I got my swift VXI with ABS on 20th April, 2007. Its an ozone blue colour, something which was not so much in vogue at that time. That colour was primarily launched with the Diesel version, I guess. Well, as it was going to be my first car, I took sometime deciding on which car to buy.
The things which I considered were:
a) budget which was arond 5-6 lakhs maybe a little more
b) looks and performance
c) mileage.
Initially I thought of going for a disel car but that idea was chucked off eventually, being very expensive and with the general idea that re-sale values of petrol cars are better. Definitely one would be selling their car after 5-7 years and try to go in for a bigger one, so re-sale value must be considered.
Anyway, the cars which I tried were Santro/Swift/Verna, as I found that looks and popularity-wise these are way ahead. Well, not the Verna( it was launched around that time) but I was very impressed with its looks. Performance was really good for verna, but again it was in a higher segment than what my budget was allowing. I had been driving around my friend’s swift for sometime, so was accustomed to the package. It is a real good car. It being from the maruti stable commands a lot of respect. You don’t need to have a maintenance head-ache. I got some discounts also from the dealer. Now-a-days I hear that theres lots of waiting period. Well, I got my car in a week or so.
Mileage is not that good, around 11.5 I would say and on highway with AC on we had 12.8. Lookswise I like it and that all that matters in the end. You should not buy a car which after a few days you would say’I didnt make the choice and I went by peoples’ word and now repenting’. Some of my friends love the way swifts looks others hate it. Its quite spacious inside, 4 people are comfy, 5 a bit stretched but cool.
Another point while deciding the budget of a car is say you have in mind that 4 lakhs is cool for me. You can pay of the finance and downpayment part easily. In that case go for a higher budget car, just a little bit higher, so you are marginally stretched. I have seen many people who buy a car and in just a few days say that I could have easily gone in for that higher car, but thought that budget will not permit. Avoid falling into this scenario.
Now a problem with the swift. When it was new, and windows all up, on a moderately rough road, no sound entered the cabin. It was so silent, but in 6 months situation has changed. I am thinking of letting the repair-men know that during the next free servicing, thats already due. Quality of majority of cars are not that great now-a-days.
Pick-up and speeds are quite awesome for a small-size car. Am sure you will love it, that 1300 cc engine gives it a power which you will miss in other smaller-than-a-sedan type cars.
I got the vehicle from Saboo motors, somajiguda, hyderabad and their service was very efficient. Only glitch was in first servicing they changed the clutch-play to a great extent, so driving was a problem.
regarding ABS, it cost me 20K more, but then I was getting a discount( showroom+ corporate+ offer+ whatever) of 25 K, so went with it. Braking is very good.
In short I like the car and think if you are going for it, you will not repent it. This is also visble from the way markets are flooded with Swifts( theres a long waiting period I hear) . So go ahead, buy a swift and enjoi driving, safely though.