The Maruti 800 is probably the car many of us have had our first drives in (apart from the Ambassador, of course), and will probably be regarded as one of the greatest cars in the Indian Automobile Revolution, the one that kickstarted it all. But the question is, is it worth buying one today?
The lastest generation 800 received it’s facelift in 1997 and got MPFI for Euro 2 norms in 2000, and a small facelift last year. It’s recently been converted to Euro 3, though Euro 2 cars may still be available.
So lets see how it does on various parameters:
1. Looks: I’m not going to bore you with this at all. It’s too common and thats that. Ok, i’ll also add that it’s boxy, ugly and old, but it was nice a decade ago.
2. Performance: Err.... with 45bhp from its wheezy 796cc engine, the 800 is not going to outdrag Honda City VTEC’s or even Swift’s at the traffic lights. But the engine is a smooth Suzuki unit. You must make sure you look after it well though, otherwise it beomes boomy and noisy. The engine is quite adequate for srart and stop city traffic, with decent torque available. But, put on the AC and have 2 or more passenger on board, and the engine starts to whine. And don’t even think of carrying 2 or more passengers with AC on on hilly sections. The engine really struggles there, but then, you get used to turning the AC off jsut before every overtaking manoevour on the highway!
3. Comfort: The 800 is crapmed by modern standards, though to its credit, you can say it is justa bit smaller than an Alto. The seats are reasonably low set, but 2 6-footers can’t sit one behind the other. Interior plastics are probably appaling at this day and age, but then, the price of the car is low. Boot space is ok for a shopping trip, but a bit of a problem in case of long journeys. Noise levels in the 800 are highers in the 800 than the Alto, though it it is still quite bearable.
4. Ride and Handling: RIde is a bit bouncy, esp. compared to the Alto, and could definitely be better tuned. To it’s credit, the suspension is built tough and can withstand most punishment from our roads with ease. Handling is quite good for a city car, with a small turning circle radius and small dimension, the 800 is probably the best city car to drive around (after the Maini Reva electric car, of course). The steering is also light and smooth inspite of not being power assited.
5. Fuel Efficiency: One of the 800’s biggest trump cards, the 800 is extremenly frugal, and even with the AC on can get 12-14 kmpl in the city. It’s a cheap car to run, and in this day of high fuel prices, it makes a lot of sense. But then the Alto isn’ too far beind either, with maybe a kmpl or 2 less.
6. Reliabilty: This is a Maruti, right, and the 800 is probably the one car which can be taken almost everywhere without problems. yes, the body may start rattling a bit after 15, 000 kms but it will almost never let you down. It can run long, and Maruti’s service stations are almost everywhere. So far, my experience with Maruti’s service Stations has been fine. Also, cost of spares is low so this is a cheap car to run and maintain.
7. Buying Used: This, I feel, is the best way for anyone to enter into new car ownership, if on a tight budget. Since 800’s are plentiful you can almost always find one to your liking. Pre MPFI cars may be even below Rs. 70, 000, but I would recommend getting a post-2000 model for it’s power and better fuel economy. One of the best ways to get a reliable one is through Maruti’s True Value scheme. Sure, you may pay a bit more than from a private seller, but the car is checked and certified by Maruti, so there are less chances of getting a bad piece. Also, some cars may come with nylon tyres, I suggest you look for a model with radial tyres, or at least buy some radial tyres for it.
Why I recommend buying a used one is that an 800 AC model costs about Rs. 2, 20, 000 (ex-showroom) while an Alto AC costs Rs. 2, 70, 000 (ex-showroom). You may think that the Rs. 50, 000 price difference is a bit too much for a budget car, but with EMI’s and loans available these days, I suggest you pay a bit more for the Alto, it would be better built, easy to drive as well, has better ride quality, holds it’s value better, provides good economy and it looks better. Or try for the soon to be phased out Zen, not available for just Rs. 3, 00, 000 or even lower.
So this is what I will say about the 800, it’s a cheap to buy, cheap to run, reliable and easy driving city car, but it is too old and outdated to consider as a new car, I feel an Alto may be better buy new, but for a used buy, the 800 should be at the top of any budget new car owner’s list.