The experience 84000 kms later
For some reason - I still have the car and still have pretty much the same feedback. Some milestones that define the owner experience
1) my first change of tyres came at 70000 km. Which I think was excellent. There was still sufficient thread on the wheels, but I changed the tyres out of pure preventative maintenance (i was scared of the rubber ageing).
2) Battery lasted 5 years - changed in 2010.
3) In the first year - after my first review - I had to have the aircon blower replaced. It seems that this was a common problem - and hyundai replaced future models with a blower that had 4 settings instead of 3. models prior to the erlx branding had only 3. I have never used the 3 setting just to be safe since then.
4) It is always good to get a tyre alignment done after rough terrain trips.
5) I have had exhaust leaks (mild) fixed twice over 7-8 years. Seems to be a weak component - despite not living near a beach/coast or corrosive environment.
6) I also changed the clutch at 80000km out of pure prevention maintenance. It was working perfectly. However - it took a long time for the new clutch to wear in. Some slight vibrations existing in the beginning - but now after 4000km, it has settled in well.
Service experience. Hyundai superfically seems to have caught up with maruti - but there is still a stark difference in the service experience. Hyundai must do a benchmarking exercise with toyota and maruti. The experience is not bad - but there is still a little something missing.
Drivetrain, transmission and engine: All holding on well. The shifts are still crisp and the engine responds well in urgent situations.
Interiors - I made one mistake. In the 5th year of ownership, I replaced my rear speakers. The weight of the new speakers seem to have loosened up some plastic work - so some of the joints that held perfectly together seem a little looser now. There is some noise over broken roads - but I guess 8 years will take its toll on any car.
Driving confidence - I still feel confident taking the car on long trips. The next piece of preventitive maintenance will be an all round suspension replacement. I feel that a couple of bushes need change as well - but the service stations have said it is all ok. Still - I drive the car - and feel that this should be done for a smoother ride.
Paint - still intact. no chips / bubbles etc. I wash my car once in 2 weeks personally. I have found that excessive washing causes dullness. I also wash the plastic parts first (lights, chrome), then the glass, then bonnet & top, then the sides, and then the lower sides including the bumpers. Last of all the tyres. Otherwise grit gets in the way and causes additional scratches.
Overall experience has been good. I plan to keep the car for at least 5 years more.
Hope this is helpful. Underline text
the first review - 2005
I bought my santro about a year and a half ago. It was is ‘my’ first car. I have been driving illegally since I was 11 so that means that I have driven many other cars. I’m 27 now.
The buying experience:
The Santro is a bit expensive when it comes to its competition. Not by much, but yes – a little more expensive. All the dealers I evaluated were very courteous.
First drive
Smooth, quiet, high enough to get in and out easily, good air conditioning. It will put a smile on your face. Maneuverability is excellent and responsiveness is all feather touch.
Long drives
The longest I have driven continuously is from Mumbai to Yercaud in about 20 hours – 1300kms. I did not have the slightest problem going either way. Very reliable if in its first 3 years I would say. If driven very carefully at 60kmph – it will return about 18kmpl.
Short city drives:
Low on mileage – if pushed hard in lower gears it could give you a mileage of about 6 kmpl. It will average out at about 10kmpl in the city with the ac on and with very careful and mature driving.
The engine
Refinement is above average, but no one can tell you what extra the erlx gives you – not even the dealers. Details are so sketchy about technical differentiation with the erlx. Trouble free engine. Belts squeak in the monsoon on start up but dry up really quick.
Suspension
Good for the front but a little bumpy over the rear.
Space
Average to cramped. But I did not buy a merc. Its fair enough for its exact utility. I have not seen a review of an auto. So complainers about santros space please be quiet. Interiors are basic but enough to feel happy in.
Service
Good – catching up with the Maruti network.