...we were invited to take the delivery. After taking the delivery...I learnt driving on the same car the same day...never ever been to a motor training school...just played NFS in the "simulator mode" and it helps a lot...!!! had trouble identifying the 1st and the 3rd gear for some days and then got used to it....the RC book came after 15 days...went to pick it up and as soon as I came out of the showroom...there comes a ladyfrom nowhere in a learners car from a side and she just raised her hands from the steering!! and to avoid her, I took a left and scracted the car from side ways on to a divider...the damage 10K! as the doors and running board were also damaged...brother filled the necessary forms to claim the insurance and the car was back in 4 days...awesome work Spectra motors. They have constantly provided me with regular feedback and service reminders...its been 2.5 years and they are doing their job in a good manner....minor rattles here and there have always been taken care by them whenever pointed out...they pick the car from home for service and drop it back if told them to...

From the service that I have got from the Spectra and Maruti, my next car is again going to be a Maruti. No questions asked abt it!

This is the story so far...a detailed review would be posted soon....

[nicejits]

Good write-up ! keep it up !

Regards,
Jitendra

[hormaz]

Good writeup there, amtak. well yeah NFS does help...

[amtak]

Thank you guys. I believe in one thing...If you treat your car like your baby and take care of her, she'll never let you down.