Swift---------->Accent. My funny story.

shankarbn · 7th January 2010, 01:15

Mods : I do not know whether to post this under what car thread, ownership reports thread or shifting gears thread. Since this post will be reviewed before it goes online for all to see, I request you to direct me to the right thread in case posting here is not appropriate.

This incident was in June 2009. I have been a petrolhead ever since I knew the first thing about cars. My dad's first car was a Premier Padmini, next in line being the 118 Nissan Engine, the third being the last generation Esteem Vxi still being driven by him. Most of my friends drive maruti cars and I had been brainwashed (and with good reason) about the reliability of maruti cars and petrol cars in general. I learnt a bit of driving on the NE (what a gearbox!) and there is something about driving a petrolhead car that the diesel (even the accent viva crdi) can never give me.

This thread is to tell you the funny story of how I ended up booking my accent executive while shopping with my friend for his shoes.

After being self employed for a short while I figured if I continued being self employed (especially since I was alone in my venture) it would take me a year or more to buy a car. Hence, as any petrolhead would have done, I got myself a job in a company which had a scheme for no downpayment loan scheme for cars.

Needless to say, the first thing I did after getting the job and a bit of where-is-my-life-headed haggling, was to settle down with a petrolhead car. Now the deciding factors for me were as follows

1. Had to be a petrol car (I know that you know that by now)
2. Had to be within 6L
3. Had to be a new car
4. Had to be a maruti car

The only option was the swift since the beloved esteem was not in production anymore. Although I needed boot space for a couple of guitars and amplifiers to be transported for my rock shows, I figured I could manage with the backseat since I would drive alone 99% of the time.

So, I decided
> After arguing with mom and telling her I cant buy a big car for snob value,
> After telling dad that if I buy any car, it has to be an agressive red or black and not the mild grey he wanted;

that I will buy a red swift vxi with abs from Kalyani Motors, Bangalore.

Being a geek that I'm proud of, I started my research on swift and looking around for good deals and insurance tie ups my company and the finance company had, drove around in every friend's swift, drooled whenever I saw a red swift on road and had sleepless nights researching on what ICE I should load her up with and what not.

But, as fate would have it, even after pulling every possible string using my company's name, my dad's contacts and friends' contacts, I was told by every maruti dealer that if I needed a car in a hurry I had to buy A-star(What a design!), Swift Ldi, or wait for A MINIMUM of three months!

.

And no,I did not want to even look at the ugly Dzire (no offense meant to owners, my brother-in-law has a Dzire, good car, bad styling).

So, on friday, I dropped my plans of buying a car for the weekend and hoped to distract myself over the weekend with some good music, good food and gear up for more research for a swift replacement. On Saturday, I read everything about the Aveo, Fiesta, Ikon, NHC and Accent on team-bhp, got to know that the jazz and punto are not in my best interests and browsed carwale for on road prices for so many cars and did not make any decision as I was too upset after having got so close and missed by three months. Blame my impatience, but do remember, I changed my career path to buy a car and the car was making me wait for three months! By now, after a lot of consoling and advising, my parents had told me the accent is a good bet because its a big car which will earn me respect(?), and available in a good grey colour while I was still brooding about the waiting period.

Anyway, on sunday I went along with my bass guitarist friend to buy shoes for him to mg road. We usually park our bikes in the mayo hall building next to nagarjuna. I had gone a little early and so was walking aimlessly when I passed the hyundai showroom which was open (my luck?). I thought instead of waiting for my friend, I can check out the i20 or the getz. I was pretty impressed with the i20's boot space, dash (reminded me of civic) and all the bells and whistles although I was stumped when I learned the price which was IMHO a little too much for a hatch and just a bit over my budget. And then, there was a shiny black accent cng which was parked there in the showroom. I thought I might as well check it out when I'm here. I sat inside the car and I thought to myself, come on, wake up, this is what I want, a 1.5L engine, huge boot, big dont-clutter dash board, and the good old esteem-like door handles and low riding height for well under 6L. After calculating and comparing the running cost, on road price, handling, A.S.S, wow factor of Aveo, Fiesta, Ikon, Getz and every other car in my budget in five minutes, I had a decision to make. As my friend called again and again on my cellphone, disturbing me while I was brainstorming so much, I picked up and told him to come down to advaith hyundai. And, I asked the dealer how long this car will take to be delivered. To my surprise, he said "I can give it to you in a maximum of 12 days, white would take a long time- probably 18 days". After telling him my color of choice would be black, and threatening him with dire consequences if I did not get my car in time,

I booked it. As my friend walked in, he asked me what I was doing there and I told him "You know what, you are buying something in black, I thought I'll do some shopping as well, I bought a black car". The look on his face at that moment, and my parents face when I came home in the evening, and my face when I got the delivery, absolutely PRICELESS. Now, everytime I read about lukeskywalker's new accent from trident, the reliability and cost of maintenance of accent, I can only look back and wonder how suddenly I made the decision and not cringe one bit.

The things I miss because I did not buy the swift.

1. The Maruti badge which three other cars at home have.
2. The savings per month because of better FE (My average driving is around 1500-2000 km per month)
3. The dialogue which my friends already made up"Shanky bought a red sports car!" (Some said that when I changed my status on orkut to "Bought a new car not knowing I'd bought accent")
4. Storage space in the glove box, below the AC controls, and on the dash
5. Approving looks from uncles and aunties in the locality that the son bought a smaller car than his father (I'm tired of snob value stories!)

What I am extremely happy about in accent compared to swift

1. 1.5L engine with 95bhp!
2. No frills, old school analog meters with an easy to reset trip meter
3. Low ride height since I am not a big fan of the tallboy stuff
4. Weird and big dashboard on which none of my friends can keep their stuff, spill drinks or spoil the finish
5. Boot space for all guitars, processors, amplifiers etc., of the whole band and space for more!
6. Slick rubbery korean gear shift
7. All preloaded free goodies like mats, flaps, leather wrapped steering and gear knob, OEM remote locking, OEM ICE wiring etc.,
8. And most importantly, the happiness on my mom's face

If only I can maintain my black beauty in ship shape without any swirl marks throughout her lifetime I'll be the happiest man on earth.

rauldsouza · 7th January 2010, 10:51

Great Choice, Though the looks and dash are a bit dated IMO. Nonetheless
a great car to drive. A true VFM car.
Do post some pics. Drive Safe.

Fordmanchau · 7th January 2010, 11:20

Hey Shankar,
that was a great story!! Very well written IMO.
Hope you are enjoying the car. Do put up some driving experiences along with a review and some cool photogrpahs.
Also if possible do get a pic with all your guitars and amplifiers loaded in the boot.
Nice to have you here.

gomzi · 7th January 2010, 12:20

Congrats on your purchase and a nice writeup too.

The Accent is a good car to drive, my dad used to won one and I now miss it to bits.
The best part is the in-city driving - when you see a gap in traffic, you're in it in no time, the engine's that peppy! Although I remember the gearshift being quite rubbery and the light steering dangerous at high speeds.

The exteriors still look good. all the best with maintaining the colour and finish.

You could turn this thread into an ownership report

Swordfish · 7th January 2010, 12:41

Congrats for the new car and welcome to Team-BHP.
Well written story.
No matter what car you drive, if you take good care of it, it will take care of you.

btw, I drive Swift VXi ABS. No regrets what so ever.

nairanupg · 7th January 2010, 13:01

A story well written and a good car to own shankarbn. A true blue VFM product; very utilitarian and rock solid reliability. enjoy the drive and dare i say the post is worthless without pics.
Also be careful with the Accent at high speeds shankarbn; for all the value it offers the accents steering can play traunt at high speeds. But for the cities it handles just great.
Drive safe.

amitoj · 7th January 2010, 13:19

Nice write up and congrats on your buy.

Btw, i did not know 118NE was 118 Nissan Engine! I guess back then abbreviations actually used to mean something, huh!!

shankarbn · 7th January 2010, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordfish

Congrats for the new car and welcome to Team-BHP.
Well written story.
No matter what car you drive, if you take good care of it, it will take care of you.

btw, I drive Swift VXi ABS. No regrets what so ever.

Congratulations, Swift Vxi ABS is very good buy indeed.

We both would be driving the same car if it wasn't for the waiting period!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nairanupg

A story well written and a good car to own shankarbn. A true blue VFM product; very utilitarian and rock solid reliability. enjoy the drive and dare i say the post is worthless without pics.
Also be careful with the Accent at high speeds shankarbn; for all the value it offers the accents steering can play traunt at high speeds. But for the cities it handles just great.
Drive safe.

Will post pictures soon. Have felt the steering to be a little too vague but I'm guessing that I will get used to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitoj

Nice write up and congrats on your buy.

Btw, i did not know 118NE was 118 Nissan Engine! I guess back then abbreviations actually used to mean something, huh!!

Even I found out very recently, thanks to team-bhp

Jaggu · 7th January 2010, 20:40

You know what shankarbn, you have a terrific narration mate! Wishing you and the black beauty many many happy motoring miles.

Do keep the thread updated with the experiences as you drive more.

safari_lover · 7th January 2010, 21:00

Nice writeup, mate. And ya, congratulations on your new car.
Do post a few pics.

shankarbn · 7th January 2010, 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaggu

You know what shankarbn, you have a terrific narration mate! Wishing you and the black beauty many many happy motoring miles.

Do keep the thread updated with the experiences as you drive more.

Thanks Jaggu, if I remember correctly your swift got a free flow exhaust. Have read that thread from end to end, over and over again. Very belated congrats to you on the torque gained, I will bug you for more info on that after my warranty runs out

. The black beauty has done almost 12k kms now. I joined team-bhp six months after buying the car hence no reports yet, will soon post pictures inside out and give my 10k kms report.

gemithomas · 7th January 2010, 21:01

I think you deserve to be on T-bhp. I dont think any Car Enthusiast here has chosen his career / employer based on the proposition to own a car!!!

Great choice. Enjoy every bit of the new car. AND GET BACK HERE WITH SOME GOOD PICTURES

Cartman · 7th January 2010, 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaggu

You know what shankarbn, you have a terrific narration mate!

I second Jaggu on this one.

A black car and no pictures? Not done mate!

Enjoy the black babe! Drive safe!!

FlyingSpur · 7th January 2010, 21:17

Had the Accent for nine years. Loved every bit of it. Sold it to buy my i20. And now, for someone in the company, we're probably picking up another Accent yet again. The Swift Dzire and Indigo aren't even contenders.

akas_chauhan · 7th January 2010, 21:26

Congrats Shankar on your new Accent. It is indeed a nice car.
A very good narration. Now bring those pictures .

7th January 2010, 01:15	#1
shankarbn BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 148 Thanked: 208 Times	Swift---------->Accent. My funny story. Mods : I do not know whether to post this under what car thread, ownership reports thread or shifting gears thread. Since this post will be reviewed before it goes online for all to see, I request you to direct me to the right thread in case posting here is not appropriate. This incident was in June 2009. I have been a petrolhead ever since I knew the first thing about cars. My dad's first car was a Premier Padmini, next in line being the 118 Nissan Engine, the third being the last generation Esteem Vxi still being driven by him. Most of my friends drive maruti cars and I had been brainwashed (and with good reason) about the reliability of maruti cars and petrol cars in general. I learnt a bit of driving on the NE (what a gearbox!) and there is something about driving a petrolhead car that the diesel (even the accent viva crdi) can never give me. This thread is to tell you the funny story of how I ended up booking my accent executive while shopping with my friend for his shoes. After being self employed for a short while I figured if I continued being self employed (especially since I was alone in my venture) it would take me a year or more to buy a car. Hence, as any petrolhead would have done, I got myself a job in a company which had a scheme for no downpayment loan scheme for cars. Needless to say, the first thing I did after getting the job and a bit of where-is-my-life-headed haggling, was to settle down with a petrolhead car. Now the deciding factors for me were as follows 1. Had to be a petrol car (I know that you know that by now) 2. Had to be within 6L 3. Had to be a new car 4. Had to be a maruti car The only option was the swift since the beloved esteem was not in production anymore. Although I needed boot space for a couple of guitars and amplifiers to be transported for my rock shows, I figured I could manage with the backseat since I would drive alone 99% of the time. So, I decided > After arguing with mom and telling her I cant buy a big car for snob value, > After telling dad that if I buy any car, it has to be an agressive red or black and not the mild grey he wanted; that I will buy a red swift vxi with abs from Kalyani Motors, Bangalore. Being a geek that I'm proud of, I started my research on swift and looking around for good deals and insurance tie ups my company and the finance company had, drove around in every friend's swift, drooled whenever I saw a red swift on road and had sleepless nights researching on what ICE I should load her up with and what not. But, as fate would have it, even after pulling every possible string using my company's name, my dad's contacts and friends' contacts, I was told by every maruti dealer that if I needed a car in a hurry I had to buy A-star(What a design!), Swift Ldi, or wait for A MINIMUM of three months! . And no,I did not want to even look at the ugly Dzire (no offense meant to owners, my brother-in-law has a Dzire, good car, bad styling). So, on friday, I dropped my plans of buying a car for the weekend and hoped to distract myself over the weekend with some good music, good food and gear up for more research for a swift replacement. On Saturday, I read everything about the Aveo, Fiesta, Ikon, NHC and Accent on team-bhp, got to know that the jazz and punto are not in my best interests and browsed carwale for on road prices for so many cars and did not make any decision as I was too upset after having got so close and missed by three months. Blame my impatience, but do remember, I changed my career path to buy a car and the car was making me wait for three months! By now, after a lot of consoling and advising, my parents had told me the accent is a good bet because its a big car which will earn me respect(?), and available in a good grey colour while I was still brooding about the waiting period. Anyway, on sunday I went along with my bass guitarist friend to buy shoes for him to mg road. We usually park our bikes in the mayo hall building next to nagarjuna. I had gone a little early and so was walking aimlessly when I passed the hyundai showroom which was open (my luck?). I thought instead of waiting for my friend, I can check out the i20 or the getz. I was pretty impressed with the i20's boot space, dash (reminded me of civic) and all the bells and whistles although I was stumped when I learned the price which was IMHO a little too much for a hatch and just a bit over my budget. And then, there was a shiny black accent cng which was parked there in the showroom. I thought I might as well check it out when I'm here. I sat inside the car and I thought to myself, come on, wake up, this is what I want, a 1.5L engine, huge boot, big dont-clutter dash board, and the good old esteem-like door handles and low riding height for well under 6L. After calculating and comparing the running cost, on road price, handling, A.S.S, wow factor of Aveo, Fiesta, Ikon, Getz and every other car in my budget in five minutes, I had a decision to make. As my friend called again and again on my cellphone, disturbing me while I was brainstorming so much, I picked up and told him to come down to advaith hyundai. And, I asked the dealer how long this car will take to be delivered. To my surprise, he said "I can give it to you in a maximum of 12 days, white would take a long time- probably 18 days". After telling him my color of choice would be black, and threatening him with dire consequences if I did not get my car in time, I booked it. As my friend walked in, he asked me what I was doing there and I told him "You know what, you are buying something in black, I thought I'll do some shopping as well, I bought a black car". The look on his face at that moment, and my parents face when I came home in the evening, and my face when I got the delivery, absolutely PRICELESS. Now, everytime I read about lukeskywalker's new accent from trident, the reliability and cost of maintenance of accent, I can only look back and wonder how suddenly I made the decision and not cringe one bit. The things I miss because I did not buy the swift. 1. The Maruti badge which three other cars at home have. 2. The savings per month because of better FE (My average driving is around 1500-2000 km per month) 3. The dialogue which my friends already made up"Shanky bought a red sports car!" (Some said that when I changed my status on orkut to "Bought a new car not knowing I'd bought accent") 4. Storage space in the glove box, below the AC controls, and on the dash 5. Approving looks from uncles and aunties in the locality that the son bought a smaller car than his father (I'm tired of snob value stories!) What I am extremely happy about in accent compared to swift 1. 1.5L engine with 95bhp! 2. No frills, old school analog meters with an easy to reset trip meter 3. Low ride height since I am not a big fan of the tallboy stuff 4. Weird and big dashboard on which none of my friends can keep their stuff, spill drinks or spoil the finish 5. Boot space for all guitars, processors, amplifiers etc., of the whole band and space for more! 6. Slick rubbery korean gear shift 7. All preloaded free goodies like mats, flaps, leather wrapped steering and gear knob, OEM remote locking, OEM ICE wiring etc., 8. And most importantly, the happiness on my mom's face If only I can maintain my black beauty in ship shape without any swirl marks throughout her lifetime I'll be the happiest man on earth.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 10:51	#2
rauldsouza BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 106 Thanked: 47 Times	Great Choice, Though the looks and dash are a bit dated IMO. Nonetheless a great car to drive. A true VFM car. Do post some pics. Drive Safe.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 11:20	#3
Fordmanchau Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,666 Thanked: 340 Times	Hey Shankar, that was a great story!! Very well written IMO. Hope you are enjoying the car. Do put up some driving experiences along with a review and some cool photogrpahs. Also if possible do get a pic with all your guitars and amplifiers loaded in the boot. Nice to have you here.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 12:20	#4
gomzi BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 798 Thanked: 236 Times	Congrats on your purchase and a nice writeup too. The Accent is a good car to drive, my dad used to won one and I now miss it to bits. The best part is the in-city driving - when you see a gap in traffic, you're in it in no time, the engine's that peppy! Although I remember the gearshift being quite rubbery and the light steering dangerous at high speeds. The exteriors still look good. all the best with maintaining the colour and finish. You could turn this thread into an ownership report
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 12:41	#5
Swordfish BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 27 Thanked: 2 Times	Congrats for the new car and welcome to Team-BHP. Well written story. No matter what car you drive, if you take good care of it, it will take care of you. btw, I drive Swift VXi ABS. No regrets what so ever.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 13:01	#6
nairanupg BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Asia Africa GCC Posts: 188 Thanked: 127 Times	A story well written and a good car to own shankarbn. A true blue VFM product; very utilitarian and rock solid reliability. enjoy the drive and dare i say the post is worthless without pics. Also be careful with the Accent at high speeds shankarbn; for all the value it offers the accents steering can play traunt at high speeds. But for the cities it handles just great. Drive safe.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 13:19	#7
amitoj Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Windham, NH USA Posts: 3,348 Thanked: 3,105 Times View My Garage	Nice write up and congrats on your buy. Btw, i did not know 118NE was 118 Nissan Engine! I guess back then abbreviations actually used to mean something, huh!!
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 20:40	#9
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,215 Thanked: 15,907 Times	You know what shankarbn, you have a terrific narration mate! Wishing you and the black beauty many many happy motoring miles. Do keep the thread updated with the experiences as you drive more.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 21:00	#10
safari_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bengaluru / Bagdal Posts: 1,135 Thanked: 685 Times	Nice writeup, mate. And ya, congratulations on your new car. Do post a few pics.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 21:01	#12
gemithomas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,366 Thanked: 143 Times View My Garage	I think you deserve to be on T-bhp. I dont think any Car Enthusiast here has chosen his career / employer based on the proposition to own a car!!! Great choice. Enjoy every bit of the new car. AND GET BACK HERE WITH SOME GOOD PICTURES
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 21:17	#14
FlyingSpur Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,934 Thanked: 1,422 Times View My Garage	Had the Accent for nine years. Loved every bit of it. Sold it to buy my i20. And now, for someone in the company, we're probably picking up another Accent yet again. The Swift Dzire and Indigo aren't even contenders.
	() Thanks

7th January 2010, 21:26	#15
akas_chauhan BHPian Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 596 Thanked: 25 Times	Congrats Shankar on your new Accent. It is indeed a nice car. A very good narration. Now bring those pictures .
	() Thanks