I have just covered 63, 000 kms in my TATA Marina TDi LS.
The only reason why I opted for it in place of the Indigo LS was the humungous boot space in all 3 dimensions. This being my first diesel car (I have driven a Maruti Van for 19 years prior to this car), I decided to go in for it with the economy of differential fuel price in mind. I am very happy that I did because this car has pleasantly surprised me in more ways than I could imagine. I have driven it to speeds of 155 kmph on the Xpressway and it has been rock steady.
As regards mileage I get 15 - 16.9 kmpl in the city and 19 - 20 on the highway. Best of all, I love the surge in power between 1900 to 2500 rpm of the engine. Also, I find that if one regularly makes a long journey on the highway the car drives like a breeze.There are a couple of things though that I make sure that I do to make sure that it perfoms that way:
1) I get my car serviced every 5000 kms as per the service schedule and ensure that the air filter is cleaned, all 5 wheels are balanced, aligned and rotated to get max. tyre life(I am still running on the original tyres that came with the car and the service enggr. is confident I would get another 10, 000 km for my tyres).
2) When I cold start the engine in the morning I make sure that I run the engine idle for 1 minute before driving away. I also ensure that on reaching my destination I keep the engine running for about 1 minute before turning off the engine.
3) I always fill ordinary diesel at Company run outlets only. I also use Iftex System ’D’ which I find keeps the engine running smoothly. Sometimes I do use Turbojet especially when ordinary diesel is in short supply.
Initially many people advised me against buying a diesel vehicle sighting maintenance problems, but seeing the way my car has performed, I am sure it will continue to give me good service for the years to come. Thank you TATA!!