Entering a great community of auto enthusiasts - booked a Fiesta SXi Dear Team-BHPians,
It is a priviledge to be part of this community and i should consider myself lucky to be enrolled as a member in the first entry. Very happy you all accepted me. A breif about myself :
I am Swaminathan Narayanamurthy and people call me 'swami' and from Chennai. I am married and have two daughters 12 and 8. Wife is a housewife.
I work for a Global Supply Chain Logistics service provider and taking care of the operational processes for the Asia Pacific region. My Hobbies :
Photography - i own a descent set of gear in the form of Nikon D80 with few specific lenses to cover a descent range and a member of ephotozine.
HIFI audio - Again, i have accumulated a set of entry level components like NAD, CA, Mission etc., and have a set up in my living room and a smaller one in another room with a DIY speakers made of Sewage PVC pipes. I am also a member of HIFIVision.
Model Railroad - Not pursuing it extensively, but made a nice 7'x3' layout for my home with HO scale locomotives and rolling stocks.
OK, now the most important part :
Started to have a car in 1999 in the form of a Maruti 800 provided by my company and then bought my own second hand Indica DLX. Then bought my first NEW car Santro Ziplus and then migrated to a Sedan in the form of Opel Corsa 1.4 GSI which i owned till yesterday evening for 5 years.
I loved the Opel Corsa and took care like a baby and it served me very well. I liked the ruggedness of the car with its heavy gauge steel and a silky smooth suspension. But, since it was outdated with Opel closing shop etc., i decided to give it of as it would not fetch me anything if i continue to keep it for more time.
TEAM-BHP is the one forum i have been extensively browsing for the past one month researching for my next car. Decided and booked a Ford Fiesta SXI petrol Moon Dust Silver Colour and the TD was a fabulous experience. I did test drive on both SXi and S models and my personal interest was for an S model just because of its wheel size, tyres and its looks. But, i should say, when i took my wife and kids to the showroom, they liked the SXi because of its posh looking interiors and considered more to be a family car. I understood their interest and compromised a little and booked the SXI. I liked the way both cars handled and i should say S was a bit more to my liking. But family won !
I am taking insurance seperately as i have an NCB of 50% and it is easier to continue with them (TATA AIG). I am going to buy my own foot mats etc., as i do not like the black rubber one which they provide.
I have placed the booking with MPL ford, Chennai and expecting a delivery on May 19th which is my wedding anniversary.
I am thinking of taking delivery and taking it straight to a tyre dealer to upsize the tyres to 185 65 R14. I am still reading this forum for the best brand and i think Michelin Energy XM1+ will win based on the ride comfort and other parameters. I would also go in for a Sun control film. These are my only upgrades as of now as the car comes with everything else what i would want.
May be i will upgrade the speakers and add a spoiler later as it looks great on this wonderful car.
Eventhough i was not a member of this community till yesterday, my decision to go in for this car and all other upgrades where influenced ONLY by this forum and i sincerely thank whoever have contributed over years on so many threads. I have read through the PDI check list and have made a note. VIN number is noted from the car today and verified and it is April 2010 car BSIV compliant. Thank you All.
I will write about my experience once i take delivery and also post photos for your reference. Looking forward to having long stint in this great forum.
Thanks again
Swami |