NHC ownership issue in Mysore

DWind · 25th April 2007, 14:45

Hi Team-Bhpians,

I am new to this excellent forum for car owners and would like your opinion on buying a new car for myself.

price range : around 7 lakh.
Average Mileage : around 1-1.5 K with mostly Highway driving
Self / Chauffer Driven: Self
Additional factors: 3 box car, Low on Maintenance, Better resale value, Quality interiors.
Expected ownership period: atleast 2-3 years.

Based on the above factors I have decided on the NHC ZX. Would like your opinion / comments on any other choice based on the above requirements.

Also, as I will be living in Mysore and since there are no Honda dealers here would need your opinion on the choice of owning a Honda quite far away (around 120 K from the nearest dealer - Bangalore).

Please let me know your thoughts.

~Dwind

benbsb29 · 25th April 2007, 16:21

@Dwind, have you decided on the City ZX, or are u also looking at other options?

Honda's generally are low on maintenance, and so wouldnt matter to a large degree on having the dealer so far away, but you cannot be sure.

As far as i know, Ford has a dealer in Mysore too, and so if you are willing to look beyond the city, also take a look at the Fiesta.

esteem_lover · 25th April 2007, 16:28

Just wait for the suzuki sx4, fits your requirements like a glove.

tsk1979 · 25th April 2007, 16:40

Service will be an headache.
I remember when Opel did not have a service center at Ludhiana(was it open, don't remember the make) only at Jalandhar. An uncle bought the Astra, and service time was always an hassle.
Jalandhar is only 50 minutes drive from Ludiana(60kms on GT road), but still it was an hassle.
For Bangalore image that you have to drive 3 hours to the workshop, then make alternate arrangements in bangalore and drive back.
If your car breaks down due to some unforseen reason, its going to be a bigger problem towing it so far.
There are lots of other cars in this segment
1. To be launched SX4
2. Ford Fiesta
3. Hyundai Verna Petrol XXI
4. GM stable

If the workshop was not so far away, it would have been a great deal, but as things stand now, I suggest you stay away from Bangalore dealer, and stick to a brand serviceable in your town.

msdivy · 25th April 2007, 17:00

Mysore has Ford, GM, Totota, TATA, Hyundai and of course Maruti dealers but no Honda (though Dakshin Honda recently had a sales & service mela). Servicing is at 1K, 5K & 10K intervals. If you can't catch them at Mysore, you would have to visit Bangalore at these intervals for servicing. You could also look at Verna, Fiesta (both diesel) & Innova which are good highway vehicles. Also could wait for new Baleno (expected in 2 weeks). After this, if you find NHC suits your needs, go for it, if getting serviced is not an issue.

DWind · 24th May 2007, 12:57

Thanks a lot guys for your ressponse. Have finally decided on the Verna and taking a test Drive of their CRDI engine. I simply loved the Torque on her and the response after 2000 RPM. I loved the drive so much that I took 2 test drives in Chennai and Mysore. Also the salesperson (in Chennai - HMP and Mysore - Advaith) were knowledgebale about the car.
The Demo car (CRDI base version)in Chennai had just 600 KM on the ODO so was not allowed to take it beyond the 90 KMPH mark but still loved the Turbo kicking in. I was lucky in Mysore where the car in Mysore had more than 30 K on the ODO (The Sales person told me they take the car out to places like Coorg, Hassan and Mangalore so I think she has had her fair share of bad roads) and was able to take it to 140 K and was happy with the handling though it was not as sure footed as others (read: more expensive cars like BMW or a Volkswagen my regular diet in Europe). Happy for whatever I am paying nevertheless. He also said that the rear suspension issues in Accent has been sorted out in this car. Would like your confirmation from the owners please.
I had also taken a test Drive of Suzuki SX4 in Chennai. The SP in Chennai was not allowing me to have one by saying that TD has been booked and the car had gone out. But I had noted that the car was there in dealer's garage already and had to finally convinced him that I was genuinely interested. He did not allow me to take it on any main roads (do not know why) but I really liked the stance. I am told the ZX has a higher ground clearence. Also the gear throws were precise and short which was to my liking. But overall the petrol was unexciting as the Verna which is what clinched my decision.
My only grouse is that the SX on the Verna has 2 DIN ICE but does not have an option for external devices (read iPOD and other MP3 players) while Suzuki SX4 does.

Cheers!
~DWind

akroy · 24th May 2007, 14:26

Nice decision !!!
if u are happy with Verna CRDI then just go ahead...

Abhi

mclaren1885 · 24th May 2007, 14:30

DW, verna is a nice choice. Specially the punch the Crdi kicks in. However, though hyundai seem to have fixed the rear suspension problem on the verna there is still a lot of scope for improvement. Which seems to be the only fault with the verna. A stiffer rear suspension would do wonders to the handling of that car. Awaiting your ownership reports soon.

finneyp · 24th May 2007, 16:27

Many Congrats on your new Car!
Verna CRDi is a nice choice!

Do post your first impressions after you take the delivery!

GeekSrik · 24th May 2007, 19:54

dwind, its useful if you keep sharing usage reports now and then on long term reports section. good luck on your car. atleast FE wont be an issue for you and so will not be the price of fuel. rock dude!

msdivy · 24th May 2007, 22:38

Congrats DWind ! Enjoy your drives !!
BTW, how much was it OTR?

theMAG · 24th May 2007, 22:43

Nice buy DWind. Thats a nice car to own. Do watch out for when that turbo kicks in - its known to catch out a few drivers unawares!

DWind · 1st June 2007, 13:07

Thanks for your advise. Have finally booked the VERNA CRDI SX with ABS. Would be delivered on June 12th. Just a query to all the ICE Gurus. Can you please help me recommend any after-market installation for connecting my iPOD to OEM 2 din ICE in car.

Thanks!
~DWind

abhilashvk · 1st June 2007, 13:44

Congrats on your new car....An excellent car to own.

toiingg · 1st June 2007, 13:56

Congrats! Make sure you read the thread about PDI and get pics for all of us to see.

25th April 2007, 14:45	#1
DWind BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Singara Chennai Posts: 804 Thanked: 238 Times View My Garage	NHC ownership issue in Mysore Hi Team-Bhpians, I am new to this excellent forum for car owners and would like your opinion on buying a new car for myself. price range : around 7 lakh. Average Mileage : around 1-1.5 K with mostly Highway driving Self / Chauffer Driven: Self Additional factors: 3 box car, Low on Maintenance, Better resale value, Quality interiors. Expected ownership period: atleast 2-3 years. Based on the above factors I have decided on the NHC ZX. Would like your opinion / comments on any other choice based on the above requirements. Also, as I will be living in Mysore and since there are no Honda dealers here would need your opinion on the choice of owning a Honda quite far away (around 120 K from the nearest dealer - Bangalore). Please let me know your thoughts. ~Dwind
	() Thanks

25th April 2007, 16:21	#2
benbsb29 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,968 Thanked: 13,218 Times View My Garage	@Dwind, have you decided on the City ZX, or are u also looking at other options? Honda's generally are low on maintenance, and so wouldnt matter to a large degree on having the dealer so far away, but you cannot be sure. As far as i know, Ford has a dealer in Mysore too, and so if you are willing to look beyond the city, also take a look at the Fiesta.
	() Thanks

25th April 2007, 16:28	#3
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras/Py Posts: 7,556 Thanked: 502 Times View My Garage	Just wait for the suzuki sx4, fits your requirements like a glove.
	() Thanks

25th April 2007, 16:40	#4
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Service will be an headache. I remember when Opel did not have a service center at Ludhiana(was it open, don't remember the make) only at Jalandhar. An uncle bought the Astra, and service time was always an hassle. Jalandhar is only 50 minutes drive from Ludiana(60kms on GT road), but still it was an hassle. For Bangalore image that you have to drive 3 hours to the workshop, then make alternate arrangements in bangalore and drive back. If your car breaks down due to some unforseen reason, its going to be a bigger problem towing it so far. There are lots of other cars in this segment 1. To be launched SX4 2. Ford Fiesta 3. Hyundai Verna Petrol XXI 4. GM stable If the workshop was not so far away, it would have been a great deal, but as things stand now, I suggest you stay away from Bangalore dealer, and stick to a brand serviceable in your town.
	() Thanks

25th April 2007, 17:00	#5
msdivy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,815 Thanked: 2,826 Times	Mysore has Ford, GM, Totota, TATA, Hyundai and of course Maruti dealers but no Honda (though Dakshin Honda recently had a sales & service mela). Servicing is at 1K, 5K & 10K intervals. If you can't catch them at Mysore, you would have to visit Bangalore at these intervals for servicing. You could also look at Verna, Fiesta (both diesel) & Innova which are good highway vehicles. Also could wait for new Baleno (expected in 2 weeks). After this, if you find NHC suits your needs, go for it, if getting serviced is not an issue. Last edited by msdivy : 25th April 2007 at 17:02.
	() Thanks

24th May 2007, 12:57	#6
DWind BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Singara Chennai Posts: 804 Thanked: 238 Times View My Garage	Finally Decided on the Verna - SX Thanks a lot guys for your ressponse. Have finally decided on the Verna and taking a test Drive of their CRDI engine. I simply loved the Torque on her and the response after 2000 RPM. I loved the drive so much that I took 2 test drives in Chennai and Mysore. Also the salesperson (in Chennai - HMP and Mysore - Advaith) were knowledgebale about the car. The Demo car (CRDI base version)in Chennai had just 600 KM on the ODO so was not allowed to take it beyond the 90 KMPH mark but still loved the Turbo kicking in. I was lucky in Mysore where the car in Mysore had more than 30 K on the ODO (The Sales person told me they take the car out to places like Coorg, Hassan and Mangalore so I think she has had her fair share of bad roads) and was able to take it to 140 K and was happy with the handling though it was not as sure footed as others (read: more expensive cars like BMW or a Volkswagen my regular diet in Europe). Happy for whatever I am paying nevertheless. He also said that the rear suspension issues in Accent has been sorted out in this car. Would like your confirmation from the owners please. I had also taken a test Drive of Suzuki SX4 in Chennai. The SP in Chennai was not allowing me to have one by saying that TD has been booked and the car had gone out. But I had noted that the car was there in dealer's garage already and had to finally convinced him that I was genuinely interested. He did not allow me to take it on any main roads (do not know why) but I really liked the stance. I am told the ZX has a higher ground clearence. Also the gear throws were precise and short which was to my liking. But overall the petrol was unexciting as the Verna which is what clinched my decision. My only grouse is that the SX on the Verna has 2 DIN ICE but does not have an option for external devices (read iPOD and other MP3 players) while Suzuki SX4 does. Cheers! ~DWind
	() Thanks

24th May 2007, 14:26	#7
akroy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA, USA Posts: 2,423 Thanked: 85 Times View My Garage	Nice decision !!! if u are happy with Verna CRDI then just go ahead... Abhi
	() Thanks

24th May 2007, 14:30	#8
mclaren1885 BANNED Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore (the city of modded cars) !! Posts: 4,820 Thanked: 45 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/1 (10)	DW, verna is a nice choice. Specially the punch the Crdi kicks in. However, though hyundai seem to have fixed the rear suspension problem on the verna there is still a lot of scope for improvement. Which seems to be the only fault with the verna. A stiffer rear suspension would do wonders to the handling of that car. Awaiting your ownership reports soon.
	() Thanks

24th May 2007, 16:27	#9
finneyp Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,716 Thanked: 319 Times View My Garage	Many Congrats on your new Car! Verna CRDi is a nice choice! Do post your first impressions after you take the delivery!
	() Thanks

24th May 2007, 19:54	#10
GeekSrik Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,281 Thanked: 22 Times View My Garage	dwind, its useful if you keep sharing usage reports now and then on long term reports section. good luck on your car. atleast FE wont be an issue for you and so will not be the price of fuel. rock dude!
	() Thanks

24th May 2007, 22:38	#11
msdivy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,815 Thanked: 2,826 Times	Congrats DWind ! Enjoy your drives !! BTW, how much was it OTR?
	() Thanks

24th May 2007, 22:43	#12
theMAG Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 7,217 Thanked: 1,807 Times View My Garage	Nice buy DWind. Thats a nice car to own. Do watch out for when that turbo kicks in - its known to catch out a few drivers unawares!
	() Thanks

1st June 2007, 13:07	#13
DWind BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Singara Chennai Posts: 804 Thanked: 238 Times View My Garage	Have Booked a Verna - would be delivered on 12th June Thanks for your advise. Have finally booked the VERNA CRDI SX with ABS. Would be delivered on June 12th. Just a query to all the ICE Gurus. Can you please help me recommend any after-market installation for connecting my iPOD to OEM 2 din ICE in car. Thanks! ~DWind
	() Thanks

1st June 2007, 13:44	#14
abhilashvk BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bangalore/Calic Posts: 367 Thanked: 32 Times View My Garage	Congrats on your new car....An excellent car to own.
	() Thanks

1st June 2007, 13:56	#15
toiingg BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Calcutta Posts: 639 Thanked: 266 Times	Congrats! Make sure you read the thread about PDI and get pics for all of us to see.
	() Thanks