Although I knew it came with many handicaps, I had already made up my mind to buy a used Bolero GLX. I took the car on a 1500 kms drive through the ghats to Goa and back before I decided to make the purchase.
Aesthetics:
The looks have always attracted me. Very jeepy and meaty. The rubber is Bridgestone Dueler HT 215/75, which are good enough, but not as broad as the 235/75 found on the Scorpio. With alloys the wheels would look good and add to the overall look of the vehicle. Needs a bullbar and skiracks on top to enhance looks.
Performance:
If you are reading this, you don’t want a fast machine. Neither did I. I wanted something that can cruise at a decent 100/110 kmph on the highways. I was satisfied with its run on good stretches like Chitradurga to Bangalore. Handling curves at high speeds is a bother, but I slowed down to 60 kph every time. We had seven adults in the car, so it was handling rather nicely.
Suspension:
On rough roads, man, I dint feel a thing. The passengers did complain on really big potholes, but they also mentioned that in a Scorpio it was worse! Dunno how that’s possible.
A/c:
Very basic controls, but does a fantastic job of cooling even the people on the child seats at the back. There is no heater, which can be a problem for people buying it in Delhi and places like that. This a/c defogs the windows pretty well. Another thing: I heard abt low NVH levels, but the outside world actually gets shut out when you roll up the windows.
Power steering:
The tricky part. Doesn’t get cut off at high speeds. You have to be extra cautious handling this steering because even the slightest steer can send your vehicle off the road.
Fuel Consumption:
11.5 kpl on the highway. If you want better mileage, buy an Indica, or a Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI for double the price. So far the city mileage has been around 10 kpl, but who cares! it’s diesel after all.
Things that could have been better:
1) Rear wiper is a must
2) Tyres could be broader because Bridgestone 215/75 wears out in 40000 kms.
235/75 would positively impact handling and negatively the mileage :-).
3) Needs a heater
4) Second row seat should be made foldable.
Best part:
The parts basket for the Bolero costs a mere Rs 37, 000 according to Autocar India! And you won’t believe how happy that makes a used car buyer. Everything is damn cheap. So, when you have to change the roller balls of the front suspension at 50000 kms, dont worry, they are cheap anyways.
Issues that people are facing but I haven’t faced:
1) Water seepage into the cabin thru a/c duct. Needs to be insulated at a nominal cost.
2) Power window units can act funny in some vehicles, but if you have suffered Maruti Esteem power windows, this shdnt be a problem.
Overall, I got exactly what I wanted. Towering over other traffic, breezing through potholes where other cars struggle, am absolutely happy with the Bolero’s performance. It delivers that and a lot more in the form of drool value. Go, buy one today.