Re: How wise to buy a new launch? Quote:
Originally Posted by mayuresh How does one make buying decision for a new launch, i.e. ones with no ownership reviews? Would the known-devil - unknown-angel dilemma favour time tested products with known niggles? |
The brand name associated with the vehicle tells you a lot about what to expect. Eg. With Maruti comes a solid authorized service station netowrk. While the vehicle is an entirely new model (i.e. not a facelift for an older model), you would get more attention from the manufacturer and you would be notified of any recalls.
Often, a model sold internationally when launched in India, offers a different engine but with more-or-less the same structural and basic components. Quote:
Originally Posted by mayuresh 1. Specifications of a new launch would be known, though car is such a product, whose reliability and performance becomes known only after use for a while. The early adopters make this huge favour on the followers by providing the same. Still, what is a good time frame since launch, for one to get decent reviews? |
A 6-month ownership review should tell you what to expect from the vehicle. At a minimum, 3-months of testing will tell you about all the issues a vehicle can cause. You are likely to see a waiting period that can get you through 3 months for most popular vehicle brands. Quote:
Originally Posted by mayuresh 2. You associate some weight to the brand and their past history of delivering good products. There might be others with reputation of getting it right only the third time. But there could be let-downs by good brands as well. How does one judge this? |
There's a risk with every new model but with the backing of a good brand, you know your problems will be attended to. If it comes to the worse, getting after-market fittings while voiding the warranty are what come to mind (Eg. head lamps, sealant etc.). Quote:
Originally Posted by mayuresh 3. Can one factor in aspects like whether a new launch is a totally new platform by the manufacturer or whether it's a variant of a time tested one - the variation is at which level - engine? other mechanics etc.? |
The Lexus ES350 was built on the Camry platform and while someone who has driven a Camry will tell you about the noise level and the lack of driving pleasure, a Lexus ES350 user will tell you the exact opposite (I have driven both, and can tell the Lexus ES350 feels distinctively more luxurious despite sharing the same platform). Quote:
Originally Posted by mayuresh 4. See it from manufacturer's point of view. How would they promote initial sales - besides advt campaigns? Would they offer discounts to early buyers? Does it make a good buy to early adopters? Have there been examples in the past where early buyers had an advantage? |
Buyers of outgoing models often see more discounts than buyers of early models. In fact, the number of buyers despite the waiting period itself would discourage manufacturers and dealers from offering discounts. Quote:
Originally Posted by mayuresh 5. Compare this with other walks of products. There will be queues to buy new launches from brands like (say) Apple. People will be crazy to become first buyers of products from certain brands. Is that kind of craze seen in car buyers? Not sure - at least by serious buyers who buy for long term ownership and can't afford to switch after short term ownership. |
Most people change their vehicles after about 3-5 years. I have just finished the 7th year of ownership of my Maruti Esteem and have only been hanging on to it because I'm planning a rather long trip out of the country and will be buying after my return. Quote:
Originally Posted by mayuresh (Aferthought: Perhaps this sounds like comparing apples and oranges. The difference might stem from inherent differences in reliability characteristics of solidstate devices vs an automobile and also from price tags.) |
In automobiles, pricier does not mean that it lasts longer. One can still find faithful Maruti 800s on the streets of India despite being one of the cheapest offerings from Maruti Suzuki. Price does determine the comfort level within the vehicle, especially when it comes from the same brand. Between different brands, the price tag does not tell you much. |