[Poitive]

Originally Posted by Highflyer

Poitive I was also impressed by the positive approach of the marketing guy from the closest dealer.
He drove down for 80 kms to bring the car for test drive.
He didn't try to give me any input unless asked for.
I liked it a lot because I already knew almost everything about the car.

Originally Posted by Highflyer

Poitive you seem to be relating some other persons post to me.
I have made only one post about test drive and thats very positive.

Its now in open that Ford is launching new Fiesta on 14th April.

Highflyer, I was just continuing what was being discussed above about the experience with the Chevy sales staff and their marketing approach.

Originally Posted by NoRules

Highflyer,

The new Fiesta will be launched in July only. 14th April is when they will start revealing the new sepcs / look of the car and this information is from a very reliable source up in the Ford chain.

This is good news
Hope it is spacious.

Originally Posted by NoRules

Highflyer,

OT: I am able to find only LS models in the pre-owned market. Yet to come across a good LT post 2008 model.

NoRules, Would it convenient to share what kind of prices are being quoted for the Optras? Thanks in anticipation.

[mdsaab]

Ever since i subscribed to this thread. I have been seing a lot of magnum's on the road.
If you like the new fiesta and it fits your budget then that's the way to go. Nothing like getting a new launch car. Else i would plonk my money on the magnum, i am starting to like it more now.

[NoRules]

Originally Posted by Poitive

NoRules, Would it convenient to share what kind of prices are being quoted for the Optras? Thanks in anticipation.

The rates for 2007 LS model Optra with 50k+ on Odo are around 5 lakhs to 5.5 lakhs. One LS 2008 model with 60k on Odo but with some mods like alloy wheels and a better music system was quoted @ 5.5L negotiable. Typically the rate has been around 5.25L to 5.75L mark depending on the odo reading and year.

I am waiting to check on a 2009 LT model with 24k on Odo this weekend for which the owner I believe is quoting around 6.75 L negotiable.

If I can get a 2008-09 LT model with less than 25000 kms @ 6 - 6.5 lakhs I might consider it, depending on the condition of the vehicle.

[Poitive]

Originally Posted by NoRules

The rates for 2007 LS model Optra with 50k+ on Odo are around 5 lakhs to 5.5 lakhs. One LS 2008 model with 60k on Odo but with some mods like alloy wheels and a better music system was quoted @ 5.5L negotiable. Typically the rate has been around 5.25L to 5.75L mark depending on the odo reading and year.

I am waiting to check on a 2009 LT model with 24k on Odo this weekend for which the owner I believe is quoting around 6.75 L negotiable.

If I can get a 2008-09 LT model with less than 25000 kms @ 6 - 6.5 lakhs I might consider it, depending on the condition of the vehicle.

@NoRules, Thanks for sharing. I too would be happy to have a vehicle with a low milage and one which is still under warranty. The hit of the initial depreciation is taken by the seller ;-), however things were put a bit more in perspective by this post by ACM
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/sedans...ml#post2304109

[soumobakshi]

@ Poitive
Since you are Ok to consider TATA Manza from your Head why dont you think of Logan?
It has acres of usable space, well built, easy to run, more frugal than the MJD lot, service is consistent.
The only negative aspect is the looks section, if you can live with it, its worth a consideration.
And the price you save can be used for ICE / Alloy and Better Tyres. However with Optra you can never compare this.

Just my 2 cents on being an Owner of Logan for last 3 Years.

[Poitive]

Originally Posted by mdsaab

Ever since i subscribed to this thread. I have been seing a lot of magnum's on the road.
If you like the new fiesta and it fits your budget then that's the way to go. Nothing like getting a new launch car. Else i would plonk my money on the magnum, i am starting to like it more now.

Since I am in no big rush mdsaab, chances are that I would wait for the New Verna too (called ANHV?). From the pics in Autocar India, it seemed a tad more spacious for the driver. The Optra is more soberly designed and it took me a while to like how it looks. Quite like you.

Originally Posted by soumobakshi

@ Poitive
Since you are Ok to consider TATA Manza from your Head why dont you think of Logan?
It has acres of usable space, well built, easy to run, more frugal than the MJD lot, service is consistent.
The only negative aspect is the looks section, if you can live with it, its worth a consideration.
And the price you save can be used for ICE / Alloy and Better Tyres. However with Optra you can never compare this.

Just my 2 cents on being an Owner of Logan for last 3 Years.

@soumobakshi The first reaction on thinking about a Logan was that I just feel like staying away from it. However this praise coming from an owner (you) and your logic (of a from the head decision) makes one reconsider. Thanks for the suggestion. Could you please share your thoughts on the following:
- How is it to drive?
- How is the space for the driver?
- Is getting in and out of the car convenient?
- Service experience and costs.
- Service network
- Is the car expected to remain in production? (I heard that Renault would be introducing cars in India, without Mahindra-unconfirmed)
- Resale

It seems to be an interesting proposition to go for a cheaper car and then change it sooner, while still having ample space.

[mdsaab]

I have heard that the new verna has been launched. If someone could confirm the same. I like the exterior of the new verna, but was not to impressed with the interiors. Ofcourse one would have to see it in the flesh to decide properly. if launched, take a look and let us know how you feel.

[Rameshdude]

Today too,there was this ad in the newspaper about magnum 8.52 with free insurance.I called up,that was for the base model.The top model will be around 10L on the road.The car has got everything you need,power(almost close to cruze),space(better than many higher priced sedans too) ,safety,alloy wheels.3 yrs cheverolet promise (they don't offer this to cruze),and it is a diesel(petrol prices are bound to increase after the election!).I have a few doubts,
If the car is so good,why is it not selling? something else am i missing?
Even if my monthly drive is not much,they say these diesel engines are good,is that true ?(my monthly drive would be only about 1000 to 1500 kms)

[soumobakshi]

My Comments in Italics below;

Originally Posted by Poitive

Since I am in no big rush mdsaab,

@soumobakshi The first reaction on thinking about a Logan was that I just feel like staying away from it. However this praise coming from an owner (you) and your logic (of a from the head decision) makes one reconsider. Thanks for the suggestion. Could you please share your thoughts on the following:
- How is it to drive? - Its not a Rocket, but a good performer with decent ground clearance and road presence. Steering gives good feedback and sheet metal used is comparable to Fiat(Thud! Sound when you close the door)

- How is the space for the driver? - Generous, i had asked my Father in Law to check this who is 6'2" and he has travelled over long distance with me as Co-driver as well as rear seat passenger, never complained. When i talk about long distance i mean 600+Kms

- Is getting in and out of the car convenient? - Yes it is, i graduated from Wagon R. I had a habbit of walking into the drivers seat and more or less it still continues.

- Service experience and costs - Well you can expect same A$$ as you would for any other Mahindra Vehicle. All I can say is Reliable, spare cost is cheapest in the league.

- Service network - Mahindra Service Spread is not as good as MSIL however not bad either.

- Is the car expected to remain in production? (I heard that Renault would be introducing cars in India, without Mahindra-unconfirmed) - AFAIK Mahindra has complete rights for Logan in India and approx 1000/month sale is not bad.

- Resale - Difficult to comment, however in sites like Carwale when i check resale value of my 3 year old car it is not bad.This is specially for the Diesel Engine.

It seems to be an interesting proposition to go for a cheaper car and then change it sooner, while still having ample space.

I guess i have injected some more confussion in your purchase plan

[Poitive]

Originally Posted by Rameshdude

Today too,there was this ad in the newspaper about magnum 8.52 with free insurance.I called up,that was for the base model.The top model will be around 10L on the road.The car has got everything you need,power(almost close to cruze),space(better than many higher priced sedans too) ,safety,alloy wheels.3 yrs cheverolet promise (they don't offer this to cruze),and it is a diesel(petrol prices are bound to increase after the election!).I have a few doubts,
If the car is so good,why is it not selling? something else am i missing?
Even if my monthly drive is not much,they say these diesel engines are good,is that true ?(my monthly drive would be only about 1000 to 1500 kms)

The insurance free offer is roughly equal to the discount they were offering (been a while since I checked with them). One could transfer the NCB from one's older car and take discount otherwise too. About the Chevy promise, it is 2 years for the diesels and 3 yrs for the petrol models.

I too have been surprised with the low sales of this car. Had a bit of a chat with a gentleman at a Fuel station which I will talk about in a later post (in a bit of a rush now). Even if your monthly drive doesn't justify a diesel, it may make sense given the sheer power and torque of this beast. And once the engine has warmed up for a few minutes, it really doesn't feel like a diesel (NVH) on the inside.

[NoRules]

@Rameshdude: The reason why Optra Magnum does not sell in big numbers is GM is not able to give the confidence to customers about the reliability and A.S.S. They have improved their marketing only recently and are now aggressively selling their 3 years / 100000 kms free maintenance scheme. The numbers are gradually increasing but they are missing few simple tricks.

For example in the current Magnum LT model if they can provide a good ICE with steering mounted controls, better looking climatronic AC interface and add few more goodies like Bluetooth, ESP etc I am sure they will sell even better. I personally would not mid paying extra for these add on features.

[brraj]

Originally Posted by Poitive

Even if your monthly drive doesn't justify a diesel, it may make sense given the sheer power and torque of this beast. And once the engine has warmed up for a few minutes, it really doesn't feel like a diesel (NVH) on the inside.

And to add to it, its 2 liter engine (No replacement for displacement) with 314nm of torque.

No new Fiesta, Linea, Verna can match magnum with price & power figures.

[NoRules]

@brraj: True, If power and cost were the only factors someone is interested in, then no car can beat Optra Magnum. However, the plain interiors are a total disappointment and another major factor is the resale price realisation. A jazzed up interior and a marketing strategy to increase confidence of customers will help GM sell this mean machine.

[Poitive]

Originally Posted by mdsaab

I have heard that the new verna has been launched. If someone could confirm the same. I like the exterior of the new verna, but was not to impressed with the interiors. Ofcourse one would have to see it in the flesh to decide properly. if launched, take a look and let us know how you feel.

There was an article in todays newspaper about the Verna being launched by June and the Fiesta to follow soon. Was hoping it would be sooner. Surely will share views on the cars when one gets to experience them.

Originally Posted by soumobakshi

My Comments in Italics below;
I guess i have injected some more confussion in your purchase plan

@Soumobakshi, You surely have planted a voice inside me which keeps popping up "why not a Logan when it seems to offer most of what one wants and costs lesser", but the heart usually screams loud enough to swat those logical thoughts . Thanks for sharing mate.

--------------------------------------------------

In other happenings, happened to interact with an Optra Magnum Diesel owner at a petrol pump. The car was chauffeur driven. 85k in about 3 years. FE About 12-13 in the city with AC. 14 in winters (i.e. without AC). Said that one should expect the FE to improve by about 1, if self driven (I think he expected the car to be a lot more sedately driven if self driven ;-) )

The owner was just in love with the car. Recommended it very highly. He planned to change his car in a few months and planned another Optra. Said that the engine should be good for about 2L kms, which seemed like a lot to me. Said that a typical service costs 3-4k.

[Poitive]

Tata Manza Elan Test Driven Again

(@mods, Did not merge the information here with the previous post, as it was a TD and seemed to justify a new post, though not a separate thread)

Guys, Had Test driven the Manza Elan again. The opinions weren't really too different from before. Here is what I felt and observed:

- Was very spacious, however the room for feet was a bit lesser than the older Indigo. Guess it is to do with the Modern design which was discussed in earlier posts.
- Seats were comfortable. Ample legroom. Fairly good knee room (term explained in an earlier post).
- Easy ingress/egress.
- The dash didn't really come onto one's face like it does in some of the Modern cars. The cabin felt quite airy. The interior look was quite pleasing.
(on issues as subjective as the looks etc, I suspect that many of us are pretty biased against the Desi cars and are taken in a bit by the European ones)
- The overall finish was quite good but rather inconsistent. The finish on the AC vents seemed like from an era gone by; the finish of the dash was very very good (keeping the bias of it being a TATA aside)
- After some adjustments, the audio system sounded fairly good. The display, however didn't seem refined.
- The ride was pretty good. Absorbed the bumps quite well with a moderately soft suspension. Not the kind to be cornered too hard, however seemed to handle a bit better than the Optra (not too sure of this).
- The engine felt to rev quite freely. However it seemed to make a lot of noise and seemed very stretched when one revved it hard (some may like that sound)
-Gears had to be changed very frequently to keep the car suitable pepped up.
- The vibrations would very well be felt in the cabin and steering, quite like the Linea and SX4 (the other cars I TD with the same engine).
- If the car had a bigger engine, it may have been a wonderful car to be in. Still a huge improvement over the older Indigo.

Wonder if a Manza would sell well, if it was say about 60-80k more expensive (would put it closer to Vento bandwidth) and came with a much smoother and bigger engine. A moot thought though.

Whenever I am behind a Manza, I do like how it looks from the back. If one didn't know that it was our very own desi Manza, one would probably mistake it for a car a segment or two higher. Especially in the off-white/cream colour. Looks quite good even from the rear 3/4 angle. However as one starts to see the car as a whole and from the front, it seems that the rear half is from a segment higher, the front from a segment lower (in terms of size). But on the whole, if one removes the desi bias, it looks fairly good.

All in all this car seemed VERY good value for money.

Both, the Manza and Optra make a strong case for themselves. The purchase is a while away. It may eventually just boil down to how much moolah one is open to spending at that point.