More car per car - The final update. Review on Tata Indica V2 Xeta

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3rd and FINAL update:(August 2009)

The mileage so far has been 23000 km. I will straight go to the essential events

1. 3rd service done at 20, 000 kms at CARKRAFT once again. Same courtsey and efficient service. this service was a tad expensive( rs.2200). Some more parts like fuel filter, air filter etc was changed and the prices of engine oil has also increased due to the hike in petroleum prices.

   
   




2. So far, not even one major problem regarding any car part. I had 3-4 minor problems regarding windshield wipers etc.All too small costing less than Rs.100 each time

   
   




3. The car was squeaking a bit before he service( my driver calls it "car asking for service squeak"). That disappeared after the service.

   
   




4. I have gone on fairly long drives on highways and on all sort of roads. The car has never ever given me a problem.

   
   




5. A month back the car was suddenly giving me low milage( 10km/litre). Remember that normally my car normally gives 12-13 km/litre with 70% AC on in the city. Checks determined that tyre pressure was faulty and wheel alignment was also a bit faulty. Got tyres under correct pressure( free) and Rs.500 for wheel alignment from a local garage.

   
   

Car is again back to standard fuel efficiency

1. The engine is still as responsive as when it was new, infact it has got smoother. Now I can easily drive at 4th gear below 40km/hr at at the 3rd gear below 30km/hr. The car does not shudder at high gears and low speeds. The engine has become much smoother I guess.

Recently a funny thing happened. A friend of mine casually asked me whether I was interested in selling my car. it must be mentioned here that I planned all along to sell my car after using it for two years. I said yes and at a reasonable price the deal was settled. He was extremely interested in my car becoz he has gone on drives with me, the car stays at a garage at his apartment building and he has seen the performance and solidity over the past two years.

I am planning to buy a new car now but some parting tips for Indica XETA owners and wannabe buyers:

1.Treat your car well in the first 1000 kms by never going above 60km/hr or revving abve 2000rpm( watch the tacho)

1. Run your car by following the gear aspects mentioned by TATA( it is there on the windshield at the drivers side) for the first 20, 000km. Only after that try to run in high gears at low speeds( resulting in better fuel efficiency). If you try this before 20, 000 km, your engine suffers

   
   




2. Change engine oil at 1000( 1st service), 10, 000(2nd service), 20000(3rd service) as reccomended.

   
   

Also change at 15000km and at 25000km.

i.e, change gear oil every 5000 kms after 10000km has been completed

1. Frequently top up engine oil, coolant, distilled water as and when required( check once every two weeks, make a habit)

   
   




2. Check tyre pressure before a long trip and check wheel alignment after a long and bumpy trip

   
   




3. Get the underbody rust proof treatment done at or after the first service. You will get a better resale value

   
   




4. Try reading about experiences of other car owners( your model) and learn from them. Utilise this info in maintaining your car. One website which stands out in this regard is https://team-bhp.com

   
   

My mom has given the ultimate accolade by asking me to buy another new Indica XETA:-)

However, I am torn between Indica VISTA Quadrajet and Maruti Swift VDi DDiS. I am shifting to diesel as my driving would be much more in the coming year.( Ritz is out of the question as I do not like the "kicked in the ass" look). Rest of the diesel hatchbacks simply don't enter the picture.

Expect a review from me on whichever car I buy. But it's time to end this review, say goodbye to Indica XETA and move on.

Thanks for reading and have a great ride.