[Thingummy]

@Rockzer - thanks buddy

Latest on the whole tank dent repair episode - all parts but the central exhaust assembly are in and fitted - new fuel pump (got to see the workings of the fuel pump - still kicking myself for not taking my camera to the service station so i could have some pics for you guys), new fuel tank (the old one was dented pretty badly) and a coat of anti-rust underbody coating (cost me Rs. 1.9k at Manipal) - I held off on providing an update until we had the silencer assembly (the central part right next to the fuel pump was dented, and insurance covered that - so replacing the whole assembly right from the piece after the manifold, till the final exhaust), but its been two weeks now that i've been driving around, and still haven't heard of the part availability. The latest as of last Friday was that Fiat Pune had shipped the assembly, but sent the Adventure one instead of the 1.6 sport one - which evidently didn't fit (i still fail to understand how such gross mistakes can be made)

The car has done around 1600 kms now, and the latest top up returned 10.99 kmpl in 100% city driving, with a/c on around 40-50% of the time (Shell normal unleaded - as always) The first service fixed the rattling from the front left window, and the bardahl oil additive seems to have made the engine sound louder than before (yeah yeah - i am totally in love with the engine sound - now i know why everyone refers to it as addictive!) Now the only rattling is from the plastic grille on the front bumper, which seemed to have come loose (it was opened during the first service, and not put back properly i think) I've removed the entire piece off (still looks good from the front, without the black cover on the radiator) and intend to get it fitted on my next visit to Manipal. Absolutely no rattles now - and all original concerns about noises creeping in have gone away. Definitely reducing concerns on the Stile build quality vis-a-vis the retro.

The heavy rains in Bangalore, and my work schedule have meant a thick layer of mud on the sides - took a good look today, and decided that i like the way it looks - kind off like an offroader (does it hurt the paint to leave the mud sticking there for some more time? - i am really beginning to like the way it looks now - a lot less cuter, and a lot more macho) The rear wiper is turning out to be a huge benefit in the rains - i never thought i'd use it as much as i do nowadays, the headlights are awesome in the rains too, and for the first time in my life i can shift to high-beam, and actually force the idiot coming towards me to switch his beam back to low (aah - how i love that moment) - all city commute is comfortably covered with low beam and the fogs on - gradually getting the confidence to take her back on the highway, and another 500km+ trip coming up this weekend.

Still waiting to complete the 10k (should take 2-3 months) and then switch to synthetic - next update after the weekend trip (Wayanad it is...)