When I moved from Chennai to Bangalore during April 2007, my Esteem was too old to be moved around, change insurance and all the pain involved. A friend of mine was keen to buy my Esteem at a very good rate, who was owing 2 cars at Hyderabad already and was willing to buy it for the temp stay sake.(he sold in 9 months, with only 20K usage cost). I had sold during June 1st week for 1.8 lakhs, with a usage cost of 3.04 lakhs in 93 months. Not bad for Rs 3269 a month apart fom monthly petrol of Rs 1500 average.
I wanted a tall boy design. Comparitive budget of 4 lakhs. I had bough Esteem in 1999 for 4.84 L.
Good Mileage.
Very good interiors.
Space in the boot and trunk.
Not cramped.
Good leg room.
I got a good color and delivery was in 3 days, but was actually promised the same day literally.
The dealer was trying to sell the finance product. I paid in full to get an all inclusive cost of 4 lakhs with insurance, taxes, music mp3 player and side beadings. Not sure whewther it was a good deal, but one guy offered me 10K less. didnt mind it owing to service. But this dealer promised a service station within showroom, and it is like 6 months and they still dont have it, so the car goes to Mysore Road for service.
Now the question why not a VXi? I didnt want the fancy power windows. Otherwise all are same.
So far so good. Will graduate to SX4 or DZire in 3 years.