Congratulations on your new acquisition. The City is THE petrol midsizer to buy. Were you offered any cash discounts or freebies on it?
Honda City 2012 VMT Tafeta White - The Quest for "WhiteLight"
- Thread Starter FlyByWire
- Start date
@FBW
It is really an excellent review !! I read a good review after long time.
Selection is good as you have picked a best reliable petrol sedan. Pics are really good and hope to see more updates from you in future. Happy driving the city is my favourite petrol sedan too !!![[:)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Smile.gif "Smile [:)]")
It is really an excellent review !! I read a good review after long time.
Selection is good as you have picked a best reliable petrol sedan. Pics are really good and hope to see more updates from you in future. Happy driving the city is my favourite petrol sedan too !!
Thread Starter
#18
Thank you very much, rajvardhanraje and Gurrala74. Appreciate you guys taking time to read it.
And now, for the next part.
Honda City 2012 VMT Tafeta White - The Quest for "WhiteLight" - Part III
Well, as promised, here's my "Accessories" story.
To start with, I got no accessories from the Dealer itself other than whatever came with the Car (which included Mud Flaps and foot mats). I didn't push hard for the accessories. But then, by the time I went to the dealer, I had already done my research and was very sure about the model and even colour. My experience is that in this, fence sitters benefit. Dealers often throw in accessories to sweeten the deal and make it easier for the fence sitters to decide in their favour. Why would they waste their freebies on a guy who says, " Ek Honda City VMT Taffeta White dena!(Give me a Honda City VMT Tafetta White)". I bought the car from Patiala and was getting it to Delhi soon. So, decided to get my accessories from Delhi itself. The Tagline? "Better choice at better prices!"
Well, I finally ended up at the doorstep of the dealer (Automax Honda, Bhikaji Cama Place, Delhi). So much for the "Better choice at better prices!" tagline!
I was expecting that the dealer would charge me more but I was willing to pay that extra bit for buying peace of mind, especially in a lack of time scenario. No chances of warranty lapsing etc. No requirement to carefully supervise if the installer cuts wires etc. However, in hindsight, it turned out to be a mistake. As they say, vision is always 6 By 6 in hindsight!
Accessories Fitted
1. Beige Faux Leather Seat covers (Noname company)
2. Rear Parking sensors (Four Sensors) with BT (Again, noname company)
3. Blackcat GLOCK Gear Lock
4. ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD-II Scanner (Bought off Ebay.in)
5. Griffin 2USB Car Charger (Bought off Ebay.in)
6. Philips Extreme Vision H4 60/55W Headlamp Bulb Pair (Bought off Ebay.in)
Cost
It can be summed up in one word - exorbitant. I was expecting this BUT I was also expecting the quality which I didn't get. So, overall, it was a sour deal. Actually, the main grouse was with the work done on seat covers. The rest were fine. All the stuff bought off ebay were installed by me. The fitment at the dealer's took close to 4 hours, which, to my mind, was pretty slow work. (My comparison is with the fitment of Faux Leather seat covers (Autoform) on my Alto, which was done by Autozone (Batra Car Care) in Gurgaon. He did a great job at a lesser cost in lesser time!
OK, here is what I paid:-
Seat Covers Rs 7500 (Could have got better covers for Rs.6000 to 6500 outside)
Reverse Sensors (4 sensors Wireless with BT and Mono LCD Display) Rs 6000 (Exorbitant - These should be available for 2500 to 3500)
Blackcat Gear Lock Rs 2000
Accessories from Ebay.in
ELM 327 Rs 2200
Griffin 2USB Car Charger Rs650. This is definitely not original. C'mon. Are you kidding me? Since when are Griffin products priced at Rs.650??
Philips Extreme Vision H4 60/55W Headlamp Bulb Pair - Rs1250.
And here are the pics. As I said, the biggest disappointment were the seat covers. For comparison, I have thrown in pics of Autoform Seatcovers fitted on my Alto. You can see the difference in quality of work as well as the material itself.
My Alto's Rear Seat
This is City's
Alto Front
City Front
Frills where they should be look nice...but I don't expect them on my headrests etc!!
Reverse Sensors. Felt they should have been more flush with the bumper. Also, felt the colour, though white, does not completely match the "Taffeta" White of Honda. So much for getting it fitted from authorised showroom!
And the display on dash, next to driver side A Pillar. Positioned it so that it is close to right ORVM. Indicates which of the four sensors is activated by progressive lines next to it and also gives a digital readout of closest distance in meters along with beeps of increasing frequency which becomes a continuous tone when distance is less than 0.3m, with STOP caption on the display in place of the distance.
Griffin 2-USB Charger Plug
The power socket flap doesn't close fully with this installed.
OBD-II Scanner
and the Android Software I use it with (Paid Version). (This is the screenshot of the opening screen from my mobile!)
Blackcat Glock Gear Lock, presently engaged in LOCKED position. On the left is the stowage slot for stowing the locking rod when not in use (ie gear unlocked condition). I was apprehensive that the rod will bounce out of the stowage slot with the motion of the car since it doesn't lock into place there, just sits in it. But so far, that hasn't happened.
Replaced the original headlight bulbs with these. They are distinctly better and being of the same rating, doesn't require any special installation and neither does it void warranty. I am seeing a lot more by night.
Wish list
Very Very soon - Number Plate - I have a Plastic one with numbers on tape. Wife hates it - says it is not befitting the car. Want to upgrade to a standard metal embossed plate (similar to HSRP in terms of looks).
Can someone in Delhi help me with a place where these are available (And, I say again, I am not looking at the official HSRP - just something that looks like it)
Very soon - Damping all four doors
Soon - 3D Kagu Mats
Finally - ICE - Want to upgrade to an All-in-One which will have rear sensor/camera display, Nav, BT 'et al'! But that would be in the 'distant future' as I am quite happy with the existing system in terms of SQ.
And finally, what did I pay the dealer to begin with?
Well, here is the breakdown -
Ex Showroom - 10,01,850/-
Logistics and Temp Reg (PB) - 3500
Reg Haryana - 41,000
Insurance (Bumper to Bumper Honda Assure) - Free
Paid additional Rs 5500 for Zero dep
4 Year Road Side Assist and +2 years Extended Warranty - Free
Total - 10,54,650/-
So, nothing extra from dealer. The offer of free insurance was on for all Honda vehicles ecept Jazz. Additionally, there was a cash discount of Rs10000 for VMT, in lieu of which I opted for RSA and EW.
A few more comments that I missed earlier..
Brakes - Very good. Smooth, Progressive and confidence inspiring. However, one has to keep an eye on the rear-view to see and pray that the guy behind is also riding a City or at least has equally effective brakes! Had the ABS cut in once during my ride from Patiala to Delhi pre sunrise. I was not at very high speed or anything (around 80 km/h) when I had to brake due to a tractor with trailer and without tail lights or even reflectors changing lane. I had a decent distance between me and the tractor and hence, did not even jam the brakes but felt the ABS judder on the pedals. I was really surprised but then I realised that the road had lot of loose gravel at that point which reduced the friction (sliding friction converted to rolling friction) and so, brakes would have locked up the wheels, which were released by the ABS cutting in.
Tyres - Goodyear. Not sure what to expect since I haven't driven any others. Ride is not as pliant as I would have expected. Don't know if it is due to suspension or tyres. Noise is definitely there and pretty intrusive, especially on concrete (Yamuna E-Way)
Finally, ending this post with this pic taken this morning!
Reached 1000 in 22 days! She goes to get pampered on her first servicing tomorrow!
Cheers!![[:D]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Big%20Smile.gif "Big Smile [:D]")
And now, for the next part.
Honda City 2012 VMT Tafeta White - The Quest for "WhiteLight" - Part III
Well, as promised, here's my "Accessories" story.
To start with, I got no accessories from the Dealer itself other than whatever came with the Car (which included Mud Flaps and foot mats). I didn't push hard for the accessories. But then, by the time I went to the dealer, I had already done my research and was very sure about the model and even colour. My experience is that in this, fence sitters benefit. Dealers often throw in accessories to sweeten the deal and make it easier for the fence sitters to decide in their favour. Why would they waste their freebies on a guy who says, " Ek Honda City VMT Taffeta White dena!(Give me a Honda City VMT Tafetta White)". I bought the car from Patiala and was getting it to Delhi soon. So, decided to get my accessories from Delhi itself. The Tagline? "Better choice at better prices!"
Well, I finally ended up at the doorstep of the dealer (Automax Honda, Bhikaji Cama Place, Delhi). So much for the "Better choice at better prices!" tagline!
I was expecting that the dealer would charge me more but I was willing to pay that extra bit for buying peace of mind, especially in a lack of time scenario. No chances of warranty lapsing etc. No requirement to carefully supervise if the installer cuts wires etc. However, in hindsight, it turned out to be a mistake. As they say, vision is always 6 By 6 in hindsight!
Accessories Fitted
1. Beige Faux Leather Seat covers (Noname company)
2. Rear Parking sensors (Four Sensors) with BT (Again, noname company)
3. Blackcat GLOCK Gear Lock
4. ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD-II Scanner (Bought off Ebay.in)
5. Griffin 2USB Car Charger (Bought off Ebay.in)
6. Philips Extreme Vision H4 60/55W Headlamp Bulb Pair (Bought off Ebay.in)
Cost
It can be summed up in one word - exorbitant. I was expecting this BUT I was also expecting the quality which I didn't get. So, overall, it was a sour deal. Actually, the main grouse was with the work done on seat covers. The rest were fine. All the stuff bought off ebay were installed by me. The fitment at the dealer's took close to 4 hours, which, to my mind, was pretty slow work. (My comparison is with the fitment of Faux Leather seat covers (Autoform) on my Alto, which was done by Autozone (Batra Car Care) in Gurgaon. He did a great job at a lesser cost in lesser time!
OK, here is what I paid:-
Seat Covers Rs 7500 (Could have got better covers for Rs.6000 to 6500 outside)
Reverse Sensors (4 sensors Wireless with BT and Mono LCD Display) Rs 6000 (Exorbitant - These should be available for 2500 to 3500)
Blackcat Gear Lock Rs 2000
Accessories from Ebay.in
ELM 327 Rs 2200
Griffin 2USB Car Charger Rs650. This is definitely not original. C'mon. Are you kidding me? Since when are Griffin products priced at Rs.650??
Philips Extreme Vision H4 60/55W Headlamp Bulb Pair - Rs1250.
And here are the pics. As I said, the biggest disappointment were the seat covers. For comparison, I have thrown in pics of Autoform Seatcovers fitted on my Alto. You can see the difference in quality of work as well as the material itself.
My Alto's Rear Seat
This is City's
Alto Front
City Front
Frills where they should be look nice...but I don't expect them on my headrests etc!!
Reverse Sensors. Felt they should have been more flush with the bumper. Also, felt the colour, though white, does not completely match the "Taffeta" White of Honda. So much for getting it fitted from authorised showroom!
And the display on dash, next to driver side A Pillar. Positioned it so that it is close to right ORVM. Indicates which of the four sensors is activated by progressive lines next to it and also gives a digital readout of closest distance in meters along with beeps of increasing frequency which becomes a continuous tone when distance is less than 0.3m, with STOP caption on the display in place of the distance.
Griffin 2-USB Charger Plug
The power socket flap doesn't close fully with this installed.
OBD-II Scanner
and the Android Software I use it with (Paid Version). (This is the screenshot of the opening screen from my mobile!)
Blackcat Glock Gear Lock, presently engaged in LOCKED position. On the left is the stowage slot for stowing the locking rod when not in use (ie gear unlocked condition). I was apprehensive that the rod will bounce out of the stowage slot with the motion of the car since it doesn't lock into place there, just sits in it. But so far, that hasn't happened.
Replaced the original headlight bulbs with these. They are distinctly better and being of the same rating, doesn't require any special installation and neither does it void warranty. I am seeing a lot more by night.
Wish list
Very Very soon - Number Plate - I have a Plastic one with numbers on tape. Wife hates it - says it is not befitting the car. Want to upgrade to a standard metal embossed plate (similar to HSRP in terms of looks).
Can someone in Delhi help me with a place where these are available (And, I say again, I am not looking at the official HSRP - just something that looks like it)
Very soon - Damping all four doors
Soon - 3D Kagu Mats
Finally - ICE - Want to upgrade to an All-in-One which will have rear sensor/camera display, Nav, BT 'et al'! But that would be in the 'distant future' as I am quite happy with the existing system in terms of SQ.
And finally, what did I pay the dealer to begin with?
Well, here is the breakdown -
Ex Showroom - 10,01,850/-
Logistics and Temp Reg (PB) - 3500
Reg Haryana - 41,000
Insurance (Bumper to Bumper Honda Assure) - Free
Paid additional Rs 5500 for Zero dep
4 Year Road Side Assist and +2 years Extended Warranty - Free
Total - 10,54,650/-
So, nothing extra from dealer. The offer of free insurance was on for all Honda vehicles ecept Jazz. Additionally, there was a cash discount of Rs10000 for VMT, in lieu of which I opted for RSA and EW.
A few more comments that I missed earlier..
Brakes - Very good. Smooth, Progressive and confidence inspiring. However, one has to keep an eye on the rear-view to see and pray that the guy behind is also riding a City or at least has equally effective brakes! Had the ABS cut in once during my ride from Patiala to Delhi pre sunrise. I was not at very high speed or anything (around 80 km/h) when I had to brake due to a tractor with trailer and without tail lights or even reflectors changing lane. I had a decent distance between me and the tractor and hence, did not even jam the brakes but felt the ABS judder on the pedals. I was really surprised but then I realised that the road had lot of loose gravel at that point which reduced the friction (sliding friction converted to rolling friction) and so, brakes would have locked up the wheels, which were released by the ABS cutting in.
Tyres - Goodyear. Not sure what to expect since I haven't driven any others. Ride is not as pliant as I would have expected. Don't know if it is due to suspension or tyres. Noise is definitely there and pretty intrusive, especially on concrete (Yamuna E-Way)
Finally, ending this post with this pic taken this morning!
Reached 1000 in 22 days! She goes to get pampered on her first servicing tomorrow!
Cheers!
Thread Starter
#20
@ FlyBYWire -
The Ex-Showroom price paid by you i.e. Rs. 10,01,850/- appears to be on the higher side by around 1 lac. Is it a typo or am I missing something?![[confused]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Confused.gif "Confused [confused]")
On Honda India's website, the ex-showroom price for Honda City VMT in Patiala is mentioned as Rs. 9,04,854/-.
The Ex-Showroom price paid by you i.e. Rs. 10,01,850/- appears to be on the higher side by around 1 lac. Is it a typo or am I missing something?
On Honda India's website, the ex-showroom price for Honda City VMT in Patiala is mentioned as Rs. 9,04,854/-.
Thread Starter
#24
Thank you very much, kunalnic!
Thanks for pointing that out, mbt_india. Yes, indeed that was a typo! The Ex-Showroom was Rs 9,04,850 and not Rs 10,01,850!![[frustration]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Frustration.gif "Frustration [frustration]")
And the on-road price was Rs 9,54,650. (The Logistics and extra amount for zero dep were rounded off figures, hence 650.)
Sorry, guys, for the carelessness!![[embarass]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Embarass.gif "Embarass [embarass]")
Wonder if it would be possible to correct the previous post now.
Thanks for pointing that out, mbt_india. Yes, indeed that was a typo! The Ex-Showroom was Rs 9,04,850 and not Rs 10,01,850!
And the on-road price was Rs 9,54,650. (The Logistics and extra amount for zero dep were rounded off figures, hence 650.)
Sorry, guys, for the carelessness!
Wonder if it would be possible to correct the previous post now.
Authorised dealer has done a shoddy job with the seat covers, you can ask them to re fit the seat covers, if you don't get the desired results ask them to re-fund the money back you can get a better cover with a much better quality at a much lesser price in the open market.
Sorry, guys, for the carelessness!
Wonder if it would be possible to correct the previous post now.
Wonder if it would be possible to correct the previous post now.
Congratulations FlyByWire on getting yourself arguably the best and most reliable petrol sedan under 12 lacs. You are the latest addition to the ANHC owners club in TAI.
Your ownership experience is wonderfully written and very well complimented by the pics.![[clap]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Clap.gif "Clap [clap]")
I too own an ANHC which is nearly 3 months old and have been mighty impressed by the product. The best part of the ANHC has to be the revv happy IVTEC engine.
Your ownership experience is wonderfully written and very well complimented by the pics.
I too own an ANHC which is nearly 3 months old and have been mighty impressed by the product. The best part of the ANHC has to be the revv happy IVTEC engine.
Good detailed description. Congratulations!
The HONDA City is indeed a sweet car. Lots of power, spacious, good aerodynamic looks, smooth steering and a real silent and powerful engine.
I have driven around 3K+ km so far in my 2012 ANHC VMT and I am very satisfied. I completed my second free service today.
The HONDA City is indeed a sweet car. Lots of power, spacious, good aerodynamic looks, smooth steering and a real silent and powerful engine.
I have driven around 3K+ km so far in my 2012 ANHC VMT and I am very satisfied. I completed my second free service today.
Thread Starter
#29
Precisely what I wanted to avoid, making multiple trips to the dealer for this. And it is this peace of mind that you buy by knowingly paying more to the "authorised dealer". So, at the end of the day, even if he manages to rectify the whole thing, you still feel cheated! Is Honda listening!?
Thank you, hakki. Absolutely agree with you on the engine part. Its fantastic!
Thank you, Hornet. Indeed, the silent engine and the smooth steering are a treat.
Well,just back from an eventful trip to Gwalior, when "Whitelight" finally came of age, having got exposed to the underbelly of India in terms of unruly city traffic in UP and MP, narrow country roads shared by tractors and "Doodhwalas" on motorbikes!! Back in Delhi, she got treated to a much deserved scrub and shampoo routine! Will soon post details of the trip and how "Whitelight" coped with it.
Congratulations FlyByWire on getting yourself arguably the best and most reliable petrol sedan under 12 lacs. You are the latest addition to the ANHC owners club in TAI.
Your ownership experience is wonderfully written and very well complimented by the pics.
I too own an ANHC which is nearly 3 months old and have been mighty impressed by the product. The best part of the ANHC has to be the revv happy IVTEC engine.
Your ownership experience is wonderfully written and very well complimented by the pics.
I too own an ANHC which is nearly 3 months old and have been mighty impressed by the product. The best part of the ANHC has to be the revv happy IVTEC engine.
Thank you, Hornet. Indeed, the silent engine and the smooth steering are a treat.
Well,just back from an eventful trip to Gwalior, when "Whitelight" finally came of age, having got exposed to the underbelly of India in terms of unruly city traffic in UP and MP, narrow country roads shared by tractors and "Doodhwalas" on motorbikes!! Back in Delhi, she got treated to a much deserved scrub and shampoo routine! Will soon post details of the trip and how "Whitelight" coped with it.
