5-Speed M800 - 99,999 kms

[ownerofazkaban]

The car: Its been "the" car for the city. It's fully teen spirited car (ones that you turn it on and it returns the favor kind), special edition shares the engine, drive, all sync-mesh gearbox with the Alto and its one heck of car. The on road cost back in 2002 was almost 3lacs and was eating into the alto sales when it was discontinued. Build quality is top class for its category and even after 100k kms its still retains its teen spirit.
Top speeds: I have driven till 120kmph, this car can do flat 110kmph cruising on the GQ. My bro has touched the speed to it's max of 140 once.
Seating: If you are the shorter types like me, this car can be a sedan, therez ample space for all 4. The leg space is more than alto I guess. The rear seats are definitely longer than (alto/wargonr/estilo). Seat fabric is top class it has retained the new look and I don't have seat covers, but I opt for the 3M interior cleaning once every year.
There are these weird things about the m800, there are limca records of many many ppl accommodating in this car, and then the best part I like, this is the only car that is used in the well of death.
Worst part: Even a autorickshaw headlight is high beam for m800 driver :(, desperative need extra hella. 100/90 didn't work out for me, one of the bulbs fused and the head light has that nasty cataract look.

Economy: City drive with shell normal fuel it gives anywhere between 14.8 to 16kmpl and log drives regularly its around 21kmpl. The best I have got for long drives is 24.xkmpl and worst being 18kmpl. All measurements are with tank full-to tank full. With shell fuels, the economy values in city are very very consistent. I got values of 15.7-16 kmpl during testing for about 8 months continuous. Highway its 21+.
Maruti breakdown service: Used once in city when there was wiring loose connection -
The service is from company and depending upon area of breakdown the nearest dealership with attend, their aim is to fix the car and get it going or tow to the dealership. Its quick and its free!!!
Service cost: To be honet this I feel is on the higher side at the M.A.S.S dealerships its ~1600/-, and with oil change (every 10k kms) its around ~2500/-. They just keep adding something to ensure a billing. Quality of wash and polishing is top class.
For the repairs work, my game plan of building relationship with the guys keeping complaints objectively has helped me over the years. For this long term report I am happy to report that the Exide batteries last approx 3 yrs after that its better to change, the clutch stood amazing 95k+ kms after which I went in for the overhaul before a major breakdown, as slippage was observed more frequently with higher rpm. Clutch overhaul at costed me around ~4k. Suspension work at 98k was much less it was around 2.8k with only specific tie rods and bearing changed (all bushes replaced) The change decision was taken by dealer mech and they didn't suggest complete replacement as the service advisor was against going for complete overhaul. The cheapest I guess was rear shocks replacement it was like Rs.180 x2 + some 300 labor. The most weird one was hand brake cable replacement -- the labor cost is 4 times the part cost and its one full day down time!!! Almost all of my service cost is reported on the service cost thread, Tyres: MRF ZVTS due for second change in another 10k kms.
Service Dealership:
M.A.S.S Mandovi motors: Overall am proud of Mandovi Motors, M.A.S.S for my car in b'lore for last 4 yrs. You need to be informed car owner, research up on faults before going there. Service is pretty good but on higher side at m.a.s.s., but its 100% peace of mind, when they call up for follow-up, all we have to do is SPEAK UP and they ensure any genuine grievances are taken care.
Specific economy and service cost details reports in specific threads:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...-your-car.html (T-BHP real world guide to service costs. How much do you actually spend on your car)
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...fficiency.html (What is your Actual Fuel Efficiency?)