I have just realised that buying a car nowadays is as confusing as buying a mobile. I faced the same dilemma when I planned to purchase a car. I had set my eyes on Wagon R and somehow I liked that car very much. So the search began for the cay buy. My budget was 3.5 lakhs and I didnt want to stretch it any more, the options were Second hand wagon r/alto, new alto, new alto k10, estilo and spark. Did a test drive for all 4 cars. Santro was not considered coz I didnt like that car and anyways it has become a taxi car now.
Alto - most trusted, tested and sold car, good mileage but the comfort was terrible no legspace behind or front, looks ok and interiors were basic, price tag 3, 15, 000 on road mumbai, Drags with ac on. A safe 5 year old alto owner recommended not to go for it. But the price tag and mileage kept this car in fray.
Alto K10 - just launched took a test drive, very peppy from older alto, nice pickup, interior and exterior still remains the same price tag 3, 55, 000 on road mumbai, good mileage, family didnt like the space inside so much.
Estilo - better than alto, spacy, interiors not so good price tag 3, 85, 000 somehow didnt feel like a 385000 car with basic interiors.
Spark - was not considered at all at beginning was only planning on maruti, just took a quick look at showroom liked it initially then took price which was coming to 355000 mumbai, took a test drive, comfortable ride, nice interiors, family loved sitting inside, overall a feel good car. Mileage was claimed as 14 by dealer but I knew from reviews that it is going to be difficult to get. 3 yr warranty whichbasically included oil change, filter change, wheel balancing, and service.
So finally decided on Spark since it was fitting perfectly in my budget and comfort and the car was bought
Initial Days
Since it was my first car the initial days were filled with anxiety whether I made correct decision buy buying this car with the hard earned money. The gears are tight, the clutch is tight.
Past 1000 kms
the gears become little smoother the ride more smoother, the suspensions were good, though you might feel a little drag when you switch on the ac . it is more evident when the car is full of 5 people.
But then a 1000 cc car can give you that much.
Air conditioning
The ac is also good gives a good cooling, it will reduce in efficiancy if you are in direct sunlight. But overall a good air condiitioning.
Mileage
the first tank full average I got was 8 kms with 100% ac. I was shocked and prayed that it improves.The average came to 10 kms with 100% ac at 1000 kms .Now did a test for a month without ac and the mileage hovered around14-15 kms . Sometimes went 16-17 kms and sometimes 12 kms . So much of difference in average when the drive was the same to office and back compelled me to look at the petrol pumps where I was getting low mileages and high mileages. Identified some petrol pumps which probably are not as good as the ones from where I was getting good mileage. so now I have stuck to only one petrol pump, which is giving me good mileage.
Current average at 5000kms with 100% ac is 12-13 kms. If you travel daily in bumper traffic then I guess it would be 10kms.
Space
The space in car is definitely much much better than alto . Front leg space is good. Rear leg space is good and your knees dont touch on front seats. Boot space is also good 2 bags can fit in. The horizontal space sometimes intrusive while changing gears if people dont sit straight. But thats occasional.
Drive comfort
Overall is a nice drive for city, good suspensions, good manouvering and comfortable . There is a problem of visibilty with right pillar while taking right turn. But have got used to it now.
Service
The first service was done at 5000 kms and the service station attended the car well. They might miss out on minor problems on door noises or so if you dont really get behind them.
Overall I would say I am satisfied with the purchase. The ride and quality of the car is good. The service also good. The only factor which would not give the car a 5 star is the mileage which we directly compare to any maruti car. But then I also gave some points for the comfort, interior .
13000 KM UPDATE
- I have to recall back the earlier statement of satisfied purchase. The car suspension has started giving problems. There is tak tak noise from front wheels when we go on manholes or some similar rigid potholes. Also same noise when turning right. Service centre has changed the steering rack, surprisingly it had a play in it already and it was not even 1 year for the car. Changed the shock absorber . Unfortunately sound still exists.
Not expected the wear and tear coming up so soon.
Have emailed to GM lets see how it goes. Anyone considering spark reconsider it 100 times.