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Old 27th July 2020, 14:24   #871
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Quote:
Originally Posted by Moto_Hill View Post
I have a Evo-90HP. Of late I've noticed that my car is taking 200 rpm more to reach 100 in 5th gear. I can clearly remember that the car would do 100 @2500 in 5th gear but now the same speed is being achieved at 2700 rpm.

There are absolutely no other issues like loss of power, clutch slipping. I fact, I wouldn't have known had I not checked the MID. The current odo is 43K, I don't feel that it's a clutch issue. have you faced something similar in your ownership?
Please do get the clutch checked. There has to be clutch slippage at some point, otherwise the rpm just cannot vary.

100 kmph @2500rpm in 5th gear is the right ratio.
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Old 21st November 2020, 17:20   #872
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Milestone Update - 1,95,000 kms

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201121_163537.jpg

As expected, this was longest interval between 5000 km updates. Check out the pattern below.

7th Nov 2018 - 1,70,000 kms.
5th Jun 2019 - 1,80,000 kms. Number of days for 10k kms - 210 days.
27th Jan 2020 - 1,90,000 kms. Number of days for 10k kms - 237 days.

However, it has now taken a full 300 days to complete just 5k kms! The way COVID has changed all our lives. Speaking of which, the car is also with me in Trivandrum since June - thanks to the WFH situation.

Amazon Alexa Echo Auto

Have been living with Alexa in the car for more than a year and 10k kms. Never really updated the thread (though I guess it is visible in pics earlier) since, quite frankly, it doesn't deserve much attention! Worth a buy only if someone has a full eco system of Alexa devices at home and would want to have the same extended to the car as well - else certainly not worth the amount.

My car has less tech than the Alto 800 of 2020, so - it still provides some modern convenience! For example - the car originally came with voice recognition using Microsoft Blu&Me which failed later and I also changed the headunit to a Clarion system for better music clarity. Alexa takes care of the handsfree driving (Only for music) part now. And the only sheer brilliance of this device is the way it picks up your sound even when music is playing at high volumes!

Can provide more details if anyone is interested in this rare device!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201119_121543_1600.jpg

8 mic provisions on top. The only sheer brilliance of this device is the way it picks up your sound even when music is playing at high volumes!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201121_164252.jpg

MGA Jumper Cables

As mentioned in a previous post, there were a lot of battery issues during the lockdown period - finally diagnosed to the dead blue&me system in the car. However, BHPian Leoshashi reached out during this period and sent me MGA jumper cables! Was pleasantly surprised with the quality for the price - the whole thing speaks of quality unlike any product or accessory I've seen from Maruti Suzuki! See the massive size of the crocodile terminals, for example!

Thanks Shashi for going through all the difficulty of sending me one of these beauties in the midst of quarantine and lockdown restrictions!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20200905_230314.jpg

Isssues that need to attention -

Have been putting off the service center visits, so two issues mention in the previous page still remains -

1. Battery terminals need to be sorted. Age + wear (after being removed and tightened multiple times shows. While one of the wires broke off from the negative terminal earlier, the positive terminal has also become loose.

In fact, on the way back from the Mahindra showroom (after checking out the Thar!) - the car refused to crank thanks to the loose positive terminal. A quick tightening did fix it - and I could tell wife that it was a sign from God hinting at which car to exchange with!

2. The lower hose of the radiator needs to be replaced, as it is slowly dripping a few drops of coolant a day!

3. May be I was overenthusiastic in cleaning the engine bay using IPC! Now the bonnet stay has been showing signs of corrosion on the surface. Any suggestions how to clean this and coat to avoid further damage?

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201007_170358.jpg

4. Key fob battery died again. Ordered Duracell CR2032 this time around, and replaced in the Xcent as well.

Replacement Window Shopping

As usual - the constant window shopping for a suitable replacement happened during these months as well - with two prospects coming very close to a purchase. Thar being my favourite and the Kia being the choice for the better half. She, with some quick help from parents, ruled out the Thar citing two door practicality reasons. Kia had a short upper hand for a couple of weeks! Even though the Sonet was ruled out, Seltos HVK+ Diesel AT came out of the blue looking like a strong contender and one ticking most boxes for the price.

Thankfully, god intervened just in time! Global NCAP happened. Quoting myself from the Seltos thread -

Quote:
Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR View Post
I walked into the Kia showroom on Monday with a very specific request - Need to TD the diesel automatic and also to see the HVK+ variant in person.

No immediate purchase plans. We had checked out the Sonet last month and wife really loved the Seltos/Sonet. A quick look at the spec sheet showed that the HVK+ diesel AT is good value in the entire range. Didn't get the TD though - crowded showroom and some excuse of the Diesel AT having a tyre change.

Funnily enough - Got a call follow up call from the showroom - asked them if they came to know about the NCAP results and wished them a good day.
A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20200925_154753.jpg

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201013_102443.jpg

Short drives

No long drives happened during this period, except for the lone trip from Bangalore to Trivandrum in June. However, we did visit the deserted sections of the beach on a couple of occasions, just for parents to get a break from the monotony of home!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201025_175818.jpg

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201025_180319.jpg

Wife is also attending some class on the weekends, so I get an hour for myself to drive around aimlessly! Another chance to visit the beach and return without physical contact with our fellow humans!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201107_162847.jpg

Detailing session last week

Not being very impressed with Waxpol (lasts a few months alright - but a royal pain to apply!), switched brands to Turtle Wax as recommended by BHPian KarthikK.

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201109_151534.jpg

First impression has been extremely positive - this is by far the easiest to apply and wax off! The finish and gloss seems impressive - but need to see how long this will last.

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201109_131434.jpg

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201109_131954.jpg

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201109_152405.jpg

Water beading is just above average - not too impressive. Will try their ceramic coat during the next application, on top of the liquid paste wax coat.

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201115_213605.jpg

The mirror shot came out nice though!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201110_092808.jpg

Few pics post the detailing session -

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201114_212417.jpg

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201114_160151b.jpg

And thats how she looks after 8 years + 8 months and 195k kms. Hopefully, another 5000 kms of trouble-free experience awaits!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-20201114_160455b.jpg

Last edited by CrAzY dRiVeR : 21st November 2020 at 17:47.
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Old 21st November 2020, 18:51   #873
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Your Punto looks pristine even today. Thumbs up.

Quote:
In fact, on the way back from the Mahindra showroom (after checking out the Thar!) - the car refused to crank thanks to the loose positive terminal. A quick tightening did fix it - and I could tell wife that it was a sign from God hinting at which car to exchange with!
Really like this part lol ! if Thar's waiting period allows get one and enjoy it .I guess the new Thar won't damage your pockets after an year or so.
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Old 22nd November 2020, 07:58   #874
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Quote:
Originally Posted by TorqueIndia View Post
Your Punto looks pristine even today. Thumbs up.

Really like this part lol ! if Thar's waiting period allows get one and enjoy it .I guess the new Thar won't damage your pockets after an year or so.
Thank you.

The new Thar makes for a good replacement, though not perfect. Our primary usage is only for two people, cruising speed on the highways is usually 100 kmph (+ it has cruise control), and have GC, go anywhere ability and character in spades! Have been on multiple road trips with the old Thar joining along, so I don't see any issues with the new one becoming a real deal breaker. Even the small boot seems similar to what useable space we have in the Punto (minus subwoofer).

But - couldn't convince family. Now that anyways the waiting period is up to six months long- might as well retry after waiting out the initial issues and niggles.
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Old 15th December 2020, 16:55   #875
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Missed your earlier post somehow Crazy Driver. That is one pristine car that you have maintained. No one would tell it is a 9 year old car which has run close to 2 Lakh kms. Wish you many more trouble free miles with your Punto.

I am counting on company from people like you to hold on to our FIATs as long as possible.
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Old 10th March 2021, 17:34   #876
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Quote:
Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR View Post
But - couldn't convince family. Now that anyways the waiting period is up to six months long- might as well retry after waiting out the initial issues and niggles.
I had gotten sick of driving my 90HP in Bangalore traffic but during COVID times even city drives feel nice. I am also window-shopping like you with main reasons being safety and AT. The perfect option would be an EV that can cruise well on highways with a range of 500km and is safe. But I might settle for a used Jetta or similar till the EVs get better on price vs performance.

I wanted to ask who do you rely on for servicing/repairs for the Punto in Bangalore? I use Wheels Wisdom primarily and KHT Mahadevpura otherwise.
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Old 10th March 2021, 23:51   #877
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Quote:
Originally Posted by puntOOs View Post
The perfect option would be an EV that can cruise well on highways with a range of 500km and is safe. But I might settle for a used Jetta or similar till the EVs get better on price vs performance.

I wanted to ask who do you rely on for servicing/repairs for the Punto in Bangalore?
Personally - I feel the EVs are still a few years away and we are probably a few years too late for the Jetta now. I had enquired with a few owners and the parts situation isn't all that pleasant - manageable but not for those looking at a longer ownership, starting now.

Service - Have been a happy customer of Kriti Car Care. Details here.
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Old 11th March 2021, 11:25   #878
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Quote:
Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR View Post
I had enquired with a few owners and the parts situation isn't all that pleasant - manageable but not for those looking at a longer ownership, starting now.
Thanks for the details.

I was looking at the used Jetta thread especially posts like this (Pre-worshipped car of the week : Used Volkswagen Jetta (6th-gen)) and feeling some enthu but I'll need to rethink I guess.
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Old 7th April 2021, 08:03   #879
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Milestone Update - 2,00,000 kms.

After what felt like an eternity ever since crossing 190k kms before Covid days - Punto crossed the 200k mark today!

Number of days: 3314 days (9 years and 27 days) since purchase.
Average Usage: 60.35 kms /day.

Time taken for the last 10k kms: 437 days @ 22.88 kms/day.

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-dsc05597_1600.jpg

Will post a detailed update once the regular 200k service and interior cleaning are completed.
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Old 7th April 2021, 09:21   #880
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Congratulations on this milestone. This car runs like Forrest Gump. As a fellow Punto 90 HP owner I can understand that to change from Punto 90 HP to any other isn't going to be that easy not just because of fiat engineering but also the cheap to maintain nature of the car.
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Old 11th April 2021, 17:40   #881
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold


Congratulations @ CrazyDriver on reaching this milestone in a relatively short time and with the car continuing to look so beautiful.
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Old 12th April 2021, 10:55   #882
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Congratulations on achieving the milestone.

The clutch is still the factory one I believe. Incredible extraction of life from it as typical average clutch life is like 70k kms.
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Old 12th April 2021, 11:48   #883
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Mighty congratulations CrazyDriver for this milestone. Looking forward to details on latest service. If you don't mind, please do share where you got it done.
Looking at your thread, I feel more motivated to stick with my pre-owned Punto. However, I am pretty sure that 2L kms will just be a dream for me. However, 1 L looks to be manageable

Last edited by nitinkbhaskar : 12th April 2021 at 11:54.
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Old 13th April 2021, 21:30   #884
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Service Experience #32 - Regular Service+ Engine Mount replacement + EGR Cleaning + Brake Pads change @ 2,00,000 kms.
Service Center - Deedi FCA MOPAR, Trivandrum.


Got the car back from service, along with a few issues attended -
  • FCA service camp was running, so the regular service items came with a small discount.
  • Brake pads were changed (Last changed at 170k).
  • Glow Plug warning was ON, and traced to 1 plug. Changed. The other three were changed during the 180k service.
  • CEL came on once again thanks to the EGR. Was cleaned during the 180k service, but got choked again - probably due to a lot of city use.
  • Intercooler hose had a leak and was replaced
  • C Mount had a cut and was replaced as well.

Pretty good service experience from Deedi FCA, Trivandrum. Certainly one of the better authorised dealerships I've been to!

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-screenshot-20210413-8.45.41-pm.png

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-screenshot-20210413-8.45.55-pm.png

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-screenshot-20210413-8.51.35-pm.png

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-years.png

Quote:
Originally Posted by KPR View Post
Congratulations on this milestone. This car runs like Forrest Gump. As a fellow Punto 90 HP owner I can understand that to change from Punto 90 HP to any other isn't going to be that easy not just because of fiat engineering but also the cheap to maintain nature of the car.
Two prospects came really close last year - Seltos HTK+ 1.5D AT and Thar 2.2D AT.

Seltos was a personal favourite for wife. Well, Sonet was - till the price announcement made her also realize the VFM proposition of Seltos HTK+ compared to Sonet GTX+. And then the crash tests happened! So that's self-explanatory.

Thar was my personal favourite - and I had one vote against three in the family.

Quote:
Originally Posted by V.Narayan View Post

Congratulations @ CrazyDriver on reaching this milestone in a relatively short time and with the car continuing to look so beautiful.
Thank you sir. I hope to continue this run for another year, because the current WFH situation means lesser dependancy on the car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nkrishnap View Post
Congratulations on achieving the milestone.

The clutch is still the factory one I believe. Incredible extraction of life from it as typical average clutch life is like 70k kms.
Had it changed once at 137k. So yeah - hopefully the current clutch exceeds the typical life too.

Had no hope of returning soon thanks to all these border restrictions once again, so went ahead with the service. Had the timing chain replaced at 113.5k kms - so thats one more thing I'm adding to our backlog when I return.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nitinkbhaskar View Post
Mighty congratulations CrazyDriver for this milestone. Looking forward to details on latest service. If you don't mind, please do share where you got it done.
Looking at your thread, I feel more motivated to stick with my pre-owned Punto. However, I am pretty sure that 2L kms will just be a dream for me. However, 1 L looks to be manageable
Service details have been updated above! 1L kms is easily manageable on the Punto - you don't need to think twice about it. Hehe.
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Old 15th April 2021, 22:10   #885
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re: A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold

Quote:
Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR View Post
Milestone Update - 2,00,000 kms.

After what felt like an eternity ever since crossing 190k kms before Covid days - Punto crossed the 200k mark today!
Congratulations Crazy Driver on your milestone. I have saved your excellent history that you have maintained to have it as reference for future services of my Punto. It reached the 1 lakh milestone just about a couple of weeks ago. My kids and myself were planning a celebration with a cake for 100000 milestone and parked the car at 99997 kms the previous night.

A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-img20210330190839.jpg

Unfortunately my wife took the car for a early morning breakfast with her friends before we even wokeup and we ended up not recording the 100K milestone.
A thin line between genius and insanity - Fiat Grande Punto 90HP - 2,00,000 km up! Edit: Sold-img20210331160125.jpg

Wish you many more miles with your vehicle and looking forward to see the next milestone update from you.
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