Hi All,
After researching a lot, I had fixed my target to buy Spark / Vista / i10 Era in NEW Models OR Zen / Esteem in Used Cars.
I was on my Flyback to India from 18th July to 22nd July and wanted to purchase in this time.
Tested all if them and booked Spark LS - Misty Lake Colour on 18th July 09 - paid advance of Rs.25,000/- by cheque dated 1st August 09. I was about to process a loan of Rs.3,00,000/- from SBI Bombay Central Branch for 8%.
Still I was not satisfied and my relative told their dealer have good used cars - so decided to give a try to used car.
I entered Shaman Auto on 21st July - Vile Parle for enquiring for Esteem and there stood MH01 GA2010 - Silver Golden Colour VXi 2003 September model.
Test drived it and speak volumes about the Owner - "Cotton Export Council" for maintaining it - excellent condition. A-Z in the car was original - with the engine compartment / gearbox / importantly the interiors with original seat covers / tape (Maruti original) the Body in excellent condition.
For price, it was quoted Rs.2,10,000/- and final quote was Rs.1,95,000/- which was offered to customer just before I testdrived it. (So unlucky that chap went to his brother to confirm and had come back to know that the deal was done)
I immediately accepted the price - and told them that since I had gone to pick-up my son from tution, I had no purse with me - somehow, in my handkerchief - I had only Rs.10/- and that also dont know how) The mode of payment was decided as Rs.1,20,000/- cheque and rest by Credit Card.
I took the Vehicle to my place to show it to my wife / parents. They were surprised to see the car. My wife, who has always been against Esteem immediately fell in love for the car looking at the exterior / interior / drive.
Took the car to Friends / my Mechanic who appreciated the car and told that I got the same a lot cheaper - and more important was that the condition in which the car is was simply excellent.
The Drive is good / the gearbox-excellent / interiors-exteriors superb / a/c is simply chilling / tyres are also good.
Unfortunately, I got the delivery on late 22nd July and the same night - I had my flight to Indonesia-Jakarta. So have not taken the photos of the car.
The car was for my wife to travel from my place to her mothers place every weekend - but she went by rikshaw today just out of fear that she may dash the new car (Earlier she drove M800 - so reversing is a real problem)
I had heard that Esteem was quicker than Honda City 1.5 till 100 - abd believe me - its really scary fast (even with the A/c on). Enjoyed my drive for 1 day (VileParle-Borivali)
Waiting for more on my flyback - especially in October when I am supposed to go to Shrinathji (Rajasthan), Jamnagar (In our temple for some rituals), Dwarka, Somnath, Sarangpur (Hanuman Temple).
Further, I will upload the photos once I will be back to India.
Will try to meet Pankaj when in Jamnagar/Bhavnagar - Pankajbhai - hu aavu chu....
Now, I need to get my cheque back from National Garage-Chevrolet and will call them today.
