We (my family) saw in newspapers that there was an all-India offer on Estilo: Rs 25, 000 in cash or in insurance and accessories; and in case I wanted to exchange my old car, I would be given cost of old car PLUS Rs 15, 000 as exchange bonus. I contacted Berkeley Auto in Chandigarh ON PHONE, one Mr. Rajiv (manager) responded. He told me that the above info was correct. I gave the details of my old Matiz (2000 model, 35, 000 km running, great condition) and he told me that he would give me Rs. 55, 000 for the car (without even looking at the car) and no 15, 000 bonus, no 25, 000 advantage as mentioned above. Mr. Rajiv knows this car is worth much more, and interestingly one person offered us Rs 65, 000 for the car immediately.
Since I was in Pune, I asked my father, who happened to be in Chandigarh, to goto Berkeley and get the old car evaluated. The cost was placed at Rs 70, 000. But the showroom told us to avail the other benefits we MUST take car loan from them, since they earn from the bank. We wanted to purchase the Estilo car outright, without taking a loan.
Hence, we could not purchase the car due to the arrogance from the dealer’s side. Interestingly, again since I was in Pune, I went to a very reputed and honest dealer (Millennium Mobility - has positive Mouthshut reviews too!). The salesman told me very honestly that in the above case, he will give me a good value of car plus the Rs 40, 000 as benefits. I want to mention the dishonest dealing of Berkeley Chandigarh. They are absolute cheats. They went against the company’s offer.
If you look at the bigger picture, Maruti could have made another sure shot sale to my family, but these dealers only want their profits. Whatever is published in internet is bullsh*t. Another point I want to ask the Mouthshut readers. When I visited the showroom and got a look and feel of the car, I found the built of the car not strong enough (see other reviews on Mouthshut regarding rattling in the car).. moreover I felt as if Santro is a better build and technology... So please advise me -- Estilo or Santro/ i10? Thanks a ton! Dr. Gagandeep Singh