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An emotional farewell to my Palio 1.6 after 9 years & 60,000 km

21st February 2024, 15:09 by Ananth Iyer

Car when I bought it had run ~6k kms and at the time of handover it was a little over 60k kms. Ever since I bought it in 2015, it has given me a lot of happy memories.

BHPian TorqueyTechie recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

With a heavy heart, I bid adieu to the car yesterday. Bear with me as this is going to be a long last post.

In my earlier post, I mentioned that the car was fixed with all mechanical issues post which I was driving around the city. All was good and I was still contemplating selling the car. I had taken down the ad in Olx but took it online in TBHP. Meanwhile, I had reached out to all who had shown interest in the car mentioning that the issues are sorted and they are free to visit and test drive the car. Last Saturday, when I had stepped out with my family I got a call from a gentleman who was interested in the car and wanted to confirm if he could visit and test drive. I had some work on Sunday so fixed up a meeting on Monday morning.

On that day, the buyer, Mr.V (will be calling him that henceforth), and I met up. He had come prepared with a detailed checklist (I was impressed) and started checking out the car. During it, I got to know that he was from Andaman (woah) and had come to the mainland specifically to buy a car. Earlier to checking my car, he had visited a couple of cars in Kerala and came away unimpressed. He had seen my ad on TBHP from Kerala and called me up to check the car.

At the end of his inspection, he was happy with the car but he wanted to check the underbelly and also a word with my mechanic. So off we went for a car wash where the car was lifted and he checked. Meanwhile, I was getting offers even at the car wash . After that, we went to my mechanic and they both spoke. Again I got an earful from Venkatesh for selling the car and he was not happy.

Post that, we went back to have some coffee and finalize the price. Post a quick discussion over coffee, we agreed on a price. Then off we went to check on NOC and found an agent who said could help us. Paid up the advance, and he started the paperwork. After that off we went our separate ways. Mr.V called up later that day to mention he wanted to get the dent fixed and asked about any body shops. I suggested checking with Trend Automobiles.

I got a call later the next day from him mentioning he spoke with them and that they will take it up and finish the work if I handed over the car ASAP. On Wed morning I drove it to Trend and they started the work after finalizing all the work needed and the price. Meanwhile, I was following up on the NOC for which the agent promised to get it done by Saturday.

On Saturday morning, we got confirmation that the car was fixed and we both met up at Trend. Mr.V was satisfied with the work, and he paid up the money. Meanwhile, I had a few stickers on the car which I asked them to remove. Mr.V suggested keeping the TBHP stickers on.

Post that, we signed all the documents (forms 29, and 30, vehicle sale agreement, and delivery note) over a cup of tea and Mr.V transferred the rest of the amount. After that, he wanted to get the stereo head changed. So off we went to Car Decor, Jayanagar where he found a good one from Pioneer brand and got it installed. Since I had promised to take my kids out, this is where I bid adieu to him, wishing him a very happy drive and time with the car.

He messaged me later to mention that he visited Madhus for tire alignment as well. He will be driving the car down to Chennai and then shipping it to A&N Islands. Also, late in the evening yesterday, I was told by the agent that the NOC was also received. So I think that's that with the car.

Car when I bought it had run ~6k kms and at the time of handover it was a little over 60k kms. Ever since I bought it in 2015, it has given me a lot of happy memories. I just wish Mr.V gets to enjoy the car as much as I do and he has a trouble-free experience. But I am happy that the car went to someone who cares and has a penchant to look after the car in good shape.

Sharing some pics of the car:

After the dent fix & paint at Trend. They have done a good job with the paint match.