Buying a new Maruti


I recently bought a Maruti Suzuki Swift. I had quite an experience buying that and I would like to share some tips with everyone.

This was the biggest purchase I have done without my Dad. Of course I took all his advise on the phone, but its a completely different experience when you are the sole decision maker.

Anyways, I have a few guidelines for people going for a new Maruti. I would like to share them with everyone:

  1. Always talk to at least 2 dealers in your city so that you can make them compete to give you a better deal
  2. There is usually a discount when you finance your car. Its always better to get that discount adjusted in your loan amount. This decreases the interest you pay and in turn decreases your EMI (thanks to Mayur for this tip)
  3. All Maruti dealers have a deal sheet for the customers. The marketing guy is supposed to fill it up with whatever discounts/freebies he is giving to you and then sign it and get it approved by the owner of the store. One copy is given to the customer. This is to ensure that you are not cheated once you purchase the vehicle. Make sure that you get your deal to be put on this sheet no matter how well you know the dealer/marketing guy.
  4. All Maruti cars come with one year extended warranty. Make sure you ask for that. Negotiate for 2 years if you can.
  5. Its always best to get at least anti rust coating on the bottom of the vehicle pertaining to Indian road conditions. You can try and get it done for free. Do not forget to collect its (& Teflon coating’s) guarantee card as it is re coated for free during servicing.
  6. The accessories at dealers are overpriced. You can get the same stuff for cheap outside.
  7. The central locking system from Nippon which comes as a MGA sucks. Go for Autocop. This does NOT void your warranty.
  8. Keep at least 3 hrs. for the delivery process to complete. Even if you are not getting the accessories installed. Its always good to take a friend to inspect the vehicle.
  9. The marketing guy will try to sell you financial products related to the loan. Do not buy them unless you exactly know what they are. Ask him to fill the form in front of you.
  10. In case you have been referred by an auto card member, get the points credited during the purchase. Do NOT leave this task for later.

Remember to collect:

  1. Delivery challan
  2. Receipt of whatever amount you have paid
  3. 5 liters fuel slip
  4. Temporary number
  5. Insurance document
  6. Teflon & anti rust warranty card (if purchased)
  7. Owner’s manual with 4 blank service slips

  1. #1 by Bandan on February 24, 2008 - 9:06 am

    Well..more than your tips, I would like to congratulate you on your new car! Hurray! Now I can get free rides when I go back to India!

  2. #2 by Bandan on February 24, 2008 - 9:06 am

    Well..more than your tips, I would like to congratulate you on your new car! Hurray! Now I can get free rides when I go back to India!

  3. #3 by Shireen Alam on February 29, 2008 - 11:21 am

    Setu, this shows me that you are just as methodical in your life as you are wih work. I am SO impressed!

  4. #4 by Shireen Alam on February 29, 2008 - 11:21 am

    Oh and congrats on your new car 🙂

  5. #5 by Shireen Alam on February 29, 2008 - 11:21 am

    Setu, this shows me that you are just as methodical in your life as you are wih work. I am SO impressed!

  6. #6 by Shireen Alam on February 29, 2008 - 11:21 am

    Oh and congrats on your new car 🙂

  7. #7 by rajput on March 3, 2008 - 12:32 am

    Congrats for swift.. When I was at a Auto Expo at Bangalore, I noticed that most of modifiers chose swift to do so…Great buy (it’s usual in your case 🙂 !!

  8. #8 by rajput on March 3, 2008 - 12:32 am

    Congrats for swift.. When I was at a Auto Expo at Bangalore, I noticed that most of modifiers chose swift to do so…Great buy (it’s usual in your case 🙂 !!

  9. #9 by Bill on April 24, 2008 - 7:09 am

    Setu: Sorry for crashing your blog – i’m an old friend of Shireen…

    Shireen, send me a reply or hook into me on linkedin.com; it’s a blast from the past from wolfram in champaign! –Bill

  10. #10 by Bill on April 24, 2008 - 7:09 am

    Setu: Sorry for crashing your blog – i’m an old friend of Shireen…

    Shireen, send me a reply or hook into me on linkedin.com; it’s a blast from the past from wolfram in champaign! –Bill

  11. #11 by Car Donation on November 1, 2008 - 2:11 am

    given all the maruthi car details
    all the city having car dealer
    about maruthi

  12. #12 by mitesh on November 14, 2008 - 12:42 pm

    hi, good one bro.
    Please tell me one thing, i have completed two years this nov with my swift which means i am going to enter in my third year of warranty and now i am having some issues with front shockers and i feel it should be replaced (i am not sure as i haven't gone to service station). So, does shcoker replacement is there in third year warranty as well

  13. #13 by early symptoms of pregnancy on January 30, 2009 - 2:45 pm

    I wish to wish all pregnant women of good mood, easy pregnancy and natural sorts! Good luck also are happy! Give birth easily and independently! Let not doctors give birth for you, and you! Also adjust itself on chest feeding of the kid! Read the necessary information! Be, lovely pregnant mums and expecting posterities of the daddy, are healthy and wise!

  14. #14 by early symptoms of pregnancy on January 30, 2009 - 6:18 pm

    I wish to wish all pregnant women of good mood, easy pregnancy and natural sorts!
    Good luck also are happy! Give birth easily and independently! Let not doctors give birth for you, and you! Also adjust itself on chest feeding of the kid! Read the necessary information! Be, lovely pregnant mums and expecting posterities of the daddy, are healthy and wise!

  15. #15 by Tharaka on March 1, 2009 - 8:39 pm

    Thanks dude. I'm going to buy a Maruti 800. Sure the tips don't match my criteria coz I'm going to buy it used here at Sri Lanka. But the things you posted made me think more. Thanks again.

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