My experience in buying automobile products was evident in the purchase of a new car in 2009.The decisions happended so fast.At kayankulam railway station, i found a maruti astar hatchback.It was Sunlight Copper in color.I found it attractive.Couple of weeks later, all of a sudden i thought of buying a new car.My options were........
1. Chevy Spark
2. Maruti Astar
3. Hyundai i10
4. Hyundai Santro
Finally i went for Maruti Astar.Here are the reasons that convinced me to choose a maruti.
Maruti cars are comparatively cheaper to maintain.Service stations are everywhere and spares are easily available.
Why i bought Astar?
- Fuel Efficiency of Astar as certified by ARAI is 19.6 kmph .
- Good performance and interiors.
- In the interior more space is dedicated to the driver and his fellow passenger.
- I wanted a small car to move it around in indian roads.
- I liked the looks of Astar.
- Most of my usage is in the weekends and 80 percent of the travel with rear seats empty.
- Since i am working online in my office room in home, i won't be driving everyday to office.That is why i wanted a petrol car.
Words of Caution Heard from Other Car Users
There is not much space in Astar.
My take: It depends on what the customer expects.I am expecting a small car and not an innova like vehicle or a long sedan.
Expensive
My take: it is true...when comparing to spark, astar is expensive.But maruti stable cars are having better resale values.Now that Beat is there(new chevy car for 2010).......which i feel a good bargain that Astar...
Cost in Kerala
ASTAR LXI
Ex Showroom Price = 349,746
Insurance = 10649
Warranty = 1895
Handling Charge = 1500
Road Tax = 20985
the sum = 384,775
discount = 12,000
then cost on road= 3,72,775
Cost of Extra Fittings
wheel cover = rs 622.22 (meant to be free)
power window astar = rs 5777.77
Security System Astar LXI = rs 5324.44
seat cover oe eag = rs 4266.66
under body coating = rs 2222.22 (rip off)
cd mp3 sony GT/40UM = rs 7991.11
speakers s 170/190 DE = 3377.76
labour charge = 900
discounts = 2939
bill amount = 31,000
total Cost of Car On Road = 4,05,000
Dealer Offer
- No cash back or discount.
- Mat (i think it is given with the car and not from the dealer)
- Flap (normal)
- Steering Grip (Poor Quality)
- Teflon coating (business based on jargons)
- Wheel cover
- Indus Package (means nothing)
- Fabric Seat Cover or Rs 1100 discount in art leather seat cover bought from them
The car was delivered on 16th August 2009.I went for LXI varient.Here are the features
Features
- Three cylinder K series 1 Litre Engine.(K10B)
- MPFI
- AC
- Power Steering
- Five Seater
- Five Gears Manual Transmission
- 13" tubeless Tyres
- 35 litre fuel tank capacity.
- Maximum speed of 155 km per hour.
- Power = 68 Ps @ 6200 rpm
- Torque = 90 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Extra Fitting Opted on additional payment
- Front Power Windows Sold by Maruti.
- Keyless Entry Security System marketed by Maruti Suzuki.
- Sony Xplod MP3/ CD Player - Plays USB Drives too.
- Under Body Coating - Day Light Robbery
- Art Leather Seat Cover in Black and Grey
Till now i drove 3300 kilometers on it.After five months, i am satisfied using maruti astar.
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