[Ram]

Originally Posted by GTO

Congrats Ram! Good choice with the Baleno. After living with the 800 and the Padmini, your Baleno must feel like a dream.

I bought an Esteem VXI, and after a decade in an 800 / Padmini family, it felt like the best car on earth. Its still running reliable at close to 2,00,000 kms but the time to sell is just around the corner.

GTO

Thanks GTO.

Marutis are fairly reliable and are well supported by the dealer network.
My 12-valve 5-speed 800 has its own merits. It goes like a rocket and parks in unbelievably miniature spaces.

The feel of a car has something to do with the car and a lot to do with the person driving it. Here's some perspective about the feel of the Baleno to me.

My first car was a Fiat 1100D that I inherited in 1983.
My first American car driven on US soil was a Ford Tempo.
First European car driven in the Netherlands was an Opel Kadett.
First Australian car driven in Sydney was a Ford Falcon station wagon.

And after that I have owned some 30 different brands and types of cars, during ten years spent all over the world. Some of these are discussed here.

So with that perspective, the Baleno VXi is another reliable subcompact car, about the size of the European Opel Kadett. Interestingly it has the exact same dimensions and wheelbase as an OHC.

Cheers...
Ram

[supremeBaleno]

Nice snaps there, Ram. Greenery and rains are a potent combination that have a way of making good photos look great. Edit out the autorickshaw etc and you almost have some good advt. shots for the Baleno.

Originally Posted by ram

Interestingly it has the exact same dimensions and wheelbase as an OHC.

Well, I did not know that. But there is something uncannily similar about the looks of the OHC and the Baleno - esp. the sides and rear lights. The Ford Escort also has some common features with these cars.

[hkanitkar]

very late but yet...
congrats on the new Baleno , Ram sir

wish you many such beautiful sunday mornings with Baleno !!

OT:

Originally Posted by ram

hooting of the great Himalayan coucal...

did you see that bird ?? Its a common species but getting to see it before you start your day is supposed to be good luck ..

[Ram]

Originally Posted by hkanitkar

very late but yet...
congrats on the new Baleno , Ram sir

wish you many such beautiful sunday mornings with Baleno !!

Thank you for the good wishes, hkanitkar.

Originally Posted by hkanitkar

did you see that bird ?? Its a common species but getting to see it before you start your day is supposed to be good luck ..

Yes, indeed! This is a little off-topic, but let me say this nevertheless. Himalayan coucals are regular visitors to my neighbourhood. In fact I have captured videos of a coucal walking and hooting. I will share these with you when we meet next.
With his big black body, orange-tan wings, long tail and red eyes, he looks like a peculiar bird. He also has a habit peculiar to coucals. He alights on my compound wall and takes a good 30-foot walk (not hopping), head held high with a fierce countenance as if flying has suddenly gone out of style!
[/quote]

[Mp421b]

Congratulations on your purchase RAM. How is the car going?? Nice pics and i must say Baleno is a very underrated car!

[Subbu]

[quote=shivmarwaha]Congratulations
I bought my baleno a week back, though lxi. got a bigger footwear 185/65/r14 goodyear tubeless with 4 spoke alloys.



Hi... How much does the dealer charge for upgrade to Alloys and 185/65R14 ?. How can I be sure I am getting a fair deal on this incl exchange value of the stock rims and tyres ?. Please let know.