Dec 06, 2004 02:06 PM
4466 Views
(Updated Dec 06, 2004 02:10 PM)
When I wanted to upgrade from my Maruti 800, I did a lot of market research of the lower mid-segment for cars and opted for the WAGON R Lxi.
A few years ago I had considered the Wagon R as an ugly piece of machine dumped in the Indian market. But now, on a closer look, the utility offered by its design - mainly the extra space in the back, made me give it a thumbs up. It was just right for my family of four (two kids aged 13 and 8).
I bought it in Sept'04 and till now has had no occasion to regret. As read in many reviews, the mileage is average (about 13-14 km/lt in city) and the gears are a handful. But overall, it is a beauty to handle.
Now a bit about my grouse on the price. When I bought the vehicle in end Sept'04, the dealer gave me a discount of about Rs 17,000/- . Later in Oct'04 (Dusshera), the discount given was Rs 25,000/- and then during Deepali the total discounts amounted to Rs 32,000/-. This shows the amount of margin available and not being given to the customer.
I wrote to M/s Maruti that I stand to lose about Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000/- as these discounts were theoretically available when I bought my car from your dealer and that I would have understood if Maruti had reduced it prices due to some valid reason like reduction in duties. At that time these discounts were inbuilt into the cost of the car and not given to me. This makes me feel that I have been short-changed by Maruti and its dealer.
A few days after this Mr. Khattar gives a statement that the prices of Maruti vehicles are to be increased from Jan'05???
Also when I bought my Wagon R, I was provided accessories worth Rs 16464/- (Stereo+autocop+seatcover+bodycover+floor mats+dicky mat+mud flaps+steering cover) which was discounted from the basic price of vehicle. And the invoiced amount plus cost of free accessories came to Rs 3,49,908/- which I paid. So though theoretically Rs 17,000/- was offered as a discount, I had to pay for everything as per invoice. I paid for insurance, registration and transparent anti-rust separately.
So all you people out there, learn from my experience. Buy a car (for that matter anything) during Deepali when the discounts offered are maximum {also clearance sale (if any) in December}. During any other time having bargaining powress is always beneficial. As for the invoice, I am yet to solve this puzzle.
