Jun 07, 2010 10:38 PM
23997 Views
(Updated Jun 08, 2010 10:39 PM)
Its near to 7 years since I have bought this vehicle. ti be exact in Jul 2003.
Why an Indica
At the time of buyung the vehicle, I was expecting a daily run of near to 40 kms on a daily basis and hence diesel was the prime lookout. In 2003, the options of a diesel car in the hatchback segment was only Indica and Palio (While I was very keen on the 1., 9 Palio, it was ruled out since my better half didnt like the rear end of a palio. Added to this the fact that my bro also has an Indica tilted my favour towards Indica).
My daily travel literally came to 0/ day since my wife didnt join her higher stdies and that left me to opt for company vehicle for transportation. Over these years my prefered vehicle was always 2 wheelers (I had a splendor and now a Yam Gladi, both reviews are posted in Mouthshut), Indica ended up in the garage most of the time. Added to this, couple of trips from base location and Indica ended up as a low mileage vehicle. Ran just 45K in 7 Yrs time period
What I dont like in the car
Very low power. While the vehicle is pretty nice to drive above 70 Kms/ hr in the highways. its 53 bhp makes it difficult driving in City limits. Switch on the AC and I need to dance on accelerator to get it moving. AC ride is a strict No no in this vehicle (the newer ones with Turbo performs way better). this is one of the main reason why I am looking/ recommend for a new vehicle.
Suspension issues - while this is not a total disappointment, any potholes and disturbance in the road is passed to the cabin. The ride on a smooth road is butter smooth though. (I m not sure if the tires has a say in these. I am still in OEM Good year tires till now and looking for a replacement in next week)
- Sound inside cabin - More to say that its a truck. the ICE sounds deafens it a lot, but still its a truck
- Tachometer - The DLS version didnt come with a Tacho and I miss that in driving. High noice in cabin makes me shift earlier than the power band
- TASS - Tata authorised service centre was never tata's plus point, be in Bangalore or at Trivandrum and once I moved to a local mechanic, life is pretty cool. TASS is always crowded and one is treated like a cab driver. Takes away the feel good factor.
Small nitty gritty issues
Rim bends on high speed hits on pot holes
wheel balancing and alignment a must in 5K Kms.
Small rattles here and there
rubbery gear shift
very hard clutch. takes away the fun in driving in bangalore bumper to bumper traffic
Good things
Space - No doubt this is one of the spacoius hatch in the market. Barring the new Indica vista and i20/ Punto. The controls are also easy to reach
Wiper controls - 7 speeds - including 5 intermittent ones. very useful in slow drizzles
- Running costs - I keep track of every cost assosiated with the vehicle and in the span of 7 Yrs and 45K Kms, my fuel efficiency is 17.2 Kmpl and that takes the running cost near to 2.5 Rs/ Km.
Overall VFM - Everyone assosiates Tata vehicles with low reliability and maintenance issues. However my overall maintenance cost over 7 Yrs is 29000 (Service cost of 17947 and Maintenance/ parts cost of 10860). So average maintenance cost of near to 4K/ year (very well in the league of petrol vehicles)
TIUG - Tata Indica user group, a super active yahoo group that discusses all and everything related to Indica. I feel I know a lot better abt Indica going through the group. it has become the first place to look for advise and recommendations in case of a problem. thanks to its very helpful seniors who take time to answer each and every query coming their way
Recommendation (Yes and No)
I would recommend this to people
However considering the new age vehicles, this falls short of power, image, sound insulation and other factors ( barring the space).
But if you are looking for one that' silent, power at your tap and image concious, then I dont think this vehicle is for you.
Overall a value for money car. A pretol Indica was costing only 20K less than the Diesel one in 2003 and till date even with the low running , it gave its return. The low running costs gives enough freedom and fuel costs was never a concern for any long trip.
if I am looking for a new hatch now, its just because of the low power (takes away the fun). Tata has constantly inproved the quality in its vehicles and I believe the newer ones are way better than the 2003 models.
Will I buy an Indica again - May be
- -the space inside an indica literally spoiled me that even with the small isues I faced, still I may evnture back to Tata stable
- if tata did fixed the issue of low power (I suppose they did as Indica NA is 87 Nm while it Turbo counter part is 135 Nm and the fiat diesel is 190 Nm), then my main concern is sorted out, rest all I think I can live with considering the space it provides
Regards,
GeorgeV
