Used Indica DLE Experience:-. Review on Tata Indica - Diesel

I own a used 2002 bright red Indica DLE bought as 2nd hand on 2008 December.The car was bough el cheapo(Rs1, 30, 000) as I cannot afford a newer car.The car has clocked 1, 17424 kms when I bought this car.

The Used Indicab/DLE Experience:-

The car was lacking power that it cannot climb hill sections or even overtaking a 50kmph travelling vehicle was very tough.The Car was earlier used as a taxi in Mangalore area.may be due to proximity to sea and salty air , water the car's Engine Mounts where fully rusted!!!then in the underside the area where chassis joins with the front wheel(on each wheel) was fully worn out, teared out RUSTED Very Heavily.It was risking life travelling in such a car.

So , I gave to a local service fellow and for Rs13000 spend , He repaired many a small problems in engine bay and around the car.but he said he cannot repair the rusting in underside which needs welding and procuring parts from coimbatore or via tata spares distributor.anyways , I drove the car for another 3 months with the front 2 wheels misaligned to a great amount that it can risk a collapse in braking or in taking turns fast.squaeling sounds can be heard from the brand new tyres on the front.the new tyres were finished very soon(Rs5000 loss!).

Then , When I got enough money( I am a poor guy people!) for a Engine Overhaul and the repair of the above rusted parts , gave it to a experienced repair centre.they quoted Rs16000 for Engine Overhaul approximate.And the total repair will come around Rs25000 including Engine Overhaul.It will take 2 weeks before I can lay hands on steering again.So , the Cost of Buying a Used Indica is paying me Huge -Rs 1, 30, 000+13000+25000=1, 68, 000 or 1, 70, 000 approximate.I learned a Good Lesson that Before Buying a used DIESEL CAR , We have to be very careful.you must be ready to accept that diesel cars 2nd hand will need Engine Overhaul sooner or later.Being My Nature of a Loner with No Leads in Car Market or Any Friends to Assist , I made a Huge Loss Myself.

The Experience

that said , I have ran around 10, 000kms before giving it for repair.I drove it to Coimbatore from Muvattupuzha(cochin) , and many a kochin travels(40kms), and other 60-80kms(one side) travels.despite having a weak engine waiting for a overhaul , this rugged car managed to touch 90-100kmph in straight roads(highways).though it was very tough to drive in town limits and in going to places like Munnar(a Hill station 90kms from where I live).frequent gear changes needed and many on driving seat will lose patience driving this car.

Good Things are :

The Car after got lot of beatings before getting into My Hands , It's Interior is fine.Lot of Leg Room for both rear and front seat passengers.AC is Just Fine.Being 110kg and 5ft9inch , I found this car good for me , so is My Family.Metal Sheets used in Indica is better than many other cars although many will disagree.Car Got Body roll , but it is still safer than many cars.The Spare Parts costs is cheap compared to to other brands.

Verdict:-

After Bought this used car , I have no finance nor any other option rather than use this car for another 2 or 3 years.So , Engine Overhauled Engines which are supposedly can run for 1lakh or 1.5lakh kilometers makes me confident that I should stick with this car , which is comfortable for Large Built People Especially.The Mileage the car offers at 20-22kmpl is Excellent considering diesel costs Rs33.5/litre here in My Town.

I have driven New Indica Turbo cars.I will recommend someone who is looking to buy Indica DLE or DLS to Buy A Turbo based Indica.It is lot more peppier.And For Very Very Tight Budget wala people like me , OK get Indica DLE/DLS or Indicab , before make sure that the car is in good condition especially with underside and mechanicals.Albeit You will surely need engine overhaul sooner or later.

Good Luck.Hope I did a review which was not biased.tried to be as truthful as possible.

Thanks and Regards,

Prakash JK,

Muvattupuzha,

Kochin,

Kerala