[satyamkaushik]

Just an update on my story.

So finally after booking the white Skoda Superb Ambition, I was waiting for the car to be delivered in December.
I get a call from Mohit (SP at Skoda) that the car has arrived and I can come for a PDI as discussed.

I went ahead with the long Teambhp PDI list in my hand, checking each and every point mentioned.
After the complete PDI
It was just the rear bumper with a minor scratch to which Mohit said that he'll get it replaced before the delivery.
After the PDI, waiting at the reception for the receipts of the payments I had made to them, I went through the Rapid's price list.
just randomly I asked Mohit for any offers and discounts to which he replied, " sir we are having a great offer with the rapid, giving a discount of Rs.75000" "Sir, this is the best time to buy the Rapid, dono cars ki delivery sath Mein le Lena"

I just laughed and said I have no such plans of buying another car at this moment.

After coming back home, the brain started to poke me with the rapid thought every other minute. Finally in the evening when dad come's back home, I started to discuss about the rapid to which he said a straight NO.

Dad wasn't convinced but I was quite eager towards the deal.Days of hard work in pursuing dad and Finally he agreed on buying the Rapid too, But But But as any other attractive deal this too had a condition attached, "find a buyer for the swift who's willing to pay around 1.5L for it".

1.5 L for a 2005 Lxi which has 100K on the odo ? :O
That was next to impossible, but still I didn't want to give up so easily.
Took the car to Skoda the very next day for valuation.
The valuer had a close look at it and finally quoted Rs.1.15L.
Okay, so I accepted that no dealer in Delhi would give me 1.5L for this car, now look for individual buyers.
A bit of networking and I find a buyer in just two days.
Took the car for a good washing and polishing and it was ready to be displayed in front of the buyer.
Starting with 1.60 to 1.5 and finally the deal closes at 1.4L.

I personally was really happy for the price I got for the car. Headed straight to the Skoda showroom the next morning and booked the Rapid Ambition Plus TDI in a Silver colour.

First cancelling the Jetta for the Superb, now getting home a Rapid as well.

[KINI]

Originally Posted by satyamkaushik

Just an update on my story.

So finally after booking the white Skoda Superb Ambition, I was waiting for the car to be delivered in December.
I get a call from Mohit (SP at Skoda) that the car has arrived and I can come for a PDI as discussed.

Wow,that was fast!!Hearty congratulations.So what was the final offer from the dealer for the Rapid.I'm pretty sure you would have gotten a better deal than the rest!!

Note from Team-bhp support: Please avoid quoting an entire large post. It inconveniences our small screen & mobile readers.

[90BHP]

Originally Posted by satyamkaushik

First cancelling the Jetta for the Superb, now getting home a Rapid as well.

Hey Satyam, congratulations can you tell me what options, offers & discounts you hot with your rapid? If you could breakup the 75000 fir me in parts would be great. Whats included in this amount?

[satyamkaushik]

Originally Posted by KINI

Wow,that was fast!!Hearty congratulations.So what was the final offer from the dealer for the Rapid.I'm pretty sure you would have gotten a better deal than the rest!!

Note from Team-bhp support: Please avoid quoting an entire large post. It inconveniences our small screen & mobile readers.

I endup paying 9.48L for the ambition plus, whih was originally offered at 10.33L.
A total of 85K discount, 75K as the standard discount and 10K additional discount cpz of the superb.
So not really a spl deal for me ;p
I guess they'll cover this 10K in the accessories department, telling me all sort of incidents of voiding the warranty.

Originally Posted by 90BHP

Hey Satyam, congratulations can you tell me what options, offers & discounts you hot with your rapid? If you could breakup the 75000 fir me in parts would be great. Whats included in this amount?

The 75000 discount includes, free insurance, free rough road package, 4years Skoda shield (really not sure of this) and there's an additional 25K cash discount on top of this. All this adds up to 75K.
I'll still confirm this with Mohit once and will update

[headers]

Originally Posted by .anshuman

@Headers: Listing some more options i forgot to include in my last post.

From slightly lower price bracket-
I am not a fan of either the Vento or Rapid, in absence of any other well sorted all rounders they finally end up being recommended. The dynamics and suspension are not a match to your Punto, and even the build is not solid as you would expect from a proper VW/Skoda car. If its only the dynamics you are after, the new Fiesta has got this balance just right but with lot of essential horsepower missing which robs it of FTD factor.

Since FE is important to you, i am not including T-Jet and TSI.

If Size is not of much importance to you, the new soon to be launched 4 Cylinder Polo TDI might of some importance to you. It surely will not be a upgrade from the Punto but the extra german horses might make you consider this one.

Duster is another option you might like to consider, handling is nothing great but Ride and Composure is excellent, overall dynamics feel is more like from a Sedan than a SUV. The 110hp variant is quite peppy. The massive GC will help you take this car to places Sedans and Hatchbacks can only dream of. If you can wait a quite capable 4wd variant will be out by the end of this year.

Thanks .anshuman, and others

Somehow I am not a fan of Rapid or Vento as there is not much VFM for me there. I don't wanna rant here.

I will TD a yeti maybe later this week and decide.

BT voice calls OE are important to me as I don't want aftermarket stuff. A decent GC and most important is the driving feel and feedback as I spend a lot of time in the vehicle each day. It should not be stressful.

Is there a autobox in the yeti? with 4x4?

[Abhi_Automobile]

PRELUDE:

Phew! Eventually, I am in the market for a D segment sedan!

It started a couple of years ago..It was then that we decided that it was time to get us fresh set of wheels. Although, the thought of upgrading our car was always at the back of our minds, around that time we decided that its time to put the plan to action.

There was only one problem though: We were still at Bangalore. Basically from Delhi, we were at Bangalore for professional preferences. As part of a typical *Floating Population*, we decided that the car purchase will have to wait till we move back to Delhi -NCR region. Two reasons : Firstly, The cost of acquiring a new car is extremely high in Bangalore (Taxes et. all). Why should I pay such a high cost when I won't be using the car in that region after a while. Secondly, we never felt like making expensive purchases at a place where we are in 'transit' mode.

Late in 2012, we got our wish and I had the opportunity pick up a job to my satisfaction at Gurgaon. And so there it was; We came home just like that: From Namma Bengaluru (My Bangalore in Kannada. BTW, I never learnt Kannada in my six years there; never felt like it)to Saddi Dilli (Our Delhi in Punjabi)

Before we move to the suggestion mode, let's look at what we currently drive. We currently have 2 cars

1. 2006 Maruti Suzuki Swift Vxi: This is my daily drive. Now seven years old, Swift came to our home as part of the initial lot. Runs on petrol (no conversion to CNG yet). Swift has generally been trouble free and has been a loyal servant to us. My wife also loves the car though we silently acknowledge that our love cannot hide the obvious signs of ageing to our beloved ride. My wifey plans to take full control of it (as if she has any less control of our life. I presume girls like such jargons). Although the Swift is 7 yaers old, she has run just about 58k. So, she has plenty of juice left in her.

2. 2011 Chevy Beat LS: This is our family car. I deliberately use the term 'family car' even though it is our parents' car. That's because they don't drive much individually. Of the 2011 vintage, she has just about 18k on her ODO. Though she gives absolutely trouble free service, neither me nor my wife is big fan of this car. Primarily because she is a little over styled for my liking. If we were in the market for a similarly sized car today, we would've probably bought Honda Brio instead. Nevertheless, we by and large have no issues with it.

3. Others: I have a 2005 Bajaj Avenger 180 DTSi. I bought this when was just into my first job (was in Delhi then) Even since I bought the car, I never used the bike much. I kept the bike because Bangalore is a crowded city and this served me well for some crappy next door work.Predictably, I don't drive this at all and it will in time (late this year) get replaced by KTM Duke 390 (naked version) or 390R (sports version). That's when I will get back to riding bikes again.

I had a 2000 Matiz which I had bought as used buy as our second car while we were at Bangalore. I sold it at throw away price when we shifted back to Gurgaon.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

Eventually, I am in the market for a D segment sedan!

Got to know that the MY 2013 Laura gets 16" alloys, touchscreen audio, bluetooth etc. in the Ambition variant itself. Probably worth checking out.

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

PRELUDE:

Phew! Eventually, I am in the market for a D segment sedan!

It started a couple of years ago..It was then that we decided that it was time to get us fresh set of wheels. Although, the thought of upgrading our car was always at the back of our minds, around that time we decided that its time to put the plan to action.

There was only one problem though: We were still at Bangalore. Basically from Delhi, we were at Bangalore for professional preferences. As part of a typical *Floating Population*, we decided that the car purchase will have to wait till we move back to Delhi -NCR region. Two reasons : Firstly, The cost of acquiring a new car is extremely high in Bangalore (Taxes et. all). Why should I pay such a high cost when I won't be using the car in that region after a while. Secondly, we never felt like making expensive purchases at a place where we are in 'transit' mode.

Late in 2012, we got our wish and I had the opportunity pick up a job to my satisfaction at Gurgaon. And so there it was; We came home just like that: From Namma Bengaluru (My Bangalore in Kannada. BTW, I never learnt Kannada in my six years there; never felt like it)to Saddi Dilli (Our Delhi in Punjabi)

Before we move to the suggestion mode, let's look at what we currently drive. We currently have 2 cars

1. 2006 Maruti Suzuki Swift Vxi: This is my daily drive. Now seven years old, Swift came to our home as part of the initial lot. Runs on petrol (no conversion to CNG yet). Swift has generally been trouble free and has been a loyal servant to us. My wife also loves the car though we silently acknowledge that our love cannot hide the obvious signs of ageing to our beloved ride. My wifey plans to take full control of it (as if she has any less control of our life. I presume girls like such jargons). Although the Swift is 7 yaers old, she has run just about 58k. So, she has plenty of juice left in her.

2. 2011 Chevy Beat LS: This is our family car. I deliberately use the term 'family car' even though it is our parents' car. That's because they don't drive much individually. Of the 2011 vintage, she has just about 18k on her ODO. Though she gives absolutely trouble free service, neither me nor my wife is big fan of this car. Primarily because she is a little over styled for my liking. If we were in the market for a similarly sized car today, we would've probably bought Honda Brio instead. Nevertheless, we by and large have no issues with it.

3. Others: I have a 2005 Bajaj Avenger 180 DTSi. I bought this when was just into my first job (was in Delhi then) Even since I bought the car, I never used the bike much. I kept the bike because Bangalore is a crowded city and this served me well for some crappy next door work.Predictably, I don't drive this at all and it will in time (late this year) get replaced by KTM Duke 390 (naked version) or 390R (sports version). That's when I will get back to riding bikes again.

I had a 2000 Matiz which I had bought as used buy as our second car while we were at Bangalore. I sold it at throw away price when we shifted back to Gurgaon.

Originally Posted by vb-san

Got to know that the MY 2013 Laura gets 16" alloys, touchscreen audio, bluetooth etc. in the Ambition variant itself. Probably worth checking out.

Mods! Can you delete these posts? I have created a seperate thread: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/sedans...ml#post3013248

[Abhi_Automobile]

PRELUDE

Phew! Eventually, I am in the market for a D segment sedan!

It started a couple of years ago..It was then that we decided that it was time to get us fresh set of wheels. Although, the thought of upgrading our car was always at the back of our minds, around that time we decided that its time to put the plan to action.

There was only one problem though: We were still at Bangalore. Basically from Delhi, we were at Bangalore for professional preferences. As part of a typical *Floating Population*, we decided that the car purchase will have to wait till we move back to Delhi -NCR region.

Late in 2012, we got our wish and I had the opportunity pick up a job to my satisfaction at Gurgaon. And so there it was; We came home just like that: From Namma Bengaluru (My Bangalore in Kannada. BTW, I never learnt Kannada in my six years there; never felt like it)to Saddi Dilli (Our Delhi in Punjabi)

Before we move to the suggestion mode, let's look at what we currently drive. We currently have 2 cars

1. 2006 Maruti Suzuki Swift Vxi: This is my daily drive. Now seven years old, bought it as part of the initial lot. Runs on petrol (no conversion to CNG yet). Swift has generally been trouble free and has been a loyal servant to us. My wife also loves the car though we silently acknowledge that our love cannot hide the obvious signs of ageing to our beloved ride. My wifey plans to take full control of it (as if she has any less control of our life. I presume girls like such jargons). Although the Swift is 7 yaers old, she has run just about 58k. So, she has plenty of juice left in her.

2. 2011 Chevy Beat LS: This is our family car. I deliberately use the term 'family car' even though it is our parents' car. That's because they don't drive much individually. Of the 2011 vintage, she has just about 18k on her ODO. Though she gives absolutely trouble free service, neither me nor my wife is big fan of this car. Primarily because she is a little over styled for my liking. If we were in the market for a similarly sized car today, we would've probably bought Honda Brio instead. Nevertheless, by and large no issues with it.

3. Others: I have a 2005 Bajaj Avenger 180 DTSi. I bought this when was just into my first job. Even since I bought the car, I never used it much. I kept the bike because Bangalore is a crowded city and this served me well for some crappy next door work.Predictably, I don't drive this at all and this will in time (late this year) get replaced by KTM Duke 390 (naked version) or 390R (sports version). That's when I will get back to riding bikes again.

I had a 2000 Matiz which I had bought as used buy as our second car while we were at Bangalore. I sold it at throw away price when we shifted back to Gurgaon.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

We have already decided the following things about our upcoming new car:

1. It will be a European car: I am a big fan of the European philosophy of emphasis on quality over everything else. Not that I don't like Jap cars (I still like Civic a lot even though I wont buy it, at least not new). Not this time though. It will be a European car. Period. No Japs. Certainly no Koreans (Even though I acknowledge that Hyundai has come up leaps and bounds in recent years)

2. It will be a D segment car: Even though the segment is generally shrinking, I remain a big fan of cars of this group. Although cars of upper C segment provide most of the features of the D segment cars, they simply do not have the levels of sophistication and quality that I am looking for.

3. It should have a diesel heart: Since I already have two petrol cars, I don't not intend to stack up another one. I need diesel economy.

4. It should be good looking: Now looks are subjective. I like classy and understated designs with clean lines and minimum fuss. I agree that some such ones may border on boring but not all. look at VW Scirocco or Peugeot 508 to gauge the kind of cars I like.

5. It should have a good enough ride-handling package: Now , who wouldn't mind a car that handles like sprtscar or rides like it has air suspension all round (cushy cushy). But, it should not be a boat (a la Verna) or ride as if it uses bricks for suspension (a la first gen Swift).

6. It should have a powerful heart: I can't stand cars that move in slow motion even when on full throttle. Especially if that's not the intended purpose of that particular model (if somebody converts the car to CNG then he knows that the car will be slow so that's ok. Not cars like Corolla 1.4 D-4D that are simply slow)

7. It should have high quality interiors: I will not buy a car that has el-cheapo interiors. Period. No matter how many features the company provides. I like strong build quality, soft touch plastics and taut fit and finish. Examples of mediocre interior quality are Cuze and Corolla in D segment and Etios brothers in B segment.

8. It should not cost more than 16-17 lacs OTR Gurgaon: All this under 17 loacs max. I may try to get the car registered at Chandigarh (have many folks there)and thus save 3% additional duty that I will otherwise pay at Gurgaon (3% v/s 6%)

EURO MUDDLE

Considering the above preferences, I have shortlisted the following cars:

1. VW JEtta Confortline TDI: This looks like the top runner in the current scenario. A CL costs me around 16.5 lcs OTR with CH registration. This is available for outright delivery without much of a wait time. Has a powerful engine, quality interiors, good ride and handling. I like the looks as well, if a little too plain jane. However, I have the following concerns:

• Is the VW service any better than infamous Skoda? I have no issues with a 12-15k yearly service. Absolutely fine. But is their service standards also as shoddy as Skoda. What I am specifically looking for is malpractices, non willingness to entertain type of things. Not '2 hour service promise' types.

• Are their any updates planned to the TL version? The current one is too spartan so I am forced to consider the CL version which is a cool 1.5 lacs costlier.

• No auto tranny in the base version. Even though I am not a complete sucker for automatics, I wouldn't mind one if I can afford it.

2. Skoda Octavia MK3 TDI: I generally like the Skoda design language more than VWs. And their new Mission-L based designs are a cracker. Essentially the same package as the Jetta, the Skoda is slightly bigger than the already big Jetta, is on a newer platform and looks better.However, I have the following concerns:

• I can live with mediocre after sales. After all, how many times do you take your car to workshop? On the contrary, I'd be really concerned if I am not sure if my dealer indulges in malpractices, replaces parts etc.

• I don't know when the car will hit our shores. ACI says mid year; but then its their job to create a bit of excitement in the market by giving earlier the actual dates so realistically what should we be looking at? Aug-Sep? I can't wait till the auto expo next year.

• Detuned engines. Skoda has the 110 bhp version as the base variant currently. ACI says it will have the 120 bhp versions as base variants. Those are no good to me.

• Positioning confusion! This is a big one. VW has given clear directive to Skoda to price their cars a wee bit lower than their VW counterparts. ACI says the new Octavia will be cheaper than even the current Laura. How does it work then? Coz the Euro versions are supposed to be better in quality and costlier too. So, do they price it lower despite the global prices going up?

3. Facelifted Renault Fluence dCI: what's wrong with this car? I think it looks good, and with the recent discounts available, it is good VFM too. I found the quality very good with soft tough plastics and hard to fault shut lines. However, I have the following concerns:

• Why should I buy 1.5 liter engine when I am getting 2.0 liter engines by putting just a little more moolah. I've driven the uprated one but the engine is just about adequate. Nothing more.

• When in the new facelifted version coming anyway? With e new versionalready launched globally, there is no way that I am buying the older (current) one. No way.

• French is not German! For some reason, Indians tend to regard the Germans in high esteem but not quite other euros. French,Italians etc. So, I lose out on badge value

Guys, with this I want to invite you all to give your valuable suggestions.

Feel free to add to the list if you feel like. But please give qualified and informed suggestions. I strongly recommend that you do not subscribe to blanket statements such as 'Skoda A.$.$ is bad just coz you heard somebody on the forum say so', 'Hyundai service and spare parts are cheap when in reality they are on par or costlier than most Japs. I will also request you to give reasoning for your suggestions in a couple of lines.

MODS: All the earlier posts are bogus ones posted by mistake. I think this query warrants a new thread. If you guys think so too, let's do that. else, at least remove the above posts so that fellow members can only see the relevant question.

[Sheel]

I would suggest you to wait for the Octavia (if you can wait) and I believe you have read the reports on the Octavia (print & electronic).

If I had to buy a Car in that band, it shall be the Octavia. Honestly, still, Octavia & Mondeo appear to be one of the most handsome Cars to me.

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by Sheel

I would suggest you to wait for the Octavia (if you can wait) and I believe you have read the reports on the Octavia (print & electronic).

If I had to buy a Car in that band, it shall be the Octavia. Honestly, still, Octavia & Mondeo appear to be one of the most handsome Cars to me.

I am kind of leaning towards the same thing. However, the car won't be out till Q3 at the earliest; and that too is speculative! Rememeber that the car is launching globally (commercially) only this March. Since when has a global launch come so early in India?

The other thing are the variants. It has been speculated that the base version will be the 120 bhp version of the 2.0 liter engine. Why should I settle for 120 when I am getting 140 bhp in all trims in the Jetta?

The third thing is the pricing..I have absolutely no idea how is ACI speculating that the new car will be cheaper than even the existing Laura. Globally, it will get dearer substantially. So, if Skoda comes at pretty much the same price as the Jetta, then surprisingly it will be the Jetta which will be the more VFM car (1 lakh flat discount v/s none for the new launch Octavia).

SO, life isn't as simple you see

EDIT: Guys, get some more download on the Fluence update: http://www.autocarindia.com/News/328...ming-soon.aspx. I somehow like this one as well.
Courtesy :ACI.

[lamborghini]

Why not the current Laura Ambition 2.0 TDi with the superb DSG gearbox? If you can, even the Laura Elegance is terrific VFM.

We recently - 3 months - picked up a candy white Laura L&K DSG and I am loving every moment of it. What started out as a very Pro-Jetta purchase ended up with us bringing the Laura home.
It has the superb 140BHP engine, with the excellent DSG gearbox. It is adequately loaded, and still looks contemporary. IMO the interiors are nicer than the Jetta (in terms of touch and feel), and I didn't notice a significant difference in the legroom. Ride and handling is very similar once again, though it is said that the Laura has the edge in handling, with the Jetta in ride quality.
While the Jetta looks fantastic, the Laura with the DSG just might be a better bet for you.
Do give it a shot!

[drmohitg]

I am not sure why my earlier post was deleted but here goes.

My vote goes to the Jetta. You have liked the car ( from our earlier conversations). It looks way more better/fresher than the cousin Laura, has a more powerful tuned engine and amazing looks.

BTW are you sure that the CL is for 16.5L in chandigarh? Are these 2012 models on discount or is this the price for 2013 models? I am also planning to book the Jetta and would not hesitate twice in getting it from Chandigarh.

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Why not the current Laura Ambition 2.0 TDi with the superb DSG gearbox? If you can, even the Laura Elegance is terrific VFM.

We recently - 3 months - picked up a candy white Laura L&K DSG and I am loving every moment of it. What started out as a very Pro-Jetta purchase ended up with us bringing the Laura home.
It has the superb 140BHP engine, with the excellent DSG gearbox. It is adequately loaded, and still looks contemporary. IMO the interiors are nicer than the Jetta (in terms of touch and feel), and I didn't notice a significant difference in the legroom. Ride and handling is very similar once again, though it is said that the Laura has the edge in handling, with the Jetta in ride quality.
While the Jetta looks fantastic, the Laura with the DSG just might be a better bet for you.
Do give it a shot!

In case you didn't know, that was my first thanks at t-bhp in all this time

The Laura Ambition DSG TDI is worth considering. Its great value, with all the discounts. And yes, I agree that it feels just a wee bit better in touch and feel than the Jetta.

The only thing is that within a few months I'll be left with an old gen car (though a still good one). Since I have to live with this car for a few years, this fact may come to haunt me later. But, worth a consideration. I am going to keep thinking about this one...

Originally Posted by drmohitg

I am not sure why my earlier post was deleted but here goes.

My vote goes to the Jetta. You have liked the car ( from our earlier conversations). It looks way more better/fresher than the cousin Laura, has a more powerful tuned engine and amazing looks.

BTW are you sure that the CL is for 16.5L in chandigarh? Are these 2012 models on discount or is this the price for 2013 models? I am also planning to book the Jetta and would not hesitate twice in getting it from Chandigarh.

Yup, I damn sure.
CL ex showroom = 16.4; After RTO, handling etc. 17 lacs.
Free bumper to bumper insurance, Discount= 55k (25 exchange;25 corp). I am sure they will have ways to make sure that the 30k exchange into flat discount.

Well, my doubt is not with the current gen Laura. I am not even considering one. Why should I? When I get more powerful, larger , later gen car with a better badge value in jetta at only nominally more price. The point is whether it worthwhile waiting for the next gen Octavia (which is larger, sexier and newer than the Jetta. Much to VW annoyance, it may have better outright quality than the Jetta too)


Hey BTW, I thought you had purchased both of your allotted quota cars: Sunny and Corolla. Right? Shopping again Also, how I wish servicing these Euros costed as much as servicing your Corolla. Considering the segment,it feels almost like free!

[drmohitg]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

The point is whether it worthwhile waiting for the next gen Octavia (which is larger, sexier and newer than the Jetta. Much to VW annoyance, it may have better outright quality than the Jetta too)

Very true but then realistically speaking that sounds to me like waiting for almost a year. With no fixed date of launch, variants and pricing, it only your call if you want to wait it out ( no harm in it though). Although the only downside to that is the same Jetta ( in case you choose it) would cost you more owing to the constant price jack-ups.

Hey BTW, I thought you had purchased both of your allotted quota cars: Sunny and Corolla. Right? Shopping again

Yup sold the Honda but. And somehow we need another car now. Dad wants the Ritz ( he has loved that car eversince the launch), we want the Jetta ( we have loved the car eversince its launch ). So chances are bright for the Jetta. And I was under the impression that the CL TDI would cost me around 19-20L OTR in Delhi. At 16.5 in chandigarh its a steal.