HI,
just from my experience.. wanted India drivers to watch out for engine temperature dial... (which is normally ignored on other cars)..
on the older diesel indica’s. @ 2002. the thermostat (which starts the fan) konks off... and the engine overheats... this could lead to engine seizure.. and we had some very expensive repairs.. beware of spurios spares... some of these thermostats either dont kick in... .leads to overheating...... or dont kick out.. that means the fan is continously on irrespective of whether required or not .. this would lead to .. overcooling of engine (lots of black smoke in exhaust) battery getting compeltely discharged.
first symptom of overheating ... (apart from temp. dial on dash) ..is that the AC stops working... this is a sure sign of engine overheating.
We had atleast 2 cases of overheating because of faulty thermostat... and our driver not giving attention lead to engine seizures.... major engine overhauls costing a lot of money.
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I think after the ambassador this is the next complete family car.
Enough space for 5 people to shit comfortably... more people makes the suspension softer and better ride quality.
At its price, seating capacity and fuel economy its a steal.
it has transformed the Indian auto industry and held very well against foreign onslaught.
Engine is just right for its size and for family. you can expect never to have adrenalin rushes. since you cant push to car much. Its good for rash drivers..
my cousin was a maverick driver and family used to be scared all the time when he would drive out (accent, jeep etc). Now with the indica, we are rest assured that he wont indulge in road rage, adrenalin gushes.
some negative aspects.. the earlier cars had lots of problems... window handles coming off. seat recliner knob coming off. thermostat failing.. leading to overheating, engine seizure etc... wiper blades jumping on the glass...water reservoir nozzle breaking ..
looks like most of the above are overcome in the new cars (post 2005). so its a much better car now. all said and done its wonderful car for the Indian masses.
REQUEST TATA’S TO INTRODUCE CRDI ENGINES IN INDICA’S TOO..
BETTER MILEAGE AND MORE POWER TOO.
WILL GIVE OTHER CARS A REAL RUN..