Hello all!
Before I continue, in order to really enjoy reading this post, I would strongly suggest you visit my earlier thread
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/introd...ss-my-car.html which is a pre-cursor to my ownership thread. I’m sure you will love the intro.
Well, taking it from where I ended in my forum, I was confused like hell on deciding which vehicle to buy.
Everyone had a different advise:
-Don’t even think of a second hand vehicle: can you manage the expenses involved in maintaining it?
-You won’t keep a car for more than a few years… don’t buy a new vehicle, the depreciation will kill you once you re-sell it.
-Try the VW Vento
-Try the Skoda Rapid
-Stick to SUV’s: suits your personality
-Get a luxury sedan: suits your stature
I HAD HAD ENOUGH!
Every weekend I was thinking “This week I will ride my new pride.” The weekend started with me running from pillar to post trying to get a good pre-owned vehicle, and ended with disappointment.
I finally shortlisted 3 vehicles(refer my intro post):
A 2008 Skoda Superb AT, a 2011 Scorpio VXI (I think that’s what they call the top end, with the gizmo’s, since that is what it was), and a new Honda City SMT. The Endeavor was out of my league since the Loan figure could not match it (Sigh!)
A lot also depended on my loan approval: The Superb was on offer through my loan agent, thus he was pushing me towards it. I was avoiding it since it was pretty old. But since I had made up my mind to close the deal in a week, whatever may be available out of the 3, I did not totally discard the idea. Besides, the AT was not a bad deal with the features, sun roof et al.
My Pre-owned loan was finally approved.
I rushed in to Carnation, through which I was being offered the Scorpio. I had made up my mind that whatever I was to get had to happen on the coming weekend. Unfortunately, the scorpio was difficult on 2 fronts. First, they were unable to give me a TD before Monday, and secondly, they were not bringing the cost below 10L at all.
During all this, I took a TD of Honda City. The minute I sat in the car, it felt as if the seats have been custom made for my comfort. That was the first shot which changed my mind to a Sedan. But the minute I drove it, I felt otherwise: the TD vehicle had a very hard clutch, much harder than my earlier Fiat 1100D! I wrote it off.
Till then, I had had no luck with the Scorpio…. Come Friday, and I was getting restless. I just had to get a new vehicle on Saturday (notwithstanding the fable of not buying iron on Saturday!). Must say, the Honda Sales agent was quite pressing, and despite me almost saying no, he convinced me to try a clutch on another new vehicle, which was much smoother. Another nail hit on the head.
I still hadn’t given up on the scorpio. But there was no luck from the SA at Carnation attempting to strike a deal. He, in fact, told me that Carnations Senior official had wanted that vehicle for his friend, and he had held it for me, so no discount. I would’ve still said ok, had he closed the deal on Saturday. He told me Earliest Tuesday. I thanked him for finally making it a bit easier for me not to go in for Scorpio.
Friday, I visited Honda and negotiated for a deal. No discounts, but threw in a rear camera and rear parking sensors. Ok given from my end, I asked them to get me a Honda SMT, in White.
Whites not readily available.
SMT, Golden Beige?
Would take a month or so!!
Any Other SMT?
No SMT’s immediately.
What do you have now?
Sir, we have a VMT Golden Beige available now, 2012 edition.
Hold it for me. I will take this vehicle tomorrow.
Sure Sir, Aap hi ki gaadi hai, jab le jaayen!
Friday evening, I called them and told them I’m coming in to complete the paperwork and will give them the cash and cheque tomorrow morning. Surprise Surprise! The VMT Golden Beige sold off!
I lost it, and said I’m calling it off!!!
Called up my old Loan Agent and asked him about the Superb (remember this, friends?), if I can buy it on Saturday. While I awaited his confirmation, Honda calls me and again tells me that they have another VMT Golden Brown available for me!!!!
I remind myself of a few days back when I had no loan approval, no vehicle, nothing. And here I had 2 vehicles and 2 loan approvals!
Even as I was rushing to Honda at 7 in the night to give them the cheque, I was thinking hard whether to get the Superb.
My better half, who had been patiently noticing all my whims and fancies with a smile on her face, finally bumped in and put her foot down: buy a new vehicle-period.
You know what happens when the Home Ministry finally decides to call the shots: Cheque promptly handed to Honda. Delivery tomorrow afternoon after giving the cash down of 2L.
Not a wink of sleep in the night!
Saturday, a mad dash to the bank for cash withdrawl, and then back to Honda for giving a final nod. I was told to return at 3 PM for the vehicle.
Reached at 10 to 3, and waited for appr 20 mins for another delivery before mine, and then the SA explained the vehicle and paperwork details. A quick PDI done, I gave a final NOD. A few customary snaps, bouquets and a box of haldiram sweets later, We finally slid into the vehicle, and cautiously drove off!
My description:
While I have ridden in a few luxury vehicles earlier, I haven’t driven any sedans, except for the TDs. My dad still owns a Fiat 11D (not mine, his own: he still does not want any other vehicle), so you know what I say.
I love the Golden Angel no end! it has changed my driving style to a more sedate and sane one. When on my Alto, I just could not understand why the sedans never used the power they had: I could jump off a speed breaker, while them slowing down used to take ages. I can very well empathize with all my co-owners now, who have learnt the art of keeping their horses harnessed till required.
I drove at the RPM at not beyond 2K, and speeds not beyond 60. only occasional spurts to 80 at 3K RPM.--- till the first servicing at 1 month, close to 800 KMs later!
After the first service, I tried the accelerator a little harder, and did the vehivle respond, I was soon cruising at 110-120, beyond which I did not dare to go. This is one amazing monster when pushed, while a city slicker (pun intended) when prowling around the town.
The looks are to kill for. I love the arrow shaped design, and have suddenly developed a liking to the tail cluster. While still no match for the contemporary Verna, it still is a head turner.
Indicators on the ORVMs, blue day running backlights on the console, cruise control are some of the amazing features on the GA (Golden Angel).
The MID blows me away. Besides other features, it shows realtime FE in a bar representation, which has further made me lighten my right foot on the accel. Looks good to see FE touching 40 at times!
My Average normally remains around 13.5-13.8, with speeds around 60-80, and appr 20 Mins inching traffic in a 50 mins drive everyday, with 75% AC.
There are some inconsistencies in the internal finish, but nothing major. For example, if you notice the passenger side door handle trim, you will notice some gap in the same (refer Pics below).
There are strategically placed tweeters on the front doors(refer pics).Their effectiveness, IMHO, can be felt only beyond 50% of volume.
The headlight in itself seems slightly weak. However, mixed with the fog lamps (only on V ) it does a fairly ok job.
I am always on the lookout for co-owners, especially with chrome grills: only on V Models. However, you can buy a chrome grill separately as well.
The Front Armrest is better than Verna in terms of range and height.
The drive in itself is much better than Verna – Verna would wrench the passenger’s guts out even on straight roads at speeds beyond 80.
A few things I feel need to be improved:
- Ground clearance. It kills me when I feel the thump when GA bottoms out on slightly high / wide speed breakers. This happens mostly when GA is loaded at least 2+2. with me alone, I don’t recollect this happening so far.
- Foot well – seems cramped for slightly wide footed drivers like me. I don’t feel the need of a dead pedal, since never used one, and also since I normally take my foot completely off the clutch when on top gear.
- Auto Window Roll-Up Relay switches cannot be installed on the city without cutting wires / voiding warranty. I have left windows open while locking the car more than once. Please, Honda, do something about this.
- Maybe a little more effective AC. ACC?
- While the alloys are 10 Spoked on V Models,I feel they could be better designed, something like on Linea, or even Manza.
- I guess with the new rule of no external tinting on the glass, it’s a matter of time before the companies introduce self tined glasses. Eagerly await the same.
I have installed the following Accessories:
1. A Motevo Instrument (Around 32K) for Honda City– something like a Caska Unit. It has the following:
Bluetooth connectivity – sure does connect, and I can hear the other’s voice. But the Mic is not very sensitive, and I do have to shout while speaking. Besides, it does not display the names along with the numbers, neither does it store your phone directory.
GPS – It uses Map My India Maps, and ideally should be updated once every few months for appr 1K. Decent, does the intended job. Used it a few times. Only once did it not catch the GPS satellites. Will test it some more.
USB – Good. Shows pics, vids, and songs listwise on the screen. Will tell you more on that with the pics uploaded.
CD – standard
Aux & IPod – connected from inside the glove compartment. Not used any till now.
TV Guide – I guess it’s still not activated in India.
The Honda Guys were charging me 57 K for a Caska! Daylight Robbery? Good I checked outside.
2. Leatherite Beige colored seat covers. Look good on GA! But the heat always has my back in sweat.
3. A Very Chunky looking soft steering wheel cover! Superb to feel! Also, does not burn your hands when you get in the vehicle after parking it under the sun for a few.
Next change – shift my JBL 1200w Bass Tube and Sony Explode 4 Ch Amp from my Alto to Honda, and upgrade the stock speakers. That should cover all my basic necessities!
GA has changed my life. How? Since the day it came, I have started enjoying my life knowing that I can fulfill even my wildest dreams. I have changed from a sedentary lifestyle to a (much needed) active one. I now walk 5 Kms a day every day, and have lost a few inches! Just so that I look good with my GA
Do I regret the decision of owning GA? Not in the least!.
But, being a Libran, the pendulum always swings. Maybe an SUV would’ve been a good choice. Maybe the Verna could’ve been a better option. But then life is full of choices, one sometimes better than the other. The grass is not always greener on the other side.
Photographs follow.