Completed 1st Free Service on Mar 21st. Got engine compartment waxing, 3M paint protection done. Cost about 3500/-. Asked the high beam adjustment to be done, it was done, but I need to have it adjusted again. It is not to my satisfaction. Car runs great as usual.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
First Long Trip - 650 Kms Covered Over the Weekend
Indie completed the first long drive from Bangalore to Sullia via Mysore, Madikeri and back. Here are some of the highlights:
- I struggled to get the synchronization going between me and the machine. The turbo would kick in and the car would take off but negotiating the traffic on Mysore road with the turbo coming in was a challenge initially.
- Once the turbo kicks in, the car simply develops phenomenal power
- Completed the entire journey with A/C on, absolutely no power drop
- topped up about Rs 800/- worth of normal diesel in sullia. Premium Diesel is NOT recommended for Vista.
- During the onward journey, the time taken was 6 Hours and 5 minutes to cover 325 Kms. Started at 7 PM and reached at 1:05 AM with two breaks of 10 Mins each.
- While coming back, I was completely in sync with the car behaviour and the journey was really amiable. We completed 325 Kms in 5 Hours 25 Mins with one break of 25 Mins. Man, this was my best ever from Sullia to Bangalore.
- Comfortably passed Innovas, i20s, Swifts and loads of other makes without having to sweat it out. Not to say that those vehicles are not capable, may be individual driving style, but Indie was able to cruise at 120KMPH at about 2500 RPMs and the cabin noise was very minimal. The car did not feel stressed.
- During my onward journey, it was quite unnerving while manouvering the car at 100+ speeds. I realized that the steering wheel of indie is tuned differently as compared to my A-Star. Indie steering wheel is hyper sensitive where as A Star steering wheel is not so sensitive. I feel Indie steers more for the same rotation of the steering wheel as compared to A-Star. This steering behaviour during my onward journey was part of the "did not feel in sync" with the car experience. However, on my way back, I got used to it and was steering it appropriately without going through "Oh My God!" moments.
- Headlights are not meant for night driving : went over one speed break each during my onward and return journey at 40-50 speeds as the poor headlights ensured that the speed breakers were visible only at the last moment. Not to mention that the speed breaker warning signs were not placed on the shoulders as well. Upgrading to Philips ExtremeVision +100% 55W H1 and H7 today!
- Overall, the experience was super.
- I struggled to get the synchronization going between me and the machine. The turbo would kick in and the car would take off but negotiating the traffic on Mysore road with the turbo coming in was a challenge initially.
- Once the turbo kicks in, the car simply develops phenomenal power
- Completed the entire journey with A/C on, absolutely no power drop
- topped up about Rs 800/- worth of normal diesel in sullia. Premium Diesel is NOT recommended for Vista.
- During the onward journey, the time taken was 6 Hours and 5 minutes to cover 325 Kms. Started at 7 PM and reached at 1:05 AM with two breaks of 10 Mins each.
- While coming back, I was completely in sync with the car behaviour and the journey was really amiable. We completed 325 Kms in 5 Hours 25 Mins with one break of 25 Mins. Man, this was my best ever from Sullia to Bangalore.
- Comfortably passed Innovas, i20s, Swifts and loads of other makes without having to sweat it out. Not to say that those vehicles are not capable, may be individual driving style, but Indie was able to cruise at 120KMPH at about 2500 RPMs and the cabin noise was very minimal. The car did not feel stressed.
- During my onward journey, it was quite unnerving while manouvering the car at 100+ speeds. I realized that the steering wheel of indie is tuned differently as compared to my A-Star. Indie steering wheel is hyper sensitive where as A Star steering wheel is not so sensitive. I feel Indie steers more for the same rotation of the steering wheel as compared to A-Star. This steering behaviour during my onward journey was part of the "did not feel in sync" with the car experience. However, on my way back, I got used to it and was steering it appropriately without going through "Oh My God!" moments.
- Headlights are not meant for night driving : went over one speed break each during my onward and return journey at 40-50 speeds as the poor headlights ensured that the speed breakers were visible only at the last moment. Not to mention that the speed breaker warning signs were not placed on the shoulders as well. Upgrading to Philips ExtremeVision +100% 55W H1 and H7 today!
- Overall, the experience was super.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Grinding Noise - Terminated!
In my earlier post I had mentioned about the grinding noise emanating from the front right wheel. Today I showed up at Concorde and as usual had a tough time parking the vehicle. Once I found the parking spot, I went in and met the lady who had helped me last time around. She promptly took me to the express service bay and asked the mechanic there to help me.
The first mechanic takes the car for a drive along with me and is kind of not sure whether he is hearing the noise or not. He said it is coming from the engine and that is a normal sound. Actually, I told him that it is not normal and it is coming from the wheels. He then puts up the vehicle on the hoist and they lift my Indie. He rotates the wheels and it does not make any noise. But the noise while driving was so loud that I simply did not agree that there is no noise.
Then shows up this guy who helped me last time with the A/C vents. I should make a special mentioned about this person - John, he walks up to me and smiles and asks me what the problem is. When I described the problem to him, with the vehicle being on hoist still, he just walks out, comes back with a screw driver and pulls back a L shaped metal cover which is protecting the CV joint. He pulls the vehicle down from the hoist and says "Let's drive". We go for a test drive and Lo! the noise is gone.
The noise was coming due to this L shaped brass cover touching the Brake Rotor from the inside (the engine side).
This guy John seems to be a fantastic guy who kind of knows where to look for things based on the description of the problem. This guy gives me confidence that I will have a decent ownership experience all the way upto the extended warranty period - 4 Years/1,50,000 Kms whichever is earlier. 4 Year looks to be realistic to me :P. I think whenever I go there for service, I will specifically ask for John!
My Indie is learning to rock, actually rocking, again!
- Aravind
The first mechanic takes the car for a drive along with me and is kind of not sure whether he is hearing the noise or not. He said it is coming from the engine and that is a normal sound. Actually, I told him that it is not normal and it is coming from the wheels. He then puts up the vehicle on the hoist and they lift my Indie. He rotates the wheels and it does not make any noise. But the noise while driving was so loud that I simply did not agree that there is no noise.
Then shows up this guy who helped me last time with the A/C vents. I should make a special mentioned about this person - John, he walks up to me and smiles and asks me what the problem is. When I described the problem to him, with the vehicle being on hoist still, he just walks out, comes back with a screw driver and pulls back a L shaped metal cover which is protecting the CV joint. He pulls the vehicle down from the hoist and says "Let's drive". We go for a test drive and Lo! the noise is gone.
The noise was coming due to this L shaped brass cover touching the Brake Rotor from the inside (the engine side).
This guy John seems to be a fantastic guy who kind of knows where to look for things based on the description of the problem. This guy gives me confidence that I will have a decent ownership experience all the way upto the extended warranty period - 4 Years/1,50,000 Kms whichever is earlier. 4 Year looks to be realistic to me :P. I think whenever I go there for service, I will specifically ask for John!
My Indie is learning to rock, actually rocking, again!
- Aravind
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
And One Design Flaw
Today, I went to the gas station to have the diesel filled up and then routinely wanted to set the tyre pressure. Just figured out that those plush looking wheel covers hide the air valve and to fill air, he had to remove the wheel covers. Hmm, I think the design needs to be changed or I will drive without the wheel covers.
I think, I need to wipe out my previous car ownership mindset and kind of retune my mind for Vista Ownership!!
- Aravind Kamath
I think, I need to wipe out my previous car ownership mindset and kind of retune my mind for Vista Ownership!!
- Aravind Kamath
Grinding Noise from Front Right Wheel
Hmm, it is too early, but my mind is starting to wander in the wrong direction. Barely 6th Day into owning Indie, I start to hear a grinding noise from the front right wheel. It is like some metal rubbing continuosly and it vanishes when i turn either right or left. When the vehicle is moving straight, the grinding noise is back. I can hear my heartbeat racing now. My trusted old fella Maruti 800 did not make this noise. My i10 Sportz Kappa Automatic did not make this sound. My froggie (the one that has been driven to the limits) did not make this sound. Our Blueyy did not make this sound. Why is my 6 days old indie making this sound? Absolutely no hard braking so far!
The sound that I hear appears to me is coming from the front right disk brake. Looks like the brake pads are rubbing against the rotor. No, it is not the hand brake because Hand Brakes only lock rear wheels. Anyways, I will have this checked again at Concorde tomorrow! Gosh, this is getting ominous and I kind of dont like this. A/C Vent first and now the grinding noise!
This friday I am scheduled for the first long haul with my indie to the tune of ~ 350 Kms one way with almost 5 hours of the journey in the darkness and the grinding noise is not inspiring confidence. May be I am just freaking out a little bit, but kind of started missing my froggie already. May be I am over-reacting, may be, just may be, these are common while my indie is trying to settle down but whats for sure is I wont sleep tonight.
First thing I am having Indie checked tomorrow.
Will share the outcome tomorrow.
- Aravind Kamath
The sound that I hear appears to me is coming from the front right disk brake. Looks like the brake pads are rubbing against the rotor. No, it is not the hand brake because Hand Brakes only lock rear wheels. Anyways, I will have this checked again at Concorde tomorrow! Gosh, this is getting ominous and I kind of dont like this. A/C Vent first and now the grinding noise!
This friday I am scheduled for the first long haul with my indie to the tune of ~ 350 Kms one way with almost 5 hours of the journey in the darkness and the grinding noise is not inspiring confidence. May be I am just freaking out a little bit, but kind of started missing my froggie already. May be I am over-reacting, may be, just may be, these are common while my indie is trying to settle down but whats for sure is I wont sleep tonight.
First thing I am having Indie checked tomorrow.
Will share the outcome tomorrow.
- Aravind Kamath
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A/C Vents and Headlamp Adjustment
Today I visited the concorde service centre to have a couple of minor things to be fixed/adjusted.
First: I had earlier observed that the A/C vent flaps on the passenger side was not moving up and down. The control that moves the inner set of flaps left to right was functioning properly. However, the control that moves the outer flaps up and down was not functioning and the flaps were stuck in a position.
Second: The high beam alignment was not satisfactory. I had to get it adjusted.
Now, I talk to my sales executive and he asked me to come in today but he informed me that he is out of station and some other lady would help me out. I show up there at 3:45 PM. The only grouse I have about that place is that there is absolutely no parking space and I have to be extremely watchful as about every nook and corner is occupied by cars. Once I found the parking space, I stepped in and was attended to promptly in less than 15 seconds. I explain the executive that I am in to have the A/C and high beam fixed, she takes me to the express service bay immediately. Then, begins my first service experience.
All the mechanics are busy attending to other vehicles and without this lady, I just realized I stood no chance of talking to any one out there. The executive finally managed to grab attention of one of the mechanics after 5 mins and then he takes a look at the A/C vent and declares that this needs to be done by the electric department and that this would require the player and A/C panel to be removed. Then after another 5 mins, they take my car inside and the car came back after 15 mins and yes, both the high beam and the A/C vents were indeed fixed.
Now, I was not treated the way I am treated in Hyundai and Maruti Service Centers but it was not bad either. It was simply different. There are not much niceties, but the executive was polite while dealing with me. She managed to get the job done. Thats about it. And honestly, I think that is what really matters at the end of the day. While I would certainly like to be treated as king, I would not complain as long as the issue is fixed.
Coming to the overall driving experience so far, the car has been simply exhilarating when the turbo kicks in at 1750 RPM and with the truck loads of low end torque it provides for city driving. The gear shift is not as precise as it is in my froggie and blueyy. The froggie gear shift is damn precise and the gears slot with so much of surety. Indie gear shift is less precise and at times tentative but I think is what we have come to expect of a diesel. The car is loaded to the gills with gizmos and will enhance the driving experience. The A/C is an absolute chiller. So far, I have driven 190 Kms in the last two days and I am expecting the first servicing to be due sometime early next week. But, owing the sheer number of vehicles I see at dairy circle Concorde and the difficulty in parking the vehicle, I think I will give the vehicle for servicing at AutoMatrix at Mangalore later next week when I have to visit there on a personal trip.
- Aravind Kamath
First: I had earlier observed that the A/C vent flaps on the passenger side was not moving up and down. The control that moves the inner set of flaps left to right was functioning properly. However, the control that moves the outer flaps up and down was not functioning and the flaps were stuck in a position.
Second: The high beam alignment was not satisfactory. I had to get it adjusted.
Now, I talk to my sales executive and he asked me to come in today but he informed me that he is out of station and some other lady would help me out. I show up there at 3:45 PM. The only grouse I have about that place is that there is absolutely no parking space and I have to be extremely watchful as about every nook and corner is occupied by cars. Once I found the parking space, I stepped in and was attended to promptly in less than 15 seconds. I explain the executive that I am in to have the A/C and high beam fixed, she takes me to the express service bay immediately. Then, begins my first service experience.
All the mechanics are busy attending to other vehicles and without this lady, I just realized I stood no chance of talking to any one out there. The executive finally managed to grab attention of one of the mechanics after 5 mins and then he takes a look at the A/C vent and declares that this needs to be done by the electric department and that this would require the player and A/C panel to be removed. Then after another 5 mins, they take my car inside and the car came back after 15 mins and yes, both the high beam and the A/C vents were indeed fixed.
Now, I was not treated the way I am treated in Hyundai and Maruti Service Centers but it was not bad either. It was simply different. There are not much niceties, but the executive was polite while dealing with me. She managed to get the job done. Thats about it. And honestly, I think that is what really matters at the end of the day. While I would certainly like to be treated as king, I would not complain as long as the issue is fixed.
Coming to the overall driving experience so far, the car has been simply exhilarating when the turbo kicks in at 1750 RPM and with the truck loads of low end torque it provides for city driving. The gear shift is not as precise as it is in my froggie and blueyy. The froggie gear shift is damn precise and the gears slot with so much of surety. Indie gear shift is less precise and at times tentative but I think is what we have come to expect of a diesel. The car is loaded to the gills with gizmos and will enhance the driving experience. The A/C is an absolute chiller. So far, I have driven 190 Kms in the last two days and I am expecting the first servicing to be due sometime early next week. But, owing the sheer number of vehicles I see at dairy circle Concorde and the difficulty in parking the vehicle, I think I will give the vehicle for servicing at AutoMatrix at Mangalore later next week when I have to visit there on a personal trip.
- Aravind Kamath
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
New Car - Delivered
As promised, my new "Indie Jones" (fond nick name of our new acquisition) was delivered on 8th albeit with some "oh no" moments.
My friendly sales executive tells me on thursday morning that they are still not in receipt of the cover note and hence, mostly, the car will be ready only on friday, 9th. I nod my head over the phone and get started with my daily chores a tad disappointed. I was scheduled to travel to Sullia on 8th afternoon anyways, so I told the executive that i will pick up my car on Monday, 12th Mar. Then i get busy with my work and at about 2:45 PM, I start to sullia on my A-Star(froggie). As I cross kengeri and almost near Bidadi, the executive calls me and tells me that my indie jones is ready and all paperwork completed. He pleads to come and collect the car right then. On one side, is the new found excitement of bringing home Indie Jones, and on the other side, I am already one hour into my journey and I have beaten all city traffic already! Boy, he pretty much sealed the conversation when he said "Sir, we are running tight on space here and it is unnecessary risk" and first thing that comes to my mind is scratches! I tell myself that there is no way i will let my indie jones stay there for a minute more than absolutely necessary and I made the first available U turn back to bangalore, park froggie outside my apt, hop into my wife's i10 (blueyy) and reach concorde by 4:10 PM.
Overall Process of Handover:
My executive who is smiling from ear to ear greets me. After the initial niceties, we get into paper work. As usual my experience with Concorde has been top notch. The paper work is arranged and is all ready. The cover note apparently came later in the day after our phone call and executive was not aware of my plans to drive out of town. I sign on atleast 10 different papers (delivery note, gate pass, invoice, ext warranty, amc etc etc) and we now head to the delivery bay. There it stands, glittering and shining all the way to glory with art leather seat covers. I look around the car and i have the PDI checklist printed in my mind. Although i had checked one round before registration, i validate the car from exterior, the First Aid kit, warranty papers, battery warranty, duplicate set of keys, fuel coupon, warning triangle, jack and tools, spare wheel and i tell him everything looks alright. One thing I notice is that the number plate is still not fixed. I ask my executive and he says he will have it ready in 2 mins and it was indeed ready in2 mins. It took another 5 mins to fix it. And, I am all set to drive away with my new car.
I take a couple of mins to adjust ORVM, seat recline, height etc and I crank the engine and engine springs to life with low fuel warning indicator on. Executive assures me that there is atleast 3 lts of diesel and i move my car, and head towards exit of Concorde and the security validates the VIN number of the vehicle before letting me out.
Now, one key thing i want to mention here is 10th digit of my VIN is C and 12th Digit is A.
10th Digit stands for year of manufacture - 2012 (A being 2010, B being 2011)
12th Digit stands for Month of Manufacture - Jan (A being Jan, B being Feb and so on)
So, definitely I have got a spanking new car, considering I blocked the car on 22nd Feb by paying token booking amount. So nothing much to complain there and in fact, I am happy about it. I would not want a car that sat in the dealer yard for 5-6 months. The spice red with 50% tints looks really spicy with loads of chrome all around :)
So, the new car delivery was buttery smooth and so far so good. Only thing is that I had to return back from my hometown trip, which i again started at 5:45 PM but hey, Anything for the joy of driving home new car.
Couple of things on my mind at this time that needs to be done on priority:
- HSRP (High Security Registration Plate - the one with numbers embossed with hologram and so on)
- Immediate upgrade to Philips Xtreme Vision H1 and H7 (+100%) to aid night adventures.
- Steering wheel cover
On my way, near Subramanya Arcade, there is an IOC bunk, where i topped the diesel worth 1K and drove home and parked Indie safely in my parking lot.
Will post pics of my Indie sometime soon.
- Aravind Kamath
My friendly sales executive tells me on thursday morning that they are still not in receipt of the cover note and hence, mostly, the car will be ready only on friday, 9th. I nod my head over the phone and get started with my daily chores a tad disappointed. I was scheduled to travel to Sullia on 8th afternoon anyways, so I told the executive that i will pick up my car on Monday, 12th Mar. Then i get busy with my work and at about 2:45 PM, I start to sullia on my A-Star(froggie). As I cross kengeri and almost near Bidadi, the executive calls me and tells me that my indie jones is ready and all paperwork completed. He pleads to come and collect the car right then. On one side, is the new found excitement of bringing home Indie Jones, and on the other side, I am already one hour into my journey and I have beaten all city traffic already! Boy, he pretty much sealed the conversation when he said "Sir, we are running tight on space here and it is unnecessary risk" and first thing that comes to my mind is scratches! I tell myself that there is no way i will let my indie jones stay there for a minute more than absolutely necessary and I made the first available U turn back to bangalore, park froggie outside my apt, hop into my wife's i10 (blueyy) and reach concorde by 4:10 PM.
Overall Process of Handover:
My executive who is smiling from ear to ear greets me. After the initial niceties, we get into paper work. As usual my experience with Concorde has been top notch. The paper work is arranged and is all ready. The cover note apparently came later in the day after our phone call and executive was not aware of my plans to drive out of town. I sign on atleast 10 different papers (delivery note, gate pass, invoice, ext warranty, amc etc etc) and we now head to the delivery bay. There it stands, glittering and shining all the way to glory with art leather seat covers. I look around the car and i have the PDI checklist printed in my mind. Although i had checked one round before registration, i validate the car from exterior, the First Aid kit, warranty papers, battery warranty, duplicate set of keys, fuel coupon, warning triangle, jack and tools, spare wheel and i tell him everything looks alright. One thing I notice is that the number plate is still not fixed. I ask my executive and he says he will have it ready in 2 mins and it was indeed ready in2 mins. It took another 5 mins to fix it. And, I am all set to drive away with my new car.
I take a couple of mins to adjust ORVM, seat recline, height etc and I crank the engine and engine springs to life with low fuel warning indicator on. Executive assures me that there is atleast 3 lts of diesel and i move my car, and head towards exit of Concorde and the security validates the VIN number of the vehicle before letting me out.
Now, one key thing i want to mention here is 10th digit of my VIN is C and 12th Digit is A.
10th Digit stands for year of manufacture - 2012 (A being 2010, B being 2011)
12th Digit stands for Month of Manufacture - Jan (A being Jan, B being Feb and so on)
So, definitely I have got a spanking new car, considering I blocked the car on 22nd Feb by paying token booking amount. So nothing much to complain there and in fact, I am happy about it. I would not want a car that sat in the dealer yard for 5-6 months. The spice red with 50% tints looks really spicy with loads of chrome all around :)
So, the new car delivery was buttery smooth and so far so good. Only thing is that I had to return back from my hometown trip, which i again started at 5:45 PM but hey, Anything for the joy of driving home new car.
Couple of things on my mind at this time that needs to be done on priority:
- HSRP (High Security Registration Plate - the one with numbers embossed with hologram and so on)
- Immediate upgrade to Philips Xtreme Vision H1 and H7 (+100%) to aid night adventures.
- Steering wheel cover
On my way, near Subramanya Arcade, there is an IOC bunk, where i topped the diesel worth 1K and drove home and parked Indie safely in my parking lot.
Will post pics of my Indie sometime soon.
- Aravind Kamath
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Update on Delivery Date
I called up concorde and the sales executive told me that they have received the insurance cover note and the vehicle will be registered tomorrow. So, at this time, looks like the car will be delivered on thursday, 8th Mar 2012.
- Aravind
- Aravind
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Latest Update
Looks like my vehicle was invoiced yesterday. Spice Red Vista VX QJT, waiting for rest of the formalities to be completed.
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