Bought a 2002 Fiat Palio 1.6 GTX - At a premium After months of researching on internet and on T-Bhp, I had decided in going for a Palio 1.6 Stile. This was inspite of opposition from my dad on the FE front of Palio 1.6.
Had invested in the Stock market and made enough profit to pay the Downpayment, but just then the market tumbles in Jan 08.
Never mind, the principal amount was still intact. In March, the Palio MJD is Launched. Took a test drive and found it good, though no where near to the fun revving Swift with the same engine. But I wanted a Palio. MJD was the choice and Dad was fine with a Diesel hatch. Went through a few reviews, visited the showroom, chose the color (black) and the waiting period (i was told 1.5 months). Time for some money for DP.
This is what I call Fate. May 08, market again tumbles, this time there was a big hole in my portfolio. Put aside my plans for any new car and live with my 99' Santro meantime.
Call it a coincidence but I was just going through Carwale for any used Palio 1.6's in Pune. There was just one, 2003 model, 40K clogged, seller was the second owner and asking price was 1.75L. Too high.
Thought why not search in Mumbai. Found one. And this was not through any dealer. 2002 model and 16K on the Odo. Had to anyways go to Mumbai this weekend, so mailed the owner for a time to see the car. Fixed at Saturday after 16:00 ot anytime on Sunday.
My biggest worry was whether the Odo is tampered. Went through the Article 'How to buy a USED Car' on T-Bhp and also clarified a few other doubts on the forum.
I thank GTO & Takemeon for their timely replies on my doubts.
Reached the owners place at around 5:00pm and luckily it wasn't pouring in Mumbai. The car was right in front of me. Called the Owner to inform that I reached his place. Started my checks before he arrived.
First thing I checked was the Month-Year Mark on the Tyre. It was indeed 2002 and the threading was still good. So 1 point clarified that the car had actually run only 16K kms.
Next, Suspension. Found these in very good shape.
Interiors: Pristine conditions. The Dashboard color had not faded as we find most of the times due to Sunlight. All electricals, including the rear wiper, were working fine.
AC: Fantsatic cooling. Though the real test will be in Pune in the Hot Afternoons. Mumbai has high humidity and hence AC's tend to cool faster.
Took a test drive and liked the car.
Then asked owner whether it was flood affected. Yes he says (very honest. Had we not told this, I wouldn't have realised). Was in water till tyre level when floods hit Mumbai in 2006. Damage to the Starter which he changed and also changed all wiring. The car runs well thereafter.
He also pointed out to me a couple of places where it was rust. I found the owner a Genuine person.
A few places which were not good
1. A small crack of around 3 cms on the front glass, due to something which fell on it from a tree 3 years back.
2. Small places of rust behind the tyre, below the front right hand side door. Not sure what this place is called. We can see the rust when we open the door.
3. Small part of the RHS tail light had cracked.
All in All, I liked the car. I did not bargain much and agreed to the asking price. I know 2002 Palio 1.6 market value isn't more than 1.50L but this was different. Run only 16K kms and all work done in the Fiat showroom. i was happy with a little premium and freezed the deal in an hour.
Would be collecting my car coming weekend with a DD for the entire amount.
I need further advice here
1. Rust: There are small places of rust below the front doors. Will the Anti-Rust coating do fine to control the rust or do I need to get a touch up done? The car is 'Gold' color so it wont be hard to find the color.
2. Have heard a lot about K&N Filter. If I go in for the regular K&N Filter (not cyclic), will it help the Power and, if applicable, FE.
3. Any other thing required to be done on the car?
Will post pics as soon as I take delivery of car. |