I bought an Indica DLS last month and did 2500 km. I owned a Maruthi 800 AC for a year and found that it was not an efficient vehicle to carry my family (three adults and two children), especially when we used the AC.
Last month we went for a long trip in our Indica. We started from Kottayam, Kerala and drove 418 km to Mysore in ten hours, stopping half an hour for lunch. We went through the high ranges and the car gave 13.5 kmpl. I drove at 60-80 kmph and did not use the fifth gear, as the car was still running under its initial 1000 km. From Mysore, we went to Velankanni driving 526 km in 11 hours, again stopping half an hour for lunch. This time it gave 18.3 kmpl. I drove it at 70 – 100 km and used the fifth gear extensively. While returning to Kottayam the next day, I heard continuous rattling noise (either from the engine or the gear box) but didn’t stop the car to check. We came via Coimbatore and finished the 600 km journey in 14 hours. This time the mileage was 16.22 kmpl. As I was a bit tired, I didn’t use the fifth gear that much this time (must be careful with the fifth gear, as the vehicle goes a bit loose in that gear) It was 14 hours non-stop cruise. Our entire trip was run with the AC.
After reaching home I found that the engine oil level was half. I took the vehicle to the dealer, St. Antony, Kottayam. They topped it up and told me that for a new engine initial oil expenditure was usual. I believe them, as I don’t have any previous experience with diesel cars. When I asked them about the rattling noise they said that they would check it when I would come for the first service. But I found that that noise was gone when I was driving short distances. But on long distances, the noise returned. Weird?
Once I got burning rubber smell from the blower when I used it without running the AC. When I switched on the AC there was no smell. It came back as I switched off the AC. Thank God, this problem never reappeared.
Recently my left front tyre had a puncher. I lost Rs 15 and half an hour on it. However, they could not find any nails in the tyre.
Well, I’m happy with the vehicle for the time being but I think Tata can make this vehicle a hassle free one if they mind. Do they mind?
Well, now after using Indica for three years (6-10-2008), I’m happy to note that I didn’t have to change my first impression of it. It’s still running without any problems. I do regular service, that’s all. It now gives me an appreciable 22 kmpl on the highway and 18 kmpl on the crawling city roads.