[SeniorC]

Originally Posted by 07CR

I would be inspecting the car thoroughly, and also intend to take it to a Kia service centre and perform thorough diagnostics. If everything looks great, should I replace my current sonet with the GTX+ ?

Since your current car is also pre-owned, you could switch to another pre-owned car but get it checked thoroughly by professionals.

DCTs are much convenient to drive in city traffic. Just follow the DCT driving rule of putting your car in N or P everytime you stop. Instead of continuous crawling in stop and go traffic, keep some gap from vehicle in front and move after stopping.

DCT, TPMS, front parking sensors and IRVMs are good enough reasons for the change. Rest other features of DCT are not really relevant but may be good to have.

[Agarwal_Aayush]

Originally Posted by 07CR

I believe, people facing DCT issues are one's who don't shift to neutral in B2B traffic, which heats up the DCT. I shift to neutral at >3 sec stop even in my iMT. If that would make me safe WRT DCT, I think it can be a great bet. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Quoting you and not judging the past owner of the GTX+, how would you know how the previous owner used the gears in his ownership period?
Please take a long test drive (if possible) and comprehensive checkup at the service center before giving in the money for this exchange.

[ArijitGupte]

Have voted for Yes. I too have a GTX+ DCT.

Am also from Pune drive through the Pune traffic including the Chandani chowk and that too before the new one was build.
So far have not had the dreaded DCT heating issues, I do keep it in Neutral whenever stationary.
As you are used to IMT and already following the same steps as keeping it in Neutral and creep features it's the same logic for DCT.
Infact after the servicing last year there was some software update which now actually releases the clutch when break pedel is pressed fully. One can feel it as the car stops the pulling effect when breaks are pressed for more than a few seconds.

The fuel efficiency is big hot for DCT though, Pune's traffic gives between 8-12. Eco mode does not help much in efficiency but just makes the car sluggish and maybe keeps the urge to zoom off.

Ventilated seats and a big advantage for Indian conditions. Keeps the back and the tushi cool 😎

GTX+ with the red calipers and those red accents give it a very sporty yet sexy look

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by 07CR

I have a Sonet iMT HTX turbo.
I would be inspecting the car thoroughly, and also intend to take it to a Kia service centre and perform thorough diagnostics. If everything looks great, should I replace my current sonet with the GTX+ ?

Why dont you consider this little Gadget? EVCX9. Throttle Controller. It will change your driving experience completely and completely mitigate any performance lag either in city or on the highways. I ve put it on two of my vehicles and honestly the difference is palpable. Ive written a thread about it too. This thing will cost less than what you are likely going to shell out for your change of car.
Its just a suggestion, basis my own personal experience.
(I’ve got no interest financial or otherwise in this. Im speaking merely as a happy consumer.)

[07CR]

Originally Posted by jaysheth

1) Avoid crawl/creep in stop-and-go traffic, as that's the main culprit when we engage half brakes or release them only partially while the car is in gear. This is what makes the DCT heat up considerably. Hence they recommend point 2) below.

2) Do not engage the gear (OR keep the brake pedal fully pressed, as doing that also apparently disengages gears). Only once there is enough space equal to accommodating "several" vehicles ahead of you, engage the gear and/or release the brakes fully, so that any friction is avoided and so that no heat builds up.

Originally Posted by CarWorld

I can't agree more with you on this assessment. This is the real traffic scenario in Pune and I believe in all metros in general. Even in the manual car, you will often find need to drive it with half clutch because releasing full clutch will have unacceptable speed even in first gear. Also, if you wait for sufficient gap to be created between you and vehicle ahead of you, if not other cars then some two wheelers will try to occupy that space and you will not be able to move forward. Ultimately, out of frustration, you will either drive with half break and half clutch for the manual car or just half break for DCT car and both will result in clutch deterioration in long term.

Fortunately for me, I rarely encounter such situations where I am in one hour or longer crawling traffic. In city traffic, I seldom encounter bumper to bumper crawly traffic. I hope the DCT won't require much babying on the highways.

Originally Posted by TheFonz

If you are thinking of a change then why go for the same car especially when there are better ( read safer ) options?

You can go for Nexon which is the segment leader and the flag bearer of safety in the segment. You can also try out Brezza which is the safest car in Maruti’s stable.

I believe Sonet has the perfect set of active and passive set of safety features. Since I have been using the Sonet iMT for nearly 2 years now, the experience has been fantastic in all aspects. Sonet has not been tested by GNCAP yet and anyways I don't give much importance to GNCAP ratings, as I have a lot of apprehensions over the way they conduct their testings. Hope things improve BNCAP and their way of testing is consistent.

I drove Brezza but found it too boring. Neither the performance, nor the interiors seem exciting enough. Therefore skipping it. Regarding Nexon, even though Nexon is one of their best offerings, I have a thumb rule to not buy Tata vehicle anytime in the near future, due to the constant ASS, fit and finish and some reliability issues. No offence to the owners, just my personal opinions.

Originally Posted by headbanger

If you are not satisfied with iMT, only then go for DCT with a valid reason. While things like air purifier or mood lights et al are nice features, they do not warrant a car change.

Agreed. Completely satisfied with iMT. It's just I came across this deal, and since the price difference isn't huge, I believe I would get some important additions like- 6 airbags vs 4 in mine, front parking sensors (probably could be helpful for my wife), auto dimming IRVM (huge positive for me), ventilated seats and connected car tech (pre cooling car is my favorite feature, already do this using the key remote start in my Sonet). My wife would also be more comfortable driving a fully automatic car, than iMT.

Mood lighting, drive modes, traction modes, a colored and more detailed MID, a bigger touchscreen more functionalities are extra good to have additions for me.

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

In that 1L INR you can cover a distance of 15K which is good enough for whole country road trip �� On the other hand, the deal is very tempting and that's the beauty of going the pre owned route.

Agreed. However, 1L is the max difference I believe I would need to get the car (by selling my car). I probably see the difference would be lower at around 50K. At 50K, I gain a whole lot more!

Originally Posted by SeniorC

Since your current car is also pre-owned, you could switch to another pre-owned car but get it checked thoroughly by professionals.

DCTs are much convenient to drive in city traffic. Just follow the DCT driving rule of putting your car in N or P everytime you stop. Instead of continuous crawling in stop and go traffic, keep some gap from vehicle in front and move after stopping.

DCT, TPMS, front parking sensors and IRVMs are good enough reasons for the change. Rest other features of DCT are not really relevant but may be good to have.

Originally Posted by ArijitGupte

Have voted for Yes. I too have a GTX+ DCT.

The fuel efficiency is big hot for DCT though, Pune's traffic gives between 8-12. Eco mode does not help much in efficiency but just makes the car sluggish and maybe keeps the urge to zoom off.

Hey thanks, that helps. Mileage isn't a much of a bother, since I have low running of around 5K per year.

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Why dont you consider this little Gadget?

I am perfectly happy with the iMT transmission and performance of the 1.0 litre engine. Just being swayed by the fully auto transmission (would be helpful for my wife too), and the visual and interior feature enhancements of the GTX+. My differential amount could be around 50K, and these enhancements at just 50K, seem like a great deal to me.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Agreed. However, 1L is the max difference I believe I would need to get the car (by selling my car). I probably see the difference would be lower at around 50K. At 50K, I gain a whole lot more!

The difference between 1L and 50K is 50% and the entire calculation and recommendation changes if latter is the case. If I was in your place and knowing the difference is only going to be 50K from my pocket, I would not even think twice and jump onto the DCT Sonet (post due diligence since it is pre owned) Owning and driving a DCT is a feeling one must experience to know how good it is. I have been owning a VW DSG for 4+ years now and keep extending the warranty each year to mitigate the risk of a big hole in my pocket due to DSG failure (crossing fingers) When the warranty cannot be extended is where I shall keep a fund for the repairs (again, if any)

[07CR]

Originally Posted by vattyboy

Yes, go for it.

Originally Posted by condor

The rear sun shade is the immediate useful

Originally Posted by IamNikhil

Go for it if the service history checks out well.

Originally Posted by jaysheth

Especially given you are so very well satisfied with your iMT car, I would advise retaining your iMT.

Originally Posted by Agarwal_Aayush

1 lac in nothing in return to what you will add on to the car, however I will suggest you to get the car thoroughly checked, specially so since it is a DCT gearbox.

Originally Posted by PaddleShifter

I stand corrected in that case and would not recommend a swap unless a proper automatic is a mandatory requirement.

Originally Posted by Draken

And also consider that the car is less than 3 years old. Even if you see a repair it should realistically be after the 6 year mark assuming heavy usage. I think its worth the risk considering the much better package this car is.

Originally Posted by jaysheth

and decide for yourself.

Originally Posted by TheFonz

If you are thinking of a change then why go for the same car

Originally Posted by headbanger

If you are not satisfied with iMT, only then go for DCT with a valid reason. While things like air purifier or mood lights et al are nice features, they do not warrant a car change.

Originally Posted by CarWorld

I have voted yes in this poll assuming OP knows all the risks associated with DCT and is willing to take it. Because otherwise, this is value for money decision.

Originally Posted by SeniorC

DCT, TPMS, front parking sensors and IRVMs are good enough reasons for the change. Rest other features of DCT are not really relevant but may be good to have.

Originally Posted by Agarwal_Aayush

comprehensive checkup at the service center before giving in the money for this exchange.

Originally Posted by ArijitGupte

Have voted for Yes

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Why dont you consider this little Gadget?

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

The difference between 1L and 50K is 50% and the entire calculation and recommendation changes if latter is the case.

Major Update- Short Version- Dodged a missile, decided to keep my Pre Owned iMT for much longer now.

Longer version-
So I visited the used car dealership in Mumbai to checkout the car on Saturday. I visited the same in my Sonet, to also check what value the dealer would give, for my Sonet, thus enabling easier transfer.

Quoted price for the DCT Sonet was 10.75L. We checked out the car, and it was easily apparent that the owner had not maintained it well. Not too serious, but was pretty sure, it would need a good dent paint job on the outside, and a detailing session on the outside as well as interior. I got major red flags which I would describe below-

Red Flag 1 Me and wife were discussing in the entire journey to let negotiate the price down to atleast 10.25L from the 10.75L. So after checking out the car, we asked the dealer straightaway the final price. He slashed the price to 10L immediately, and with little more pestering agreed to a price of around 9.8L. 9.8L for a 31K Km run GT Line Sonet was music to my ears (especially considering I was getting offers of around 10.25L for my preowned Sonet iMT HTX).

Red Flag 2 Despite the heavy discounts, the dealer also agreed to completely change the exterior look of the car, by repainting the panels and areas that had lost paint. I was happy with this as well.

Red Flag 3 During inspection we observed the car didn't feel as strong as my iMT Sonet. Can't describe this in words, but it felt like everything right from the panels, the door handles, windows, or the bonnet, nothing felt as strong or heavy as my Sonet's. This is the first time I started suspecting something was amiss. On closer inspection we also observed that all 4 doors made creaking noises, seatbelts missing clips, passenger seat headrest having tears and the inner door handles had lost some paint. There were even scratches on touchscreen panel and even the steering mounted buttons had started losing there color. This is in stark contrast to my iMT Sonet, which still looks like it's out of the factory (age difference between both cars is just 5 months).

Red flag 4 Next we decided to take the car to a KIA dealership for inspection. Autobahn KIA, Powai were extemely helpful in this regard as they went out of their way and accommodated my special case and allotted a service technician for test driving this car. During my drive to the dealership (which was an hour long drive which took me through traffic, highway etc condtitions) I observed the gearbox and engine behavior. Both behaved amicably and I felt satisfied with the drive. Even when the service technician drove the car, he commented that there are no issues with the engine, transmission and suspension setup. However, he cautioned me that there seems to be an issue with alignment of steering which could either be minor or something major as well. He mentioned we can get the underside of the suspension and steering column checked to confirm on this fact.

Red flag 5 Untill the technician was getting car ready for testing the underbody of the car, I was guided through the service records of the car. Here comes the bummer. After scrolling through numerous menus and tabs regarding the service of the car and after most of it being good or nothing serious, I saw the words - TOTAL LOSS!
The SA too had glanced at them and read more on this tab and immediately remarked to completely ignore the car and not go ahead. He mentioned the car has been in some major accident and the car's structure and chassis has been damaged beyond repair. He remarked it might look good on the outside for now, but he won't trust the car one bit going forward. All my thoughts regarding the panels not being so strong etc, came rushing back! By this time, even I had decided to completely avoid this car. I would be immensely thankful to Autobahn KIA Powai that they went out of their way on a busy day and saved me! They didn't even charge a penny for this. Kudos, keep up the great work.

I returned to dealership and didn't straightway reject the car, as all this time, they had my car at their yard, and I wanted to end this cordially.

What I learnt-

• Avoid all deals going forward that are too good to be true.
• As my dad had remarked earlier, since my iMT Sonet looks as good as new, and there isn't even a minute niggle with the car, there is no need to replace it. I won't be replacing this car atleast for next 5 years at the minimum since it solves all my major requirements.
• I would also be avoiding any deals in Mumbai for forthcoming future, and look for deals only in Pune if and when needed, as I wasted an entire day.
• I felt like I betrayed my buddy (iMT Sonet) and gave the car a great wash the day I returned. It shines like a new penny! Hope she forgives me. Behold the pics of MY Sonet.

If anyone is interested also attaching the car that had been a TOTAL LOSS-
https://www.olx.in/en-in/item/kia-so...iid-1747037050

[PaddleShifter]

Originally Posted by PaddleShifter

3. Your pre-owned Sonet is already tested to be guaranteed reliable. Buying a Seltos will again bring a period of uncertainty for a few weeks/months regardless of how it feels during inspection.

Ignore the Seltos part and it was even more apparent that this was never a safe deal. Every pre-owned car comes with an uncertainty and if one has survived that with a used car already, there is zero point to trade it with another used car of same make and model (and begin this probation period of uncertainty all over again).

Happy to see that you came out safe and unharmed from this deal.

[Agarwal_Aayush]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Major Update- Short Version- Dodged a missile, decided to keep my Pre Owned iMT for much longer now.

Wow!
You dodged a major bullet here. Kudos to you to have got the inspection done from the service center.

[nimishlalwani]

Can you please share the name of the dealer so that potential buyers can avoid such unscrupulous players?

[07CR]

Originally Posted by nimishlalwani

Can you please share the name of the dealer so that potential buyers can avoid such unscrupulous players?

The dealer name is Happy Car World, and it is situated in Mira Bhayandar. Attached the OLX profile of the dealer.

https://www.olx.in/en-in/profile/10276560

[ex-innova-guy]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Major Update- Short Version- Dodged a missile, decided to keep my Pre Owned iMT for much longer now.

Very happy to see you dodge a bullet there. Perhaps the day spent in Mumbai can be considered as a Road Trip in your cherished Sonet. Wishing you many miles with this beauty.

Hope she forgives me.

She will forgive you once you remove this.

[07CR]

Originally Posted by ex-innova-guy

Very happy to see you dodge a bullet there. Perhaps the day spent in Mumbai can be considered as a Road Trip in your cherished Sonet. Wishing you many miles with this beauty.

It was great trip and more importantly an experience for me.

Originally Posted by ex-innova-guy

She will forgive you once you remove this.

Good catch. Just removed it!

[ahmad.007]

Wow, that was a nuke that you dodged there!!

Since you are looking for Sonet, have you checked Sonet Diesel AT? Reliable gearbox, better mileage, super responsive engine+gearbox combo.

You can wait for Sonet facelift too, but that will cost you more.

[CARSFASCINATEME]

Hello. My 2 cents would be to not give away something that works just fine. Good to see you dodged a major bullet here. Wishing you many happy miles in your Sonet.

Cheers,
AK.