To start with, the BIG issue. I have a small stature
which means, when I look at a Safari, trust me, its HUGE.
That is one point that can become a hindrace to me fulfilling my dream. I just hope people here can convince me otherwise.
Sri...do you need yet other vociferous person to tell you to go for the Safari? I thought the question about your stature never bothered you, specially when you drove the Astra of yours. Then again, on point 8, you've answered your own query. If you see the hood, you can drive. For crying out loud, how do you think people used to drive the Matiz? IMHO, If you know how to drive safely, it's all that matters.
Other questions/queries:
1: LX or EX? Well a difference of 1.5 lacs with most features that can be added afterwards except the Immobilizer, Is it worth buying a LX and adding things as time goes by?
Since you're going to be in the vehicle alone with passengers being rare, my opinion is to go for the LX. Then again, it's more of a personal decision.
2: Engine Immobilizer is missing in LX: What if I get one of those Micro Technologies VBB systems, will it fill the void? Btw I do not know how much it costs, so appreciate if someone can advise the price and any dealers in Delhi.
My 2 cents - No security system can fill the void of the immobilizer. Then again, knowing where you'll be going in and around NCR, I do not feel the need for it. You might as well install the VBB systems. Please check on their website for the dealer information.(Folks, please excuse, but I know him for the last 12 years.)
3: Roof AC in LX is missing: Now my purpose will be limited to 25 km of to and fro for work and probably a weekend trip outside Delhi once in a month/2 months. So mostly I will be driving alone. If at all i'm going on a trip with 4-5 people will the AC be effective? Also if I need to get it fitted later on, is it possible/advisable and how much would it cost?
If you are mostly travelling alone, you would not need the roof ac. In case you have passengers, they'll be comfortable with the standard ac that is there in the rear.
4: Body Colored Bumpers missing in LX: Now I would have really liked body colored bumpers/cladding, but I can live with grey, till I have Moolah to get them painted. How much will it cost btw and where should I get it painted in Delhi?
As I read somewhere in this forum, the LX now comes with silver claddings (Golden for GX and body coloured for EX and VX). IMO, if you select Black as the body colour, the grey cladding looks good enough. Save the money and invest on a decent ICE.
5: Bull Guard vs Nudge Guard: I have read at several places that the nudge guard is better than the bull guard since it does not impact the chassis if there is a crash. Can anyone suggest where can I get a nudge guard in Delhi (any preferred vendors)?
I suggest contact tsk1979. I think he got his from Bimbra's and they really look good and last well.
6: Which dealer is the best in Delhi? I would rather go to a dealer who quotes more for the Beast than one who has poor reputation. Any suggestions? Btw Rama Motors quoted the least.
Am still searching for a good dealer. (You know I'll be buying one sometime later)
7: I also heard that booking a car in the 3rd week of the month / towards the end of the year is good, cuz the dealers have targets to meet and they will give good discounts / free accessories? Is it true? and What should I bargain for?
If you really want body coloured claddings, you might want to bargain on that other than the normal ones like mats, mud-flaps, etc. The more you manage to wrestle, the better!
8: Height Adjustable seat missing in LX: Now I went to a Tata Showroom, sat on the driver's seat, lowered it as much as was posisble and looked through the windshield. Guess what. I could see through to the end of the bonnet/hood. This is encouraging. now is it possible to swap the build in driver seat with a height adjustable seat? If yes, is it very expensive?
I think the seats can be changed as all of them (height adjustable and nots) are bolted on the same spots onto the frame. If you really need this, visit a TASS and confirm the fitment and price.
9: Last but not the least: Which Color? I love Quartz Black but then I somehow developed a liking for pearl White and that Maroon Red (This one looks beautiful). I expect contrasting opinions on this one
What is better the Macho Black or the Creamy White or the Beautiful Maroon?
Black it is. Since you are going for the LX, the grey/silver claddings should not look bad. Also, you will get the Artic White colour, not Pearl Grey in LX models. They look good with the grey claddings too; no idea about silver claddings. Now, had the red been the Fiery Red, like Pavan Kadam's, then the grey would have suited. With the maroon , I have my reservations.
Thanks guys. This is my first post, so if there is something missing please be kind enough to advise.
Best Wishes