Why would you not buy FIAT?

Nikhilb2008 · 18th March 2008, 13:33

I love FIAT and would have convinced my dad to buy a Palio 1.6. My dad was ok with it except for the after sales service.

That is the only problem with FIAT for me.

rockyheights · 18th March 2008, 13:40

A car company can make a turn around: Look at Fiat* - May 14, 2007

Fiat has had its problems globally even as early as the first part of this decade. Read the above story feartured on CNN, which talks about the change in its leadership and the turnaround story

With Fiat out of the red, and the success of Punto in Europe they seem to be in a better scheme of things to grow from here.

With respect to India, there was a definite lack of focus. Unlike some who say it is step motherly treatment towards India, they look at India as a third world country et al, I would attributed it to the turmoil in the parent company

When the likes of Hyundai, MUL were consolidating and going from strength to strength, Fiat missed the bus to India

No global company in its right mind can ignore a growing economy like ours deeming it third world or likewise.

Also, I have seen many members who refer to Palio as decade old product and a product at the end of the its life cycle. Technically, fine! But, I think as long as it offers VFM and can compete with products in its class, there is no reason why it should be discontinued.

All said, only Fiat can prove the naysayers wrong. India-Focus, Strong Marketing (get a brand ambassador for heaven's sake), effective *** and ofcourse the growth in numbers to back it up - is the need of the hour

Fiat is known for making good quality, cost effective cars and I believe Fiat-India is at point in history (with an impressive pipeline of launches) where they can undo their past failures

penpavan · 18th March 2008, 13:40

My connection with FIAT dates back to my dad's first car, FIAT 1100.
However, I was never as excited when we booked UNO, sometime in 96 i guess. It was being launched and bookings were open. Paid Rs. 24000 as booking amount.

And then we had to follow it up as to when we will get the car.
Phew. The car came in the year 99. Yes.

And we chose to not to buy it and after a stinger of a letter [no email that time

] our booking amount was returned with interest!

Yes, the FIAT was forgiven, and again Palio came to home. I loved it. But after 3 years of ownership, when sold for a pathetic price, i knew this was the last FIAT I would ever drive.

Mistakes do happen. and you will be forgiven. But how long!?

FIAT are not at all serious in india. And which is true.
I guess launch of costly cars like 500/bravo is only to help it's limited support. They cannot be a volume player. Rather they dont want to be.

Very lethargic. I must say.

spadival · 18th March 2008, 13:42

Well.. Almost every other owner (of ANY brand of cars) has some good and bad experience when it comes to A.S.S. There are a lot of factors here which are beyond the car manufacturer's control. It could be as specific as a particular service advisor is incompetent at a particular service center. Only redressal available is to fire that guy. Now all that guy will do is continue his "good" work elsewhere, probably at an A.S.S of a different manufacturer !!

Fiat has taken steps to address those issues which are within their control. For example: making sure spare parts are available on time etc. Only problem is that reality has not overtaken people's perception of FIAT as yet.

vasudeva · 18th March 2008, 13:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by spadival

Only problem is that reality has not overtaken people's perception of FIAT as yet.

Since not many people are willing to pay more than what a bike would cost for a new or a used Fiat, and perception lags reality, perhaps FIAT should give 2000 Palios for Free to people who hold the wrong perception. Also service them for free for at least 3 years. This will not only cause a correct perception, but also enable Fiat to meet its annual sales target for 2008.

appuchan · 18th March 2008, 13:53

Well, for me the word "Fiat" reminds me of our old troublesome Premier Padmini car. We used to have almost weekly visits to workshops and for some reason the guys there almost always failed to fix the real problem. In the end it became noisier than a jet engine and we sold it for scrap value. Even though this happened almost 15-20 years ago, it still lingers in my mind and I never had the courage spend money on another car with the same name

Surprisingly I find that many of my friends shares the same feeling towards this brand. The news of extremely poor "sarkari style" A.S.S by Sundaram Motors only worsened it.

spadival · 18th March 2008, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasudeva

Since not many people are willing to pay more than what a bike would cost for a new or a used Fiat, and perception lags reality, perhaps FIAT should give 2000 Palios for Free to people who hold the wrong perception. Also service them for free for at least 3 years. This will not only cause a correct perception, but also enable Fiat to meet its annual sales target for 2008.

I have no problem if that perception continues.. it means that I can buy used Fiats at rock bottom prices. Imagine getting a used Palio for the price of a bike.

.. But sadly, I think this is another urban legend about Fiat thats doing the rounds.

Last I heard (from moralfibre), the used car prices of Palio D (the car I own) is holding up rather nicely, though I dont have plans to sell it any time soon.

boombox · 18th March 2008, 14:04

Well my experience with my palio D has been quiet sour (reason could be I bought an absolute lemon in disguise).

Right from day one I had issues (a/c compressor belt broke) and the fiat service guys were not of any great help..used to wait for them to come and see the car for hrs. The next option was the TATA service centre. Once there I soon found out there was just one guy who would work on the Fiat cars and he was on leave for about a week (was getting married I suppose). i was left with no option but to take my car to a local mechanic (who claims to have worked with anuroop for couple of yrs). He could fix it temporarily, but had repeated trouble with the same issue. All this was back in the city (Hyderabad).

On our way back from a long trip (350km off hyderabad) the belt again broke and the car had to towed back since no mechanic could offer any help on the palio. One experience I would never forget..

Worst part was those small little issues (diesel tank leaking for no reason, windscreen wiper washer going dead and so on) that crop up now and then proved to be quiet expensive.

But I can surely say the car any day is a much better option (as long as there are no issues) ...but the A.S.S really sucks..

I still plan to buy the punto when it is released..for the sheer driving pleasure..hope it will be up to the expectations..

GTO · 18th March 2008, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by finneyp

Cars are superior than the competitors?

Gimme a break, finneyp! The Palio is surely NOT the most superior hatch, especially in that underpowered Stile form. Dont get me wrong, I love the Palio GTX and would probably buy it over the Swift.

Butttttttttttttttttttt the Palio has terrible levels of fit & finish, lacks interior finesse and is prone to niggling issues. Couple that with the horrible after-sales and an inconsistent level of commitment from Fiat....you have the answer to this threads question. Heck, even spare parts are not available easily.

To call the Palio as the best hatch available is overshooting it by a mile.