I had a Maruthi 800 with fitted RTO endorsed Gas kit, I had used it almost for 7 years, most of the services and repair I did at out side Maruthi because the charges where reasonable and economical with personalized service.
Recently I decided to change the car and exploring different options, since I was too conscious about running cost hence I decided to buy Alto, I contacted Maruthi True value Dealer – Bharath Auto Cars (P) in Mangalore.
I chosen a Alto – LXI – 2008 Model with MetallicColor and the odometer reading was Just 15000 kms.The Rate quoted was Rs.2, 63, 000/- and after the negotiation it was finalized for Rs.2, 73, 000 with additional Central Locking, Front Two Power windows and a used Music System & speaker.
On 08.11.2010 Evening after making the full payment at True value I had given only one Key of the car, then I asked for the Original RC, where, to my surprise the vehicle was hypothecated to Mahindra Finance and it was not cancelled, but the Executive shown one ATM balance sheet like paper and said it was already cleared and they need to get a letter from Mahindra Finance, which, suppose to be received from Chennai and the hypothecation will be cancelled at the time of transfer of owner ship and they said it may take about 25 days.
Then I asked for True Value warranty Card to which they said the warranty card is sent to Maruthi True Value to get the True Value Engineers signature and it may take another week. I was checking the car, I noticed that the roof light was not working I said, the evaluation team had checked only 119 points! (In true value system the car has been evaluated checking 120 various points, that is what they claim!)
I noticed that the stepney tyre was Apollo make and it’s almost flat and looks like a 40 k run tyre (where as the car run only for 15000 kms) but the other 4 Tyres were JK make. While I was checking the car on 03.11.2010 i.e. before making advance, there was a new looking JK tyre was there in the Stepney space. While asking the executive he said that, the tyre might have been exchanged at the time of wash and they took me to their Kadri Show room where they could not find that tyre and brought one more Apollo Tyre which was better than the previous one but not a 15000 kms run tyre.
At that point of time I almost lost faith on them and firmly said I wanted the same JK tyre which was almost looking as new then they, promised within a week they will trace it and hand it over.
Next day I traveled to Udupi from Mangalore (around 100 kms journey and I noticed the AC when kept on high was giving disturbing noise. Gear Lever was not settling properly (may be I was used to a 4 gear Maruthi since last 7 years)
On 11.11.2010 around 7 pm I was trying to start the car but it was not started and the battery was perfect, I assumed some wiring problem, as the wires were hanging all over, then I called to True Value Dealer Executive and explained about the problem and he gave me the Service Call Number, and I also told him that I am not going to pay any money for the repair or visit as it is not even completed a week from the date of Delivery.
The Service gypsy of the Dealer arrived to the spot within 45 minuts (it was about 7 Kms away from their showroom) and they found that one fuse related to Ignition was burnt, after replacing the fuse I traveled towards my residence but within 2 Kms journey the Car stopped again now I am sure that there should be some major wiring error in the Car, I called them again and they reached within 30 minutes and given a drop till to my residence and took the car to their show room (their show room is within a km away from my home) to examine the wiring system and promised that the car would be delivered by 12th Morning. Their response to the service call is really good.
On 12.11.2010 I took the delivery of the Car and they given me a bill for Rs.342 (one 20amps fuse – Rs.40 ! etc) but it was Approved by True value and I took the Delivery without any payment.
On 14.11.2010 I traveled about 200 kms i.e. about 100 kms away from Mangalore and there were heavy rainfall, and even with Ac on there were mist accumulated at outer side of the window even after frequent defrosting. Once the rain stopped the mist accumulation also stopped!
Meanwhile I observed lot of scratch on the bonnet which was not visible earlier but once the polish washed away due to rain, it became visible and also noted a minute crack in the rear indicator assembly which was not visible earlier. I called to Mr.Arun and asked for the Tyre (J.K tyre with DOT 3008) he said he is busy and may call later.
I had also written my feedback to Maruthi aas (1) " What do you mean by "Maruti True Value car has been put through a rigorous 120 points check" is it only checking ? or it also includes replace/Repair etc of any visible or internal defects found ? their answer was very diplomatic i.e We regret the inconvenience caused to you. However, we request you to be in touch with the same True Value Outlet but the True Value outlet says they are giving the car as it is with 15000kms warranty for Enginee & Gear box ! (I am sure nothing will go wrong with the engine & gear box !) (2) I took delivery of the True Value Alto Lxi on 08-12-2010 since then I drove about 500 kms and till now I checked the mileage Six times on full tank to full tank basis and the Car gives on an average 14.78 on highway w/o AC and 13.72 with AC on and in City it gives 12.3kms w/o AC and 11.6 with AC (where as my old Maruti 800 was giving average 14 kms in City with AC on. Some of my friends are claiming their Alto is giving 15 kms/ltr with AC on in City ) to an average driver what would be the Milage expected in City and highway from Alto ? (if its Gear, Clutch and Engine are in good Condition) and their answer is We wish to inform you that the average of any car depends upon a lot of factors like road conditions, traffic conditions, type of petrol used etc. (!!?!!)
On 17.11.2010 True Value Dealer Executive given me the 2nd Key, True Value Warranty Card and a new Apollo Tyre ! (I assume my feedback to Maruti may be the reason) and also asked him whether I can sell this Car back to them as the ownership has not been transfered yet, to which he said now it may cost Rs.2, 30, 000 i.e Rs.43000 depreciation for 9 days!)
Based on my experience the prospective buyers from True Value should ask the Executive to fill up the following in the True Value Pre Owned Car Booking Form
(1) Tyres Make (Later I noticed that which was not filled in my form)
(2) Battery make (as above!)
(3) Preferably all the columns (which are really important)
While taking the Delivery
(1) Go along with your friend or anyone from family and check the car thoroughly for internal and external defects if any (like crack, scratch, dent, bonnet and boot, in case any defects found do not take delivery till the defects rectified or note down any discrepancy found in the car in the delivery note and ask the executive to put his signature as confirmation.
(2) Put your Signature only for the item which was handed over to you in original (I suspect I had put sign for 2 keys, warranty card, original RC, Insurance etc !)
I may keep up date my experience with Maruthi True Value Car, as I should get a warranty for 15000 kms/1 year with 3 free services.