My Palio 1.6 Sport@18k in 17 months.

[windsurfer]

I bought this car in Oct, 2006. So, it is 17 months old (or should it be younger as mentioned by someone here). I wanted to post this review from a long time. My Palio is back from 4th service yesterday. So, decided to post this today.

Positives
Power, Handling and looks :-). I got lot of compliments from kids, with one telling me it is Tara Rum Pum (Hindi Movie starring Saif and Rani) car.

Negatives
ABS, Airbags and interiors.

FE
Best in City - 11.8
Worst in city - 9.5
Average - 10-11

Best on Highways - 14.5
Worst of Highways – 12

Expenses till now
Clutch replaced – 8k.
1st Service – Rs. 30.
2nd service – This was done along with accident repairs. Don’t have the service cost.
3rd Service – Rs. 300.
4th service (1st paid service) – 1700. (Oil change, filters replaced.)

Problems till date
1. Clutch had to be replaced within 6 months. I had to shell out 8k as it was not covered under warranty. This happened when I was not in Hyderabad and i had no option to pay else needed to tow the car to Hyderabad, a distance of about 300 km. But, later found that the problem with clutch could have been due to gear oil seal conking off. i was very mad at Sureka Auto, Vijaywada who had not diagnoised the problem accurately. As it was too late, I just accepted it.

2. Then, it was the turn of gear oil leak. I found this 3-4 months after I replaced the clutch. Not sure if this problem was related to clutch change or not. Due to non-availability of parts, it took me about 1 month to get it fixed. But, during this i was able to use the car. After this was fixed, TATA managed to introduce new problems like - Third gear not engaging sometimes, jerks etc. Now after the fourth service, yet to confirm if all issues have been fixed.


My Experience

1. I was able to do 170 kmph (as per speedo) on 4 lane while going to Chennai. I was very impressed with this. And all the time handling was superb.

2. On the same stretch while coming, I was doing 140. A jerk on his moped was coming head on in the right lane. I braked hard and it stopped very well. Please note the absence of ABS. I was really amazed with this car.

3. Hit 3 dogs on a highway. Tried hard to brake and steer away, but could not do it. Result - broken radiator, bumper and three dead dogs. Total expense was 20k and 10k was covered by insurance.


Worst experience (My mistake )

See the link for more details- http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/street...lio-1-6-a.html (Scary moment with my Palio 1.6)

In a nutshell, I like this car a lot. I look for reasons to take her out and sometimes i need no excuses. She is surely addictive. And this car has spoiled me a lot. I have driven Fiesta 1.6, Aveo 1.6, SX4, and Accent Viva 1.6. I didn't like any of these cars. After driving all these cars, I am appreciating Palio more. The only other car that liked is Cedia Sport. That is one awesome car. Fantastic…


Will I buy this car again? – Yes, but with ABS and Airbags, and of course better interiors.

[visu03]

Good review. I assume your next car will be Cedia sport.

[Firebird]

Hey Bro,

That was a good ownership report with all facts.

Are still on stock tyres or replaced them. If not replaced, then get nice set of tyres probably soft compound...you will be more amazed with the handling and ride.

[windsurfer]

Originally Posted by Firebird

Hey Bro,

That was a good ownership report with all facts.

Are still on stock tyres or replaced them. If not replaced, then get nice set of tyres probably soft compound...you will be more amazed with the handling and ride.

I am using Bridgestone Turanza. I think you are also using the same.

[PatchyBoy]

Nice review. Glad you are enjoying the car.

Cheers,
Rajan

[finneyp]

A nice Happy Ownership report!

Surprised to see Clutch/Gear oil issues so early, otherwise Palio 1.6 delivers on its promise!

[windsurfer]

Originally Posted by finneyp

Surprised to see Clutch/Gear oil issues so early, otherwise Palio 1.6 delivers on its promise!

Me too was surprised. But after hearing such stories in new Palio, I think it was no exception.

[Firebird]

Originally Posted by windsurfer

I am using Bridgestone Turanza. I think you are also using the same.

I run her on Yoko ES-100. They are soft compound. So the noise level has gone down drastically. They are wide 195/60, so stability is good. FE is more or less 9.5 to 10.5 range....mostly 10.xx. I have seen the change in FE as I crossed 13K...before that FE used to be 8.5 to 9.5..

Apart from that ES-100 look too good

[windsurfer]

Great. 195/60 is my next upgrade. Any issues with upsize? Like does it scrape the body when full loaded and when it is turned fully? Some people have said so, i just wanted to confirm. and how do u calculate the speedo/odo error with the upsized tyres?

[Rahulkool]

Originally Posted by Firebird

I run her on Yoko ES-100. They are soft compound. So the noise level has gone down drastically. They are wide 195/60, so stability is good. FE is more or less 9.5 to 10.5 range....mostly 10.xx. I have seen the change in FE as I crossed 13K...before that FE used to be 8.5 to 9.5..

Apart from that ES-100 look too good

yeah i also changed my cars tyre with ES100 and love them ..... and they look great as you said

[raajks]

Hey Guys,
Just wanted to let you guys know that after 12 months, My service bill for FIAT has been 1200/- (For the entire year).

The last free service costed me 107 Rs.
It has done 10K KMS.

I am happy about the car. Love the drive!!!
The only other car that I like is the Cedia Sports!!! (Which could be my next upgrade)

Kudos to FIAT for making an amazing car!!

[prabuddhadg]

Hi I too had to have my Petra's clutch plate replaced at 19000 km. Later I found it had something to do with the gear box oil seal leaking. Also had to pay Rs8k.

[gemithomas]

Originally Posted by prabuddhadg

Hi I too had to have my Petra's clutch plate replaced at 19000 km. Later I found it had something to do with the gear box oil seal leaking. Also had to pay Rs8k.

What is the symptom of this problem?

[maven]

Great buy, you will always enjoy driving it. caution - this car can go fast and how, its good to know that but you shouldnt always actually do that.


---------
2003 GTX

[kkr2k2]

crisp and candid report O' shiva.
when is your garage comming up???.

If you need a photoshoot(check mobike's garage, first three pics) i can help you. But for that you need to come to the meets.