Demand for Old Zen

Maverick1977 · 14th October 2008, 13:47

I have a 2004 Maruti Zen that I have put on the block on numerous websites, including TBHP. However to my utter dismay there have been almost no inquiries at all, let alone a sale.
My queries are:
Is this a case of ppl losing interest in buying the car or a case of Supply exceeding the Demand. I have seen quite a few ppl who have put their Zen for sale.
Am I the only one facing this problem or this is being faced in general by others also?

DueLLeR · 14th October 2008, 13:55

Hey Maverick,

I have a 2004 Zen too besides my new Palio Stile SDX. Though, initially I was planning to sell it off, now I'm not. Some of the reasons I think why Zen is not much in demand:

Outdated model, no longer in production.
Not too much bigger than Alto, which is the entry-level car. Also, very small boot.
Usually, asking price for Zen is high because it is considered a premium hatch. People scouting for second-hand cars end up buying Santros and Indicas instead, which are bigger and at least appear as more VFM.
Zen is a very mod-friendly car. Only serious modders or those who'd choose performance over style, space and VFM would buy a second-hand Zen.

IMO, in addition to the above reasons, only a very low asking price will facilitate the sale.

Cheers!
DueLLeR

ak916 · 14th October 2008, 14:00

I agree with Dueller. I think people who buy second hand zens do so for performance. But a majority of people who buy second hand cars, want more VFM and end up buying other models which are bigger and have more space.

I think what I would do to sell the car, is to drive around town and visit atleast 5-6 dealers, including maruti true value and try and get a quote from them. If they ask for 10k to 20k less than my expectations, and i am having difficulty selling the car - I would seal the deal.

Another alternate is, if i am upgrading the car, to say, a Verna... I would ask hyundai to buy my car and they might give a little more money in anticipating of a new car sale.

Exchanging with Maruti itself is a good option, if you are planning an upgrade

nicejits · 14th October 2008, 14:09

I also own 2003 end Zen and its in demand, Your must be not getting enquiries as your’s is LX model ( non Power window and Steering ) by d way what price you are expecting and what are the details ?

Maverick1977 · 14th October 2008, 14:23

NJ - Its a Nov 2004 model, new shape. No power steering, but I have fitted after market power windows in the front. Running is very low (22,300 km) as it is mostly used for our evening outings and weekend travels only. I had visited carwale.com and the price reflected was 206,000 for a car in excellent condition, thus I have put a price of 200,000, which to some extent is negotiable. The pics in the ad speak for themselves. I have taken them last Saturday only.
I would love to retain this car, but my prob is that I am the only one who drives in my family and I would hate to see this car rot standing in one place.
Guys whats the price I should expect? If I am getting a dismal price, I might as well not change. I just wish Maruti had made this car slightly bigger. This thread would not even have existed.

DueLLeR · 14th October 2008, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick1977

NJ - Its a Nov 2004 model, new shape. No power steering, but I have fitted after market power windows in the front. Running is very low (22,300 km) as it is mostly used for our evening outings and weekend travels only. I had visited carwale.com and the price reflected was 206,000 for a car in excellent condition, thus I have put a price of 200,000, which to some extent is negotiable. The pics in the ad speak for themselves. I have taken them last Saturday only.
I would love to retain this car, but my prob is that I am the only one who drives in my family and I would hate to see this car rot standing in one place.
Guys whats the price I should expect? If I am getting a dismal price, I might as well not change. I just wish Maruti had made this car slightly bigger. This thread would not even have existed.

Ditto here, Maverick! I wish the car was bigger. I've lived with no boot space thanks to the speakers, amp and the woofer. 2,00,000 for a 2004 Zen LXi is good, IMO. Perhaps, a second-hand car dealer can stretch it to 2,10,000 or 2,20,000.

I'm now curious. What can I expect for my 2004 Zen VXi? It is fully loaded - power windows, power steeting, rear wiper + defogger, amp + woofer + 6 speakers and in a very good shape except for some scratches here and there.

Cheers!
DueLLeR

esteem_lover · 14th October 2008, 14:55

Happens sometimes. Sometimes all it takes is just one enquiry to finish the sale. I had that experience 8 years back when i sold my 118 NE.

Don't lose heart & reduce your price.

nicejits · 14th October 2008, 15:08

Maverick : i guess you shd get 1.7/ 1.8 as it LX, Reduce the price, i am sure you will get enqueries.

pranavt · 14th October 2008, 18:41

Happens when the car gets itself into a niche segment, like an OHC. Though both are probably at polar opposites in that segment, the OHC has a lot of demand, the Zen is in demand only by serious modders looking for a pocket-sized rocket.

xenxer · 22nd December 2009, 20:00

Sorry to post to this old thread now. But can't resist
I was researching the used car market for some long and man!! the ZEN (older model) is still selling like HOT cakes. And also the ZEN D its not much available in used market but those available ones are being asked huge rates.
A 99 model stock ZEN pertol is asked a rate about 1.35L and a 99 model stock ZEN Diesel is asked around 1.5 - 1.6L. Its the senario in kerala.

.. please what is this?

Roy.S · 22nd December 2009, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenxer

...A 99 model stock ZEN petrol is asked a rate about 1.35L....

My dad was offered Rs 50k for his '99 carb zen (mint condition and never driven above 70kph!). Perhaps I should try selling it in Kerala.
I was wondering if I should retain it and mod it, but I already own a swift vxi that I plan to soup up. So is it worth keeping the old zen?

TheARUN · 23rd December 2009, 05:55

The old ZEN is taking a cue from the RX100, its selling purely on demand. It was a cult car in its time, but has its limitations now, its more like greedy owners who are pushing up the price

Gansan · 23rd December 2009, 07:01

I am surprised. When I thought of buying a Zen (< 5 years old), the prices quoted were in the region of Rs 2.5 lacs. I thought "what the hell" and bought a new Alto instead. That was 6 months ago. I think the prices are still ruling high in Chennai used car market.

n.devdath · 23rd December 2009, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy.S

My dad was offered Rs 50k for his '99 carb zen (mint condition and never driven above 70kph!). Perhaps I should try selling it in Kerala.
I was wondering if I should retain it and mod it, but I already own a swift vxi that I plan to soup up. So is it worth keeping the old zen?

Hey Roy, do you still have that Zen of yours,? I could come over and take a look. I have a couple of friends who are on the lookout for it.

prince_pervez · 23rd December 2009, 09:19

It is one of the hottest hatches in the 2nd hand market. When I was in search for one, I attended a mela organised by a renowned bank and MUL True Value and I saw 2 deals finalised right in front of me in no time. I had to walk of dejected as I liked the ones that got sold. Later on I got a sparingly used facelifted one in superb condition. Still gives me the kick and give others a run for their money. Like someone said it is definitely of the RX league whos value was recognised after they stopped producing it.
Yes, a maintained Zen 2004 Model would fetch nothing less than 1.3L and I don't see why the seller should sell one below that, unless there is a dire necessity to sell it off.

Whats more it comes under 'An Enthusiasts Car'.
Look: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...es-less-2.html

14th October 2008, 13:47	#1
Maverick1977 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 997 Thanked: 906 Times View My Garage	Demand for Old Zen I have a 2004 Maruti Zen that I have put on the block on numerous websites, including TBHP. However to my utter dismay there have been almost no inquiries at all, let alone a sale. My queries are: Is this a case of ppl losing interest in buying the car or a case of Supply exceeding the Demand. I have seen quite a few ppl who have put their Zen for sale. Am I the only one facing this problem or this is being faced in general by others also?
	() Thanks

14th October 2008, 13:55	#2
DueLLeR BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Vashi / Navi Mumbai Posts: 214 Thanked: 123 Times	Hey Maverick, I have a 2004 Zen too besides my new Palio Stile SDX. Though, initially I was planning to sell it off, now I'm not. Some of the reasons I think why Zen is not much in demand: Outdated model, no longer in production. Not too much bigger than Alto, which is the entry-level car. Also, very small boot. Usually, asking price for Zen is high because it is considered a premium hatch. People scouting for second-hand cars end up buying Santros and Indicas instead, which are bigger and at least appear as more VFM. Zen is a very mod-friendly car. Only serious modders or those who'd choose performance over style, space and VFM would buy a second-hand Zen. IMO, in addition to the above reasons, only a very low asking price will facilitate the sale. Cheers! DueLLeR
	() Thanks

14th October 2008, 14:00	#3
ak916 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bangalore/Hyder Posts: 312 Thanked: 293 Times	I agree with Dueller. I think people who buy second hand zens do so for performance. But a majority of people who buy second hand cars, want more VFM and end up buying other models which are bigger and have more space. I think what I would do to sell the car, is to drive around town and visit atleast 5-6 dealers, including maruti true value and try and get a quote from them. If they ask for 10k to 20k less than my expectations, and i am having difficulty selling the car - I would seal the deal. Another alternate is, if i am upgrading the car, to say, a Verna... I would ask hyundai to buy my car and they might give a little more money in anticipating of a new car sale. Exchanging with Maruti itself is a good option, if you are planning an upgrade
	() Thanks

14th October 2008, 14:09	#4
nicejits BANNED Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mumbai ( Borivali ) Posts: 328 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	I also own 2003 end Zen and its in demand, Your must be not getting enquiries as your’s is LX model ( non Power window and Steering ) by d way what price you are expecting and what are the details ?
	() Thanks

14th October 2008, 14:23	#5
Maverick1977 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 997 Thanked: 906 Times View My Garage	NJ - Its a Nov 2004 model, new shape. No power steering, but I have fitted after market power windows in the front. Running is very low (22,300 km) as it is mostly used for our evening outings and weekend travels only. I had visited carwale.com and the price reflected was 206,000 for a car in excellent condition, thus I have put a price of 200,000, which to some extent is negotiable. The pics in the ad speak for themselves. I have taken them last Saturday only. I would love to retain this car, but my prob is that I am the only one who drives in my family and I would hate to see this car rot standing in one place. Guys whats the price I should expect? If I am getting a dismal price, I might as well not change. I just wish Maruti had made this car slightly bigger. This thread would not even have existed.
	() Thanks

14th October 2008, 14:55	#7
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras/Py Posts: 7,556 Thanked: 502 Times View My Garage	Happens sometimes. Sometimes all it takes is just one enquiry to finish the sale. I had that experience 8 years back when i sold my 118 NE. Don't lose heart & reduce your price.
	() Thanks

14th October 2008, 15:08	#8
nicejits BANNED Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mumbai ( Borivali ) Posts: 328 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Maverick : i guess you shd get 1.7/ 1.8 as it LX, Reduce the price, i am sure you will get enqueries.
	() Thanks

14th October 2008, 18:41	#9
pranavt Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,682 Thanked: 641 Times View My Garage	Happens when the car gets itself into a niche segment, like an OHC. Though both are probably at polar opposites in that segment, the OHC has a lot of demand, the Zen is in demand only by serious modders looking for a pocket-sized rocket.
	() Thanks

22nd December 2009, 20:00	#10
xenxer BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: TVM Posts: 102 Thanked: Once View My Garage	Sorry to post to this old thread now. But can't resist I was researching the used car market for some long and man!! the ZEN (older model) is still selling like HOT cakes. And also the ZEN D its not much available in used market but those available ones are being asked huge rates. A 99 model stock ZEN pertol is asked a rate about 1.35L and a 99 model stock ZEN Diesel is asked around 1.5 - 1.6L. Its the senario in kerala. .. please what is this?
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 05:55	#12
TheARUN Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,374 Thanked: 958 Times View My Garage	The old ZEN is taking a cue from the RX100, its selling purely on demand. It was a cult car in its time, but has its limitations now, its more like greedy owners who are pushing up the price
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 07:01	#13
Gansan Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,535 Thanked: 5,550 Times	I am surprised. When I thought of buying a Zen (< 5 years old), the prices quoted were in the region of Rs 2.5 lacs. I thought "what the hell" and bought a new Alto instead. That was 6 months ago. I think the prices are still ruling high in Chennai used car market. Last edited by Gansan : 23rd December 2009 at 07:03.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 09:19	#15
prince_pervez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Redwood shores, CA, USA Posts: 4,210 Thanked: 51 Times View My Garage	It is one of the hottest hatches in the 2nd hand market. When I was in search for one, I attended a mela organised by a renowned bank and MUL True Value and I saw 2 deals finalised right in front of me in no time. I had to walk of dejected as I liked the ones that got sold. Later on I got a sparingly used facelifted one in superb condition. Still gives me the kick and give others a run for their money. Like someone said it is definitely of the RX league whos value was recognised after they stopped producing it. Yes, a maintained Zen 2004 Model would fetch nothing less than 1.3L and I don't see why the seller should sell one below that, unless there is a dire necessity to sell it off. Whats more it comes under 'An Enthusiasts Car'. Look: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...es-less-2.html Last edited by prince_pervez : 23rd December 2009 at 09:27.
	() Thanks