The Thought & Zeroing in on FIAT LINEA
I was driving White Hyundai Verna CRDI ABS-2007 Model done 80K, had problems with the Turbo and after spending Rs. 60K for it. The car was begging with Clutch problem, Timing chain due for replacement, insurance renewal, Turbo problem not sorted out with some noise prevalent and finally decided to sell and sold it for Rs. 4,15,000. The market value was higher but i didn't want the buyer to suffer so gave it at least Rs. 35K discount for the car(Rs. 5,25,000 is the market value, so for the current condition Rs. 4,50,000).
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...orth-hype.html
Then went through TEAM BHP for the reviews about FIAT LINEA the Italian Beauty fed up with Hyundai(Ugly Korean
). I had in mind to purchase Optra Magnum LT but decided to go for a car with less budget to give way for a better car when i change my CIVIC. Zeroed in on Linea and asked for a Test Drive from AR.AS.PV.PV madurai and they promised to bring it next day, and they never turned up, no information and when i called they promised to bring it on 11/02/2010.
Test Drive
But due to some commitments i had to travel to Madurai which is 85 KMS from my place on 11/2/2010 in my Honda Civic and the sales executive of FIAT's mobile was not reachable. So decided to travel and if i see him bringing the Test drive car on the way i thought of stopping him for test drive. When i had almost travelled 60 KMS i saw a Dark Grey Linea from going towards my place, so i turned My Civic to give a chase but before i turned the car was gone. Then tried to chase it and revved my Civic and was able to get a glimpse at the Linea after travelling 3 Kms and then floored my CIVIC and finally stopped the LINEA after chasing it for a total of 5 Kms at speeds over 160 KMPH.
Formal hello and got the Keys of the LINEA and started the Engine it was smooth and Low NVH. Then the SA explained about how Blue & ME works and i paired my NOkia E-72 and it worked made a call to HM and it worked fine. My kid was impressed then pressed the clutch engaged first gear and moved the car i felt the car to be way underpowered and it was like pulling a monster with a rat, once the engine reached 2000 RPM the story differed the TURBO did the Job but still felt the engine is no where comparable to that of Verna CRDI. But the car was stable and took the corners at ease compared to Verna . But the car was quite bumpy and felt the SA has not checked the air in the tyres. Then had a look at the Italian Beauty and my mind said go for it while the engine power was a let down for me so i was confused.
Decision
Then some how made my mind and decided to go for it mesmerized by its beauty and features. The decision was to go for BOSSO NOVA WHITE EMOTION PACK MJD after the approval from HM and asked the SA who told only FLAMINGO RED and Medium GREY are available for immediate delivery that too 2009 model. Decided to go for 2010 White and asked him when it can be delivered he told within 10-12 Days max before Budget. He gave a quote for Rs. 9,62,000/= with free insurance, Rs. 8 K cash discount and extended warranty Final OTR will be Rs. 9,22,000/=.
Waiting
I was worried about the delivery and felt it was risky if they delayed i need to pay extra money for the excise duty increase post Budget. So contacted VST Motors Trichy the SA promised to deliver within a week as the vehicle is in transit from their regular order. But SA from AR.AS.PV.PV madurai promised he will deliver the car before 26/02/2010 and hence i Paid advance Rs. 50K on 16/02/2010 with one condition any increase in the price will be met by the dealer. After that i did not receive any message and on 25/02/2010 i called and fired the SA and demanded refund then he SMS me the engine number and VIN number, i made full payment on 26/02/2010. The SA promised it will be loaded from the factory immediately and i will be delivered before 5/03/2010. Then the story was he never calls and whenever i call he says today it has been loaded sir. Finally he said it has been loaded on 8/3/2010.
And finally a happy news
Just today the SA called and confirmed me that the vehicle has arrived the dealership and after PDI the car can be delivered on 17/03/2010. I asked him to give delivery directly at our place on 18/03/2010. I have my advance number booked and alloted already.
Planned Accessories from Dealer:
1) Mud Flap
2) Foot Mats
After market accessaries
1) 3M sun films
2) Leather upholstery Stanley or Ovion single colour probably Jet Black
3) Reverse Parking sensors worried about the warranty part
Will Update with pictures soon.