Finally, got a chance today to pen down my journey right from the day (some time in Oct08) when the thought first struck me abt changing my car, to the day (26 Aug 09) when I finally booked the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Sxi premium Platinum.
I currently drive a Santro Xing bought in Jan05 (dad bought it for me, since at that time I didn’t have money to buy a scooter). I am the only one driving the car (mom, dad, wify don’t drive and younger bro is in the US of A). So, it was completely my project – selecting a new car is no less than any project !!
Search
My search began in Oct08. Mom says I have been fascinated by cars since childhood, but it was that day in Oct08, when it struck me (out of the blue) that I should start looking at a replacement for my good old Santro.
First, I had a look at my financial position to decide the budget. Also had a word with Dad - he is still the supreme authority as regards financial matters – esp this big – are concerned. Fixed the budget in the range of 8 - 9lacs.
Budget decided, next was to lay the parameters.
What Car
It was to be a family car – hatchback or sedan. Essentially, what I wanted from my car is as under (in order of priority):
(i) Fun to drive (am not any Schumacher, but wanted the car to do the basic function impressively well)
(ii) Features (wanted to be pampered)
(iii) Looks (decent and smart looking)
(iv) Fuel economy (looking for Petrol since running is hardly 600-800kms a month. My santro has clocked just 36K kms in 4.5 yrs)
(v) After sales (easy on pocket and head)
Another issue was size – have got some parking constraints in my apartment, so the smaller the car, the better.
The choices that first came to mind were Maruti Sx4 and Hyundai Verna. Also, the ANHC was launched during that time. So, started researching on these 3 cars extensively. Internet searches finally directed me to Tbhp. Once on it, I was regularly following the threads relating to these 3, but never thought of joining it and making some contributions.
While I was still struggling between these 3, the Linea was launched – boy, what a car. The (ii) and (iii) on my wish list were immediately ticked. So, my entire focus shifted on the Linea. Again, Tbhp was instrumental in providing loads of info abt the Linea.
Then came the I20, the Punto and then the i20 A/T – the confusion reigned supreme. That’s when I decided that I need to shorten my range, so that I can concentrate my efforts and make a proper decision. So, the pruning began.
Short listing
Here’s my reasoning for rejecting various cars that I considered (no offence meant to anyone – just my view). The below list is in order of price:
- Grand Punto (killer looks, but susceptible Fiat A**, poor interior plastic, bad rear seat comfort, not so great fun to drive)
- Hyundai i20 (good all-rounder, but highly priced)
- Swift Dzire (VFM, but hate the looks)
- Fiat Linea (stunning looks, but poor pick-up upto 2K RPM, susceptible Fiat
A**, poor interior plastic, too long)
- Hyundai Verna (again VFM, but old looks, poor features)
- Maruti SX4 (all-rounder, but slightly odd looks - esp A pillar, poor rear
seat comfort)
- ANHC (not at all VFM, high price, poor features)
Cars not considered: Logan, Aveo, Fabia.
After preparing the above list, I realized no car perfectly fits my requirement, so have to pick the closest among them – thus, shortlisted on the i20 and the SX4.
Started the TDs once again – now with closer attention to small details, but still couldn’t make up my mind – heart said i20, but head said SX4.
Fiesta makes an entry
Sometime in Jun09, when I was on my way to the Hyundai showroom in Worli (Mumbai), I noticed the Ford showroom on the way. Though I had thought of Ford earlier, always ignored it thinking abt expensive maintenance and spares (had read it at several places). Nevertheless, I visited the Ford showroom and checked the Fiesta – was stunned by the Acq Blue Fiesta 1.6S. I didn’t TD the car on that day. Just checked it and was impressed with the interior fit and finish – though I found that getting in and out of the driver seat was an effort - my leg was banging against the tunnel below the steering. Tried several seat and starring adjustments, but none worked. With this in the back of my mind, I came back.
Then in July 2009, saw an ad in the newspapers abt the new Sxi premium. Was pretty excited and started calling dealers for more info on it, but they didn’t have any details yet. So left my number and asked them to get back
After abt 2 weeks, got a call from a dealer and went to check the new Sxi premium – had mixed feelings abt it – the beige leather seats looked plush, but the chrome outside looked a bit tacky. This time, took a TD and found the performance pretty nice – though couldn’t push the car much, as the TD was short.
So now, I was stuck with 3 cars. This time, got into detailed discussion with friends and also with dealers. Asked respective dealers to prove why their car is better than the other 2 – and the discussions were interesting. I recollect one point which the Maruti dealer made – he said that i20 was a girlish car. You are a man and u should look at cars like SX4...
Anyways, after 2-3 weeks of discussions and research, finally decided on the Ford Fiesta. i20 lost on the price factor, and SX4 on the odd shape (A-pillars) and length. Fiesta was the triumphant winner.
Booking process
Then began the dealership hunt. Went to 2 dealers (Wasan and Bhavna) and pitched one against the other, to get the best results. Trust me guys, it works wonders… after endless calls and 4-5 visits, managed to strike a supposedly good deal with Bhavna Ford. The details of my deal are already posted on this thread earlier.
Finally booked my Fiesta on 26 August, delivery on 19 Sept. The dealer was ready to give delivery within 10 days, but the period from 3Sep-18Sep, is not a good period.
Thanks to all the Tbhp members, esp frankmehta, shajufx, raamki. Their in-depth analysis of the Fiesta really helped me a lot… Thanks guys …
Now, the agonizing and never ending wait till 19 Sep !! Why does Aug have 31 days