The experience of trying to book a Nano leaves you feeling small.
There is quite a buzz at the Tata Motors showroom on New Delhi’s Barakhamba Road, on a religious holiday. In fact, it is the only activity in the business district, which is usually a beehive of activity. You don’t need to guess why: the Nano is now on display.
The security guard at the entrance has given up asking why people are trickling in. I enter and find that the Nano is there — in silver — but not quite the centrepiece among the cars on display. But it’s all right, I am excited enough. To be honest, being a sworn motorcycle lover, I have never been turned on by cars, but the Nano is different. It’s not the marketing blitz that got me but the sheer audacity of engineering this car.
I am like a little kid and can’t wait for the two other prospective buyers checking out the front seats to finish. As soon as they are done, I rush to take my place on the car seat and feel what it’s like to sit in a Nano. Poring through the reviews in the automotive press has helped, and I feel at home instantly. I am relieved that even with my 6 ft 2 in frame, I have plenty of leg and head room.
That sorted, I now look for the sales guy to tell me how much I will have to fork out. Experience in buying vehicles has told me — always get the final bill. The sales guy, when I ask for a price list and brochure, fishes out a rather sorry couple of photocopied sheets. Welcome to low-cost sales! The look in his eyes adds weight to the theory that there is not much margin in selling a Nano. My final bill for the fully-loaded LX model is Rs 1,85,509 (including registration, insurance, logistics and Rs 400 for the number plate).
I ask if the model comes with a stereo thrown in. Comes the reply, “Please check the price of the car. You get a stereo only in a Rs 5 lakh Indica Vista.” A test drive, then? “No, only display.” And when can I get my hands on my Nano? “The lottery will decide”. I am pointed towards a counter where I can buy the Rs 300 booking form, and if I want finance, a bank will help me out from April 9 onwards.
I am still excited about the Nano, but I walk away clutching the makeshift brochure. Somehow, the showroom experience has left me with a feeling of emptiness, rather than something to cherish.
Score: 5/10. Points only for the Nano. There is no buying experience
Note: Mystery Guest is a reality consumer survey in which reporters analyse a service anonymously. We welcome company responses as feedback and will be happy to carry rejoinders to any piece featured here.
IF UR CAR IS CASTING ON ROAD 1,85,509 .
THEN GIVE ME 5 REASON TO BUY A NANO INSTEAD OF MARUTI 800, WHICH IS MORE REALIBLE AND TEASTED BY LOTS OF PEOPLE SINCE 1986, AND UR CAR IS 600CC AND MARUTI IS 800CC
Your writer is as dumb as they come!! When it is anounced it is a no frills car, how can he ask for a stereo ?. Who the hell is to rate the buying experience? This car is not for people who sit on a high horse and demand something for nothing. If he is so clever, let him design and manufacture a car fully loaded for the price they are offering.
This car is for those people who want to progress from 2 wheelers to 4. It is just a safe entry 4 wheel alternative to 2 wheeler.
So don't write silly things, if you don't have any good things to say about it. Be prooud it is made in India, I am sure if it was a japanese product, your writer would be drooling with the best words to describe it.
what a dumb ass, remove this article
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