Not really. Consider this- the expenses dont end at the cost of the car. Following items are added-
Underbody rust treatment 4700
Extended warranty 8650
AMC (for 2nd year) 11500
Full floor mats 1490
Mud flaps 350
Rear parking camera 12500
Bumper moulding 850
Side moulding 950
Leatherite seat covers 3500
Door sill guard 500
Carpet Lamination (if I get it done) 3000
That totals 50K over the price of the VXI. Nothing to be scoffed at - nearly 10% of the cost of the car. Not very appetizing
All the above do not come preinstalled in the ZXI. This will be additional expense on top
Then think of this-
Alloys: Can easily be purchased at a later date as and when some cash is available
Wider wheels and tyres- The Vxi comes with 165/80 R14 wheels which are just fine for daily use. I am no racer and I dont have any work that requires me to go to the expressway regularly
Rear defogger and wiper- Based on my experience this monsoon these are desirable but when it rains heavily, common sense is to drive slower and practice rain driving. Fogging doesnt occur when it rains heavily as the fog gets washed off. Rather it happens when it has rained just a bit and is easily wiped off by setting the aircon to a slightly higher temperature. I really didnt miss it much in this monsoon
ICE- I have a stereo system I recently upgraded in my Waggie and I will transfer it to the new car
Steering mounted controls- though convenient, it is not a necessity. If I need it, I can put one of those external wheel mounted remotes or simply change channels manually. In any case, if there is active driving, I dont even realise what is playing
There is no ABS version in the Swift Vxi. The Ritz has one. But even the employees of the dealerships told me privately not to go for the Ritz- its a lot mor sporty and cheaper than the heavier swift but the resale value will be equally less.
The only difference between the Vxi and Zxi is the ABS and airbags. I will settle without them. You can call this typically middle class thinking but I cant help it. I am currently looking if I can get a good discount at another dealership and if so I will go for the ZXI. Otherwise Vxi
Ameyam