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What Customers Should Avoid When Taking Delivery of A New Car – Lessons From The Thar Roxx Crash
A newly purchased Mahindra Thar Roxx met with disaster in East Delhi when a traditional ritual went horribly wrong. The SUV, the top-spec version of the Thar Roxx, worth around ₹27 lakh (on road), was being delivered at a showroom in Ghaziabad when the buyer attempted to drive over a lemon - a common good-luck practice.
Instead of rolling gently forward, she pressed the accelerator, sending the vehicle through a glass wall and off the first floor of the building, where the showroom was located. The shocking scene quickly went viral. The Thar toppled from the building and landed heavily on the pavement below, damaging a bike in the process.
Image Source: Prateek Singh on Youtube
Inside the car were three people - the owner, her husband, and a showroom employee demonstrating the vehicle. Fortunately, the airbags deployed instantly, protecting all occupants. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries and later discharged. While no lives were lost, the Thar Roxx suffered extensive damage.
The incident has raised concerns about how showrooms handle ceremonial practices during vehicle deliveries. From lemon and coconut crushing to ribbon-tying, such rituals are common across India. But when performed in confined spaces or elevated display areas, they can quickly turn hazardous.
Image Source: Prateek Singh on Youtube
Dealerships often showcase cars on upper floors with glass façades to attract attention. In this case, the Thar's position near a glass wall amplified the risk and a simple error became a catastrophic accident.
Here are a few safety practices that customers should observe when taking delivery of a new car to avoid incidents like this...
1. Perform rituals outdoors
Many buyers prefer to follow cultural practices such as placing lemons under tyres or breaking coconuts before driving off. These should always be done outside the showroom on level ground. Performing them indoors, on ramps, or near glass walls introduces unnecessary risk for both occupants and bystanders.
2. Keep the ignition off
One of the biggest mistakes during ceremonial moments is leaving the engine running. When the ignition is on, even a light touch of the accelerator or gear lever can cause sudden movement. Turning off the engine and engaging the handbrake ensures the car stays secure until the ritual is complete.
3. Understand the controls first
Modern vehicles often have sharper throttle responses, electronic aids, and new transmission layouts that can surprise new owners and even those upgrading from an older car. Spending at least a few minutes with dealership staff to understand these systems is crucial. A clear briefing on pedals, gears, and safety features can prevent confusion during the first drive.
4. Stay focused during demonstrations
The excitement of delivery often leads buyers to multitask - performing rituals, clicking photos, or sharing the moment live on social media. Such distractions can be dangerous. It is safer to stay attentive during the feature walkthrough and delay celebrations until after you are comfortable with the car's basics.
5. Take the first drive in open space
The very first drive in a new vehicle should be in a controlled, open area such as the dealership yard or a nearby stretch of empty road. Attempting to move a car in confined or elevated areas, such as showrooms or display floors, significantly increases the chances of accidents. If the car needs to be driven inside to move it out of the showroom premises, let the showroom staff take care of it.
DriveSpark Thinks
Buying a new car is a milestone moment, but excitement must be balanced with caution. The Delhi Thar crash is a reminder that even small mistakes can have serious consequences. By practising safe delivery habits, customers can ensure their first drive remains a joyful and memorable experience.
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