I purchased the car on 11th March 2005. On driving the car myself (I have a driver for it), I found the car shuddering when braking at slightly higher speeds (50 ~ 60 kmph). I immediately contacted the dealer, M/s Navnit Motors Ltd. They analysed the problem. All brake assemblies had to be changed. Nothing to be paid !! Just that my NEW car had to remain with Navnit for a couple of days. Guess Maruti Udyog’s QA didn’t work this time.
Frequent problems with the power windows getting stuck while opening / closing. The best was when the windows, on a closing motion, were accompanied by the rubber beeding from within the door !! Guess another quality / design goof up? The reply by most mechanics, regarding the windows is, "This is a usual phenomenon with Maruti Esteem vehicles !!".
Is Maruti Udyog listening to this? The latest is that the power antenna refuses to go in fully. Open the boot and you can see "hand painted" stuff along the inside. Nice isn’t it? Guess they couldn’t automate this during manufacture or couldn’t use a spray machine to do this. All other car brands that I checked did not have this eye sore.
The wires keep getting cut. Especially the ones that feed power to the power windows. The inside roof light keeps malfunctioning. As the switches at the doors that toggle this keep malfunctioning.
Well, as Maruti says, the Engine works well. Doesn’t it? So if you want a good engine and lotsa service agencies to service your vehicle, though you may need to make repeat visits to resolve a problem, buy a Maruti Esteem !! Again, if the vehicle doesn’t perform as desired after a service, you can always call up the 24 hrs. service number and can again stand by the vehicle for a couple of hours, in the night, while they slog on resolving the problem. I guess Maruti Udyog & its dealers want that the customers should repeatedly visit the service stations. Hence the niggling problems, I guess !!
I’ve finally managed to hive it off. The latest is that a few friends of mine, who bought a Maruti Esteem have had their "Esteem" trampled. They’re also planning of selling off their vehicles. Any buyers !! :)