Is a FIAT worth it ? With regard to the after sales service and customer care

v.anand · 20th October 2011, 21:42

^^Tata is a joint alliance and TVS was the dealer. I don't understand what you mean by Fiat never serviced their own cars. All cars are serviced at dealership, with TVS comparison no manufacturer services their own cars. TVS is additionally a major automotive component manufacturer, probably this adds to the confusion.

Coming to the topic of present day Fiats, being an ex-GTX owner, none of the present ones meet my expectations. There have always been the X-factor with previous Fiats, what with no car being able to match GTX power till this day (in its segment, including Polo 1.6). It was sturdy, built like a tank, ride and handling top-notch, terrific space, huge difference in all these areas compared to competition. Present ones share the national diesel engine but Fiat is the slowest amongst peers due to outdated gear box. As for build and handling, there also exists Skoda, VW, Ford, etc. in the segment(typical Euro manufacturers), negating all the X-factor of old. Add to it, the perception of quality in Punto is less than my 2004 Palio, both in and out. Being a hard core Fiat and Ferrari fan, when time came to change the Palio, reluctantly had to shift camp to VW for the Polo 1.6 and am not disappointed one bit.

From then to now, one thing has remained constant and its the bad A S S.

shashank.nk · 20th October 2011, 23:52

Ok so it was the TVS dealership which gave them a bad name. I was under the impression that it was an alliance with TVS like Tata today.

v.anand · 21st October 2011, 00:56

In my experience, the best service days of my GTX was with Sundaram Motors, Bangalore, a subsidiary of TVS. They were no non-sense, no sugar candy speaking, honest efficient A S S with the only problem of waiting time for part supplies. From the time Tata took over, my experience with Concorde in particular and authorised in general became bitter. They handled the complicated Fiats just like simple Indicas and thereby messed everything due to lack of technical know-how. Sundaram displayed integrity, Concorde stressed on target profit goals and thereby replaced unnecessary parts making it an expensive affair.

Come to present, my service with Skoda has been fairly reasonable and fingers crossed for the VW. Thankfully I don't need to worry about Tata-Fiat service anymore but on the positive side, it makes one strong and bold to explore options outside of trusted Maruti and Hyundai purely from the maintenance POV.

shashank.nk · 21st October 2011, 11:43

It is the Tata technicians that are the weak link and leave many owners unhappy even now.

But with many owners reporting separate SAs for Fiat cars now I hope the situation improves.

In this case also I wonder why Fiat hasn't employed its own engineers to service their cars. This is what I meant in my previous post, may be I wasn't clear

Thamizha · 18th November 2011, 17:28

TATA service is pathetic. But Fiat has announced that it will come on its own branded service centers in 2012. So you may try to give a shot.

vinya_jag · 28th November 2011, 20:38

Hi Guys,

Request for urgent help.

My friend's Brother in Law booked Tuscan Wine MJD E+ on October 29th,(for 7.63 OR), at Aadhya Motors Bangalore, he wanted October make , they agreed to give him either October or Sep model. He wanted to take delivery on 3rd week of November as he had to go to Italy for 10 days.

We wanted to do PDI on 12th , and hopeful of getting delivery by 18th. He finished loan processing on 10th of Nov itself and made remaining payments. But they did not bring the vehicle to show room, said it is at Hoskote - their stock yard, it will come by 14th.
Now the real problem, the vehicle which they wanted to offer was June make (FMZ) . They are saying FIAT is not manufacturing any Tuscan Wine from June, so they can give this only. They have booked it after we made booking and fiat only sent June mode. This they are telling after all payments made and just before the day of registration. They did not even hint while booking. His 1st EMI starts from Dec.
They even claiming that fiat is coming up with new model, and rates are increasing, for that he has to cancel and re book it again if he doesn't want this model. Their earlier promised delivery was 3rd week of Nov, but till now they haven't delivered .

Can anyone answer this? This information is quite urgent.

1) Has Fiat stopped Tuscan wine?
2) How good to buy June model without further discounts?
3) Has anyone bought Oct or Sep make Tuscan Wine model?
4) Is it good to wait for new model?

Please reply?

Turbokick · 28th November 2011, 21:00

Clearly the dealer doesn't seem to be very clean about his approach.
6 months old car in the yard and I argue you to either look for some other color (relatively newer oct/nov make) or push for further discount.

New model will be more like a mild cosmetic make over. I don't think Fiat will increase the prices considering the flagging sales it is witnessing.

Personally I would like you wait for the 2012 model. Its not too far away. With little bit of extra premium (if they choose to increase the price) you will having that peace of mind.

StarrySky · 28th November 2011, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinya_jag

They are saying FIAT is not manufacturing any Tuscan Wine from June, so they can give this only. They have booked it after we made booking and fiat only sent June mode.

I think this can be easily confirmed by any Tata-Fiat service station. I mean, not just about availability of Tuscan Wine, but also if the vehicle was invoiced by Fiat after you booked. Hopefully some of our members who have good contacts in any of the service centres can help.

rameshnanda · 28th November 2011, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinya_jag

Can anyone answer this? This information is quite urgent.

1) Has Fiat stopped Tuscan wine?
2) How good to buy June model without further discounts?
3) Has anyone bought Oct or Sep make Tuscan Wine model?
4) Is it good to wait for new model?

Please reply?

1. From what I know, Fiat has stopped production of both Punto and Linea. They may be launching both with minor facelift in Jan'12.

2. As long as you do a thorough PDI, that should be fine. I would suggest to negotiate further for the discounts since its June.

3. To my knowledge, No. Not any other color too.

4. There may not be major facelift happening and also I heard that Fiat is planning to bring down the discounts from Jan'12. If you wait, you may end up paying 20k+ more at least.

StarrySky · 29th November 2011, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by rameshnanda

3. To my knowledge, No. Not any other color too.

My friend has bought a Sept '11 manufactured 90HP Punto - colour is medium grey.

sandeepmohan · 29th November 2011, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinya_jag

he wanted October make , they agreed to give him either October or Sep model.

We wanted to do PDI on 12th , and hopeful of getting delivery by 18th. He finished loan processing on 10th of Nov itself and made remaining payments. But they did not bring the vehicle to show room, said it is at Hoskote - their stock yard.

1) Has Fiat stopped Tuscan wine?
2) How good to buy June model without further discounts?
3) Has anyone bought Oct or Sep make Tuscan Wine model?
4) Is it good to wait for new model?

Please reply?

I was told the same thing when I went there to test drive the TJet. It is now confirmed that what ever model you buy in the Fiat India line up, it will be made in May or June. Cars were not manufactured after this as they already had enough in their inventory.

Why were remaining payments made without doing a PDI? This was not a good call.

I was told the stock yard was just 2km from the showroom.

It should be safe to buy a car manufactured in June. Just do a very detailed PDI.

vinya_jag · 29th November 2011, 09:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

I was told the same thing when I went there to test drive the TJet. It is now confirmed that what ever model you buy in the Fiat India line up, it will be made in May or June. Cars were not manufactured after this as they already had enough in their inventory.

Why were remaining payments made without doing a PDI? This was not a good call.

I was told the stock yard was just 2km from the showroom.

It should be safe to buy a car manufactured in June. Just do a very detailed PDI.

Sandeep, I doubt, because in team-fiat forum, a guy posted saying he bought NOV manufactured TW Active, VIN number with LMZ.
Anyhow today we are going for PDI, will decide after that. If everything looks fine, then we will bargain further.

rampaps · 29th November 2011, 09:56

Please give me the name of this FIAT garage in Mysore.
Regards,
-Ram

nixie89 · 2nd December 2011, 12:40

Guys...I got my 90 hp punto in jun this yr, manufactured in may 2011. It took almost 5 weeks from booking date till they actually delivered it though I got the vin soon after my booking.
Suggest you to call up fiat helpline or their registered office in mumbai to enquire about the same.i don't see any harm in buying June make so far color fabric and plastics are intact...please do a thorough pdi

Relativity · 19th January 2012, 23:24

Hi All,

This is currently on my radar as I am planning to buy a Punto in a few months. I noticed that Fiat has become really aggressive with the advertisements, the ground clearance for both cars has been improved and the first Fiat Cafe has been launched in Delhi.

However, has the sales/service experience changed? Also, is Fiat planning on going solo for the service?

20th October 2011, 21:42	#76
v.anand BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 329 Thanked: 44 Times	Re: Is a FIAT worth it ? With regard to the after sales service and customer care ^^Tata is a joint alliance and TVS was the dealer. I don't understand what you mean by Fiat never serviced their own cars. All cars are serviced at dealership, with TVS comparison no manufacturer services their own cars. TVS is additionally a major automotive component manufacturer, probably this adds to the confusion. Coming to the topic of present day Fiats, being an ex-GTX owner, none of the present ones meet my expectations. There have always been the X-factor with previous Fiats, what with no car being able to match GTX power till this day (in its segment, including Polo 1.6). It was sturdy, built like a tank, ride and handling top-notch, terrific space, huge difference in all these areas compared to competition. Present ones share the national diesel engine but Fiat is the slowest amongst peers due to outdated gear box. As for build and handling, there also exists Skoda, VW, Ford, etc. in the segment(typical Euro manufacturers), negating all the X-factor of old. Add to it, the perception of quality in Punto is less than my 2004 Palio, both in and out. Being a hard core Fiat and Ferrari fan, when time came to change the Palio, reluctantly had to shift camp to VW for the Polo 1.6 and am not disappointed one bit. From then to now, one thing has remained constant and its the bad A S S. Last edited by v.anand : 20th October 2011 at 21:52.
	(1) Thanks

20th October 2011, 23:52	#77
shashank.nk Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,696 Thanked: 1,048 Times	Ok so it was the TVS dealership which gave them a bad name. I was under the impression that it was an alliance with TVS like Tata today.
	() Thanks

21st October 2011, 00:56	#78
v.anand BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 329 Thanked: 44 Times	Re: Is a FIAT worth it ? With regard to the after sales service and customer care In my experience, the best service days of my GTX was with Sundaram Motors, Bangalore, a subsidiary of TVS. They were no non-sense, no sugar candy speaking, honest efficient A S S with the only problem of waiting time for part supplies. From the time Tata took over, my experience with Concorde in particular and authorised in general became bitter. They handled the complicated Fiats just like simple Indicas and thereby messed everything due to lack of technical know-how. Sundaram displayed integrity, Concorde stressed on target profit goals and thereby replaced unnecessary parts making it an expensive affair. Come to present, my service with Skoda has been fairly reasonable and fingers crossed for the VW. Thankfully I don't need to worry about Tata-Fiat service anymore but on the positive side, it makes one strong and bold to explore options outside of trusted Maruti and Hyundai purely from the maintenance POV.
	(1) Thanks

21st October 2011, 11:43	#79
shashank.nk Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,696 Thanked: 1,048 Times	It is the Tata technicians that are the weak link and leave many owners unhappy even now. But with many owners reporting separate SAs for Fiat cars now I hope the situation improves. In this case also I wonder why Fiat hasn't employed its own engineers to service their cars. This is what I meant in my previous post, may be I wasn't clear
	() Thanks

18th November 2011, 17:28	#80
Thamizha BHPian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chennai Posts: 69 Thanked: 12 Times	Re: Is a FIAT worth it ? With regard to the after sales service and customer care TATA service is pathetic. But Fiat has announced that it will come on its own branded service centers in 2012. So you may try to give a shot.
	() Thanks

28th November 2011, 20:38	#81
vinya_jag BHPian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 617 Thanked: 1,226 Times	Re: Is a FIAT worth it ? With regard to the after sales service and customer care Hi Guys, Request for urgent help. My friend's Brother in Law booked Tuscan Wine MJD E+ on October 29th,(for 7.63 OR), at Aadhya Motors Bangalore, he wanted October make , they agreed to give him either October or Sep model. He wanted to take delivery on 3rd week of November as he had to go to Italy for 10 days. We wanted to do PDI on 12th , and hopeful of getting delivery by 18th. He finished loan processing on 10th of Nov itself and made remaining payments. But they did not bring the vehicle to show room, said it is at Hoskote - their stock yard, it will come by 14th. Now the real problem, the vehicle which they wanted to offer was June make (FMZ) . They are saying FIAT is not manufacturing any Tuscan Wine from June, so they can give this only. They have booked it after we made booking and fiat only sent June mode. This they are telling after all payments made and just before the day of registration. They did not even hint while booking. His 1st EMI starts from Dec. They even claiming that fiat is coming up with new model, and rates are increasing, for that he has to cancel and re book it again if he doesn't want this model. Their earlier promised delivery was 3rd week of Nov, but till now they haven't delivered . Can anyone answer this? This information is quite urgent. 1) Has Fiat stopped Tuscan wine? 2) How good to buy June model without further discounts? 3) Has anyone bought Oct or Sep make Tuscan Wine model? 4) Is it good to wait for new model? Please reply?
	() Thanks

28th November 2011, 21:00	#82
Turbokick BHPian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bhubaneswar Posts: 647 Thanked: 1,304 Times	Re: Is a FIAT worth it ? With regard to the after sales service and customer care Clearly the dealer doesn't seem to be very clean about his approach. 6 months old car in the yard and I argue you to either look for some other color (relatively newer oct/nov make) or push for further discount. New model will be more like a mild cosmetic make over. I don't think Fiat will increase the prices considering the flagging sales it is witnessing. Personally I would like you wait for the 2012 model. Its not too far away. With little bit of extra premium (if they choose to increase the price) you will having that peace of mind.
	() Thanks

29th November 2011, 09:56	#88
rampaps BANNED Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 13 Thanked: Once	Re: FIAT service... Please give me the name of this FIAT garage in Mysore. Regards, -Ram
	() Thanks

2nd December 2011, 12:40	#89
nixie89 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 40 Thanked: 29 Times View My Garage	Guys...I got my 90 hp punto in jun this yr, manufactured in may 2011. It took almost 5 weeks from booking date till they actually delivered it though I got the vin soon after my booking. Suggest you to call up fiat helpline or their registered office in mumbai to enquire about the same.i don't see any harm in buying June make so far color fabric and plastics are intact...please do a thorough pdi
	() Thanks

19th January 2012, 23:24	#90
Relativity BHPian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Chennai Posts: 61 Thanked: 6 Times	Re: Is a FIAT worth it ? With regard to the after sales service and customer care Hi All, This is currently on my radar as I am planning to buy a Punto in a few months. I noticed that Fiat has become really aggressive with the advertisements, the ground clearance for both cars has been improved and the first Fiat Cafe has been launched in Delhi. However, has the sales/service experience changed? Also, is Fiat planning on going solo for the service?
	() Thanks