Sep 02, 2008 01:01 PM
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Bought a Ford Ikon Flair in July 2004. Here is a 50, 000 kms review.
Good points: Reliable car, no let downs so far. Drive mostly in Delhi and take her on holiday trips mostly to Himachal/Uttaranchal twice a year (1000-1400 kms round trip each time). Great car to drive around hill roads, hugs the corners and is not unruffled by bad roads. Good seat comfort both for deiver and passenger. Excellent steering control.
Problems so far: Air conditioning was throwing out hot air after about 25000 kms. Took the car to South City Ford who suggested a change of cooling coil system- estimated expenses Rs. 20, 000. Not convinced, took it to Harpreet Ford: their diagnosis-a defective valve: replace the valve and coolant. Estimated expenses: Rs 4500.
Still not convinced, took it to an "outside" mechnaic who said this was a common problem with Ikons which is easily rectified by bypassing the heating system. Took it to Harpreet for the "bypass surgery" and lo and behold! the AC started cooling better than even when the car was brand new. Cost Rs. 250. The downside is that the heater will no longer work.
Ignition coil malfunction at 40000 kms. Harpreet Ford replaced it for Rs. 4000. Battery replaced around the same time for Rs 3500. Suspension bushes replaced for Rs 3000. Routine servicing at every 10, 000 kms for Rs 4000 (approx).
The parking light switch was not working. As usual, Harpreet Ford suggested a replacement for Rs 6500. I suspected it to be dust issue and sprayed the gap in the round switch with anti-rust. Started working perfectly again.
I was about to sell the car (best offer Rs 175000) in December 2007 but after the AC problem was solved, decided to keep iy for one more year. I have pre-paid the bank loan and now feel light as a feather. One reason for keeping it was that I took a test drive of the Honda City VTEC and when I got back into my Ikon, it drove and handled better than the Honda.
Average fuel efficiency is 10 with AC and 12 without in city. Highway without AC is 15+ at steady speed of 80-100 kms. I never exceed 100.
