The cost of the vehicle through CSD was Rs. 8,07,139/- and the sum was arranged by sale of old Tata Indigo, some personal saving and a loan from SBI. Though the cheapest CSD purchase is available from Ahmedabad at Rs. 7.92 lakh, the cost of going there and driving it back rendered it more economical for me to pick it up from Hisar. Among the other costs the Registration will cost Rs. 9,000/- and insurance will cost Rs. 13,000/- (transferred from my old car with 50% NCB).
On 05 Oct 10, I sent across all necessary documents to CSD Depot Hisar through one Mr R Grover (the Accountant working with local AF Canteen). He got them processed and handed over the Release Orders of the SUV to Mr Subhash of Telmos at Hisar.
On 06 Oct 10, I got a confirmation that the vehicle had arrived at Hisar and I can pick it up any day. The news was discussed with friends and it was planned that we will visit Hisar on 07 Oct 10 to inspect the vehicle and to discuss the accessories that we can fit. The visit was successful as we could get a good deal with complimentary Seat Covers (Rs. 5000/-), Body Cover (Rs. 2000/-) and Teflon Coating (discount of Rs. 800/-). In addition I could also claim loyalty bonus of Rs. 10,000/- as I was already owning Tata Indigo. On our request the vehicle was brought from the Godown for our inspection. The first look at the SUV was not so impressive as the vehicle was dirty and tyres gave impression as if the vehicle was used. However the Odometer read 23 Kms only. Otherwise the vehicle looked fine. Here are some pictures taken on 07 Oct 10.
So finally the day came when after taking oath (remember 08 Oct) in the morning, We rushed to Hisar to pick up the vehicle. When we reached Telmos, the documentation and the vehicle were ready for delivery. Namita and kids inspected the vehicle and were seen trying to come in terms with the feeling of owning the SUV.
We had taken one Mr Sant Lal with us who was a help in checking the vehicle. He pointed out some problems with power windows with the rear windows that was quickly fixed by replacing small electrical parts.
After settling all the dues and collection of documents, it was finally the time to drive the vehicle home. We were handed over the keys formally by My Subhash who was dealing with me through the process of booking, negotiations and delivery. The vehicle was given HR99FS TEMP 1833 as its temporary Registration Number.
So finally it was time for me to take the steering and drive my new Tata Safari home. When I entered the vehicle and moved it forward - my first feeling - it was huge and tall SUV with so much of space. Kids were just freaking out and jumping from middle row to the rear row. As per my son, the ride in bucket seats (jump in seats ) in the rear was good and enjoyable. Due to dual air-conditioning, the rear row of the vehicle was also cool and comfortable. The quality of interiors was very impressive. Contrary to the view of many, I found that even the quality of plastic used was much better than previous (before 2010) models of the the vehicle. The front console with wooden finish looked very attractive. And of course I also tried to hear sounds from doors (as experienced by many in previous models) and I could detect no extra sound. The seats and backrest were like sofa and very luxurious. While taking the test drive of the vehicle, I had found that the gear shift was little hard. But in the vehicle that was delivered to me, the gear shift was better and may be it would become even smoother with vehicle running-in. The remote controlled Alpine CD Player music system installed was good. It does not have provision to play cassettes, but iPod can be attached with slight modification (cable has been given with the system).
The journey from Hisar to Sirsa is about 90 Kms and we were very excited about the experience. The fact that the vehicle provides a taller seating space, the perspective of the traffic and road is totally different. I could see the vehicles much ahead of me and could drive more safely and smoothly. The pickup was really good. Though as per the manual, during running-in period (about 1000 kms), I should not make sudden accelerations, I tried overtaking few vehicles in one attempt and could easily and confidently do it even with traffic available from opposite direction.
Will continue...
11 Oct 10
In last few days I have driven around late during evenings and enjoyed the ride. Even during night driving when overtaking is generally is not very comfortable, with this vehicle it is much easier and comfortable as the high beams of oncoming vehicles do not bother much and the height also gives better view of the obstructions on the road. The illumination of instrument panel gives a very soothing feeling with its bright and clear lights.
As we are driving this vehicle, with each passing day, it just grows on us and we fall more in love with it.
However we still miss our old car Tata Indigo. I must share that Tata Indigo served us very well and never let us down at any point in time. We travelled far and wide without ever getting any problems with the vehicle. All of us and especially Namita is really finding it difficult to reconcile with the fact that our dear car is no longer with us. Here are some pictures of my Tata Indigo.
Last few family pictures with our old Indigo
Car keys handed over
Our dear car being driven away..... it is still shining and looking almost brand new
