Review : This review is being written to warn the readers of the pitfalls that await them while choosing such attractive schemes. Maruti CHEATS! Yes I have no better words to describe the methods adopted by the great Maruthi Udyog Ltd when it comes to selling. I definitely expected better behavior from a public sector company, particularly with a Japanese partner. In February 1997 I had booked a Maruti Omni Van, Flat Roof, with 5 Seats. Shortly before delivery, Maruti announced through press that they had dropped the prices of the Omni due to introduction of 8-seat version being introduced. At the time of delivery, I had no choice but to accept the 8-seat version because they had decided on one version only. They refunded about Rs 18000, the difference amount to me. At no point of time was I informed of the fact that part of the amount refunded was actually the lifetime Tax that is a one time Road Tax collected in Karnataka. Maruti suppressed the fact that I will have to pay an annual Road Tax normally paid by the commercial vehicles. On top of that the vehicle’s seating arrangements are rather uncomfortable and crammed. I protested, shouted and wrote a few letters to the company to no avail. In 2000 I purchased one more Omni. The tyre that came with the vehicles were of unknown brand and of substandard. The breaks were not working well. There was a missed cranking sound sometimes during the starting. When I went to the dealer to complain, the expert mechanic told me that I need a little bit of practice with the new version of ‘electronic’ engine and every thing is perfect. I had the car checked up with other dealers of the Maruti, and one of them said that there was a design defect in the break drum. According to this mechanic, the company had rectified the problem in the new arrivals but was not replacing the old ones! I wrote to the company directly, got a prompt reply from the Japanese marketing manager advising me to take the van to the dealer once again. I did. The whole episode ended up in a big argument and nothing else. I am continuing to use the vehicle as of today. Like a fool, I booked a Maruti 800 under ‘a very attractive scheme’ through one the Maruti Authorized Dealers (The Great RNS Motors) on 9th June 15, 2005. This time the offer was just pay Rs 14995 and balance in 84 installments of Rs 3400. The dealer compelled me to complete the formalities in two days as the scheme was from the company and the offer is only for 2 days. I did. He also insisted that I have to pay and additional Rs 3699 as the first EMI along with the down payment. This was not informed to me while I was preparing my papers for the loan. As I was waiting for the loan to get sanctioned, Maruti announced in papers that they have dropped the price of this car by Rs 18000 from 14th June 2005. You must be thinking that I am lucky this time. No sir, not with Maruti! The dealer says that the scheme is valid for old prices only and I have no choice but to go through with the deal. Meaning I have to buy the car at the old price which higher by Rs 18000! I feel like a fool to pay the old price, which is higher by Rs 18000 while I am buying the car much after the manufacturer announces the new lower price. I wonder if the Tax authorities allow this or Maruti has worked a legal way around it. But this time I am not in a mood to give up my initial payment and go for another car. The feeling of having been taken for a ride is worse than loosing some money. This review is being written to warn the readers of the pitfalls that await them while choosing such attractive schemes.
Pros : Excellent service till you sign on the dotted line.
Cons: Too busy to care for the customers.