May 21, 2007 12:04 PM
9661 Views
I was always afraid of driving. Leave alone driving, I was always afraid of venturing out on my own in traffic on a two wheeler even. Blame it on the positioning of my stars or blame it on my timidity, but I could never get enough courage.
Then came a time when there was no option left but to buy a car. I was very naive when it came to deciding the right one. Should it be a big car or a small one? One thing I definitely knew that I will not go in for a bigger car just because it will make me'cool'. I would only go in for a bigger car if it satisfies all my requirements. And my requirements back then were -
1. No Idea
2. No Idea
3. No Idea
The best thing to do when you are not sure is to ask the 'experts'. My'expert' friends were all over me to help me out. Buy this one or that one and do this and in test drive notice this. As expected very soon I was reeling under information overload. I just tried following everyone's instructions. As someone once said - Better be quiet and thought a fool, than speak and clear all doubts.
One more thing I realized was that big cars give you more space and take away more money. Getting more space was one criterion I realized I had. But giving away more money was something I was not ready for. I know I am so pathetic(in words of car manufacturers and dealers), but that is how I am. Eventually big cars got ruled out.
There were no other criteria I had. Someone I know influenced me enough and I decided I will go in for Wagor-R. I had no reasons for the same. Within a few days I had the brand new car delivered.
Then came the first hurdle - driving lessons and a license. I had taken a few lessons in car driving. Every time I tried getting a license, the traffic inspector would reject me. This happened twice in succession. Somehow I got the license;-)
Because I was lonely in my nightmare - My biggest nightmare back then was driving and that too driving alone. You may not believe me but there was a time that I would force people at my home to make me a very early breakfast so that I could leave early and hence avoid traffic. The trouble started when I banged my car into a pole while reversing it. I don't think the pole was there before. It just grew there that day!
Good reflexes can save you from a lot of such nasty troubles. I believe developing good reflexes in my case should get attributed to my also being an avid table tennis player. And once I got confidence, I began noticing how thankful I was to the person who suggested that I buy Wagon-R.
Every good science begins with a question and a need to either invent or recreate - The car has a fabulous mileage. Even within a city like Bangalore which is bursting at its seams due to traffic, I am able to get a mileage of 14+. At times I have even got a mileage of16+ within city. I agree that this has also got a lot to do with driving habits and the kind of fuel you use. Even with normal fuel I am able to get a good mileage. I think the model that I have - LXi is a true example of recreation. To the ones who have wondered what this'R' business is, the alphabet R in the name Wagon-R stands for 'recreation'. I believe this to be true based on my experiences. It is a true example of creating something anew.
With great power comes great responsibility and responsibility means balance - They say that with great power comes an even greater responsibility. If you think deep, you will say that responsibility means being able to balance different aspects. Wagon-R has an excellent balance and a very powerful power steering. It is very easy to manoeuver the vehicle. The car has a fabulous air conditioning unit. Even with a/c on, the power does not drop significantly. I have till date never found it to throttle with a/c on. There are some amazing engineering brains at work, for sure.
Feel'elevated' - **One more thing I have always liked about this car is its clearance from the ground. On a bumpy road, I have never had any problems. In fact in my early days of driving I banged a transformer on the side of an elevated footpath. I zoomed across the busy road, went over the elevated hurdle and banged into the transformer. If it were not for the elevation of the vehicle, I would have very badly damaged the chassis and probably not have been here to write this detailed an account:-)
I have only heard of following problems with the new variants.** Their gear assembly at times slips on a bumpy road and brings the car to neutral much to the dismay of driver. Another one is that its clutch plates are a little too'tight'. So if you have any of these problems, better make use of the warranty period and get it rectified for free.
I have had Wagon-R for 4 years now. People have wondered when I will sell it. In fact Wagon-R is one car which you will not find available for sale easily. Ask people who drive it and they will tell you why.
About my selling it - You never part with things you love. Do you?
