Alto or Figo? EDIT : The Chevy Beat it is!

hellmet · 2nd May 2010, 13:51

My main objectives here are:

1.Complete my 40 KM, super dense traffic commute in comfort with some ease. (To anyone familiar with Hitech City - Tarnaka route along begumpet should know what I'm saying) This requires an A/C to keep the crap out and super FE to compensate for the stop-n-go movement.
2.Ability to take parents out together without having to spend on the tin-can Auto, exposed to elements or on two separate two-wheelers which is a pain, especially since my parents have ventured into the 'aging' territory.
3. Be able to plan short trips from the city with friends without having to rely on cabs or drivers.
4. Be able to save a significant portion of my salary for the future.

However, these requirements contradict with the other side of me:

1. To have a car with snob value and/or respect on the road.
2. To be able to spend at will without caring for the future - living on the edge.
3. To upgrade my lifestyle.

Thankfully, the 'good' side of me has started to overpower me and I'm going for a high-FE, OK for short trips car - the Alto. I just have to make sure the 'other' side of me doesn't take over before I buy it.

Sounds ridiculous, right ?

thumpmeister · 2nd May 2010, 15:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet

My main objectives here are:

1
Sounds ridiculous, right ?

IMHO you should chck out the Beat/i1o if what you stated above are your requirements...

supremeBaleno · 2nd May 2010, 15:45

Nope. Nothing ridiculous about this. Am sure many of us would have gone through the same during our car/home purchase situations.

Given that you are just into your first job & a 5L car would be stretching it too much + the fact that you are new to stick-shift and Indian driving, the Alto seems the best fit for you. Also this would leave you with enough cash for savings + fuel etc without restricting other expenses. It would also meet all the 4 points in your first list in the previous post. A Spark would have been good too, but you dont like the looks. So...

So get a new Alto, drive around for a couple of years till you get used to the Indian traffic. And then if the desire to live on the edge is still there, get a bigger car. The Alto would come to your aid at that point also, given the high resale value it commands. Or keep the Alto as a city runabout.

After 1-2 years, you can upgrade to a bigger car to meet the next list of 3 requirements in your list above.

hellmet · 2nd May 2010, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

Nope. Nothing ridiculous about this. Am sure many of us would have gone through the same during our car/home purchase situations.

Given that you are just into your first job & a 5L car would be stretching it too much + the fact that you are new to stick-shift and Indian driving, the Alto seems the best fit for you. Also this would leave you with enough cash for savings + fuel etc without restricting other expenses. It would also meet all the 4 points in your first list in the previous post. A Spark would have been good too, but you dont like the looks. So...

So get a new Alto, drive around for a couple of years till you get used to the Indian traffic. And then if the desire to live on the edge is still there, get a bigger car. The Alto would come to your aid at that point also, given the high resale value it commands. Or keep the Alto as a city runabout.

After 1-2 years, you can upgrade to a bigger car to meet the next list of 3 requirements in your list above.

Thanks SB for the encouraging words. The more I think about it the more I feel I'm making the correct choice. Let's see how all of this turns out in the end.

thedreamcatcher · 4th May 2010, 12:52

[quote=JustCause;1862952]

I don't suggest Alto for 'comfort', it is a Go-kart enthusiast's city car, Wagon-R is so very much comfortable & ergonomic in seating.

[quote]

I guess this line sums up our views on why you should not go in for the alto. And as someone else on the thread mentioned, not even one enjoys just driving any car. For me, I would rather walk, than to drive in something that is not comfortable. Or take the public transport.

Not the Alto is a bad car or anything, but if you can afford something better, then go for it. My stand is for a used Wagon R or Santro for a year or so should be a good deal for you

hellmet · 9th May 2010, 13:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet

My main objectives here are:

1.Complete my 40 KM, super dense traffic commute in comfort with some ease. (To anyone familiar with Hitech City - Tarnaka route along begumpet should know what I'm saying) This requires an A/C to keep the crap out and super FE to compensate for the stop-n-go movement.
2.Ability to take parents out together without having to spend on the tin-can Auto, exposed to elements or on two separate two-wheelers which is a pain, especially since my parents have ventured into the 'aging' territory.
3. Be able to plan short trips from the city with friends without having to rely on cabs or drivers.
4. Be able to save a significant portion of my salary for the future.

However, these requirements contradict with the other side of me:

1. To have a car with snob value and/or respect on the road.
2. To be able to spend at will without caring for the future - living on the edge.
3. To upgrade my lifestyle.

Thankfully, the 'good' side of me has started to overpower me and I'm going for a high-FE, OK for short trips car - the Alto. I just have to make sure the 'other' side of me doesn't take over before I buy it.

Sounds ridiculous, right ?

My 'other' side has woken up. I'm screwed! I'm booking a BEAT on Mon/Tue. Why not the Figo? I test-'rode' the BEAT and fell in love with it. I am letting go off Alto because with the new version I found myself saying the word 'compromise' too often and I felt I deserve this one-time pampering of a 'good' car. I hope I'm not wrong (crosses fingers).

GTO · 10th May 2010, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet

I deserve this one-time pampering of a 'good' car. I hope I'm not wrong (crosses fingers).

You certainly aren't (wrong). Remember, the better the car that you buy, the longer you'll hold on to it. Generally, this works out cheaper in the longer run

I had a feeling, from your previous posts, that you viewed the Alto as too much of a compromise.

Good luck with the Beat. Drive safe, and don't forget to share a complete ownership review which may be helpful to other forum users.

hellmet · 10th May 2010, 12:54

GTO, thanks a lot for your support. Since this is my first car, there is some fear and happiness combined.

Sure. I'll definitely post about the entire buying experience and let you guys know how everything goes and how the BEAT runs on road.

dr.syedfarhan · 11th May 2010, 02:06

Hi,
Since I am also from hyd and seriously considering chevy beat as my first hatch, so please post the on road price along with the break, any freebies or discounts and the name of the dealer.

hellmet · 11th May 2010, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr.syedfarhan

Hi,
Since I am also from hyd and seriously considering chevy beat as my first hatch, so please post the on road price along with the break, any freebies or discounts and the name of the dealer.

Getting it for approx. Rs4,40,000/- on road for metallic and Rs4,33,000 non-metallic on road.
No regular discounts, no corporate discounts, nothing. One dealer is offering free mats, mud-flaps, etc, while the other is offering nothing. The two showrooms I'm talking about are the Orange Chevrolet at banjara hills and Kun Chevrolet at Kondapur.

hellmet · 14th May 2010, 18:32

Booked a Black BEAT LS for 4,31,129/- excluding permanent registration charges. Booked at KUN Chevy showroom since I heard not-so-good reviews about Orange Chevy. KUN does have a Black BEAT at the warehouse at RTC X Road. I plan to take a look at it before committing to take it. The entire procedure for booking went very smoothly, however I felt slightly over-charged for temp-registration (Rs500 vs Rs80 at the reg. office). I'm getting some goodies for free since there were no discounts on the car. I'm getting Mud Flaps, Mats, Seat Covers, Sun Film and Teflon. However, I'm not sure if I should get the teflon coating since I've heard many horror stories on our forum.

Next step would be getting the car ICEd - the main question - at the showroom or outside?

thumpmeister · 19th May 2010, 00:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet

Booked a Black BEAT LS for 4,31,129/- excluding permanent registration charges. Booked at KUN Chevy showroom since I heard not-so-good reviews about Orange Chevy. KUN does have a Black BEAT at the warehouse at RTC X Road. I plan to take a look at it before committing to take it. The entire procedure for booking went very smoothly, however I felt slightly over-charged for temp-registration (Rs500 vs Rs80 at the reg. office). I'm getting some goodies for free since there were no discounts on the car. I'm getting Mud Flaps, Mats, Seat Covers, Sun Film and Teflon. However, I'm not sure if I should get the teflon coating since I've heard many horror stories on our forum.

Next step would be getting the car ICEd - the main question - at the showroom or outside?

Hey Hellmet,

am glad that you took my advice instead of going for the one true compromise called the Alto. I have also booked the Beat & hence right from the start was advising you about the Beat/i10.. (check my earlier posts)

I think Beat is a very smart buy in this current hatch market alongwith the Figo..

Do share your ownership experience & fist drive impression, etc.

hollywoodhogan · 19th May 2010, 01:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet

I know it's a weird comparison,

it is for sure. what do you think this forum is for? helping in making weird choices?

thumpmeister · 19th May 2010, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet

Booked a Black BEAT LS for 4,31,129/- excluding permanent registration charges. Booked at KUN Chevy showroom since I heard not-so-good reviews about Orange Chevy. KUN does have a Black BEAT at the warehouse at RTC X Road. I plan to take a look at it before committing to take it. The entire procedure for booking went very smoothly, however I felt slightly over-charged for temp-registration (Rs500 vs Rs80 at the reg. office). I'm getting some goodies for free since there were no discounts on the car. I'm getting Mud Flaps, Mats, Seat Covers, Sun Film and Teflon. However, I'm not sure if I should get the teflon coating since I've heard many horror stories on our forum.

Next step would be getting the car ICEd - the main question - at the showroom or outside?

Hey Hellmet,

Your getting some goodies i must say...instead of Teflon try getting it ICED from the dealer itself...

supremeBaleno · 19th May 2010, 10:00

@hellmet, congrats on the Beat. Nice car.

2nd May 2010, 13:51	#46
hellmet BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: GTA \| GHMC Posts: 886 Thanked: 1,025 Times	My main objectives here are: 1.Complete my 40 KM, super dense traffic commute in comfort with some ease. (To anyone familiar with Hitech City - Tarnaka route along begumpet should know what I'm saying) This requires an A/C to keep the crap out and super FE to compensate for the stop-n-go movement. 2.Ability to take parents out together without having to spend on the tin-can Auto, exposed to elements or on two separate two-wheelers which is a pain, especially since my parents have ventured into the 'aging' territory. 3. Be able to plan short trips from the city with friends without having to rely on cabs or drivers. 4. Be able to save a significant portion of my salary for the future. However, these requirements contradict with the other side of me: 1. To have a car with snob value and/or respect on the road. 2. To be able to spend at will without caring for the future - living on the edge. 3. To upgrade my lifestyle. Thankfully, the 'good' side of me has started to overpower me and I'm going for a high-FE, OK for short trips car - the Alto. I just have to make sure the 'other' side of me doesn't take over before I buy it. Sounds ridiculous, right ? Last edited by hellmet : 2nd May 2010 at 13:53.
	() Thanks

2nd May 2010, 15:45	#48
supremeBaleno Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chennai / Kochi Posts: 5,546 Thanked: 2,698 Times View My Garage	Nope. Nothing ridiculous about this. Am sure many of us would have gone through the same during our car/home purchase situations. Given that you are just into your first job & a 5L car would be stretching it too much + the fact that you are new to stick-shift and Indian driving, the Alto seems the best fit for you. Also this would leave you with enough cash for savings + fuel etc without restricting other expenses. It would also meet all the 4 points in your first list in the previous post. A Spark would have been good too, but you dont like the looks. So... So get a new Alto, drive around for a couple of years till you get used to the Indian traffic. And then if the desire to live on the edge is still there, get a bigger car. The Alto would come to your aid at that point also, given the high resale value it commands. Or keep the Alto as a city runabout. After 1-2 years, you can upgrade to a bigger car to meet the next list of 3 requirements in your list above.
	() Thanks

4th May 2010, 12:52	#50
thedreamcatcher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,204 Thanked: 66 Times View My Garage	[quote=JustCause;1862952] I don't suggest Alto for 'comfort', it is a Go-kart enthusiast's city car, Wagon-R is so very much comfortable & ergonomic in seating. [quote] I guess this line sums up our views on why you should not go in for the alto. And as someone else on the thread mentioned, not even one enjoys just driving any car. For me, I would rather walk, than to drive in something that is not comfortable. Or take the public transport. Not the Alto is a bad car or anything, but if you can afford something better, then go for it. My stand is for a used Wagon R or Santro for a year or so should be a good deal for you Last edited by thedreamcatcher : 4th May 2010 at 12:53. Reason: For some reason, the multi quote is not showing up properly
	() Thanks

10th May 2010, 12:54	#53
hellmet BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: GTA \| GHMC Posts: 886 Thanked: 1,025 Times	GTO, thanks a lot for your support. Since this is my first car, there is some fear and happiness combined. Sure. I'll definitely post about the entire buying experience and let you guys know how everything goes and how the BEAT runs on road.
	() Thanks

11th May 2010, 02:06	#54
dr.syedfarhan Newbie Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 7 Thanked: 0 Times	Hi, Since I am also from hyd and seriously considering chevy beat as my first hatch, so please post the on road price along with the break, any freebies or discounts and the name of the dealer.
	() Thanks

14th May 2010, 18:32	#56
hellmet BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: GTA \| GHMC Posts: 886 Thanked: 1,025 Times	Booked a Black BEAT LS for 4,31,129/- excluding permanent registration charges. Booked at KUN Chevy showroom since I heard not-so-good reviews about Orange Chevy. KUN does have a Black BEAT at the warehouse at RTC X Road. I plan to take a look at it before committing to take it. The entire procedure for booking went very smoothly, however I felt slightly over-charged for temp-registration (Rs500 vs Rs80 at the reg. office). I'm getting some goodies for free since there were no discounts on the car. I'm getting Mud Flaps, Mats, Seat Covers, Sun Film and Teflon. However, I'm not sure if I should get the teflon coating since I've heard many horror stories on our forum. Next step would be getting the car ICEd - the main question - at the showroom or outside?
	() Thanks

19th May 2010, 10:00	#60
supremeBaleno Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chennai / Kochi Posts: 5,546 Thanked: 2,698 Times View My Garage	@hellmet, congrats on the Beat. Nice car.
	() Thanks