This is my first post in TEAM BHP and definitely for a reason. I am following this enthusiasts forum from last 8 years and was more than happy as reader (not that I am lazy to write 😉

. Now I thought I should be sharing some welcome experiences from TATA sales team side.
Me and my wife fell for Harrier on first sight back in 2019. Since then we were planning for an upgrade for our existing car (Hyundai I20), though there was no real need to do so. Initially the dark edition then came the Camo during late 2020, we confirmed this is going to be our next ride.
Time pass by, the thought of buying a new car got over shadowed by multiple other personal commitments. Came 2022, during our march long drive (~1000KM) we really felt the need for more BHP, space and some upgrades to our ride with which came our same old discussion. Buy then TATA had made enough upgrades and most of the fixes to the known niggles to their prestigious ride along with a 7 seater option available now.
We were clear that there is no need tor a 7 seater. And came the usual contenders and the test drive and elimination process. As we already had a fix in our mind we thought the process would be relatively easy.
THE mighty war began and there fell one by one HECTOR, KUSHAQ, SELTOS, CRETA and all other might warriors (not bothering to explain the reasons as it would be the Nth time someone in this thread repeating) to leave COMPASS and HARRIER for the final clash.
A 4-5 Lakhs or may be more as per the variant of additional premium over the top end Harrier and the cramped second row for 3 adults was really bothering the COMPASS from beginning. However his fit and finish and the much more premium tag held him tight in the battle.
The 2022 March upgrade on Harrier Dark edition XZA+ gave that extra push for him to chop the head off the mighty Compass to win the war.
Our negotiation with couple of dealers started and one guy had an edge on the other majorly because of the SA’s behavior, timely response and his enthusiasm to bring in a new customer to TATA, which I really was not expecting from what I heard from the existing customers and from my read.
From that point my perception towards, TATA was changing slowly. I can quote many reasons for that, but would like to list down the major ones.
From the visit to the showroom to test drive to booking of the vehicle to PDI to TR to delivery of the vehicle took less than 2 weeks.
Though the usual waiting period of 4-6 weeks got sold to me by the dealer. MY SA during my final discussion and before booking confirmed that they have a new vehicle allotted to them reaching them in 2 days. I got the VIN and checked to confirm it is the face lifted one manufactured on April 2022.
Within 2 days I did the PDI. There was a push from the SA to complete the PDI and TR fast which made me raise my eye brows. However, later it was brought to my notice by the dealer that there is a tax increase going to happen in Telangana in the month of May so if I am finalizing the vehicle after PDI, they can do the TR immediately to help me save a sizable amount. Which on my enquiry proved right.
Bought the vehicle to showroom for PDI within 2 days of booking. We waited for a good 1 hour in the showroom. I was fine with that as the plan to bring the car to showroom for PDI was a last minute change by me as the initial plan was to do in the yard. That 1 hour could win the longest wait in my life. SA was keeping me comfortable with conversations and refreshments (which was again a surprise from TATA). From far I could see a black beast cruising towards the showroom… Oh GOD!!! The first thought “ÄM I really going to own this beast!!!”. Did a thorough PDI by me, my cousin and one of my friend who already owns a Harrier. All went well though slightly inconsistent panel gap on B pillars which I can live with till my fist service.
We were adamant that the vehicle should not be moved from showroom which had an ODO of 16KM by then. But our delivery date was fixed 4 days later and the SA pleaded stating they don’t have enough space in the showroom to keep the vehicle till delivery. By then I have built a confidence with him that he could take care of my car to which he lived up to.
Delivery date, we fixed the delivery time as 10 AM. Though summer, that day had a slight shower in the morning and the climate was very pleasant. We reached the showroom by 10:05, and from far we could see the beast was well cleaned and shining. Did a quick check and was happy with the cleaning work and the ODO reading was 41KM (the yard was 12 KM away from the showroom, so an up and down after the PDI justified the ODO reading).
Delivery process was smooth with the whole of dealer employees participated in the delivery process, with satin cover unrevealed, music and all gizmos which was again an unexpected one from TATA.
Within couple of days SA handed over all the documents relevant for registration, however he suggested me to hold on for some more time before me booking a slot for the registration as there is some confusion in RTO in terms of the new tax slabs, though I should be falling under the old tax slab.
12th day from my deliver, SA called me and confirmed that I can book the slot for registration and it went smooth without any hiccups.
Altogether, I had a pleasant experience with my booking and delivery process for my new beast.
Completed 650 KMS in my ODO in last 17 days of my ownership. I will follow up on this thread with my after sales experience with TATA.
Pending items from TATA.
Second car key due to shortage, which they have confirmed in writing at the time of delivery
IRA which I have delayed from my end, expecting to be completed in couple of days.