[rajushank84]

Originally Posted by vivekgk

I've recently bought a Tata, and I can say that the dealership experience was the best out of Ford, Maruti and Chevrolet. Ford acted like they were doing me a favour, Maruti proudly stated delays of upto a year, and Chevrolet didn't even call back when I asked for a TD. Tata guys never pressurized me, gave me four TDs (Petrol, TDi, CR4, Vista QJD) and never once tried to herd me.

Comparing Tata vs Mahindra, Mahindra hasn't built a car on their own yet. All of their cars are priced higher than equivalent Tatas, and they don't have any models in the mass market range. The Logan is good because it's a Renault that's built for bad roads and bad service. Not to mention there are a lot fewer cars sold and thus fewer problems.

I think that the plastics in Tatas have definitely improved. Vista has better plastics than Figo, and my Indigo CS has better interiors than previous models. I TD'd the Figo. I'm a short person. The gear lever was almost touching the dash, the steering was in my lap when I moved the seats forward, and my knees were touching the dash when clutching. The engine is a gem, but the ergonomics are just awful. Even the rear felt cramped.

It doesn't help when negative claims are made about any company, without any tangible proof to back it up. 'People say' means absolutely nothing most of the time. Many of my friends were vary of buying a Tata and advised against, but once they've actually checked out my car, they've always come off impressed.

Well the showroom experience of Tata is awesome, no doubt about it. It is only when you take it to a service center with a problem, you feel the famous Tata A.S.S . Anything that is not routine service confuses the technicians completely, and you can see them doing guesswork with your car in front of your eyes. Not sure if it is the problem only in my city, but I had this experience with both Concorde and OMR Checkpoint.

Source(s): Last 2.5 years of frustrated ownership of a Tata vehicle.

[vivekgk]

Originally Posted by rajushank84

Well the showroom experience of Tata is awesome, no doubt about it. It is only when you take it to a service center with a problem, you feel the famous Tata A.S.S . Anything that is not routine service confuses the technicians completely, and you can see them doing guesswork with your car in front of your eyes. Not sure if it is the problem only in my city, but I had this experience with both Concorde and OMR Checkpoint.

Source(s): Last 2.5 years of frustrated ownership of a Tata vehicle.

I've yet to take my car for the first service (700km), but the one time I had to go in with a problem, they were very prompt and helpful. The service is also another reason for choosing the proven TDi over the newer CR4 engine. The Indigo TDi has been around for about seven+ years now (Dec. 2002 launch) and all mechanical issues are ironed out.

Even Vista has had no major troubles. It's in its second iteration now (DriveTech4) and the quality on the car I TD'd was pretty good. Most plastics are better than the Figo, and it felt a lot more comfortable. Vista is Tata's mid-range model, while the Figo is Ford's bargain basement model. Tata is trying to take Vista brand upmarket, while Ford is doing the opposite with Figo. Plus, Ford's attitude is already apparent from the price hike just three months after launch.

Someone who works for India's biggest car manufacturer told me never to buy a newly launched car for at least six months afterwards. All car companies constantly improve the models over time. It might be something easily retrofitted as an ECM update, but not always.

[VeluM]

The feeling that I get is that:
- Vista has the better engine (overall), while the Figo is more balanced with respect to the ride vs handling.
- Vista rules in the interior space department, while the Figo has better boot space.
- Interior quality wise it seems both are good, with some suspect bits here and there.
- And all things considered (including discounts/freebies), the Vista is cheaper to purchase.
I'm not going to comment on the A.S.S, as I have no experience with either, but Ford owners say Ford is good, and Tata owners agree that Tata is bad (though not as expensive).
I'd go for a Vista (if i Could :P ) because it fits my definition of what is needed in a car. To each his own.

[mail.jaiswal]

Hi everyone, Sorry for reviving this old thread. I justed to see if the opinions of fellow BHPians have changed or still a good number of them favour the Indica Vista.

I am on the onset of buying a car with the following requirements:
* budget: 6-7 OTR
* preferences - VFM, Space, Power, Safety, Long term ownership, Engine, Comfort
* need one on a short waiting period since I do not want to wait for too long (read as 6 month +)

Based on these criteria's I thought the Figo TDci titanium would be the best buy. My opinion on the other cars are as follows:
* Vista: Good car but bad ***
* Polo: 3 pot engine and the pricing spoils the decision (not VFM)
* Swift: Old swift is going to be outdated with boring interiors
* Punto: Bad *** thanks to TATA and Little over priced. Though love the Epk
* i20: Out of Range since ABS is not available below 8lakhs

Your opinions on the best way forward.

[ra'ul M]

Originally Posted by mail.jaiswal

Hi everyone, Sorry for reviving this old thread. I justed to see if the opinions of fellow BHPians have changed or still a good number of them favour the Indica Vista.

I am on the onset of buying a car with the following requirements:
* budget: 6-7 OTR
* preferences - VFM, Space, Power, Safety, Long term ownership, Engine, Comfort
* need one on a short waiting period since I do not want to wait for too long (read as 6 month +)

Based on these criteria's I thought the Figo TDci titanium would be the best buy. My opinion on the other cars are as follows:
* Vista: Good car but bad ***
* Polo: 3 pot engine and the pricing spoils the decision (not VFM)
* Swift: Old swift is going to be outdated with boring interiors
* Punto: Bad *** thanks to TATA and Little over priced. Though love the Epk
* i20: Out of Range since ABS is not available below 8lakhs

Your opinions on the best way forward.

In my opinion the Figo makes the most sense for your preferences as its very VFM, has adequate space [including a spacious boot], enough power from the diesel engine [for regular driving] and an adequate set of safety features.
I cant comment on the long term ownership but Ford is heading the right way.

[ajay0612]

Originally Posted by mail.jaiswal

* budget: 6-7 OTR
* preferences - VFM, Space, Power, Safety, Long term ownership, Engine, Comfort
* need one on a short waiting period since I do not want to wait for too long (read as 6 month +)

Ford Figo seems to fit your requirements best if you can live without rear power windows, split rear seats, rear adjustable head rests (please experience the rear bench yourself and see whether integrated headrests are adequate or not), clutch rest, climate control & cooled glove box. If not then consider i20 Asta petrol.

Alternatively you can wait a couple of month and be first in line for Toyota Liva, which might provide value for money among petrol cars (ABS & airbags in middle variant, cooled glove box, engine expected to provide more torque at lower RPM, Audio controls on steering.).

[mail.jaiswal]

Originally Posted by ra'ul M

In my opinion the Figo makes the most sense for your preferences as its very VFM, has adequate space [including a spacious boot], enough power from the diesel engine [for regular driving] and an adequate set of safety features.
I cant comment on the long term ownership but Ford is heading the right way.

Pretty much the same thoughts that are running in my head.

Originally Posted by ajay0612

Ford Figo seems to fit your requirements best if you can live without rear power windows, split rear seats, rear adjustable head rests (please experience the rear bench yourself and see whether integrated headrests are adequate or not), clutch rest, climate control & cooled glove box. If not then consider i20 Asta petrol.

Alternatively you can wait a couple of month and be first in line for Toyota Liva, which might provide value for money among petrol cars (ABS & airbags in middle variant, cooled glove box, engine expected to provide more torque at lower RPM, Audio controls on steering.).

Ajay, my problem is that i need a Diesel car since my average running is going to be about 2000+ kms per month. Petrol doesn't become viable in such a scenario!
Else i would have definitely gone for an i20 Asta for sure.

[ajay0612]

Originally Posted by mail.jaiswal

i need a Diesel car since my average running is going to be about 2000+ kms per month.

Then Figo (Value for Money)
Fiat Punto (Value for money premium hatch. USPs - Split rear seat, clutch foot rest, adjustable head rests, good GC, looks, driver seat height adjust & steering, electrical ORVM, speed sensitve volume adjust, etc.)
Tata Vista and Maruti hatches come with much smaller boot than above two.

[Arkin evoisrevo]

Guys, I'm a great fan of the Fiesta and Figo. I just love my Fiesta, and am thinking of a Figo
TDCi. However, the new Drivetech4 Vista MJD seems an equally good option, in its own ways. The only thing that's nagging me before TDing is resale value. Will there be a BIG difference in resale values of the Figo and Vista? Like, after 3 years,are there chances that the Vista will yield me more than Rs 30-40,000 less than the Figo during resale??? Apart from that, I'm only combating boot space vs. feature rich car for cheaper.

EDIT: And is there a chance that the Vista will end up like the Indica, as India's taxi?

[sushantr5]

Originally Posted by Arkin evoisrevo

EDIT: And is there a chance that the Vista will end up like the Indica, as India's taxi?

Here is question for you... Pretend as if you are a Taxi operator, You have two options to choose for your new car
1) Tata Vista
2) Tata Venture
Venture is comparatively lower priced and can seat more people comfortably.

What will be your pick?
Now, I am damn sure Venture will be perfect fit for cabs and Taxis because of its price and capacity.

Dont worry now. Vista is not going for Taxi market. There are better options for taxi market compared to Vista.

[Arkin evoisrevo]

Originally Posted by sushantr5

Dont worry now. Vista is not going for Taxi market. There are better options for taxi market compared to Vista.

Thanks for the answer. But what if taxi operators don't go in for the Venture because its a van, what will be the other option left other than the Vista?? I'm confused.

[bhp_maniac]

Originally Posted by Arkin evoisrevo

Thanks for the answer. But what if taxi operators don't go in for the Venture because its a van, what will be the other option left other than the Vista?? I'm confused.

That doubt seems to be taken serious if TATA thinks of removing the V2 from production. If V2 goes side by side with Vista, chances are less that Vista may end up in another Indian Taxi. Indica V2 is still taxi wallah's favorite hatch. May be Vista may evolve as a taxi of a slightly higher segment. Coming to the point of Vista vs Figo, both have there own strong positives and strong negatives. For me, any car in its highest variant without a rear power window is a definite NO . My parents always had the pain of using manual windows while I owned Xeta GLS. But I can leave with a brand for which I've to exchange some words with the service advisors. Being said that, both are VFM products for sure. So a decision based on individual likes seems to be a better bet here.

[Arkin evoisrevo]

Originally Posted by bhp_maniac

That doubt seems to be taken serious if TATA thinks of removing the V2 from production. If V2 goes side by side with Vista, chances are less that Vista may end up in another Indian Taxi. Indica V2 is still taxi wallah's favorite hatch. May be Vista may evolve as a taxi of a slightly higher segment. Coming to the point of Vista vs Figo, both have there own strong positives and strong negatives. For me, any car in its highest variant without a rear power window is a definite. My parents always had the pain of using manual windows while I owned Xeta GLS. But I can leave with a brand for which I've to exchange some words with the service advisors. Being said that, both are VFM products for sure. So a decision based on individual likes seems to be a better bet here.

Aw come on!! You can't say no to a car just because it doesn't have rear power windows! Besides, what's the big deal about not having them when the Figo's rear window's go down only 60%. The same was the case with the Ford Escort.


Back to the topic:
Anyway, thanks for the reply. But If you notice, the Qualis graduated and became the Innova, and nowadays people spend 10 lakh + on an Innova against 7 lakh on a qualis 7 years ago. So, there is still a chance that the Vista will be the next Indicab. Already, the no. of yellow board Vistas is 1/4 the total no. of hatchback Taxis in my hometown. Taxi guys there seem to have stopped buying the Indica and are settling for Terra TDIs. But I haven't seen a single Vista taxi in Bangalore so far. So, it'll need some serious pondering to decide if we should consider the Vista as a viable option or not.

[bhp_maniac]

Originally Posted by Arkin evoisrevo

Aw come on!! You can't say no to a car just because it doesn't have rear power windows! Besides, what's the big deal about not having them when the Figo's rear window's go down only 60%. The same was the case with the Ford Escort.

Yes, thats why I told its purely individual likes. It may sound stupid that I said NO to Figo for this, but most of my long trips are with my parents in the back seat. My father is having this horrible back pain issue. Both of them have had bad times winding the windows. So when I looked for my next car, all 4 power windows I wanted as a STRICT YES in the specification sheet. Also, for me the half winding rear window seems to be adding to the discomfort level. My suggestion for you is to TD both Vista and Figo and tick your check list. And take the best suited one

[avisidhu]

One friend of mine has the Vista QJD, and it served our purpose extremely well since we almost always used to travel in a bunch of 4 to 5 people (even 6 a couple of times). The back seat comfort is simply unmatched, and thats saying a lot considering all of us are close to 6 feet.
The only grouse is that it has started showing its age with around 50K KMs clocked in 2 years. Im not sure how good a Figo would fare in the long term, but Vista is a tad dissappointing on this front.