Thread Starter
#1
Prelude -
Our eight year old Indica Xeta GL with no AC or PS, was ageing more lately. Maintenance also was getting bigger compared to what it ran. In last eight years it had done only 20K kms.Also its FE was going down day by day.Initially it used to give 14 kmpl in city, then reduced to 12 kmpl and lastly it was hovering around 10-11 kmpl only.Also we needed a AC car.
Mid- 2013 -
My father was thing of replacing the above car with one with better FE, drive ability and having features like at least AC and PS.
Hence the hunt began -
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-rs-4-5-lacs-finalized-maruti-alto-800-a.html
Sep - 2013 -
Discounts were raining in the market and we wanted to get our car during Durga Puja 2013 at Kolkata.
Initally our budget was around 4.5 lcas but after doing test drive for most of the cars we finally shortlisted Alto 800.
Why Alto 800 -
Honestly speaking, I hated the looks of this car since it was launched last year. Front inspired by Ford (FigO) and back was based on old gen Suzuki MR Wagon. The less said about the front, the better. There is no honeycomb grille or plastic that covers up the AC/radiator in the front.There is no provision for Fog Lamps in the bumper. Also on road it looked strange and flimsy as compared to original Alto or Alto K10.
So, one Saturday afternoon I walked lazily into a Maruti Showroom for a test drive. Got a very warm welcome and drive was arranged within few minutes. It was a white Alto 800 LXI. I asked the driver to sit beside me and packed two SAs at the back. Drove for around 10 kms in and around city in good and bad roads with AC on and off.
My perception changed after test drive. First the car is spacious than its predecessor. The AC was chilling. Old gen Alto was known for poor pick up with AC. This did not have that problem with even four people on board. Interiors was as spacious almost at par with Estilo/A-Star. The interiors though were very plain. No Left ORVM, No left key hole, no 12V socket etc.
FE , checked in TAI threads and others ,City 17, Highway 20.
Finally weighing all pros and cons decision was made, Alto 800 it has to be.
Dealership and buying process -
Dealer was shortlisted as "Mohan Motors" Sector -5 , Salt Lake , Kolkata.
We booked in Oct 1st week, but the prices were already raised. Anyway we got Sept 2013 prices and discounts. It was nice and hasslefree transaction. Payed the full amount and took delivery after 2 days. We got it delivered with TC plates only as during Durga Puja RTO offices are closed for 10 days at a stretch.
We took insurance on our own , transferred NCB from our old car to new one.
Driving , first 100 kms -
The car is very light and smooth to drive. Though compared to my Manza it seems it may take off the road any time. Clutch is loose(has to be rectified in 1st service), gear is notchy as old gen Wagon R (specially reverse). Not checked FE at all but presume to be 15+ based on the bar type electronic Fuel Gauge.
Lots of talk, time of couple of pics - during delivery and after puja being performed.
Our eight year old Indica Xeta GL with no AC or PS, was ageing more lately. Maintenance also was getting bigger compared to what it ran. In last eight years it had done only 20K kms.Also its FE was going down day by day.Initially it used to give 14 kmpl in city, then reduced to 12 kmpl and lastly it was hovering around 10-11 kmpl only.Also we needed a AC car.
Mid- 2013 -
My father was thing of replacing the above car with one with better FE, drive ability and having features like at least AC and PS.
Hence the hunt began -
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-rs-4-5-lacs-finalized-maruti-alto-800-a.html
Sep - 2013 -
Discounts were raining in the market and we wanted to get our car during Durga Puja 2013 at Kolkata.
Initally our budget was around 4.5 lcas but after doing test drive for most of the cars we finally shortlisted Alto 800.
Why Alto 800 -
Honestly speaking, I hated the looks of this car since it was launched last year. Front inspired by Ford (FigO) and back was based on old gen Suzuki MR Wagon. The less said about the front, the better. There is no honeycomb grille or plastic that covers up the AC/radiator in the front.There is no provision for Fog Lamps in the bumper. Also on road it looked strange and flimsy as compared to original Alto or Alto K10.
So, one Saturday afternoon I walked lazily into a Maruti Showroom for a test drive. Got a very warm welcome and drive was arranged within few minutes. It was a white Alto 800 LXI. I asked the driver to sit beside me and packed two SAs at the back. Drove for around 10 kms in and around city in good and bad roads with AC on and off.
My perception changed after test drive. First the car is spacious than its predecessor. The AC was chilling. Old gen Alto was known for poor pick up with AC. This did not have that problem with even four people on board. Interiors was as spacious almost at par with Estilo/A-Star. The interiors though were very plain. No Left ORVM, No left key hole, no 12V socket etc.
FE , checked in TAI threads and others ,City 17, Highway 20.
Finally weighing all pros and cons decision was made, Alto 800 it has to be.
Dealership and buying process -
Dealer was shortlisted as "Mohan Motors" Sector -5 , Salt Lake , Kolkata.
We booked in Oct 1st week, but the prices were already raised. Anyway we got Sept 2013 prices and discounts. It was nice and hasslefree transaction. Payed the full amount and took delivery after 2 days. We got it delivered with TC plates only as during Durga Puja RTO offices are closed for 10 days at a stretch.
We took insurance on our own , transferred NCB from our old car to new one.
Driving , first 100 kms -
The car is very light and smooth to drive. Though compared to my Manza it seems it may take off the road any time. Clutch is loose(has to be rectified in 1st service), gear is notchy as old gen Wagon R (specially reverse). Not checked FE at all but presume to be 15+ based on the bar type electronic Fuel Gauge.
Lots of talk, time of couple of pics - during delivery and after puja being performed.
![[lol]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Laugh.gif "Laugh [lol]")
