I recently bought a used Tata Estate ’96-model. I was impressed by its size and comfort level the first time I went to the dealer to check it. I immediately decided to buy this vehicle. The very next day we went for a short trip (around 700 km to and fro) and had a very comfortable journey. The middle seat was folded and I put mattresses there so my kids could play and relax there. It was as if they were traveling in a small room.
The vehicle is really heavy and one could feel the road grip even at the speed of 80 km/hr. Did not use AC so cannot say anything about it. The vehicle has lot of power and I could feel the jerk even on 4th gear. The pick up is not that good, but once the speed is gained there is no stopping. As I had Maruti 800 earlier, shifting gears in Tata Estate was really an exercise. I had to literally pull the gear stick while changing from 3rd to 4th gear.
Power steering makes driving easy even on city roads. But as the turning radius is very high and it requires lot of space to turn the vehicle 180 degrees. Engine noise is pretty much low on top (5th) gear, its acceptable considering the power and size of the vehicle. On lower gears, though there’s considerable engine noise, but its certainly not unbearable.
I am yet to check on maintenance of the vehicle so cannot say anything on that front. But I feel any vehicle, if maintained properly, would not become a headache later. Overall, I am happy that I bought this vehicle. Its a luxury vehicle and best suitable for long journeys with family or friends.
One thing I would certainly like to mention is, not to form opinion about this vehicle (or any other vehicle) without actually experiencing the ride in that vehicle. Even when I decided to go for Tata Estate, some of my friends literally laughed at me. But now most of them have changed their opinion.