[yajaman99]

It all began some years back, way back in 2007 i was looking to change out my '01 Indica Lei for another as it had crossed 6 years and 75K km.
But due to numerous circumstances the idea was shelfed.

Now 2 years later the time was right my trusty Indica was reaching 90K km and it was time to change.
So the budgeting and research had begun.

I was looking for a petrol sedan for around 6 to 8 Lacs.

I had initially narrowed down my choices to Fiesta 1.6Zxi and the Linea.

The Linea was dropped from the list due to , what I felt was a mismatched engine, such a lovey car needs to have a bigger heart.
when i test drove it i felt , "this is the type of car i should be chaufered around in. I should be sitting in the back enjoying reading the morning paper as i am driven to work".

So that left me with the Fiesta.
On test driving the Fiesta (1.6S as this is the only petrol demo car) i was just amazed how the drive was.
It had a peppy pickup and smooth gear shift. I felt like i was driving this for years. I would find it hard to put in words what i felt when i drove, all i can say is one needs to drive it to experience it.

On researching the Fiesta on Team-bhp i found all what i was looking for.
(Thanks to Shaju, Ramki, Frank, senior Fiesta Owner Vnabhi and all the others who have give their valuable inputs)
This was the car for me.
the Fiesta 1.6zxi was locked, or was it.

Due to an auto show in Bangalore a wild-card entry was thrown in.
The Aveo 1.4 LT (new).
The car had Stanley Leather Seats, Spolier, Alloys, Wider tires an interior which was jaw dropping with wood and chrome.
With a price of roughly 7.9 for the Abs version it looked good.
But once again the on Test Driving it it somehow did not match the Fiesta's ride.

So it was confirmed, GO FIDA.


As days passed and nights became day it was time for me to get my loan work in order.
I decided to first get the loan approved and then book the car.
As with todays credit crunch one cannot be to sure.
With all things approved for 80% on road funding @9.5% fixed for 5 years i was set.
I booked the Fiesta 1.6Zxi Platinum on 29th Aug.

Summary:

Fiesta 1.6Zxi
Platinum
OTR: Rs. 7,12,000/- (after discounts)
Loan from Axis Bank for 80% onroad @ 9.5% for 5 years
Sales Person: Mr. Syed Ismail

Estimated Time of Delivery: 10 working days

Free Stuff:

Mud Flaps
Rubber Floor Mats
SunFilm


Addon Accessories:

Rear Wing Spoiler (Rs 8000)
Door Scuff Plates (Rs 1250)
Rear Sunblind (Rs 3000)
Side Strips Body color (Rs 3000)

Future Plans/upgrades

Seat Covers (Stanley -- researching Team-bhp on this now)
Tyre/Alloy
HU (7"LCD)


Now although the waiting period was 10 working days there is twist to this.
They have a car ready for delivery which they say has recently arrived.
They needed to check with the internal management teams if the car could be given as it was purchased via normal process and not as per corporate discounts.
There is more to this story but i will leave that for another thread :-)


On 2nd Sept 09, i was informed I would need to make some more of the part payment. Being eager to see the car before payment i asked if i could go to the stock yard.
It was decided the car will be brought to the Metro Ford, Palace Rd by 4:00pm and i can see the car and make payment so the car can go for registration on 3rd and we can pick it up after that.

The 3rd of Sept, time was moving at a snails pace as the clocks ticked towards 4:00pm. The Clouds said rain at around 3:30pm the shower began.
Lucky the Rain Gods knew the Fiesta was to be picked up and they let up.

Picked up the whole family and headed to the Showroom.

Attached are a few pics of 2nd and 3rd Sept.
Go Fida.

[vnabhi]

Congrats yajaman99, and welcome to the club!

Man, it's been raining Fiestas on this forum for the past month! The car looks great and so does the price! I like the scuff plates.

[neotraveller]

I thing addition of music system, fogs, ABS to the ZXI zeems to have made it a great hit with VFM buyers. Hence lot of threads these days.
At 7.12L OTR its a steal.

Originally Posted by vnabhi

Congrats yajaman99, and welcome to the club!

Man, it's been raining Fiestas on this forum for the past month! The car looks great and so does the price! I like the scuff plates.

[kumar7]

Another Platinum!!
In September, Ford's workshop escalators might be having series of Platinum cars and in between somewhere my car might be moving slowly and steadily

Congrats for JOSH Machine

[rajeshvin]

Hi Yajaman99, Hearty Congrats for 'Go Fida' Car. Wish you happy miles for many years,

We (if I'm not wrong - Kumar, Oss, Ashish and myself) are joining 'Fida Club' in this month with same color.

Take care and Drive Safely.

[Chillout]

Yipee Dapee Doo..Welcome to the most happening car club. All the best with your new beauty. The scuff plates look nice, I might go for one as well.

[ashishgandhi_00]

yajaman99, congrats on buying the Fiesta. The color looks gr8 (even i have booked the Sxi platinum and getting delivery on 19Sep).

btw, I can't see the spoiler and the side strips in your pics - are these yet to be isntalled?

thanks and happy revving your baby. just take it easy during the run-in period

Ashish

[yajaman99]

Thanks everyone, did not get a chance to reply as was "Fidaing" in my "Go Fida Machine", getting the feel it.

@vnabhi -- Thanks, the scuff plates do look kool.

@neotraveller -- Totally agree with you, the performance and price does make it a great VFM deal.

@kumar7 -- Platinum Rocks.

@rajeshvin -- Welcome to the "Fida Club", i know how the waiting period feels, hang in there.

@Chillout -- The scuff plates add that little extra magic :-)

@ashishgandhi_00 -- The side strips and spoiler will be added mostly on Monday.


Will write up my Delivery Experience and post a few more pics.
Followed by my initial driving report.


Go Fida

[Ricky_63]

There seems to be a spurt of 1.6 Fiestas on the Forum !! Great going. I used to have the 1.6 ZXi Ikon in 2004, and can surely say it was great fun driving that car. I am the the Fiesta 1.6 would be better, I have never driven one hence the question.

Have fun enjoy your car !



Cheers

[aks_karthik]

Congrats yajaman99,
one of the Drivers car in Indian Market.IMO VFM too.especailly Zxi.
Yes Linea Petrol is not for car enthusiast.
Good choice.
Enjoy and Drive Safe

[raamki]

sir!! congrats!! the pics bring back memories of our delivery experience!!

am definitely going to get those scuff plates during the first service, just curious, was the ODO 29 at the time of you taking delivery?

btw, isnt that the temple in sahakarnagar?? anyway, many congrats again and happy motoring!! go fida!!

[yajaman99]

@ricky_63: As the Fiesta is such fun to drive, I can image how good the Ikon 1.6 is.

@aks: thanks

@raamki: Thanks , yes the ODO was at 29. You are correct that is the Temple in Sahakarnagar. I stay very nearby, Thindlu/Kodigehalli.

[yajaman99]

3rd Sept 09, 5:00pm, a cloudy and rain evening.
I reached the Metro Showroom along with my family. Everyone in the Showroom was all smiles.
Mr. Syed welcomed us and guided me towards the discussion area.
It was here i had to finish signing some of the paper work and got the briefing on fuel, tyre pressure and free service interval.

I was handed over the keys along with the Box of Chocolates and the 5L petrol cupon (only catch is has to be redeemed at the St. Marks Indian Oil bunk).
I was informed the Suff Plates, Rear Sunblind and Sunfilm were fitted, items remaing were the body colored side strips, spoiler and number
plate which was estimated to be ready by Sat or Monday.

The time had come for us to see the car and get the explanation of the features. As i sat in the drivers seat , Mr. Syed explained all the necessary details in a very nice and steady manner.
Honestly, i tried to pay attention but was giddy with excitement.
With all that done, it was time for some pictures, say thanks once again and drive off.

The Dream had become a reality as we drove off the lot in our Platinum 1.6Zxi Ford Fiesta. GO FIDA

Overall I felt i had a very good interaction and response from the team at Metro Ford.
From the time of the test drive till the delivery.


A pic of Chocolates for remembrance

Go Fida

[shajufx]

WOWOWWWW, another happy delivery ! I sometimes wonder if FORD has done any mass hypnotising when it comes to Fiesta 1.6 !!

Congratulations buddy, enjoy every second of your drive. Btw, I stay close to you, between Hebbal and BEL circle. I am a happy Fiesta man as many others here. Keep us updated about the spoiler, side strips and every other upgrades you do to this beauty ! Happy revving !

[yajaman99]

Today was the day to get the remaining Accessories picked up along with the number plates.
Drove down to Metro, handed over the keys to get the Spoiler and side strips fitted.

As i was waiting and looking at the display cabinet i noticed the tyre puncture repair kit (rs950/-) and the B Pillar Decal (rs 1500/-)
Got the Sales person to show me how the the Decal looked on the car in the showroom. It looked good and in turn asked to get the same added to my Fiesta.
Well in about 30mins to 45 mins all things were done.
Number plate, spoiler, side strips and the newly acquired B Pillar Decal.

With a hearty handshake and a set of thank yous it was time to leave.

The car was complete.

Also a wonderful surprise was i got my Team-Bhp stickers today.
Unfortunately in my excitement in opening the envelope one of the stickers got damaged

A few pics of the car with the accessories.

The ODO is around 400Km and will write about my initial driving experience a little later.

Go Fida