Pandit Auto - Punto Booking experience

Palio_2005 · 9th June 2010, 15:53

This is indeed ridiculous. I had hoped that things would have been better by now. It is typical mentality of sales person who forget the customer once the sales is done.

I had the same experience when I took delivery of my Wagon R from My Car Pune and I10 from Sanjay Hyundai. The day my cheque was realized (I paid 100% cash down in both cases ), the sales person lost interest and we had to follow up.

I do hope that the owner of Pandit is reading this (he is a member of T-BHP) and improves their service.

SilkDrive · 9th June 2010, 16:52

This behavior is all the more unpardonable if the owner is a member of TeamBhp.

I am sure that the owner is either an enthusiast or is looking forward to some feedback from this community to help his business do better and keep his customers happier. But if this is the result then what's the use.

This community is about cars and we are all here to help each other in whatever way we can, in buying experiences, ownership and maintenance of cars. Now, what’s the use of being a member of this community when we are not ready to comply with these basic expectations?

I must repeat what i have indicated in many posts of mine - "I have great respect for this forum and all its members" and i sincerely hope that i do not have to make any exceptions here.

MODs: Apologies in advance if this post is classified as a personal attack and please remove it in that case, but being a Fiat fan, it is very upsetting to see these great cars flop, mostly due to the dealers, especially if they are well aware (as a member of TeamBhp) of the situation and the effects of their activities.

Palio_2005 · 17th June 2010, 15:33

I had inquired about Linea last week. While I have been getting reminders from BUB Pandit has not even bothered to quote a price to me.

Nilesh5417 · 17th June 2010, 15:45

I didnt buy a fiat and went ahead and got a Figo TDCI Titanium. First the TD for Punto at Pundit took 2hrs. On top of that, the car given for TD was dirty from inside, broken plastics in a couple of places. Also, the gear shift was terrible and it felt as if there was simply no lubrication what so ever! I shuddered at the thought of A.S.S. experience and shunned the thought of buying a fiat ever unless they go on their own. I liked the Punto but not worth the heart burn later. All they were interested in selling was the Vista.

CANPUSH · 18th June 2010, 19:54

My Experience with Pandit is not very different. Although It is not on sales but on service side.

I had a Palio D (see long term review I had posted). After Old Fiat dealers ceased to exist, I tried with Pundit as its bang opposite my workplace and BuB is far away.

I must say that service engineers (liason) was nice person to talk and was patient to listen to customer. But story ends there. Their service team, at least in Nov 2008, was not well versed with Fiat vehicles. They did not knew how to read the service computer (I do not remember correct term they use) to diagnose the problem. In my assessment Fiat engines and vehicles were too advanced for them to service. In fact I with my miniscule knowledge had to tell them thing or two on how to resolve a particular problem. Also had to meet their workshop manager to get the things done the way they should.

Next time I shifted to BuB as I learnt that they had just employed entire team from earlier Aswamedh Motors to look after FIAT servicing and all of them were very well versed with Fiat machines.

Amartya · 20th June 2010, 09:32

^^ Good points. I think it is kind of obvious that there were service problems in the interim periods right after a merger (Tata-Fiat) before significant number of sales are made.

Mainly because, it is quite natural for mechanics to know cars they service more often, better. Slowly with Tata and Fiat now sharing powerplants, service is much improved. In fact, as a whole the Tata-Fiat service levels have improved manifold (including availability of parts). There is still quite a way to go, but they are definitely on the right track.

All manufacturers have black sheep among the dealers, maybe Pandit is one of them.

maverickxx2006 · 23rd June 2010, 14:46

Finally I received my Punto on 17th June'10 (Anniversay day of Punto launch and the day my baby girl turned six months).

Delivery process went thru its usual trademark.

1. First shock I have to bear is the price rise (around 6K).

2. I had booked my car in May and paid booking amount. So any sane person would assume that whatever the schemes that were applicable would be passed on to me. Seeing the schemes offered in May, I had booked the car. When I was writing the cheque for balance amount, the sales person announced that the 10,000 Rs bonus scheme has been withdrawn and that only free insurance, 2 yrs extended warranty schemes will be applicable as per June Scheme.

My fuse has now blown off.

I storm in to branch managers cabin and demand explanation. He cooly tells me he can't do anything as these are not dealers schemes and that Tata Motors have withdrawn the scheme. I blast him and remind him that seeing the schemes offered in May I had booked the car. If the car is delayed I'm not responsible. I place a call to Tata motors and appraise them of the situation and threaten them that if I'm not offered the May schemes and 10K discount, I'm going to cancel my booking right away. This also amounts to cheating of customers as they are not honouring the schemes as declared in the advts.
Tata motors officials speak with branch manager of Pandit and they decide to bear the 10K amount.

3. Sales person had given me the list of documents required for registration and I had promptly given all of the documents.
On the delivery date he cooly informs me that now PAN card is also required. I blast him for informing late. I loose one day.

4. If you buy from Pandit, you will never ever get any freebies like mud flaps and floor mats. Poor sales guy who offered me free mud flaps and floor mats received sound thrashing from his supervisor for offering the same. I came to know later about this.

I have promptly sent detailed feedback to FIAT and have received acknowledgement.

I have driven 400kms till now and I'm thoroughly enjoying the beauty. Will be posting my review shortly.

arishi1 · 23rd June 2010, 15:19

I really fail to understand why you went with Pandit, even when you had a bad prior experience during your Linea shopping. My friend recently bought a Punto from BU Bhandari, the TD & sales experience was extra ordinary. The Sales Person was very cooperative on the number of TD. The sales & delivery was very smooth and the car was delivered on the decided date without any hue or cry.

maverickxx2006 · 23rd June 2010, 15:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by arishi1

I really fail to understand why you went with Pandit, even when you had a bad prior experience during your Linea shopping. My friend recently bought a Punto from BU Bhandari, the TD & sales experience was extra ordinary. The Sales Person was very cooperative on the number of TD. The sales & delivery was very smooth and the car was delivered on the decided date without any hue or cry.

I opted Pandit over BuB for two reasons -

1. Sales guy was least interested and did not turned up for TD.

2. When I did TD of Palio earlier, the vehicle was not marked as TD and the odo was disconnected. When I asked him if the vehicle will be passed as new one to a customer he smiled. At least Pandit has proper TD marked vehicle. Sales guy at pandit was active (till I gave the booking amount).

manish7 · 27th October 2010, 00:41

Well, I have booked my Punto at Pandit today. Don't have any other option now! My experience earlier was not good (offerd me 200 meters test ride - from Sarsbaug to Pandit, only one way), but once I sent mail from Fiat website about test ride. I got call within 10 mins from Pandit and then it was better. Still quite bad....but then he is teh only Fiat dealer now! :(

hrish21 · 29th October 2010, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by manish7

Well, I have booked my Punto at Pandit today. Don't have any other option now! My experience earlier was not good (offerd me 200 meters test ride - from Sarsbaug to Pandit, only one way), but once I sent mail from Fiat website about test ride. I got call within 10 mins from Pandit and then it was better. Still quite bad....but then he is teh only Fiat dealer now! :(

--
That's not true, I took delivery of my punto from BUB on 27th Oct 2010. The sales and overall process was extremely smooth. I met the branch manager of BUB Pashan and was informed that they have authorization to sell and service cars till 14th Nov, following which the entire dealership and service will be converted to VW. If Tata - Fiat decides to continue with BUB, their Wakad Service center will be transformed to accomodate the sales and service for Tata - Fiat. I've had similar experiences with Pandit Auto, Pune (will write details in a few days). All in All if Tata-Fiat decide not to continue with BUB, Pandit will have monopoly, god save all those fiat fans in Pune if this happens (my experiences with Pandit Sales have been outright dissappointing, service I still have to find a reason to complain since I serviced my palio with them and was very satisfied).

mo1 · 22nd October 2011, 17:33

Took delivery of my Punto 1.3 MJD Emotion (Silver) yesterday (21-Oct-2011) from Pandit Auto pune. The ownership thread is already in assembly line. I will complete it and publish in couple of days.
Just mentioning couple of issues that I faced during delivery so others are aware:
1. The car was not cleaned very well! I mean it was probably washed in the morning or the day before, but then, I told them to wash it so that when I show it to others, they will believe it is indeed new and then I went to complete the documentation. After coming back also, it was in same state. Everything was complete and still I was not happy about the status. So I made a little bit of show there and also called up my Sales Executive(SE). Then people thought they should do something and asked the boys there to wax it and so on. anyways.
2. The SE had committed me mats and mud flaps as freebies. They were not installed! So I called him up. He acted as if he is going to get it now and so on. Finally I got the stereotype answer that it is not in stock right now. We have ordered and please call us in 2 days. BS. This after I had got it in writing! So I suggest. Do not ask for freebies. Instead, if you can, get the cash discount so you will save some time later.

9th June 2010, 15:53	#16
Palio_2005 Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 1,029 Thanked: 957 Times	This is indeed ridiculous. I had hoped that things would have been better by now. It is typical mentality of sales person who forget the customer once the sales is done. I had the same experience when I took delivery of my Wagon R from My Car Pune and I10 from Sanjay Hyundai. The day my cheque was realized (I paid 100% cash down in both cases ), the sales person lost interest and we had to follow up. I do hope that the owner of Pandit is reading this (he is a member of T-BHP) and improves their service.
	() Thanks

9th June 2010, 16:52	#17
SilkDrive BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 172 Thanked: 25 Times	This behavior is all the more unpardonable if the owner is a member of TeamBhp. I am sure that the owner is either an enthusiast or is looking forward to some feedback from this community to help his business do better and keep his customers happier. But if this is the result then what's the use. This community is about cars and we are all here to help each other in whatever way we can, in buying experiences, ownership and maintenance of cars. Now, what’s the use of being a member of this community when we are not ready to comply with these basic expectations? I must repeat what i have indicated in many posts of mine - "I have great respect for this forum and all its members" and i sincerely hope that i do not have to make any exceptions here. MODs: Apologies in advance if this post is classified as a personal attack and please remove it in that case, but being a Fiat fan, it is very upsetting to see these great cars flop, mostly due to the dealers, especially if they are well aware (as a member of TeamBhp) of the situation and the effects of their activities.
	() Thanks

17th June 2010, 15:33	#18
Palio_2005 Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 1,029 Thanked: 957 Times	I had inquired about Linea last week. While I have been getting reminders from BUB Pandit has not even bothered to quote a price to me.
	() Thanks

17th June 2010, 15:45	#19
Nilesh5417 Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 1,937 Thanked: 2,993 Times	I didnt buy a fiat and went ahead and got a Figo TDCI Titanium. First the TD for Punto at Pundit took 2hrs. On top of that, the car given for TD was dirty from inside, broken plastics in a couple of places. Also, the gear shift was terrible and it felt as if there was simply no lubrication what so ever! I shuddered at the thought of A.S.S. experience and shunned the thought of buying a fiat ever unless they go on their own. I liked the Punto but not worth the heart burn later. All they were interested in selling was the Vista.
	() Thanks

18th June 2010, 19:54	#20
CANPUSH BHPian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: pune Posts: 405 Thanked: 212 Times	My Experience with Pandit is not very different. Although It is not on sales but on service side. I had a Palio D (see long term review I had posted). After Old Fiat dealers ceased to exist, I tried with Pundit as its bang opposite my workplace and BuB is far away. I must say that service engineers (liason) was nice person to talk and was patient to listen to customer. But story ends there. Their service team, at least in Nov 2008, was not well versed with Fiat vehicles. They did not knew how to read the service computer (I do not remember correct term they use) to diagnose the problem. In my assessment Fiat engines and vehicles were too advanced for them to service. In fact I with my miniscule knowledge had to tell them thing or two on how to resolve a particular problem. Also had to meet their workshop manager to get the things done the way they should. Next time I shifted to BuB as I learnt that they had just employed entire team from earlier Aswamedh Motors to look after FIAT servicing and all of them were very well versed with Fiat machines.
	() Thanks

20th June 2010, 09:32	#21
Amartya Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Evanston Posts: 1,748 Thanked: 738 Times	^^ Good points. I think it is kind of obvious that there were service problems in the interim periods right after a merger (Tata-Fiat) before significant number of sales are made. Mainly because, it is quite natural for mechanics to know cars they service more often, better. Slowly with Tata and Fiat now sharing powerplants, service is much improved. In fact, as a whole the Tata-Fiat service levels have improved manifold (including availability of parts). There is still quite a way to go, but they are definitely on the right track. All manufacturers have black sheep among the dealers, maybe Pandit is one of them.
	() Thanks

23rd June 2010, 14:46	#22
maverickxx2006 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 223 Thanked: 160 Times	Finally I received my Punto on 17th June'10 (Anniversay day of Punto launch and the day my baby girl turned six months). Delivery process went thru its usual trademark. 1. First shock I have to bear is the price rise (around 6K). 2. I had booked my car in May and paid booking amount. So any sane person would assume that whatever the schemes that were applicable would be passed on to me. Seeing the schemes offered in May, I had booked the car. When I was writing the cheque for balance amount, the sales person announced that the 10,000 Rs bonus scheme has been withdrawn and that only free insurance, 2 yrs extended warranty schemes will be applicable as per June Scheme. My fuse has now blown off. I storm in to branch managers cabin and demand explanation. He cooly tells me he can't do anything as these are not dealers schemes and that Tata Motors have withdrawn the scheme. I blast him and remind him that seeing the schemes offered in May I had booked the car. If the car is delayed I'm not responsible. I place a call to Tata motors and appraise them of the situation and threaten them that if I'm not offered the May schemes and 10K discount, I'm going to cancel my booking right away. This also amounts to cheating of customers as they are not honouring the schemes as declared in the advts. Tata motors officials speak with branch manager of Pandit and they decide to bear the 10K amount. 3. Sales person had given me the list of documents required for registration and I had promptly given all of the documents. On the delivery date he cooly informs me that now PAN card is also required. I blast him for informing late. I loose one day. 4. If you buy from Pandit, you will never ever get any freebies like mud flaps and floor mats. Poor sales guy who offered me free mud flaps and floor mats received sound thrashing from his supervisor for offering the same. I came to know later about this. I have promptly sent detailed feedback to FIAT and have received acknowledgement. I have driven 400kms till now and I'm thoroughly enjoying the beauty. Will be posting my review shortly. Last edited by maverickxx2006 : 23rd June 2010 at 14:49.
	() Thanks

23rd June 2010, 15:19	#23
arishi1 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Thane - Mumbai Posts: 305 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	I really fail to understand why you went with Pandit, even when you had a bad prior experience during your Linea shopping. My friend recently bought a Punto from BU Bhandari, the TD & sales experience was extra ordinary. The Sales Person was very cooperative on the number of TD. The sales & delivery was very smooth and the car was delivered on the decided date without any hue or cry.
	() Thanks

27th October 2010, 00:41	#25
manish7 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 508 Thanked: 0 Times	Well, I have booked my Punto at Pandit today. Don't have any other option now! My experience earlier was not good (offerd me 200 meters test ride - from Sarsbaug to Pandit, only one way), but once I sent mail from Fiat website about test ride. I got call within 10 mins from Pandit and then it was better. Still quite bad....but then he is teh only Fiat dealer now! :(
	() Thanks

22nd October 2011, 17:33	#27
mo1 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pune Posts: 45 Thanked: 20 Times	Re: Pandit Auto - Punto Booking experience Took delivery of my Punto 1.3 MJD Emotion (Silver) yesterday (21-Oct-2011) from Pandit Auto pune. The ownership thread is already in assembly line. I will complete it and publish in couple of days. Just mentioning couple of issues that I faced during delivery so others are aware: 1. The car was not cleaned very well! I mean it was probably washed in the morning or the day before, but then, I told them to wash it so that when I show it to others, they will believe it is indeed new and then I went to complete the documentation. After coming back also, it was in same state. Everything was complete and still I was not happy about the status. So I made a little bit of show there and also called up my Sales Executive(SE). Then people thought they should do something and asked the boys there to wax it and so on. anyways. 2. The SE had committed me mats and mud flaps as freebies. They were not installed! So I called him up. He acted as if he is going to get it now and so on. Finally I got the stereotype answer that it is not in stock right now. We have ordered and please call us in 2 days. BS. This after I had got it in writing! So I suggest. Do not ask for freebies. Instead, if you can, get the cash discount so you will save some time later.
	() Thanks