Hello all,
On 27th February was my wedding anniversary; I have blissfully completed 3 years of marriage. I have always been fond of Tata cars, no matter how the public would react to them - Grande, Nano, Safari have been my favourites despite the tata niggles/problems.
I currently have a Zen in Mumbai, an Estilo in Nagpur; while in the last 3 years, my status has changed from single to double to now a proud daddy! I have always been fond of the Nano ever since I set my eyes on the car. However, loud engine noise, lack of left mirror and some other factors always let me against it.
As mentioned earlier, 27th was my wedding anniversary; I wanted to take my family to a Tata showroom to have a look at the Grande; however, my wifey (and family) had a different plan in their minds. My wife knew my love for the nano and presenting below is my 2nd big gift from her (first - my son!).
Here's a little story involving the purchase experience:
Buying Experience:
My wife knew that I like the Tata Nano and was waiting for an upgraded version (CNG/Diesel/Electric). A few days prior to the anniversary, I used to frequent the Nano website and see it in various colors; I have even joined the Nano club on FB. So, she decided in her mind that she would give me this car (while I was planning to buy an Ertiga in June/July (Plan changed for time being). So, one fine morning (24th February, 2012), after I left for work, the called Just dial to get the number of Tata Dealers in Mira Road area (There's Balaji); they couldn't find that, so they gave her the numbers of other dealers.
Time 8:00 AM - Wifey called Wasan Motors between 8.00 AM to 10.00 AM at-least 30 times (not knowing the fact that usually the dealerships open between 10.30 - 11.00 AM). Finally at 10.00 AM, someone picked the phone and promptly transferred the line to the Nano Executive.
Wifey explained to the Nano executive the whole reason why she wants the car in a day’s time and she was more than willing to help her; so a test drive vehicle was arranged for and car was promptly sent home. Wifey took the test drive and was happy with it. She doesn’t drive much but found the car to be peppy and nimble for her needs. Her comments were "its more spacious than our Zen", Mom, me and bhabhi (sister in law) can sit more comfortably; Space + Tall seating aspect helped close the deal.
I am finding the steering wheel a little hard at parking speeds for obvious reasons, but it lightens up when the car picks up speed.
Negotiations
Again on phone! Everything happened on phone here. She was given a corporate discount of INR 10,000 + INR 5,000 as we already own a car. Besides this, we have opted for Tata's finance scheme (will close it in 6 months’ time to lead a debt free life once again).
Our bankers are ICICI bank and they were prompt enough to issue the necessary cheque books (we had exhausted ours) on understanding the reason for all the requests to issue a cheque on site.
Accessories:
- Side protection mouldings.
- Mud flaps and mats
- Tata Music System
Upgrades Planned:
In near future, I would like to upgrade to Nano Alloys as i feel, they make the vehicle look spectacular. Also, I may go in for remote locking and parking sensors. Also, I think black roof would look real nice to compliment the pearl white color.
Lastly, can someone advise if sun films should be added? If yes, which one and what would be the approximate cost.
Mileage:
So far, I am not driving it much as I am not getting much time but will soon start logging more kms on the same and keep everyone informed on the mileage. As of now, I assume it to be in the range of 18-20 kmpl (with AC); I may be wrong as Nano is presumably, India's most fuel efficient car. First tankful cost me just INR 900! My bike's refuel cost was almost the same amount of money
I don't think that there's anything wrong with the car. Where ever I go, it turns heads; it spreads smiles all over. I am seeing more and more Nano's in parking lots and that is a positive thing.
Looks: 9/10 (rear could have been a little different)
Interior packing: 7.5 (Loses out on Lack of usable storage space)
Driving Pleasure:
Fun! Real fun! The engine may be small, but it sure is spirited for city driving. I nowhere felt the need for additional cc or BHP. I have 2 more cars for highway runs so, not much of a problem. Lastly, I can finally look into the eyes of a Scorpio driver!
Further, it is nimble and can zip through the by-lanes of smaller towns and cities. It certainly helps to have a smaller turning radius.
Positives:
- Powerful headlamps
- Clever interior packaging enabling 4 people to sit comfortably
- AC - It chills in no time and as mentioned in the official thread, I too keep the thermostat in the middle level. I feel that Nano would easily beat the heat in the most extreme conditions of our country.
- Smaller turning radius + Go anywhere in tight lanes ability.
What could have been better:
I feel (or my brother feels), a power steering would have certainly been more beneficial. I know it's been done for a reason (cost), but future variants could have it. However, when I drive my friend's Indica, i find the steering hard there too.
- Lockable glove box. At least like the one shown at the expo.
- The taller structure of the car restricts some view; parking sensors are a must I believe.
- 3 point seat belts for the rear passengers
- Luckily with the 2012 version, the "auto sound" is not as loud and the previous versions; however, if that can somehow further reduced, would be good.
- I am finding the clutch to be a little hard and that is really tiring for the foot. Don’t know what to do, but expect this to settle down in a few weeks time.
2 weeks with the car:
Having spent 2 weeks with the car, I am enjoying the smiles, and admiration that people give after looking at the car. Kudos to Tata for that! The attention that the car attracts can make any person envy for not having a Nano.
Zilch niggles as of now, the watchman takes extra care of the car (because of the color). Having covered about 200 kms, the fuel indicator is still at the same level, so I am pretty happy with it. I am expecting this Tata to provide me niggle free ownership experience; with this car, I have broken the family tradition of "Maruti's" and expect to buy some more cars from the Tata stable (Grande or Storme in the near future and Pixel/megapixel in the distant future).
I have started using the car for office purpose onwards (had been using it for daily grocery and gym trips) and shall clock more miles and more smiles! My friend from Singapore sat in the car for the first time and commented - Wow! It’s so spacious; this is the biggest USP of the car. It can carry 4 people in decent comfort without many hassles.
Static Current Aspect: I have never felt so many static current shocks as what I would have felt in the Nano! Can someone please explain to me what is the correlation; between a Nano and static currents? This is one factor which is worrying me for some time now. Is it because of the fact that once the car is brought back into the parking lot, it is covered with car cover immediately?
Some pictures for your viewing pleasure: