Should I buy New Maruti Swift 2011 or not

Today, Mr. Raj Nayak emailed me asking a few questions before buying Maruti Swift 2011 car. As usual, I have tried to answer his questions to the best of my knowledge via hubpages so that Mr. Raj plus other car buyers interested in getting answers to similar questions can also reap some benefit.

Question 1: I am a first time car buyer. It has always been my dream to buy Maruti Swift; however, I was waiting for new Swift to launch in 2011. Now as it has launched this year, I am a bit confused with the shape of New Swift.

Answer: As far as shape of New Swift is concerned, it is much better and more stylish than the Old Swift. You can book it anytime but the waiting period is more than 6 months. Frankly speaking, I never liked the exteriors of Old Swift but when I saw the New Swift for the first time on its launch, it has blown my mind away. Previously, I had plans to book New Swift this year but now after thorough consideration, I am waiting for the 2012 Swift Sports model. There are a few things that need to be rectified in the New Swift and those are: Cramped rear seats, very small rear windows, and very less boot space. The positive points of 2011 Swift are: Enhanced exteriors, amazing new style, powerful engine, Maruti brand name, excellent service network, and good mileage as compared to other cars in its segment.

Now regarding the above question, the most important thing is the waiting period after booking the car. As you might know, there are more than 1 lakh bookings for the New Swift and most people will get their car after 6 to 8 months from the date of booking. According to me, by the time, they will get their Swift 2011 version, it will be 2012 and Maruti and other brands will have launched more updated versions or latest models of their cars. So it is better to wait for some time more and buy the latest version car right from the showroom rather than booking your car and waiting for it to be delivered at your doorstep in six months or so.

Question 2: Also, I want to know whether it is worth to go for a VDI or top end model ZDI.

Answer: Buying a top end model of any product always brings in more features. It is like the more money you put in the more features you will get. Plus it depends on your budget whether you want to spend money on a VDi or buy a ZDi. For your information, there is a gap of approximately Rs. 95000 between both these models.

Question 3: Also I want to know whether New Swift will be as successful as Old Swift and will I get a good resale value for this car after 4 to 5 years?

Answer: First of all, as Swift is a Maruti car, it will always bring in more resale value than other cars at least for another decade. Have you ever seen very low sales of colgate toothpaste after the launch of Closeup or Pepsodent; never, as it is still selling like it used to be. Same is the case with Maruti. For to the point answer to your question, yes the New Swift will be as successful as old Swift and will have a good resale value in another 4 to 5 years.