Thought like sharing my experience with my car ... Itz an 8-yr old Maruti 800. Itz a well-kept, 40k km driven, ’like-new’ and smoothly driven one when I bought it.
Here are the specs, I experienced:
Fuel Efficiency: 16 km in cities (Even at Bangalore with a lot of traffic jams while going to work), 21 kmpl at highway (Of course, I use it a lot ... It traversed more than 10k miles within first 8 months)
Maintainability: Too Good ... Itz just built for Indian Roads. As you know ... There are millions around you. Also the service centers are everywhere with cheap and well-experienced centers.
Condition: Good. It never stopped on road ... I do servicing more often as I like longer drives. Probably due to that, the drive is always smooth with very little problems just like a brand-new car.
Driving & Handling: Too good. As itz small, easy for city drives. With little space reqd, parking is really easy.
Speed, Engine: Good. It can move at 90 kmph continuously without any problems. Good enough for a highway ride. What else u need in India? Just know, there are no Autobahn here !!!
Suspension: Poor ... What else, you can expect from such a car. Still itz a lot better than 2-wheelers like Splendour or Vitor ...
Space, comfort, etc: I dont see any problem sitting inside it for long (my height is 5 feet 9). Dont care to change to a new one for this issue.
Of course, I recommend it to all first-timers. It is really necessary for you, if you are not good with driving and ’car care’. Also it takes little space, simple maneuverability, high fuel efficiency in city, wide dealer network, cheap service & spare costs, etc.
Now I am thinking about upgrading my present car to something like Santro or Indica. Too hesitant to do it, as I really love my present car. Also u know, I am highly price-conscious ...
Hope, I’m not keeping u bored with longer passage with my first review at Mouthshut !!!