There are numerous reviews written on Maruti 800 in MS, but as an active member of MS and proud owner of M800 it is my duty to pay honor to this cute car.
I purchased M800 Std in Oct 2000, Car looked 'Hatke' (different) as this California Gold Metallic colour was fresh those days. After installing seat covers, wheel caps, deck, glass tint film, steering cover, brake light, reverse horn etc it cost me approx Rs. 242000/- with RTO Regn & compr insu.
This is my first car, my wife and me are content with it.
First I tell about Plus points of the car, pros:
Fuel Economy: It gives approx 17 kms in city and 22 on highways.
Since I am a middle class man with Ltd budget, fuel economy pays a very imp role in owning a car.
Easy Maneuvering: As it has a small turning radius, it is very easy to maneuver, n easier to park in city parking lots. Even my better half also drives this car at ease.
Affordable Price: For Rs. 2.42 lacs total this was the only car I could afford. Indica, Santro though appealed me more, were beyond my reach due to other commitments.
Now the prices have come down further, considering the inflation it is easily within reach of middle class family.
It is certainly value for moneyFor that kind of a money one shouldn?t expect much from M800. Don't expect luxury n other riding comforts.
It fulfills the necessity of owning a car, having a car is very useful at odd hours and at emergencies. M800 just meets your needs n bare necessities
Maruti spares are cheaper n available everywhere.
M800 can be serviced anywhere in the country.
Reliable: I drove the car from Mumbai to Satara, Mahabaleshwar Ghats, Mum-Nashik Shirdi, the car never let us down, neither broke down, nor needed any repairs. It is a reliable car.
Now about some Drawbacks - the cons:
(Before discussing the minus points we must keep in mind that this is the cheapest car in India, & does definitely deliver the purpose it is expected for!!)
Boot space: is small, when I traveled to Satara with family, we had a hard time to carry our luggage, n had to keep some bags below our legs.
Uncomfortable Rear Seatsfor 3 persons: Maruti has clearly mentioned in it's brochure that its rear seats are meant only for 2 persons, hence don?t expect third person will travel comfortably.
Rear seats doesn't have much legroom, Can't seat for very long.
Seats aren?t heavily cushioned hence not much comfortable for long trip, but its rexene cover is of good quality and does not wear off for years.
Fifth Gear Un-necessary: Very rarely I used this gear. I hardly crossed 50 kmph while driving in Mumbai.
The car runs smooth but shudder or when it goes beyond 80 kmph, whenever a heavy vehicle passes next lane, the car wobbles. I felt it was unsafe to drive above 80 kmph hence I stuck to my speed i.e. 50 to 70 kmph.
800 cc Heart: It has small 796ml heart, Hence putting a load of A/c is not practical. If you put on A/c and with 4 adults, it gives much strain on engine thus reduces efficiency. (My car is non a/c and I am happy with it.)
Even 5 adults sit in a car it burdens on engine, one can sense it while driving. Some say, its 796 cc engine has 34 bhp which is lesser than BMW's motorbike etc, but we must ignore it as long as it serves our purpose.
It is not a tall boy design, cars or MUVs coming from opposite side temporarily blinds the driver.
Delicate Body: Last year when I went to Satara, a dog climbed on my car and sat on roof which resulted into dent.
The car has delicate body, thin gauge steel. If you collide to a tree trunk or wall it will cost u heavily on repairs.
Drive very carefully on highways, if it colloids, it may result into heavy damage to car and humans lives.
However, the car is best for city use, from home to office n back.
Small Size: I am a bit overweight, my watchman said 'Saab, this car looks like toy when you drive!!' I felt very angry but it isn't his fault either.
One of my friend said 'This M800 looks like M80 for you.' (My weight is to be blamed for this, not the car!! Only for this reason I might exchange this car n go for a higher segment.)
Social Mindset: It's a common notion in society that M800 is a 'Common Man's Car' or 'Car For Middle Class' hence you might get ignored in functions or in parking lots of elite class. A Man is known by the Car he keeps!
My way of driving
I always drive safely n slowly, on highways I rarely cross 60 kmph and on Pune expressway I drove at 70 kmph.
I give way to rash drivers who like to drive fast. (However my backseat driver is also responsible for my speed. My son sits in front with me, and she sits at the back with a remote control. ?Behind every safe driver there is a woman!)
Whenever I go from Gulf to India after 3 mths, first thing I do is get my car serviced.
I make sure that brakes, tires, deck etc all are in a good condition, emergency kit, stepney, necessary tools, jack etc available and Fuel, oil, water, coolant are sufficient .
One must keep car in good condition, regularly serviced if you expect a good service from car. Since Oct-2000 I drove my car 17500 kms but it still looks as good as new.
Think Safety, Drive Safely always:
Remember 'Jaan hain to jahan hain'. Pleeease do not drive in a harsh manner, do not over-speed.
Keep your lane, give proper signals to other drivers, avoid overtaking.
Never ever drive very fast: Start early for your journey.
Never in your wildest dreams think of drunken driving. Do not ever drive drunk.
After 1½ hrs of drive, stop, step out of a car, walk little, stretch out your hand and feet. Do not drive continuously.
Check Tire pressure regularly and before starting a long journey.
If you are feeling sleepy, Do not drive: Putting on radio, taking window pane down for breeze etc nothing works. Just pull over, stop at a safe place and have a quick nap till you feel fresh.
-Get Pollution test PUC done every 6 mths and sticker available in car. (Once I forgot PUC at home and had to pay Rs. 500/- fine, with receipt.)
-Become a member of WIAA or similar organisation.
-Buy a Car/Auto info magazine monthly, it keeps knowledge update.
-Keep RTO, insurance document copies in car. Always drive with a valid license.
-Keep first aid kit, pen, emergency phone numbers list, in a car.
Put a small statue of a God or your Kuldaivat you worship on dashboard.
Keep flower and burn incense stick (with due safety precaution), in will produce good, holy, vibrations.Bow before god, pranam to him before starting a journey. If any 'Apshagun' (Bad omen sign) occurs before starting a journey- just terminate the journey. After half an hour start journey afresh, let the Rahu kaal pass away..
Lastly, you must have affection for your car, treat her as your family member. If you have feelings of fondness and love to your car you will like it more and take good care of it.
And Do not go by criticism on this sweet little cutie. M800 undoubtedly gives Value for money, its most fuel efficient, has largest service network, easily available spares, reliable, and is still the largest selling car in India!
