After a 2 month hunt, I took delivery of my Getz CRDi yesterday. I actually typed out a very long post and lost it a few minutes back! Let me try again.
The Search
Began in April this year when I realized the for the first time since starting up (3 years ago), I am financially secure enough to afford a car. And a car became a necessity with the importance of impressions in my work - consulting.
I started off looking at second hand cars.
Used Cars
I felt I could get good deals on used cars. Created a list of over 30 cars to check out. The short list had - Wagon R, Swift, Ford Ikon, Fiesta and Fiat Palio. Did hours of research and made a detailed excelt sheet of owner information.
Then, I went to my bank (SBI JP Nagar) who said they would not process used car loans. Then I also realized the crazy interest rates on used cars! With SBI's fantastic new car loan scheme, I decided that a new car it would be.
New Cars
From the outset, I didn't want a Maruti. Sedans were out of my budget. From the initial 3 lakh budget, I had gone up to 5 lakhs.
The Swift was also a little out of reach and I didnt particularly care for it.
The only car which excited me was the Palio. I read rave reviews everywhere!
Had a terrible experience with Tata-Fiat in Bangalore (Concorde and Prerana) and ditched them. I started off considering the 1.6 Sport and converted to MJD SDX. Then, no one seemed to be very keen to sell me the car. In any case, dad was not too happy about me spending 5.5 lakhs on Fiat!
I went over to Advaith Hyundai just to explore. And found out about the huge discount on the Getz CRDi. Again, having read Shyam's and KPZen's posts, I was already considering it. But had felt it was out of budget.
I felt it was a steal for 5.88 Lakh OTR. Dad was thrilled as well! Booked it on 14th June.
Strike One
On 17th June, Fiat plays a dirty joke on me - the Punto pricing blows everyone away! Especially me! Immediately, I called Advaith to ask about cancellation of booking. It would not be a problem.
Head over to Concorde. Launch in Blore is only on 18th. Bated breath.
18th June, 4 pm - Concorde Motors (Christ College). Launch not yet happened. I see 3 guys walking towards the garage with a sales chap. I follow. We are lead to a smashing Red Punto. Looks amazing!
But, after a few minuntes, it doesn't overwhelm me. Yeah...its a good car. Somehow, it didnt seem very exciting.
So, thee Getz it is going to be!
Strike Two
SBI decides to act crazy. I am processing the loan through my company. Since we dont have a credit history (apparently having enough in the account to buy 50 cars is not enough), they dont know how to process the loan. Advaith has already informed me that the car is ready for delivery!
It will take minimum 20 days for the loan processing. I ask them to stop. And try to process the loan as an individual. After 3 more days, the guy says that he can approve me for only 2.5 lakh. I need 4.5 lakh.
I walk straight out and cross the road to go to HDFC Bank.
And the world conspires...
To make my dream come true. Dealing with HDFC is a breeze. I can reach the guy anytime. They know how to process a company car loan. Exactly know which documents are needed. Very accurate timelines.
All documents are collected from my office. I dont have to run around at all!
(Yeah...its a long post. Here are some pictures for staying put!)
And Finally...
On 3rd July, my loan is approved. Dealer gets the money on Tuesday. They go for registration on Wednesday. Delivery expected on Friday. HDFC also saves me 3,000 Rs by processing the insurance through Bajaj Allianz.
Out of the blue, I get a call on Thursday (yesterday) asking me to pick up the car! I call up mom to ask about the correct time to take delivery. Call dad and ask him to come and pick up mom and me.
At 4:30 pm we arrive at Advaith (residency road). Again, it is a pleasure to deal with them! The car is all ready. The papers are ready. I do a quick PDI (it was raining). The thing I loved was that they know that all you want to do is get in the car and drive away! They dont waste a minute.
Collect the documents, chocolates, keys from the guy. Quick hug to mom and dad. Dad walks away to his car. And for the first time ever...I walk towards mine!
First Drive
Mom sits with me in the new car. In my excitement, I forget to adjust anything - seat, steering, back rest, mirrors. I just want to drive the beast! This is the first time I am in a Getz. Ever in my life. I bought the car without a TD.
Destination is a temple in jayanagar for the pooja. Slow crawl - 40 mins from Advaith to temple. I experience the Turbo for the first time near Vellara Junction. Huge grin on my face. Mom trying hard not to let out a little scream.
It is a little difficult to keep the car in check in traffic. She just wants to be let free!
(Patience always gets rewarded - 2 more pics)
Reach the temple - priest explodes a coconut right in front of the car. I am sure he has been responsible for loads of "first scratches". Mercifully, I was spared.
First treat for mom and dad at Maiya's. Bangaloreans - do not miss this place. It is to die for!
A couple fo short drives in the night to show off the car. And tucked it in for the day. Dirty with Mr. Pujari's and Mr. Rain God's efforts.
The morning after
Woke up and rushed to the window to admire her! Felt a little foolish...but what the hell!
Went out for my cycle ride. Came back and took up the mop and bucket. 30 misn later...she's a sight to behold!
Then an agonizing wait for my lunch to get packed. Finally, I hit the road. On the short 6 km drive to office, I am able to get a glimpse of her power. I hit 90 kmph in 5th with so much more to come!
Now, I sit in office and type this out. And try to get my friends to agree on a weekend trip (next).
Will be doing a long inside city drive of about 50 km today.
Bottom line
She's mine. I love her! She is my Karadi (nickname to irritate those who get irritated)
I love
- The engine. Period.
- The space. The boot. The rear seats.
- The looks and interiors. Subjective matter. I like it. Understated. Classy.
- Useful cubby holes in the front.
- The price. Its a steal.
Dont like, but will get used to
- Visibility - problem with most cars these days. 2 or three major blind spots.
- Notchy gears
- The fact that I cant plug my blackberry (pearl) into the USB of my ICE
- The reverse gear - unnecessary precaution
Cannot believe that:
- There is no option for ABS and Airbags
Sorry for the poor quality of the pics. These are with my phone camera!
Thanks to everyone at TBHP for their advice and support. I will update this thread with driving reports from now. Thanks for bearing with the analysis of buying experience!
Cheers!
Sandeep.
PS: It felt SO good to pay just 1500 Rs for 40 litres of fuel!!!