Hi guys,
I am feeling extremely happy to say that I have taken the delivery of my Tata Nano!
So, first let me share all the experiences that I had from the booking date till now.
1) Decision to book the NANO:
This goes back to mid-2009. My sister had been using her scooter for all her needs- to go to college, etc- and that was not something safe considering the amount of traffic and the reckless driving that can be seen in the city. So my dad decided to get a car for her. And his requirement was to have a car, a small one, with the basic necessary features, just as a substitute to a two-wheeler.
That’s when tata announced the launch of the nano and the opening of the booking. We checked various websites to get to know the car well. Looked into Autocar India’s initial review from the auto expo and the scoops from else where, including t-bhp. We were satisfied with everything that’s been provided in the car and were really happy with its looks and space too. Hence we decided to book it and did the same.
2) Allotment and the endless wait!
Within a month, we got to know the result of our booking and were overwhelmed to know that tata nano, lunar silver, was allotted to us! But the sad thing is that, our delivery period was July-September 2010! More than a year of waiting! But still we decided to wait. The days went on and that’s when, I think around September 2009, I came to know about the fire incident in a nano, and just after a week, again another one, which was reportedly due to a faulty combination switch! These made us think again about our booking; whether to cancel it or to take the car?.
My dad and me then decided to enquire some nano users directly and collected contact numbers from our dealer (They refused to give numbers at first, but later they accepted). We called more than 3 nano users and all they gave us was a THUMB’S UP! All of them were extremely happy with the car, its performance, fuel efficiency and everything. So, we decided not to cancel the booking.
We waited, waited and again in March 2010, heard about another nano fire in mumbai, which put our minds into thought again. After a lot of discussions, we decided to cancel the booking and take some second-hand car. And here is the link of my query:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/1966467-post2002.html
The canceling process was very smooth. We first called the nano call center and told them about our intention to cancel the booking and they happily accepted to cancel it!
(I thought they might at least try to enquire the reason for cancellation or something!) . And we started the hunt, but were not satisfied with many of the cars we saw and the purchase didn’t take place even after a month (Luckily!).
3) The turning point:
One day, my dad met one of our old friends while he was out and on further talk; he came to know that the guy has a nano. And gave the keys to my dad to have a drive. My dad immediately called me and asked to reach the spot. I did so and had an awesome time having a drive in the wonderful car. All our perceptions changed. Super cool air con, acceptably refined and damn easy to drive!
Immediately, we called the nano call center in order to withhold the booking and also sent a mail to them too. They informed us that luckily our booking had not been cancelled yet! On knowing this we requested for a color change to Sunshine yellow and they did so. Within a week or two, we got a message from tata motors saying our car was ready for delivery. We immediately contacted the dealer and they said we could take delivery in a week’s time.
As I had already created a separate thread about my dealership experience, I’ll attach the link here.
Here it is:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...rivandrum.html 4) Delivery and the fun! :
We decided to take delivery on 14th August 2010, as it was “atham” (considered as an auspicious day). We thoroughly checked the car with the t-bhp checklist( thanks t-bhp!) and were extremely happy to note the odometer displaying 23 Km ! As we were in a bit of a hurry, could not do the underbody coating and other basics. Got the mud flaps fitted at the cost of Rs. 158 and we took the delivery.
We were really thrilled to take the car home, and on the way home, a lot of envious eyes encircled us! Thanks Nano! :-D
We are waiting for a day to do the underbody coating, Teflon (the area we live in is a very dusty place, so easier for cleaning), keyless entry. music system, seat covers, sun film, floor mats and if possible alloys!
The price break-up:
The total price of the car: Ex showroom price: Rs. 1,85,912
Road Tax: Rs. 11,155
Insurance: Rs. 4,429
Extended warranty (24 months): Rs. 2,750
Total On-Road: Rs. 2,06,246
Some additional points: O The engine is almost inaudible in the cabin, esp. at the front. At the rear, a bit of the engine whine is always present, but its not annoying. But I would say, way less noise compared to a M-800.
O But on the outside, I have to accept that while the car is in idle, it does have a sound similar to a 2-stroke auto at times (nothing so close it, but still it does have that). But as the engine speed rises, it all gets back to normal. But I should say, this should not be considered as a negative because, any 2 stroke engine, be it of BMW or TOYOTA, would have somewhat the same sound as it’s a characteristic of such an engine. So there is nothing to blame about it.
O Interiors are full of space and space…..and space!! It’s a treat for four people. Ample of legroom at the back and at the front. The thigh support for the front seats is adequate but for the rear, it lacks a bit. But still it’s comfy. And the seats are a bit firm.
O The air con is really chilling. Even without the sun films being installed, it cools the cabin extremely well. But have not tested it in really hot conditions.
O The entire warning lights look good, especially the service indicator, with a spanner across a nano logo, looks cute.
O The tire noise is really annoying. It’s shod with MRF tires. And the ride comfort too is nothing to write home about.
O Tata should have provided left ORVM’s too. It would have been really useful. The showroom guys informed that there have been lots of requests from customers for the LHS ORVM, but its not yet available.
O The cup holders can easily hold half-liter bottles. Good.
O The orange instrument cluster backlight looks cool.
O The positioning of power window switches is ergonomically poor. They are right in front of the gear knob.
O The length of seatbelts is lesser than in some other cars. I tried pulling it all the way, but the length is not great. Also tested in wagon-r and it was longer. May be cost-cutting?
O The company fitted horn sounds horrible and weak, as if the car is suffering from some disease and is about to faint!
O The plastics are all of very good quality. The a/c vents, controls, power window switches and the whole dashboard feels rigid and it has a nice feel too. Truly Unexpected!
O Be ready to wait for most of the accessories that you are planning to take from your tata dealer! Most of the accessories were told to have a long waiting period. You are lucky if they have stock of it.
O And please note that some stuff’s are missing in the car, which are supposed to be along with the car while taking the delivery. Enquired with the dealer and what they said was that they are not getting these from Tata Motors along with the car. And that’s sad. The stuff missing are:
1) Warning triangle.
2) Tow hook (I didn’t find it anywhere. Other Nano owners, enlighten me!)
3) Spare fuses.
The warning triangle is for sure not with the car, but I have not been able to locate the other two.
O There is just a single spare bulb along with the car.
O The turning radius is just awesome. In total , the car just feels like a toy and its the best car for city use. No doubt!.
O The doors close with a nice "thud". Great and unexpected. Overall , the build quality is really good.
O The paint quality is quite good. I can see some very mild color difference in the rear bumper, in the lower part. But nothing so much to worry about, i guess.
O There is a blind-spot as the A-pillar obstructs the view a bit. Rear view is good.
O The ORVM's are quite flimsy and look cheap too. The paint quality on the ORVM is really bad. Checked with other nano's in the dealership yard.
If there is anything else anyone wants to know, please feel free to ask me and i will surely try my best to answer all the queries.
thanks.
Here are the pictures:
Handing over of the keys
Our cutie pie
Yellow looks good for the nano
The tail lamps carry over the tata DNA
Me forcing my dad to get out of the driver seat! ( Selfish me! lol)
Sales rep explaining all the stuff.
Small steering
The egg shaped car! lol
Instrument cluster- Very easy to read
Fun time!
More pictures will follow
till then
cheers!