There was no plan for me to buy Safari this year (2010). I had decided to wait till 2011 and go for higher end (GX - in Safari).
But one fine day while sipping tea in morning, I saw ad of Ford Fiesta Limited Edition. I checked with wife and she was also in the mood of change with anything (Not very particular about Safari but Sedan). Since, Ford Fiesta is Sedan she never thought twice and said lets go in the evening and check it out. I went to Metro Ford at St. Marks Road checked Limited Edition and asked Sales Manager for offer. He said no offer, not even corporate offer. I immediately came out of showroom disgusted.
Next day after office hours I said lets go and check it out Manza QJet in nearby Tata Showroom KHT Motors. OnRoad price of Fiesta and high end Manza is same almost. I took test drive but it did not kick me, wife and my 5 year old son. After completing test drive my son ran into showroom near Safari. There was a Black color LX there. My son came out and pulled me to check Safari (My son knew my weakness). I went ahead and checked Safari LX. I was impressed with Beige Interior, next indicators on ORVM and then overall appeal. This was the final car in my mind for many years.
I was driving well maintained 2003 model 800 AC. I went side and discussed with wife about near 1 lakh difference in High End Manza and Safari LX. We came out of showroom. Two days I gave thought over it. Whether to go for current LX or wait for next year and go for GX version with ABS. Third day (10th September, 2010) I went ahead and booked Cycus Grey LX after negotiation and finalization of price by paying 25000 Rupees. Initially, I wanted Mountain Green but settled with Cycus Grey color. Delivery date promised on 22nd September.
Applied for finance and it was approved by two banks. I negotiated with one bank and they brought down interest rate, telling them I have approved loan from other bank too (I learnt this is nice way to bargain for interest rate for loan). They brought down rate further 0.25%.
19th September car arrived in yard. But it was too far from my place for doing PDI. I left it to destiny and asked them to go ahead for delivery on 22nd. On 20th there got info by my loan advisor that one of the bank officer creating some problem approving reduced interest rate loan for Safari. But he said, Do not worry Saar, I will make it clear.
Disbursement happened 1 day late, so KHT Motors informed me there will be one day late in delivery i.e. 23rd. I told them not beyond 23rd of September. On 22nd they brought car at service station for PDI and my sales person Satya informed that car has arrived. I went around 7 PM and checked the car. It was all OK for me.
On 23rd I came early from office and reached KHT around 4:30 PM. After 15 minutes car arrived at showroom. After completing formalities in next 30 minutes, sales manager handed over key to me. They gave me patient demo too. During whole process KHT Motors salespersons, managers were very helpful and humble. There was small problem happened while delivery, it was settled amicably(Not worth to mention).
My son was very exited and asking me same question several times "Are you sure, we will not leave Safari this time at showroom?". Earlier, I took test drive twice of Safari and came back in our old 800. Both the time he was very sad.
After taking delivery we went to temple at AECS layout, did comprehensive puja and then went to some restaurant for dinner.
Now, there is enough text. Lets picture do the talking. Next, I will write What I like in LX and What I not (Yes in LX perspective only)
Me with Safari.
With humble sales person Satya
My son with Safari
Safari standing tall