Since long this is pending, I bought this machine on August 26, 2006. I have selected the GLS model with salsa red color. The color is fantastic.
Brief Background: This is my first car, not so knowledgeable about cars;-) but yes I did a lot of survey on the Internet. And thanks to Mouth Shut which made me decide to buy this car.
Thanks to Mr. Kedar Apte who had written a wonderful review about the machine and had provided me personal guidance too.
Overall My Preferences in buying the Car
1) Budget: This was on the priority list for me as, I was not ready to spend more than 3.5 L(Considering everything in the car which is necessary viz mats, seat covers music system central Locking system, sunshade screen for glass etc etc.)
I bought this on Road at 3.10 L and around 25 to 30 K on accessories.
- Bad thing not a single accessory provided by the dealer(Pundit Automotive). No lucrative offers were there at that time too.
3) Safety: I personally feel this vehicle more safe and sturdy, as my intention behind buying was to go on Long drives, The car is very very sturdy on Highways doesn’t move/ shake when a truck goes besides the car. I have heard; cars like alto or Zen do shake.;-)
3) Space ample, I am not too tall, even then I need ample space. This is like luxury to me when space is concerned.
4) Mileage: Initially I was a little skeptical about the mileage they claim is 14KM at ideal conditions. So when compared to Alto and Wagnor or Santro this is less by a 3 to 4 km, but then when I asked Mr. Kedar Apte about this he had wonderful answer, he says, "Look at the car as a comfort asset. If you wanted to save money in petrol, would you be buying a car anyways?" and that’s really true. My priority was fulfilled at my budget, what else do I want more. I am not buying a Bike or Scotrate; I am buying a Car isn’t it;-) So this concern was released.
5) Looks: The Car has a unique shape though they have not changed a bit here and there through ages, but still I love the bean shape, I still remember when I was in my college I was wanting at signal and saw a brand new V2 Petrol version of Indica standing nearby me and That day itself I was in love with this machine. Even now the interiors are improved as compared to the previous versions.
- Bad thing the Plastic quality is worst. On the third day when I was opening the front storage Area(I really don’t know what it is called) but the handle came in my hands. It actually broke. That’s a bad make indeed.
Interaction with dealer: Now this is the key area where TATA Dealers needs to really improve upon. The finance department at Pundit Automotive(Pune) really put me in trouble. The finance dept. there denied to pass the loan on some silly reasons, which they couldn’t even justify it.
The delivery of the vehicle was pretty much on time, but since there were problems in finance had to opt another finance outside. Which caused an inconvenience and delay in the delivery.
I bought my vehicle in Pune and most of the time it was in Hyderabad. I have traveled twice back and forth from Hyderabad to Pune in my vehicle. The ride was simply fantastic.
My car’s 1st servicing was done in Hyderabad in Autofin; they have a very decent service. I had very good experience about their service and efficiency. The only bad thing was they don’t have door pick up and drop up for the servicing. One has to take the car to the service center.
What did I did not like about the car:
1) The Accelerator pedal is at height, and it really pains, when one is driving it for long time.
I would really recommend people to buy this car because:
1) Good Value for money
2) Spacious
3) Power
4) Good Air Conditioner
5) New interiors
6) Comfortable and safe ride. Etc.
Above all it’s a good Indian car.
And Lastly, I recently checked the Mileage of the car and I was quite Happy to inform you all readers that it gave me, in the range of 15 to 16 on the highway driving with AC 60% time ON.
So not a bad deal at all. I Wish all the XETA Owners a Happy and Safe ride.:-)