Best Hatchback For Long-Term Use?

[shailinder]

Friends I need small clarification / support.

I am getting a deal on Punto Emotion (D), at Rs. 5,90,000/- OTR. Whereas, actual OTR is Rs. 6,47,000/-. I am getting this discount because it is a Oct’10 model but would be registered in 2011.

Is it a good deal or I should go for 2011 manufactured car only? Need your support people urgently.

IMPORTANT: What all precautions I need to take while ensuring that it is not a problematic car like test drive vehicle or any other problem ?

Thanks

 

[350Z]

You must confirm with the dealer why the car is still lying after four months because the deal sounds good but only if it is genuine enough. You might have to face loss in resale value in future. Moreover, if the car was used for any purposes like a demo or test drive vehicle, it is better to stay away. My suggestion is to look out for a fresh piece, otherwise what is the use of buying new?

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[shailinder]

You must confirm with the dealer why the car is still lying after four months because the deal sounds good but only if it is genuine enough. You might have to face loss in resale value in future. Moreover, if the car was used for any purposes like a demo or test drive vehicle, it is better to stay away. My suggestion is to look out for a fresh piece, otherwise what is the use of buying new?

Drive Safe,
350Z

Thanks
I have same apprehension like you about the period of the car lying with dealer. But would he give me genuine reason for not selling this car ? I have a SOLID doubt. But would still ask the question.

I asked for the Dec make car if available and dealer person suggested that there is generally no production in the month of Dec at any car manufacturer’s end or at Fiat production centre because of year ending. Is it true ?

Is there a way that i can identify a test drive vehicle ?

 

[350Z]

But would he give me genuine reason for not selling this car ? I have a SOLID doubt. But would still ask the question.

For not selling? Simply ask him why the car is lying even after four months. Generally, 99% of the chances are that it would either be a demo car or test drive vehicle. Especially, if they have only one or two cars like this.

I asked for the Dec make car if available and dealer person suggested that there is generally no production in the month of Dec at any car manufacturer’s end or at Fiat production centre because of year ending. Is it true ?

Yes, this could be true in some cases. Like if there are already sufficient enough of models available in stock.

Is there a way that i can identify a test drive vehicle ?

The easiest method is to check the odometer reading and inspect other areas for any signs of ageing, such as pedals, gearshift knob, tyres etc. If you have even one percent of doubt, avoid going with that car because more than anything else, what matters the most is peace of mind.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[shailinder]

Yes, this could be true in some cases. Like if there are already sufficient enough of models available in stock.

Yes, this is the only vehicle available but generally dealer gives test drive on top end model and this one is Emotion (No Pack ). So still there is a possibility of test drive or demo vehicle ?

Should i check with Fiat India customer care whether they have manufactured cars in the month of Dec or not?

See actually I had a discussion with one of the dealer at West Delhi and they suggested to book a car before 7th Dec'10 so that they can handover her to me by 28th Dec'10 and I can get it registered by 2nd Jan'11. That dealer confirmed that manufacturers make cars till 20th of every month and same goes for Dec.

Complete Confusion

 

[350Z]

Yes, this is the only vehicle available but generally dealer gives test drive on top end model and this one is Emotion (No Pack). So still there is a possibility of test drive or demo vehicle?

Not always the case is same, so the possibility is still very much. For example, Metro Chevrolet has Beat LS as their test drive vehicle whereas the top-end LT is showcased inside the showroom.

Should i check with Fiat India customer care whether they have manufactured cars in the month of Dec or not?

See actually I had a discussion with one of the dealer at West Delhi and they suggested to book a car before 7th Dec'10 so that they can handover her to me by 28th Dec'10 and I can get it registered by 2nd Jan'11. That dealer confirmed that manufacturers make cars till 20th of every month and same goes for Dec. Complete Confusion

Yes, Please check this out.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[shailinder]

Not always the case is same, so the possibility is still very much. For example, Metro Chevrolet has Beat LS as their test drive vehicle whereas the top-end LT is showcased inside the showroom.

You are being specific to a brand / product but in case of Punto they generally give top and EP for test drives.

Is it still possible the Emotion i am talking about could be used for test drive ?

Friends, I am not asking this question again and again to just listen to "No, not possible" . I know it is kind of annoying but I genuinelly wanted to understand the process each manufacturer follows.

I hope you won't mind me asking such questions (at time stupid).

 

[350Z]

The Chevrolet thing was just an example. Still, you cannot generalize the fact that Fiat dealers always have top-end Emotion pack as their test drive vehicles because there is no rule of thumb as such. Or even if there is, the probabilities are many. Best is to check the car in question, yourself in person that will clear most of your doubts about it.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[Akash]

You are being specific to a brand / product but in case of Punto they generally give top and EP for test drives.

It isnt compulsary that car used for test drives will be the top end variant. I have personally come across many dealers who give TD on mid variants. Though most of the test drives are on top end variants to make the prospective buyer aware of all the features, there are times when the TD vehicle is some mid variant.

As 350Z suggested, do ask the dealer the reason why that Punto was lying for the past 4 months. Also a close inspection can reveal the truth. Have a look at brake pedal, accelerator, gear knobs etc for any kind of wear and tear.

 

[shailinder]

The Chevrolet thing was just an example. Still, you cannot generalize the fact that Fiat dealers always have top-end Emotion pack as their test drive vehicles because there is no rule of thumb as such. Or even if there is, the probabilities are many. Best is to check the car in question, yourself in person that will clear most of your doubts about it.

Drive Safe,
350Z

Hmm. Planning to visit dealership on coming Saturday. Let us hope of the best

It isnt compulsary that car used for test drives will be the top end variant. I have personally come across many dealers who give TD on mid variants. Though most of the test drives are on top end variants to make the prospective buyer aware of all the features, there are times when the TD vehicle is some mid variant.

As 350Z suggested, do ask the dealer the reason why that Punto was lying for the past 4 months. Also a close inspection can reveal the truth. Have a look at brake pedal, accelerator, gear knobs etc for any kind of wear and tear.

I still doubt that they would give correct answer or even if they do. I will buy that answer.

Just to inform you so far i have TD many vehicles and fortunately or unfortunately they all were top end versions.[thinking]

 

[Akash]

I still doubt that they would give correct answer or even if they do. I will buy that answer.

If they dont give a satisfactory reply, scrap the deal and go for a fresh one.

 

[shailinder]

Okies.

Let me check with them for the reason and revert here.

 

[RSM]

Shailinder, for Fiat cars, do check, 'H' mark on ODO. If this is present, means the ODO reading is correct. If you don't see 'H' mark, it menas ODO has been played with. This is extra feature Fiat has provided, which you wont see at other places, just to be not cheated.

Now check VIN, and make sure its Oct'2010 make.
Do thorough PDI, means see from outside and inside properly, drive a bit and see all the functionality is working.

All are getting good discount on 2010 model, so don't worry about that. But make yourself comfortable. We know Fiat cars doesn't sell in big numbers, so dealers having older car is quite possible.

 

[shailinder]

Shailinder, for Fiat cars, do check, 'H' mark on ODO. If this is present, means the ODO reading is correct. If you don't see 'H' mark, it menas ODO has been played with. This is extra feature Fiat has provided, which you wont see at other places, just to be not cheated.

Now check VIN, and make sure its Oct'2010 make.
Do thorough PDI, means see from outside and inside properly, drive a bit and see all the functionality is working.

All are getting good discount on 2010 model, so don't worry about that. But make yourself comfortable. We know Fiat cars doesn't sell in big numbers, so dealers having older car is quite possible.

Great thing about "H" but where that "H" would be extractly. Can you be little specific here ! What is the possibility of fiddling with ODO as such ? Can removed speedo cable and reconnect would also be detected by this ?

How would i know after seeing the VIN and determine that it is Oct'2010 model ?

 

[RSM]

For H, see the picture, it can be reset only once -


For VIN check http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-decoding-vehicle-information-number-vin.html thread.
For Oct 2010 - VIN should contain - KNZ.