I wanted a replacement for my Indigo. Vitesse, Fortpoint and Sai Service in Mumbai claimed a waiting period of 45-60 days in April 2009, but within a week all called up to say that they had a Dzire VDI ready of my color choice. It became clear that the waiting was no longer than 2-3 weeks.
Based on a positive dealer rating on this site, I booked a car on 2nd May 2009, with Excel Autovista, Bandra, with a promised delivery period of 45 days. I refused to pay up the full price upfront as they refused to give me a wait list number. After 45 days the excuses started. I visited their dealership in 3rd week of June , posed as a new customer and was told that the waiting is 30 days.
The excuses included the car originally allotted to me in the third week of May was faulty so we sent it back; Maruti has no tyres for the VDI so there are no deliveries; planned plant shutdown etc. After creating a ruckus in my inimitable style, they promised to secure allotment in 1st week of July. I fired off a mail to Maruti enquiring about the waiting period for my car booked on 2nd May. They asked me to get back in touch with Excel Autovista. After giving Maruti Udyog a stinking reply that they are encouraging black-marketing of their cars, I was allotted a car the very next day and delivered after a week..
They tried to sweeten the matter by adding a few accessories, but were mum about the interest payment on the booking amount. Obviously there was no delay from Maruti!
Last week they attempted to cheat another acquaintance of mine, by showing her a DzireVDI as ready delivery, accepting full payment and documents for registration and then denying availability of the car and refusing to refund her money. She stopped payment of her cheque and bought an I20 instead.
After driving a diesel Indigo for 6 years, driving the diesel Dzire is a breeze--difference between driving a truck and a car. The fit and finish is excellent. Before the 1st service, gave a city mileage of about 12 and highway of 16.5. This has improved still further with very frugal consumption in Mumbai city. Gear shifts are minimal even with AC on and it is as good as driving a petrol. The power steering is superb and parking in tight conditions is easier than parking even a Santro because there are no overhangs. Rear visibility is a bit of a problem but I got reversing sensors fitted.
An excellent all round car. I recommend it hands down. But be careful with Excel Autovista!