New Honda City - Need help on choice of Dealer/ Service Station

msprabhakar · 12th June 2005, 22:28

I was in the process of finalizing purchase of a new Honda City (NHC) from Ichibaan Honda, Chembur, and was researching user experiences when I came across GTO's experience. The experience sends a chill down my spine since I'm obsessed with workmanship and service quality. In fact, now I am even reconsidering if I should go for NHC at all.

How's Linkway Honda's reputation? Who runs the show there, and do they have a home page? How is the cost of ownership of NHC? Is there a good resource that can guide me with honest answers? Auto magazines like BSM, Autocar, and Overdrive are not of great help when it comes to choosing dealers or service stations. I live in Mulund (West), Mumbai and I considered buying from Ichibaan, Chembur (now fearing) for its proximity also for regular services. A single setback like GTO's with Ichibaan can undo all painstaking technical research on the choice of automobile. What a pity Honda has only focused on automobile quality leaving service standards to the winds.

hawkeye · 12th June 2005, 23:01

As far as I know Linkway is good. I used to get my VTEC back home serviced from Linkway and have had no problems from them whatsoever. As far as the ownership cost of the NHC is concerned, I can't say much except for that it's a Honda as I do not really know much about the NHC. My 3 years (29k kms) old VTEC has never visited the garage for anything else apart from the regular services. We have spent the least for owning this marvel in comparision to the all other cars we have used considering 3 years of ownership. Its a fill it...shut it...forget it!

However, did you consider the Optra 1.6 over the NHC. The Optra 1.6 appeals to me more as an overall package than the NHC. It wins over the NHC in terms of performance, space, comfort and has the big car image. However not so sure about the F.E., A.S.S. and the resale. It really depends on your priorities, if you could list a few please.

Montoya · 12th June 2005, 23:06

Well msprabhakar welcome ot the board.. i would recommend you to go to Linkway they are better read my incident with ichibaan at the team-bhp review

srasania · 12th June 2005, 23:43

Hi.Dude..seriously.. book from Linkway..don't go to Ichibaan people..they're stupid.
Check out the Honda City - Wait Time thread in this same section of the forum(Indian car scene).
I haven't yet got my NHC Black CVT from Ichibaan Worli..and it's already been 6+ weeks !

Suraj

revtech · 13th June 2005, 00:08

linkway is definitly better.too many people have been having problems with ichibaan !!they should really do something about it but i guess they will never change.

rev

RJK · 13th June 2005, 00:34

Of the two, I'd suggest Linkway Honda. I've had experience with them for the past three years on owning the car & they're good in service. Usually they don't delay & do deliver the car at promised times.

Montoya · 13th June 2005, 00:36

Well i will write my experience with the NHC which i had for 7 and a half months.. i will write a review do read it as i found some negatives with the car as well will help perspetive NHC buyers..

SMG · 13th June 2005, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montoya

Well i will write my experience with the NHC which i had for 7 and a half months.. i will write a review do read it as i found some negatives with the car as well will help perspetive NHC buyers..

Please Montoya, do it ASAP. Also if you can have another detailed post comparing NHC and Optra, nothing like that.

I have set my eyes on NHC.

Montoya · 13th June 2005, 11:25

Yes SMG i am just doing it now.. will finsh in some time hope that helps wheras comapring Optra and NHC goes these cars are world apart..

msprabhakar · 13th June 2005, 12:23

Thank you for sharing your (and others' in this thread) experience with Linkway, at least I know which direction I should head for, if my choice is NHC.

Thanks for suggesting Optra 1.6, I havn't considered yet. If you could share your experience vis-a-vis NHC, it'd be great help...

Re my priorities...
1. I'm looking for a C/C+ sedan, decent fuel economy in city/ extra-urban (50:50) is a must.
2. Service quality is high priority. I dislike greenhorns messing with my car during service, hence integrity and reputation of service dealer is very important consideration.
3. Cost of ownership (common spares during 5-year/ 50,000 km life) is important, though not top-most priority (I've been spoilt by Maruti/ Vitesse).
4. I enjoy driving and drive myself.
5. Like VFM (who doesn't?). Would feel cheated if a more loaded variant appears soon after I purchase (like ABS/ EBD, climate control and standard alloy wheels)

Now that a loaded Swift has upset market expectations, yesterday's delighters are today's must-have. Did some research on new introductions around India and would expect Suzuki Liana or New City VTEC to be out any time on Indian roads. Would some wait be worth?

Now, what can you advise? (Thanks for any!)

Montoya · 13th June 2005, 13:36

Quote:

I enjoy driving and drive myself.

Well if thats the case then the NHC is not a car for you close your eyes and head to buy a 1.6 Optra or wait for the NHC Vtec..

No idea about Suzukis Liana though

Here is my review http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/showth...0450#post90450

and if you dont want trouble in service then avoid ichobaan as far as you can

GTO · 13th June 2005, 15:17

Msprabhakar,

1. Avoid Ichibaan like a disease.

2. Optra vs NHC Comparo is available at this linky

3. Linkway Honda is good but like Ichibaan is running severely over-capacity. Dont expect exemplary customer service. The good part, though, is that a service advisor comes to pick up and drop off your car. I have found linkway to be extremely honest and straight forward.

GTO

Deeps · 13th June 2005, 16:37

I suggest that you don't hold your breath for the introduction of the Liana.

Montoya · 13th June 2005, 16:49

I agree with Deeps. The way maruti is going who knows whether it will be launched even this decade. I say this since the swift was expected last to last year.. and it rolled out only this year.. Anywayz Liana aint worh wating.. knowing marutti they are going to overprice it anywayz..

12th June 2005, 22:28	#1
msprabhakar BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 266 Thanked: 88 Times	New Honda City - Need help on choice of Dealer/ Service Station I was in the process of finalizing purchase of a new Honda City (NHC) from Ichibaan Honda, Chembur, and was researching user experiences when I came across GTO's experience. The experience sends a chill down my spine since I'm obsessed with workmanship and service quality. In fact, now I am even reconsidering if I should go for NHC at all. How's Linkway Honda's reputation? Who runs the show there, and do they have a home page? How is the cost of ownership of NHC? Is there a good resource that can guide me with honest answers? Auto magazines like BSM, Autocar, and Overdrive are not of great help when it comes to choosing dealers or service stations. I live in Mulund (West), Mumbai and I considered buying from Ichibaan, Chembur (now fearing) for its proximity also for regular services. A single setback like GTO's with Ichibaan can undo all painstaking technical research on the choice of automobile. What a pity Honda has only focused on automobile quality leaving service standards to the winds.
	() Thanks

12th June 2005, 23:01	#2
hawkeye BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 190 Thanked: 12 Times View My Garage	As far as I know Linkway is good. I used to get my VTEC back home serviced from Linkway and have had no problems from them whatsoever. As far as the ownership cost of the NHC is concerned, I can't say much except for that it's a Honda as I do not really know much about the NHC. My 3 years (29k kms) old VTEC has never visited the garage for anything else apart from the regular services. We have spent the least for owning this marvel in comparision to the all other cars we have used considering 3 years of ownership. Its a fill it...shut it...forget it! However, did you consider the Optra 1.6 over the NHC. The Optra 1.6 appeals to me more as an overall package than the NHC. It wins over the NHC in terms of performance, space, comfort and has the big car image. However not so sure about the F.E., A.S.S. and the resale. It really depends on your priorities, if you could list a few please.
	() Thanks

12th June 2005, 23:06	#3
Montoya BANNED Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Best City In India Mumbai Posts: 665 Thanked: 0 Times	Well msprabhakar welcome ot the board.. i would recommend you to go to Linkway they are better read my incident with ichibaan at the team-bhp review
	() Thanks

12th June 2005, 23:43	#4
srasania BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Orlando, FL, USA Posts: 321 Thanked: 8 Times View My Garage	Hi.Dude..seriously.. book from Linkway..don't go to Ichibaan people..they're stupid. Check out the Honda City - Wait Time thread in this same section of the forum(Indian car scene). I haven't yet got my NHC Black CVT from Ichibaan Worli..and it's already been 6+ weeks ! Suraj
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 00:08	#5
revtech Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,992 Thanked: 38 Times View My Garage	linkway is definitly better.too many people have been having problems with ichibaan !!they should really do something about it but i guess they will never change. rev
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 00:34	#6
RJK Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,140 Thanked: 701 Times	Of the two, I'd suggest Linkway Honda. I've had experience with them for the past three years on owning the car & they're good in service. Usually they don't delay & do deliver the car at promised times.
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 00:36	#7
Montoya BANNED Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Best City In India Mumbai Posts: 665 Thanked: 0 Times	Well i will write my experience with the NHC which i had for 7 and a half months.. i will write a review do read it as i found some negatives with the car as well will help perspetive NHC buyers..
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 11:25	#9
Montoya BANNED Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Best City In India Mumbai Posts: 665 Thanked: 0 Times	Yes SMG i am just doing it now.. will finsh in some time hope that helps wheras comapring Optra and NHC goes these cars are world apart..
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 12:23	#10
msprabhakar BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 266 Thanked: 88 Times	Thank you for sharing your (and others' in this thread) experience with Linkway, at least I know which direction I should head for, if my choice is NHC. Thanks for suggesting Optra 1.6, I havn't considered yet. If you could share your experience vis-a-vis NHC, it'd be great help... Re my priorities... 1. I'm looking for a C/C+ sedan, decent fuel economy in city/ extra-urban (50:50) is a must. 2. Service quality is high priority. I dislike greenhorns messing with my car during service, hence integrity and reputation of service dealer is very important consideration. 3. Cost of ownership (common spares during 5-year/ 50,000 km life) is important, though not top-most priority (I've been spoilt by Maruti/ Vitesse). 4. I enjoy driving and drive myself. 5. Like VFM (who doesn't?). Would feel cheated if a more loaded variant appears soon after I purchase (like ABS/ EBD, climate control and standard alloy wheels) Now that a loaded Swift has upset market expectations, yesterday's delighters are today's must-have. Did some research on new introductions around India and would expect Suzuki Liana or New City VTEC to be out any time on Indian roads. Would some wait be worth? Now, what can you advise? (Thanks for any!)
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 15:17	#12
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,510 Thanked: 300,660 Times View My Garage	Msprabhakar, 1. Avoid Ichibaan like a disease. 2. Optra vs NHC Comparo is available at this linky 3. Linkway Honda is good but like Ichibaan is running severely over-capacity. Dont expect exemplary customer service. The good part, though, is that a service advisor comes to pick up and drop off your car. I have found linkway to be extremely honest and straight forward. GTO
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 16:37	#13
Deeps Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Delhi/Noida Posts: 1,116 Thanked: 170 Times	I suggest that you don't hold your breath for the introduction of the Liana.
	() Thanks

13th June 2005, 16:49	#14
Montoya BANNED Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Best City In India Mumbai Posts: 665 Thanked: 0 Times	I agree with Deeps. The way maruti is going who knows whether it will be launched even this decade. I say this since the swift was expected last to last year.. and it rolled out only this year.. Anywayz Liana aint worh wating.. knowing marutti they are going to overprice it anywayz..
	() Thanks