Spark / WagonR / Vista

HiAll,

Yesterday i wen to Sundaram motors,bangalore for Spark enquiry.
 Because it was sunday,few sales guys were there and i could n't test drive with my family.But myself,father and mother sat in the rear seat of the car to check out the leg space.
Leg space is good but we found that we 3 have to adjust(Can't sit very freely), but its the same case with Wagonr also(We checked in our neghbours wagon r).

We also visited Tata Showroom to check Indica Vista Saffire. We found its very spacious.My wife liked the car cery much because of the space.One of the sales guys is known to my friend.That guy initially did n't suggest Saffire to me.He told not to go for that.His reason is that it doesn't have resale value.When i told that i will keep for more years.Then he told to go for that.The lower end model of Saffire comes for 4 laks.Fully loaded one is 4.5 laks.I can efford for Lower model.I saw the AC problem(separate thread in carwale)in Vista(All models)and some other steering problems.

Please let me know whther it is good to go for Saffire(We Love the space).Sales guy told that it gives 13 - 14 with AC in city.Is it true?Please give your views.

we are 4 adults and a 3 year old kid in my family. Right now we don't have problem for the space.Because my parents and my kid will sit in the back seat.It should be sufficient.But we thought going for long trips the space really matters.

Sorry, i forgot to mention one thing. I am new to driving and i have confidence only in Santro(learning on Santro).Because Tata showroom is located in a very busy area, i did n't test drive Saffire. Same case with Spark.

So i am totally dependent on expert views and friends feedbacks

Bala, when it comes to Space, Tata beats every one. Vista is very spacious and a value for money car but dont expect Resale Value from Tata's petrol. I also own a Xeta but I cant even think about selling that car. Nobody will buy. Though am satisfied with the performance, faced only one problem... A.C.

Do take a test drive of every car, you have every right to test the vehicle before buying. You are going to spend a big money, test drive. If you are not confident than ask any friend of yours to drive all the cars and you too drive every car at open road.

Dont buy a car just because I am recommending or others are recommending we are just telling you Pros & Cons as per our experience.  You have to pick one as per your liking & requirements.

Resale value of Vista would be much better than Xeta.  In any case, like suggested by you, you shouldn't be concerned much if you plan to use it for 5 years or more.

Vista generally returns a mileage of 11-13 in city & 15-17 on highway (depending upon the driving conditions).  AC is a little less effective at the rear seat - felt especially in the afternoons - but is resolved in some cases reported (I understand).  Steering problem was reported/rectified immediately on launch (oil changed).

Hi All,

I decided to go for Spark.test driven the vehicle and liked it. I have few questions about Spark

1)Is it better to go for LPG version?It was released recently,so no feed back from the users.Plz suggest.

2)One of my friends who is in the car business told Spark has no resale value;It won't fetch even half of the amount after say 3 to 4 years.Your views?

PLease give your views on the above points.

Balabharat:

LPG is good option if your running is too much, more than 1000 kms per month.

As far as Resale value is concern, I bought it in Nov. 07, covered almost 25k and I enquired I am loosing 1 lac, Even Maruti Suzuki's wagon-r will fetch almost similar resale (loss of 1 lac after 17 months).

I would like to add, for long term ownership (5 years or more), dont count Resale as deciding factor.

There are two different chapters available for bankruptcy in USA. Chapter 7 suggests that the Company has no money to run business more, and the Company has huge debts, but doesnot have funds to repay, and with approval of authorities, it will shut its operations. While, in case of Chapter 11, it suggests that Company is in huge liquidty crunch, but wants to run business, does not want to shut operations. Under Chapter 11, the Government permits various cost reduction measures such as employee strength reduction, salary reductions, and many more. The Government inducts funds in the Company subject to some or more controlling stake in the Company. Hence, the GM has filed the bankruptcy petition under Chapter 11 and not under 7. I donot think there will be much problems in revival of GM. (I just discussed the point other than Spark, but as it was discussed whether GM issue will affect the decision to buy car or not, I have explained the Chapter 11 implications)

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. I need one clarification

1)Why we need to consider LPG only if we have more usage. Is it because it is prone to more maintenance costs than petrol one?

2)Like desiel, we need to use more often? or is it because LPG gives less mileage compared to petro?

Please let me know.

whether your friend is in car business but he did not know about finance (I am sorry) you will save lot of money today ( not tommorrow )buying a SPARK and if you simply put them in banks for 5 years they will be double (at the time of sale of your car I assume you are going to sell your car after 5 years) and 3 years cashless warranty will save lot of (again lot of ) money , I met a person having red SPRAK LT he spent only 200rs in last 3 years on maintenance would you believe it ? My apache bike has taken more than 6000 rs in last 2.5 years .saving money today is important than tommorrow 1. tommorrow never comes 2. we build tommorrow on the base of today 3. and today's 70k which you will save today may be converted into 1.4lakh but after 5 years 70 will not be as important they will be counted like 50k.

so resale value is just ..just a myth about SPRAK nothing else. this should not be must not be a reason to buy a SPRAK

Pankaj, vista is in my list too but scaring with AC problem please decribe me resources where you found  "but is resolved in some cases reported" ? please suggest

I have testdrive Vista Sapphire - in Afternoon on 13th June 09. The vehicle was standing in the sun for maybe 2-3 hours so quite hot like oven.

I asked the sales guy not to open the windows and let the a/c do the cooling - and it was fine within 5 min. I asked my wife to sit at the back after some time and she also said that the a/c is fine at the rear also.

The Grille temperature was also fine - so enjoy.

Torque at lower RPM is very good - car picked up with a/c and 3 people at 20 kmph in 5th gear.

The gears are ultra smooth (considering Tata). The car is excellent.

Only 1 problem - the plastic is very cheap ans also the way they are fitted together is very bad.

Rest its total value for money.

Go ahead and enjoy the car - its the best option available in 4 Lacs.

Amit B, a few CW members have reported that the same has been resolved while some have reported as still not resolved.  A few, like Raju, have reported that they do not find it less effective.  One has even reported that he has experienced no better cooling than Vista in any hatchback till now.

I'm not very sure but I understand (am given to) that the problem isn't with each Vista - some batch/es (different versions). The AC issue is there but is a little exaggerated - unintentional – probably out of high expectations & in comparison with others.

Best is to test-drive the car & feel the AC yourself.

To add (personal observation)… the AC vents/grills are designed differently – the gaps in grills do not remain constant when the direction is changed (unlike in earlier Indicas).  Besides, the vents are placed a little higher on the dashboard on the upper curve.  The grills, therefore, when opened to the fullest direct over the shoulders aiming upwards.  Though this should not affect the ultimate cooling (whatever), the rear seat occupants may initially feel the AC is less effective.  If the position of grills is adjusted – to direct lower (at chest level or even lower) – the gaps/outlets between the grills reduce restricting the outflow.

I have observed this very recently in a car that was placed inside the showroom but could not test-drive/use the AC & feel/check the above practically.