[rajeshvin]

Hi Lambo,

Congrats and thanks for wonderful thread. Due to you and unni.ak thread I got inclined towards Fiesta Diesel, after test drive I fell in love. On 20th Aug I booked Fiesta 1.4D Sxi and getting delivery on 28th Sept (On occasion of dushera).

Keep sharing your experience.

[lamborghini]

Hey oss:
Congrats on booking the Fiesta TDCi.
One of the other members, Kumar7 is also buying a fiesta TDCi, and just like you, he too is new to diesels.
In his thread, I have mentioned a few points to consider when driving and maintaining a diesel vehicle: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-d...my-fiesta.html
Also, as I saw in frank's thread, the Owners Manual has a lot covered, and I would suggest a read. In fact, even I am planning on reading it.

An update for everyone:
Recently got her serviced at Shaman Ford. Bill came up to Rs 6.5K and included and engine flush and a few other things as well. As the car came today, I didnt get a chance to drive her much, but from the little I drove her, she is back to being super silent and refined. In fact, I can't even hear her anymore.
In addition to that, the pick up has improved, and I can actually drive at slightly lower speeds in a higher gear without straining the engine. In fact, after the service, she feels as good as new!
I was really impressed with them. I have also filled the tank with diesel and will check if there is any change in the FE.
I will give a proper update about the service once I have driven her more. Am planning a longish drive for Monday.
Also, I would like to add that as I mentioned in my previous update (the one before the 50Kkm update), the drivers side power window switch which was acting weird gave up in Dec-Jan, and had been subsequently replaced in the January service as was the part that was loose.
In this service, I believe the rear right door handle (inside) was repaired as it was broken. I don't know how, but I would blame the impatient kids who sit in the back and jump out the minute the destination is reached without waiting for the person driving to unlock the doors.

[kumar7]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Hey oss:
Congrats on booking the Fiesta TDCi.
One of the other members, Kumar7 is also buying a fiesta TDCi, and just like you, he too is new to diesels.
In his thread, I have mentioned a few points to consider when driving and maintaining a diesel vehicle: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-d...my-fiesta.html
Also, as I saw in frank's thread, the Owners Manual has a lot covered, and I would suggest a read. In fact, even I am planning on reading it.

An update for everyone:
Recently got her serviced at Shaman Ford. Bill came up to Rs 6.5K and included and engine flush and a few other things as well. As the car came today, I didnt get a chance to drive her much, but from the little I drove her, she is back to being super silent and refined. In fact, I can't even hear her anymore.
In addition to that, the pick up has improved, and I can actually drive at slightly lower speeds in a higher gear without straining the engine. In fact, after the service, she feels as good as new!
I was really impressed with them. I have also filled the tank with diesel and will check if there is any change in the FE.
I will give a proper update about the service once I have driven her more. Am planning a longish drive for Monday.
Also, I would like to add that as I mentioned in my previous update (the one before the 50Kkm update), the drivers side power window switch which was acting weird gave up in Dec-Jan, and had been subsequently replaced in the January service as was the part that was loose.
In this service, I believe the rear right door handle (inside) was repaired as it was broken. I don't know how, but I would blame the impatient kids who sit in the back and jump out the minute the destination is reached without waiting for the person driving to unlock the doors.

Hi Lambo!

Thanks for keep posting your experience as it really helps alot & keep up the good work you doing.

You gave good gyan on RPM which one should maintain but I also think we need to keep limit of speed for first few 1000 kms so need to know what is rule for Diesel

Is it that we should not go beyond 60KMPH?


Cheers

[lamborghini]

Hey guys, thanks for the kind words.
@Rajesh: Congrats on the fiesta SXi! She is really beautiful and at times I wish the fiesta was offered in SXi trim when we got her.
@Kumar: I was actually reading the owners manual so I could guide you correctly but couldn't come across any details about running in as yet.
From what I know and read in another diesel cars manual is that you should not exceed more than 2/3rds the maximum rpm level. This means that if the max RPM is 3000, one should not go beyond 2000RPM.
As such, there is nothing about the max speed that should be followed. It is more about keeping the RPM in check so as to not strain the engine.
I see no reason for you to not do speeds of 80-90kmph in 5th, as the rpm would be around 2-2.5K.

Also, I would suggest both of you'll read the owners manual. I read it today for the first time, and though I knew a lot of things thanks to T-BHP, i still learned a bit.
It is very interesting to read and has a lot of useful information (unlike others that I have seen), and goes into detail about some DIY stuff, precautions to take, audio systems, keeping the car clean, warranty issues, service record and requirements, and a lot more other useful stuff.
Credit for this goes to Frank - he inspired me to read it, so if he sees this, Thanks!

Along with this,
I drove her a bit more after she got back.
The service bill doesn't mention anything about the flushing job, but if the oil change and service was so good this time, I wonder what would happen if I got the engine flushed!
I really am impressed by Shaman. They went the extra mile and got some stuff changed which i forgot to ask them to.
This shows that they went over the car properly. In fact, they even did the wheel alignment and rotation and gave the car back with the wheels polished! In addition to this, they sorted out one creak which had me bothered for a long time!
With this service quality, we were more than happy to pay the higher bill.

P.S.: According to the bill, a regular service with an oil change and stuff should cost 3K, which is quite reasonable.
Also, the amount we have spent in maintaining this car till date has costed us much lesser than what a Mercedes owner pays for one service! Go Ford!

Mods: Thanks for updating the thread title!

Edit: Just wanted to add one last thing,
This car has impressed me so much, and I have fallen so much for it, that no matter what people might tell me to do, i am going to ensure that she stays with us till she literally starts falling apart. I can see myself crossing 1L+ km on her, the first car in our household to actually cross 70Kkm. And in order to achieve that figure, I would love to take her to ladakh!

[nitinralli]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Along with this,
I drove her a bit more after she got back.
The service bill doesn't mention anything about the flushing job, but if the oil change and service was so good this time, I wonder what would happen if I got the engine flushed!
I really am impressed by Shaman. They went the extra mile and got some stuff changed which i forgot to ask them to.
This shows that they went over the car properly. In fact, they even did the wheel alignment and rotation and gave the car back with the wheels polished! In addition to this, they sorted out one creak which had me bothered for a long time!
With this service quality, we were more than happy to pay the higher bill.

P.S.: According to the bill, a regular service with an oil change and stuff should cost 3K, which is quite reasonable.
Also, the amount we have spent in maintaining this car till date has costed us much lesser than what a Mercedes owner pays for one service! Go Ford!

Mods: Thanks for updating the thread title!

Edit: Just wanted to add one last thing,
This car has impressed me so much, and I have fallen so much for it, that no matter what people might tell me to do, i am going to ensure that she stays with us till she literally starts falling apart. I can see myself crossing 1L+ km on her, the first car in our household to actually cross 70Kkm. And in order to achieve that figure, I would love to take her to ladakh!

I totally agree with you. Fiesta is one of the best car on indian roads. Even i have completed around 60K kms on mine and i still love it the way i got it from the showroom. Excellent to drive, fuels saving and top most, best driver's car.
Hey do go ahead and get it decarbonised as it will help the engine in long run. I got mine at 50K too and it healped a lot.
One thing i see that, which i had mentioned to you before also (if you remember me, long time back...) that you are getting little less mileage from her (totally my opinion though). I get a constant 17-18 in city driving.
One suggestion, try and change the tyres asap. Trust me, you will love it all over again when you do that. I just recently added new shoes to her and boy..she is flying on the road now. With MRF, i could feel every dump on the raod but with tyre upgrade, it has made a hole lot diffrence.

[lamborghini]

@Nitinralli: Long time. I remember you saying my mileage was a bit low, and perhaps that I was enjoying the torque a lot, haha.
I think the lower mileage, could be due to the following reasons:
- frequent short trips
- Mumbai traffic is maddenning!
- Since the driver is mostly in the car when it is parked, there is a possibility he uses the A.C. when I am not around. Sometimes I have felt the car cold when I enter, though it hasn't happened recently.
However, according to me, 13-14kmpl from the car, even after 50Kkm is quite good. According to ACI, which tested the car in Mumbai, the average is 13.9 in the city and our car is around that. In fact, all of our cars have a FE which is very similar to that of ACI, so I don't think I have reason to worry.

About the decarb: I had asked them to get it done if they felt it necessary. I don't think they must have found it required and have hence not done it. However, I will check with them when I go for the next service, and will get it done.

About the tyres: I really envy you! Which tyres are you currently using? We got our MRFs replaced with another set of MRFs, except that this time they were MRF ZVTS tubes! I asked my father why, and given that he was brought up in the era of Radial tyres being the new and cool thing on the block, his reasoning was logical - Car is used in the city. I tried arguing, but no luck. He is generally quite fond of cars as well (as in between laymen and T-BHPians), but I think he got swayed by the mechanic or a driver. However, once I am back in India for good in 2 years time, a good set of alloys (hopefully if budget permits) and tyres will be gifted to her.
BTW, with these MRFs, though they last long, they are fun, with their ok-ish grip. However, the ride is rubbish with these! Also, with these tyres, I would never exceed 90-100kmph on the highways, and would think twice before long trips.

[nitinralli]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

@Nitinralli: Long time. I remember you saying my mileage was a bit low, and perhaps that I was enjoying the torque a lot, haha.
I think the lower mileage, could be due to the following reasons:
- frequent short trips
- Mumbai traffic is maddenning!
- Since the driver is mostly in the car when it is parked, there is a possibility he uses the A.C. when I am not around. Sometimes I have felt the car cold when I enter, though it hasn't happened recently.
However, according to me, 13-14kmpl from the car, even after 50Kkm is quite good. According to ACI, which tested the car in Mumbai, the average is 13.9 in the city and our car is around that. In fact, all of our cars have a FE which is very similar to that of ACI, so I don't think I have reason to worry.

About the decarb: I had asked them to get it done if they felt it necessary. I don't think they must have found it required and have hence not done it. However, I will check with them when I go for the next service, and will get it done.

About the tyres: I really envy you! Which tyres are you currently using? We got our MRFs replaced with another set of MRFs, except that this time they were MRF ZVTS tubes! I asked my father why, and given that he was brought up in the era of Radial tyres being the new and cool thing on the block, his reasoning was logical - Car is used in the city. I tried arguing, but no luck. He is generally quite fond of cars as well (as in between laymen and T-BHPians), but I think he got swayed by the mechanic or a driver. However, once I am back in India for good in 2 years time, a good set of alloys (hopefully if budget permits) and tyres will be gifted to her.
BTW, with these MRFs, though they last long, they are fun, with their ok-ish grip. However, the ride is rubbish with these! Also, with these tyres, I would never exceed 90-100kmph on the highways, and would think twice before long trips.

ya its been a long time since we had a chat. Well i had upgarded to Bridgestone B250 185/65/14. They are decent tryrs which come standard in Civic, Verna etc. But they are so smooth that i cant feel a single bump now compared to MRF. Alloys would be a mandate now since you love your car so much. You can see my alloys in the pics i have in my Garage.
Today i would be driving down on highway so will see how the new tyres behave. cant wait to hit the road.

[lamborghini]

Hey Nitin,
Alloys are looking fab. My cousin has the same pair in his Berry Red Hyundai i20.
I was told I could get 108 PCD alloys for Rs11K and am very tempted. Wish I had a job here in Mumbai which would enable me to save some cash.
Lets hope something works out. Let me know how the tyres work out on the Highway. Will be going to Vasai on Monday, and I have to travel on NH8 (Continuation of W.E. Highway) for a bit so I will know how these are on a proper highway and not the city highways.
BTW, your car is very shiny!

BTW, any mumbai people know of a place in South Mumbai where I could take her for some nice pics? I really want some nice pics of her!

[oss]

Originally Posted by nitinralli

ya its been a long time since we had a chat. Well i had upgarded to Bridgestone B250 185/65/14. They are decent tryrs which come standard in Civic, Verna etc. But they are so smooth that i cant feel a single bump now compared to MRF. Alloys would be a mandate now since you love your car so much. You can see my alloys in the pics i have in my Garage.
Today i would be driving down on highway so will see how the new tyres behave. cant wait to hit the road.

Doesn't the 65 profile make the sidewall bit too tall? How does it feel on hard cornering?

Is B250 better than ER60 or XM1+ ?

[rajeshvin]

Hi Lambo,

One serious question, I usually travel abroad once in three months for business trip for 15 days, if my car is unused for 15 days, will it create problem (as it is diesel, I never faced the problem with Santro), or should I tell my wife to start and switch off the engine for few minutes (my wife don't know to drive and she don't want to learn).
I appreciate your inputs.

Thanks

[lamborghini]

@oss:
The 65 profile will increase the ground clearance, as well as be more comfortable due to the higher profile. I think for hard cornering, the 60 profile will be better.
IMO, the ER60 and XM1+ should be better tyres. It really depends though on the design and useage. If you want performance oriented tyres, then you would have to look for other options, however, for comfort based tyres, the ER60 and XM1+ would be ideal.

@rajesh: I don't think there should be a problem. Just follow what is recommended, such as covering the car, filling a bit of extra air in the tyres etc. and you should be good to go. Our cars are diesel, and so far, whenever we have gone out of town, we haven't really taken any precaution as such.

[nitinralli]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

Hey Nitin,
Alloys are looking fab. My cousin has the same pair in his Berry Red Hyundai i20.
I was told I could get 108 PCD alloys for Rs11K and am very tempted. Wish I had a job here in Mumbai which would enable me to save some cash.
Lets hope something works out. Let me know how the tyres work out on the Highway. Will be going to Vasai on Monday, and I have to travel on NH8 (Continuation of W.E. Highway) for a bit so I will know how these are on a proper highway and not the city highways.
BTW, your car is very shiny!

TW, any mumbai people know of a place in South Mumbai where I could take her for some nice pics? I really want some nice pics of her!

Thanks Lambo. Well if you are getting these alloys for 11K, then go for it, cause i had it for 18K 2 yrs back with all takes etc.
Oh about the shiny part, i try to give here a Wax massage now and then so that she remains happy living with me

Originally Posted by oss

Doesn't the 65 profile make the sidewall bit too tall? How does it feel on hard cornering?

Is B250 better than ER60 or XM1+ ?

I cant say if there are better than these two tyers as i havent tried them myself. However when i went for tyre shopping, i was told that XM1+ tends to be little noisy after sometime as they are little hard in compound. But i can say this for sure, if you want decent tyres with no noise and soft ride, then B250 are great in this respect.
As far as 65 profile is concerned, i have not faced any issues related to cornering. Infact there is a streach while coming from office where i used to test my old MRF tyres. Now with these tyres, i did the same test and boy it went like a hot knife on butter.

[oss]

@lambo: Thanks for your input.

Originally Posted by nitinralli

I cant say if there are better than these two tyers as i havent tried them myself. However when i went for tyre shopping, i was told that XM1+ tends to be little noisy after sometime as they are little hard in compound. But i can say this for sure, if you want decent tyres with no noise and soft ride, then B250 are great in this respect.
As far as 65 profile is concerned, i have not faced any issues related to cornering. Infact there is a streach while coming from office where i used to test my old MRF tyres. Now with these tyres, i did the same test and boy it went like a hot knife on butter.

Thx nitinralli. That's quite useful coming from someone who ran on stock tyres for 60k odd kms and moved to a 65 profile.

This however brings BS back into reckoning, and now i have to decide among B250, ER60 & XM1+

[oss]

@nitinralli: One last question

Did you notice any performance difference after upsizing? Did it in anyway impact the acceleration in particular?

I will be going in for 185/65 XM1+

Cheers,

[lamborghini]

Hey guys,

The car has finally covered 65,000kms, after 4.5 years of ownership.


Thought it would be a good time to keep the thread updated.
Since the last update, the car has had the following problems:
- Gearbox bush and clip had to be replaced. Had to drive home at 12am, on Marine Drive in first gear once, and the other time, the driver was driving and had just left home.
- The A.C. wasn't cooling effectively. This happened while I was away. Will get the details soon.
- The door handles have gotten stiff due to the rains. My driver tried to be smart and pulled the driver's side door handle with all his might to get it to open, with the result that it came out in his hand. The pic can be seen below. Got the rest of them sprayed with WD40, and they are smoother.


We have also switched to synthetic oil, which has definitely made the engine smoother. We got the engine flushed, and then did the switch.

Apart from these two issues, the car is still performing fabulously and I am still impressed by (in addition to the other aspects):
- The lack of rattles (except one or two which have cropped up due to the 4*4 only track we call roads. However, these can be heard only on really bad stretches.
- The refinement and drive-ability of the engine, coupled with a smooth gearbox, well weighted steering, and a handling oriented suspension, always puts a smile on my face whenever I drive her. She is still a blast to drive around in the city!
- Her quite trouble-free nature. She is always ready for a quick spin!
- Stability at high speeds! Recently on a few drives on the highway and empty roads, I was shocked at her stability at triple digit speeds. Heck, I didn't realize I was driving at those speeds till I looked at the speedometer! Do note that the car is still running on its original suspension and clutch.

However, at the same time, it is important to note that:
- the FE has dropped to 11.5kmpl in the city. This could be due to the BS IV diesel, and shorter runs.

Nonetheless, given how she has kept me smiling for the last 4.5 years, I have
decided to get her to smile as well, and have made a few additions and treated her to the good stuff to keep her happy.
- We switched over to synthetic oil, which has made her smoother, and more refined as well (once she reaches her peak operating temperature). We also got her wipers changed in preparation for the monsoons.
- Also, as I was not very happy with the illumination provided by the original 4 year old bulbs, we got those changed as well. I believe we got 90/100W Philips bulbs installed.


And now, the fun part! Earlier I had mentioned that I wanted to do her up a bit, as a small gift for providing me with the big smile that I have had for the last 4.5 years, and now it finally happened with a Boom!
I finally got her ICE'd to my satisfaction:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/mumbai...ml#post2013389

I am very impressed with the quality this system offers, especially over the existing system. While the stock system was good, it didn't play MP3s, nor did it have an AUX-In or a USB drive.
The speakers also lacked good bass.

Well, with the new system, all of that has been answered and I am just enjoying the drives even more!
However, there are still a couple of irritations that I have. For starters I have to now look for high quality songs! the earlier HU made a song with an 8kb/s bit rate sound as good as one with a 320kb/s bit rate. But now I have to look for 200kb/s + bit rate songs to truly enjoy the system.
Secondly, I find that the FM isn't as clear as it used to be. However, given that I barely listen to the FM, this isn't that big of a deal breaker. As long as my driver isn't complaining, I am a happy person.

The next stages:

Dec 2010: A few small mods, like nicer number plates, a cool key chain, some knick-knacks from the States. Also in store is a good interior detailing.

May 2011: A much required tyre change! She is currently being driven on MRF ZVTS. These were shod on her behind my back, and have terrible grip, a lousy ride, and love to make the car skid on slightly hard braking!
Also, if I am back from the States by then, I plan on getting her bumpers repainted. As can be seen from the pics taken this evening, and attached below, she has gotten a few scratches over the years.

Cheers!