Hey I bought My Zen Lxi three months back in Bangalore. I started driving a four wheeler only with this car. Other than this I have only driven an Indica of driving school.
My objective of writing this review is to share the maintenance cost and driving pleasure.
I recently shifted to the capital city and got my car through one of the car carrier company. Say my bad luck the roads were so bad at that point of time in Gujrat and MP, the vehicle got a few dents (on panel and scratches/bruises on back door).
When I saw the car, my heart started bleeding. imagine a new car with a few dents. I was furious.
Immediately I got the car to authorized service station and got the estimate for the repair and check up.
Dent & paint charges: Rs. 1800 (which the carrier company paid)
Exhaust pipe readjustment: none
Thorough check up: none
Car cleaning: Rs. 165
I know the lesser amount of work (dent/paint) in a Honda City required Rs. 9000
This is a best part of owning a Zen (may be any Maruti product). and specially Maruti people take a good care of its customer. I can vouch for it anytime.
Second good part is its mileage. My Zen has done just 3500 Kms and has got ony first service, is giving me a mileage of 17+ kms/ltr, in City with AC on (mostly full blast), which I think is if not amazing, its much better than other cars in this class.
Driving pleasure is absolutely absolutely amazing. Only can be felt on a good stretch (10-15 kms on the paddle at a stretch). I tell you, its really amazing. the power it pulls you with every second. 110-120 is cool full control. Being a new driver, I think this much confidence talks itself a lot. And tell you I am not a teenager who will do anything for an adventure. :-).
All in all, Its a great car to own and at not really a high cost. I tell you, I will not sell this car even if I buy a new car. It has all the materials like, zippy driving/parking for city, good mileage, driving comfort/pleasure, looks and minimal maintenance cost.
For a unitary family, this is THE car to own.
Thanks.