Advice on Buying Discontinued Fiat Petra

neofromcapone · 4th March 2009, 20:35

Hi Guys,

Need your help in deciding on a replacement for my Silver Santro.
Requirements- a large car I have never seen the insides of a gym

Solid on bad roads.
City driving will be 85% and out of town drives should not feel a drag.

Now as per the thread title, I am getting a Fiat Petra from the stocks lying with Fiat. Its a 16V, 100bhp, top of the line model. I amnot sure when Fiat stopped production. But I will be the 1st owner. I have driven the car for some time and find it very comptent and capable for my needs.And I totally love it.

Should I go for this or buy a new car. As I dont want a White Elephant.If a new car which one?

Thanks in advance

AirWind · 5th March 2009, 09:58

What is the asking price? Its one hell of a competent all rounder (powerful, big, driving dynamics, handling, ride quality, build quality, etc.,), I would love to own one.... but be informed of poor resale value of Petra or for any Fiat in MH is peanuts, I see Petra's go for as low as 1.25L and there arent many takers. The 1.6 shares most of the parts bin with its sibling the Palio (obvious but for the boot), so parts supply shouldnt be an issue.

PS: does FIAT has more pieces?

deepgautam_qa · 5th March 2009, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by neofromcapone

Should I go for this or buy a new car. As I dont want a White Elephant.If a new car which one?

Confirm the quoted price....I have been enjoying my Petra 1.6 since 2004 (clocked ~ 50 K)...it is certainly a superb driver's car who never lets you down on power, speed, handling, safety, etc. AFA spares and service are concerned, there will not be any problem as it shares it's spares with Palio 1.6...but if you change your car(s) quite frequently then think twice before getting Petra, because it doesn't attract too many used car buyers.

Cheers,

Deepak

neofromcapone · 5th March 2009, 11:20

I have no issues with the resale price. I am looking a it for keeps, hence I want to ensure the ownership costs are not too high.

I am getting it around 4.3L And I believe this one was abt 5.5L when it was in production. What should be a good price.
@ Deepak, what is the running cost to expect.

hrag · 5th March 2009, 13:36

If FIAT is giving you a standard warranty with the car, I don't see why you should not take it. Especially at that price.

Firebird · 5th March 2009, 14:40

What is the Year of MFG....Is it 2006?

4.3 is on the higher side for a 2006 model. Checked on Carwale for a Petra 2006 model resale appears as 2,56,000 for 2006 June Model. Considering it as new, add another 70 to 80 K as premium, then also it comes close to 3.3 lakhs (Expers can comment on this).

Also consider about - it has been there in the yard for almost 2.5 to 3 yrs or has been well used for TDs.

I am not saying anything against Petra, but think over it.

How much running does Odo show?

Why not take a look at other sedans or a big hatch?

anantnehru · 5th March 2009, 15:07

I had one. Absolutely brilliant - powerful, solid and looked decent too. A bit of a guzzler. Sold it for 85k :( 125,000 sounds so much better...

chipfoose · 5th March 2009, 15:23

Petra is not a bad car.But i think the price qouted by the dealer is high. Is it a petra that they used for test drives or is it an old stock in their godown. BTW what is the colour? Have you got any pics of the car?

FERRO · 5th March 2009, 16:04

make sure it don't have any type of rust anywhere or you will be buying a white elephant.

deepgautam_qa · 5th March 2009, 16:21

- Try to negotiate further on price
- Check the year of mfg
- Check whether the car was used for TD
- Dents/bends/repaints
- Underbody scars/scratches

Mileage from my Petra 1.6 (2004): 10 (city 70% AC) & 14.5 (90% AC)

Besides dipper switch assembly (mounted on steering rod) change (INR 3K) no major expense yet.

If the dealer doesn't agree to sell it for lesser than 4 L, then you can/should look for other options as well.

Cheers,

Deepak

greenhorn · 5th March 2009, 16:28

why not a baleno/ohc/lancer etc for that price. a fiat that lay in a dealer's garage for this long is bound to be a lemon by now ....

neofromcapone · 5th March 2009, 16:58

I completely agree with you greenhorn, and that's why I cant decide, just the fact that the car is a tank, and coming in at abt a lac and half less, blinds me from all other facts.

I will buy a 2nd hand petra or palio or even the Indica Vista, if not this particular Petra. Just need a push in either direction

Deepak - the prices are final and negotiated, its been the last of the vehicles they produced, and I have to believe FIAT as this is directly from them and the cars were in the factory. I wnt to decide and then see the car, if i see the car I will go right ahead without bothering on the seeing the small details, BTW when did the production of the Petra stop?

MileCruncher · 5th March 2009, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn

a fiat that lay in a dealer's garage for this long is bound to be a lemon by now ....

Cars donot become lemons by virtue of just standing. And on reliability front FIATs are anyday much ahead of any TATA car and thats why the SWIFT and Indica Vista use FIAT MJD engines.

Hence request you to stop bad mouthing cars without actually having owned them.

@ neo: Petra is a absolutely faboulous car. The price quoted by the dealer may be slightly high. You need to check the tyres and rubber parts/belt and if you feel they show signs of crack get them replaced before taking delivery. If the car is for keeps and you are going to drive yourself, then this definitely the car to buy.

speedzak · 5th March 2009, 17:47

Stay away!
For that price, you can buy a better 2nd hand japanese sedan.

It is high priced, old, unused/abused and probably a rusted lemon by now. You'll be plagued with bad service, unattractive name, non existant/highly expensive spares and horrible resale values.
If not looked after very carefully, it will be too much of a bother to maintain this car. My experience says so.

The solid, heavy feeling and a humongous, globe sized boot is some positives I see.

Will not at all recommend you this car.

SkyWalker · 5th March 2009, 20:01

i say avoid. Petra, even though a good car has been out of the market for long. Spares would be more difficult compared to Palio.

Paying about 1L more you will get a brand new Ford Ikon petrol. Or spend around the same amount to get a sparingly used Sedan. Your money is better spent in either of the choices.

4th March 2009, 20:35	#1
neofromcapone BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bombay Posts: 412 Thanked: 438 Times	Advice on Buying Discontinued Fiat Petra Hi Guys, Need your help in deciding on a replacement for my Silver Santro. Requirements- a large car I have never seen the insides of a gym Solid on bad roads. City driving will be 85% and out of town drives should not feel a drag. Now as per the thread title, I am getting a Fiat Petra from the stocks lying with Fiat. Its a 16V, 100bhp, top of the line model. I amnot sure when Fiat stopped production. But I will be the 1st owner. I have driven the car for some time and find it very comptent and capable for my needs.And I totally love it. Should I go for this or buy a new car. As I dont want a White Elephant.If a new car which one? Thanks in advance
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 09:58	#2
AirWind BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 998 Thanked: 404 Times View My Garage	What is the asking price? Its one hell of a competent all rounder (powerful, big, driving dynamics, handling, ride quality, build quality, etc.,), I would love to own one.... but be informed of poor resale value of Petra or for any Fiat in MH is peanuts, I see Petra's go for as low as 1.25L and there arent many takers. The 1.6 shares most of the parts bin with its sibling the Palio (obvious but for the boot), so parts supply shouldnt be an issue. PS: does FIAT has more pieces?
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 11:20	#4
neofromcapone BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bombay Posts: 412 Thanked: 438 Times	I have no issues with the resale price. I am looking a it for keeps, hence I want to ensure the ownership costs are not too high. I am getting it around 4.3L And I believe this one was abt 5.5L when it was in production. What should be a good price. @ Deepak, what is the running cost to expect.
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 13:36	#5
hrag BANNED Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bangalore / Madras Posts: 1,982 Thanked: 31 Times	If FIAT is giving you a standard warranty with the car, I don't see why you should not take it. Especially at that price.
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 14:40	#6
Firebird BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai / EC1M 3NH Posts: 470 Thanked: 65 Times View My Garage	What is the Year of MFG....Is it 2006? 4.3 is on the higher side for a 2006 model. Checked on Carwale for a Petra 2006 model resale appears as 2,56,000 for 2006 June Model. Considering it as new, add another 70 to 80 K as premium, then also it comes close to 3.3 lakhs (Expers can comment on this). Also consider about - it has been there in the yard for almost 2.5 to 3 yrs or has been well used for TDs. I am not saying anything against Petra, but think over it. How much running does Odo show? Why not take a look at other sedans or a big hatch?
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 15:07	#7
anantnehru BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 447 Thanked: 14 Times	I had one. Absolutely brilliant - powerful, solid and looked decent too. A bit of a guzzler. Sold it for 85k :( 125,000 sounds so much better...
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 15:23	#8
chipfoose BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: blr Posts: 86 Thanked: 0 Times	Petra is not a bad car.But i think the price qouted by the dealer is high. Is it a petra that they used for test drives or is it an old stock in their godown. BTW what is the colour? Have you got any pics of the car?
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 16:04	#9
FERRO BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 313 Thanked: 2 Times	make sure it don't have any type of rust anywhere or you will be buying a white elephant.
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 16:21	#10
deepgautam_qa BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rajastha Posts: 221 Thanked: 8 Times	- Try to negotiate further on price - Check the year of mfg - Check whether the car was used for TD - Dents/bends/repaints - Underbody scars/scratches Mileage from my Petra 1.6 (2004): 10 (city 70% AC) & 14.5 (90% AC) Besides dipper switch assembly (mounted on steering rod) change (INR 3K) no major expense yet. If the dealer doesn't agree to sell it for lesser than 4 L, then you can/should look for other options as well. Cheers, Deepak
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 16:28	#11
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,745 Thanked: 4,397 Times View My Garage	why not a baleno/ohc/lancer etc for that price. a fiat that lay in a dealer's garage for this long is bound to be a lemon by now .... Last edited by greenhorn : 5th March 2009 at 16:30.
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 16:58	#12
neofromcapone BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bombay Posts: 412 Thanked: 438 Times	I completely agree with you greenhorn, and that's why I cant decide, just the fact that the car is a tank, and coming in at abt a lac and half less, blinds me from all other facts. I will buy a 2nd hand petra or palio or even the Indica Vista, if not this particular Petra. Just need a push in either direction Deepak - the prices are final and negotiated, its been the last of the vehicles they produced, and I have to believe FIAT as this is directly from them and the cars were in the factory. I wnt to decide and then see the car, if i see the car I will go right ahead without bothering on the seeing the small details, BTW when did the production of the Petra stop?
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 17:47	#14
speedzak BANNED Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: India Posts: 4,347 Thanked: 27 Times	Stay away! For that price, you can buy a better 2nd hand japanese sedan. It is high priced, old, unused/abused and probably a rusted lemon by now. You'll be plagued with bad service, unattractive name, non existant/highly expensive spares and horrible resale values. If not looked after very carefully, it will be too much of a bother to maintain this car. My experience says so. The solid, heavy feeling and a humongous, globe sized boot is some positives I see. Will not at all recommend you this car.
	() Thanks

5th March 2009, 20:01	#15
SkyWalker Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,531 Thanked: 136 Times	i say avoid. Petra, even though a good car has been out of the market for long. Spares would be more difficult compared to Palio. Paying about 1L more you will get a brand new Ford Ikon petrol. Or spend around the same amount to get a sparingly used Sedan. Your money is better spent in either of the choices. Last edited by SkyWalker : 5th March 2009 at 20:02.
	() Thanks