Thread Starter
#1
After a long battle for a new/used car that lasted for months, I ended up with a Suzuki SX4 ZXi Midnight Black (Petrol) from Maruti True Value showroom, Bangalore.
So here's the post purchase story. Got my drive delivered 5 days ago. Being a top-end it was loaded with features (include ABS, 16" Alloys, Airbags, Steering mounted controls, electrically controlled mirrors, auto climate controls etc.). The only thing it lacked and I got it fitted from the showroom was a rear parking sensor which is a must for a car like SX4 (the "John Cena attitude" while reversing - "you can't see me").
They refurbish, paint and polish the car completely. I test drove it before refurbishing, and notified them of a few vibration (minor) that I could feel compared to new one. The marketing guy assured me of fixing the same. Post refurbish, it was considerably reduced to almost nil.
The punch of the car is refreshing. Push the gas paddle down on the 1st/2nd shift and you see people left behind. I got a chance to drive Honda City i-vtec during my test drives. City beats it on both pick-up and higher end speeds due to its powerful engine (117bhp) and light weight compared to SX4.
Let me start with some cons now so I end on a good note. :)
Cons:-
1> Peppy engine but not at par with City ivtec, probably Verna fluidic, new Fiesta (as per a few reviews).
2> Not the best car to drive to office during peak hours traffic(in a place like Bangalore, ask me).
3> Air-Conditioner makes a fairly noticeable change in the torque. Especially at lower speeds.
4> Gives up at around 175-180 Kmph. Being a 1.6L VVT engine (104 bhp), can do a little more to compete with Honda City ivtec (which can touch upto 190 Kmph, correct me if I'm wrong with figures). Also, a 12.54 second 0-100kmph could have been slightly better too. Bows down to Vento, Verna Fluidic, Fiesta new which do the same at around 11-12 seconds.
Pros:-
1> Cabin/interior space. Probably one of the best in class.
2> Ride height. You see people around at a lower level. Gives a pride feeling, especially when you overtake them or while standing on signals.
3> Attractive features, lovely dash view, steering controls, seating comfort, user friendly controls.
4> Ride comfort to both driver and passengers specially on long drives. Cabin is well sealed, quite and its beige interiors make you feel you're in a flight. Cruising at a speed of 120-140 Kmph is smooth and a pleasure.
5> Looks muscular from outside, stands out of the crowd. And, black metallic body with beige interiors makes you hungry.
6> Excellent power delivery compared to most other cars around on the streets.
Cons that I faced on buying a true value car-
1> Engine vibration is back to an extent after daily use and one long high-speed drive. Not too bad but I can sense it while trying to figure it out.
2> Engine heat level indicator touches up to 50% (never crosses that though, even after a long drive at up to 160 Kmph) after driving for about 25 minutes with AC. I'm not sure if that's normal or I should get it checked.
3> Dash/Console does not give a fresh appealing new glossy look. Although, its close enough to ensure unaware people do not make out this part. I'm planning a re-polishing of the whole interior.
More would come along as I figure out/recollect. Meanwhile I would like you to share your thoughts on my purchase and advise me some upgrades/corrections that I can go with next. Few things I have in mind are follows. Please share your thoughts-
1> Interior polish/coating
2> Rear spoiler
3> Corner bids/belts (to protect from scratch during cornering and also to enhance looks)
4> chrome/steel finish front grills and door knobs (if possible). Looks elegant on black.
5> Seat cover (Non-pure leather, due to my budget).
6> Rain guard (window top)
7> Halogen bulb for front fogs.
Awaiting suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Enjoy~!
So here's the post purchase story. Got my drive delivered 5 days ago. Being a top-end it was loaded with features (include ABS, 16" Alloys, Airbags, Steering mounted controls, electrically controlled mirrors, auto climate controls etc.). The only thing it lacked and I got it fitted from the showroom was a rear parking sensor which is a must for a car like SX4 (the "John Cena attitude" while reversing - "you can't see me").
They refurbish, paint and polish the car completely. I test drove it before refurbishing, and notified them of a few vibration (minor) that I could feel compared to new one. The marketing guy assured me of fixing the same. Post refurbish, it was considerably reduced to almost nil.
The punch of the car is refreshing. Push the gas paddle down on the 1st/2nd shift and you see people left behind. I got a chance to drive Honda City i-vtec during my test drives. City beats it on both pick-up and higher end speeds due to its powerful engine (117bhp) and light weight compared to SX4.
Let me start with some cons now so I end on a good note. :)
Cons:-
1> Peppy engine but not at par with City ivtec, probably Verna fluidic, new Fiesta (as per a few reviews).
2> Not the best car to drive to office during peak hours traffic(in a place like Bangalore, ask me).
3> Air-Conditioner makes a fairly noticeable change in the torque. Especially at lower speeds.
4> Gives up at around 175-180 Kmph. Being a 1.6L VVT engine (104 bhp), can do a little more to compete with Honda City ivtec (which can touch upto 190 Kmph, correct me if I'm wrong with figures). Also, a 12.54 second 0-100kmph could have been slightly better too. Bows down to Vento, Verna Fluidic, Fiesta new which do the same at around 11-12 seconds.
Pros:-
1> Cabin/interior space. Probably one of the best in class.
2> Ride height. You see people around at a lower level. Gives a pride feeling, especially when you overtake them or while standing on signals.
3> Attractive features, lovely dash view, steering controls, seating comfort, user friendly controls.
4> Ride comfort to both driver and passengers specially on long drives. Cabin is well sealed, quite and its beige interiors make you feel you're in a flight. Cruising at a speed of 120-140 Kmph is smooth and a pleasure.
5> Looks muscular from outside, stands out of the crowd. And, black metallic body with beige interiors makes you hungry.
6> Excellent power delivery compared to most other cars around on the streets.
Cons that I faced on buying a true value car-
1> Engine vibration is back to an extent after daily use and one long high-speed drive. Not too bad but I can sense it while trying to figure it out.
2> Engine heat level indicator touches up to 50% (never crosses that though, even after a long drive at up to 160 Kmph) after driving for about 25 minutes with AC. I'm not sure if that's normal or I should get it checked.
3> Dash/Console does not give a fresh appealing new glossy look. Although, its close enough to ensure unaware people do not make out this part. I'm planning a re-polishing of the whole interior.
More would come along as I figure out/recollect. Meanwhile I would like you to share your thoughts on my purchase and advise me some upgrades/corrections that I can go with next. Few things I have in mind are follows. Please share your thoughts-
1> Interior polish/coating
2> Rear spoiler
3> Corner bids/belts (to protect from scratch during cornering and also to enhance looks)
4> chrome/steel finish front grills and door knobs (if possible). Looks elegant on black.
5> Seat cover (Non-pure leather, due to my budget).
6> Rain guard (window top)
7> Halogen bulb for front fogs.
Awaiting suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Enjoy~!
![[drive]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Drive.gif "Drive [drive]")
