[naveen.raju]

So finally decided to take some time off and start my ownership thread. The car in question is Swift VDi codenamed "Murciela". Wonder how I got that name? Well, it's all upto my wife for coming up with that name. She just loves Lamborghini's and Murcielago being her favourite. This is how we ended up with this name

Wife - Let's name your baby murcielago?
Me - my baby?
Wife - Our Swift?
Me - (Sigh of relief) Why such a long name and moreover there's already a car named murcielago.
Wife - Please, I love that car so much. Can we atleast name it "Murciela"?
Me - High Five!

May sound weird, but really liked the name and thus emerged "Murciela".

Now for the actual report. Keeping everything short and simple since I'm not good when it comes to writing very long essays. Well, here's how it started.

March 09:

Sold off my only 2 wheeler and finally decided to get my hands on my own 4 wheeler. Decision was made in an instant. My daily usage is around 15 kms with 90% city drives while 10% remained on highways. Also 2-3 outstation drives a year are always there in my calendar. This convinced me to go for a diesel variant.

Alternatives
Getting a 4 wheeler was planned in a matter of days. Here are few options that were thrown open to me

1) OHNC
This is one car that I loved, the OHNC. Since I only had the option of second hand market, I didnt go for an extensive search but came across my friends car which clocked 60,000 kms. The car was well maintained but petrol engine wasnt something that I was looking for.

2) Palio
The old gen Palio impressed me a lot but the new model wasnt to my liking. Moreover, the after sales service feedback from other customers helped me to skip this car.

3) Swift
This is one car that everyone recommended. The torquey engine was too good and it completely blew me over.
Initial Impressions:
1) All black interiors somehow managed to impress me.
2) Excellent Engine
3) Claustrophobic rear seats
4) Very small boot
5) Tyres - A definite upgrade decided on seeing them

Exterior and Interior Styling:
Although it was pretty dated, the exterior still impressed everyone. Here are few points that I noted when I got the car
1) Excellent front seats. Provided one of the best driving positions. Plenty of space in the front row and ample visibility.
2) Rear seats - Ideal for children in my opinion. Small glass area gives a cramped feeling.
3) Plastics - All black and pretty good quality. No panel gaps.
4) Storage Space - Had plenty of small compartments to hold small items but had hard time to hold 1lt bottles. Wish they had one in the door panel.

Buying Experience:
Called up the dealers here in Cochin and they estimated it would take around 6 months (since White is the preferred color here in Kerala). 6 months was way too much for a petrol head like me and instantly decided to check other dealers. AVG, kottayam said they can arrange a car in 9 days. In a week's time, got a call from them and they confirmed that the car is ready. I finally decided to make my move and after all formalities, got my car on 23rd March 09.

Accessories from showroom:
Freebies - None
Car Security System - 4949/- + 500 for fitment
Side beading - 1000/- (Didnt like the black one though. Painted white after few months)
Mud Flaps - 234.67
Antirust Coating - 2000
Floor Mats - 533.33
Total - 10042.37

Equipment Level:
1) Car Stereo - NA
2) MID - NA, I really wished that they had avg fuel consumption, distance to empty and various other informations.
3) Rear Defogger and wipers - Something that's essential for hatchbacks.
4) Electric IRVM - A pain when it comes to adjusting the passenger side mirror.

The car was still the hot favourite inspite of it's low equipment levels.

Things added to the car the next day
1) Number Plate
2) Very light sun films
3) Sony Xplod HU (Basic model - only with AUX)
4) JBL Oval speakers
5) Pioneer front speakers
6) Sony Xplod amp
7) JBL Bass Tube
and now the boot is full.!

Decided to take the car for few long distance trips to test it's performance.

Performance and Mileage:
The Swift performs really well both in the city and highways. Minimal downshift and torquey engine enabled easy overtakes and top end performance. Average mileage during the initial period was around 19kmpl in the city and 22kmpl in the highway.

Suspension & Ride Quality:
Quite bumpy for rear passenger but excellent for front seat passengers. Not too soft when compared to Hyundai/VW (comparing with my other cars). Anything above 120 kmph is not recommended on stock tyres. Car tends to wobble after 3 digit figures and braking isnt all that effective.

Ground Clearance:
Ample GC. Tested the car with 4 passengers and completely loaded boot. Took the potholes well.

These reports are compiled when the car was new. Current report updated at the end of the post.

Now for the list of Mods done: (Mods done as per the order of purchase)

1) Tyre Change:
This was first on my list when I took my car. Wasnt satisfied with the stock tyre and decided to upgrade the tyre. Car had clocked 2000 kms. Went to couple of shops and checked out the price. Few of them were expensive and finally found one for a reasonable price.
Here are the details:
Alloys - Stamford 15" - 17,000
Tyres - Yokohama S Drives - 16,000
Misc - 1.5k







2) Lights
This was next on my list. Stock headlights didnt provide much visibility. This was when I decided to upgrade to higher wattage bulbs. Went in for Osram Cool Blue 90/100w bulbs. Although the visibility improved, I still wasnt completely satisfied with it's performance. Then heard of projectors and HIDs. Since I had no idea about these, decided to do some solid research and learn about this. Took couple of months to decide on this. TBHP helped a lot in gaining my knowledge when it came to lights. Finally decided to buy the common twin barrel projector kit for my car. Went to the shop and the owner introduced me to the new model for the Swift. It was a single projector kit with better CCFL ring and motorized auto leveling feature. Although it was 6k more expensive, decided to buy this.
Here are the details:

Projector Kit - 15,500
Auto Gauge 4300k HIDs - 7,500







Low:




High:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlhziNC8DME

3) Mesh Grill
Custom Mesh grill - 1,500 for upper and lower grills







4) Side Skirts
I had planned many exterior mods like GTi bumpers and side skirts. I didnt like the side skirts that came with the GTi kit. Always wanted to make my car different. This was when I got introduced to RK ramesh (fellow bhpian) by bhpian Xryder (Owe you big time Rohit). Got in touch with him and asked him to custom design the side skirts. After some initial sketches and discussing with him my requirements, we finally came up with the designs. I approved them and he began the work on it. Drove to Blore and began the installation.
Cost - 7k










Service History:
Compiling history of services done together so that it will be easy to notice the increase in price of different parts.

1st Service
Date - 17/04/2009Mileage - 1058Engine Oil 15W/40
Quantity 3.1
Rate - 168.70
Total Cost - 589 including tax

2nd Service
Date - 12/09/2009
Mileage - 3515
Complete Checkup
Total Cost - NIL

3rd Service
Date - 20/03/2010Mileage - 8469
Oil Filter - 70.14
Gasket, Oil Drain - 7.99
Engine Oil - 15W/40, 199.78x3= 659.27
Labor - Free
Total Cost - 831 including tax

20,000 kms Service
Air Cleaner - 229.97
Exchange Filter - 1069.03
Oil Filter - 333.85
Gasket, Oil Drain - 7.99
Coolant (SG) Non Amine - 208.66
Brake Fluid GC 1500AA (250ML Pack) - 137.62
Screen Wash (50ML Sachet) - 13.32
MGDO (15W40) Shell - 186.46
Gear Oil 75W90 - 311.65
Total Cost - 7000 including tax

25,000 kms Service
Parts
1) Hose - 51.84 (2 Nos)
2) Blade Assy, Wiper - 419.46
3) Support Comp Front Strut - 165.18 (2 Nos)

Labor
1) Paid Service - 800
2) Brakes Overhaul (Complete) - 480
3) Front Strut Both side R&R - 450
4) Front Suspension Arm both side R&R - 320
5) Front Stabilizer Bar R&R - 320
6) Consumables - 120

Freebies
1) Front left shocks - Had to replace them (waiting for new sets)
2) AC checkup. AC works really well now
3) Clutch overhaul
4) Water wash (the usual result)
Total - 3500 including tax

30,000 kms Service
Parts
1) Clip (Bumper) - (5x2.66) = 13.30
2) %Element - 333.85 (dont remember what it was. Forgot)
3) MGDO (15W40) Castrol - (3.1x221.98) = 688.14
4) Shimsheet - 5.33
5) Joint comp, front stabilizer - 404.20 (under warranty) Free

Labor
1) Paid Service - 800
2) Brakes Overhaul (complete) - 420
3) Fuel Injector cleaning (diesel) - 500
4) Front brake caliper assembly overhaul (both) - 520
5) Engine system flushing - 250
6) Body polishing - free
7) Front suspension arm (both side R&R)- 480
8) Vehicle washing & cleaning - 0
9) Stabilizer ball joint (All - R&R) - (under warranty)
Total cost - 4448 including tax

40,000 kms Service
1) Air Filter - 228.19
2) Exchange Filter - 1164.76
3) Oil Filter - 331.28
4) Mount, Front Stabilizer - 32.72 (2x16.36)
5) BG Engine oil Flush - 440.53
6) BG Cooling System Flush - 297.80
7) Coolant (SG) - 207.05
8) MGDO (15W40) Castrol - 682.81 (3x220.26)
9) MGGO (75W90) Total - 729.50 (2.4x303.96)
10) Consumable - 26.44 (2x13.22)

Labor:
1) EGR cleaning - 400
2) Nine point service - 815
3) Brakes overhaul (Complete) - 485
4) Engine System Flushing - 280
5) Radiator Flushing - 280
6) Front Suspension Arm both side R&R - 465
7) Front brake caliper assembly both side - 485
8) Stabilizer bar bush - 365
9) Interior cleaning and body polishing - free
Total Cost - 9000 including tax

45,000 kms Service
Part Number, Description, Quantity, Amount
41710M75J30, Support Comp Front Strut, 2, 460.72
42431M75J10, Mount Front Stabilizer, 2, 32.72
90900M10151, Noise Suppressor Sheet, 2, 70.48
99000M25020, Grease caliper assy, 2, 56.38

Labor
1) Paid Service - 935
2) Drum Brakes cleaning - 345
3) Disc Brakes cleaning - 360
4) Vehicle washing and cleaning - FREE
5) Body Polishing - FREE
6) Front suspension arm both side R&R - 465
7) Front strut both side R&R - 825
8) EGR valve and gasket R&R - 500
9) Gear lever bush lubrication - 365
10) Stabilizer ball joint (ALL) R&R - 315
Total Cost - 5331 including tax (The worst experience so far)

Battery Details
1st battery change at 23705kms and 2.4 yrs
2nd set dies after 20k kms and less than 1.5 yrs. Got a free replacement.

Latest Change:
Dec 22nd:
2nd set of tyres - Yokohama S Drives (205/55/R15)
Total Cost - 23,000

Latest Update:
Feb 17th 2013:
Mileage - 51212
Engine Oil - 241.47x 3 = 748.37
Oil Filter - 331.28
Labor - 215
Total Cost - 1467 including tax

Current Status Report:
Mileage - 51777

1) Engine Performance:
The engine performs as always with negligible turbo lag. Overtaking is as good as new. Some downshifts required since I upgraded my tires.

2) Suspension:
Had faced few problems with the suspension. It doesnt absorb the potholes smoothly. Had replaced it under warranty but feel suspension is one area that they have to work on.

3) Braking:
No complaints so far. Performing really well. It tends to be rock hard after service but gradually improved over time.

4) Mileage:
I manage to average around 17kmpl in the city and close to 19kmpl in the highway. Manage to squeeze around 21kmpl during outstation trips.

5) Plastic Quality:
This is something that worries me. There are many rattles from the dashboard. This started picking up as the car clocked more kms. The most rattles are found in the center console and the back seats. The rear seat clamps tends to loosen itself at times. Guess this is the result of driving through bad roads. The durability of the plastics to be improved a lot.

6) Exterior Build Quality:
(a) Bumpers - A small hit will easily damage the bumpers or knock it's joints.
(b) ORVM - Looks solid but not the truth. The outer case can easily break during a minor hit. In case this outer case is broken, you will need to replace the entire assembly. Be prepared to shell out 1500 for one assembly. Nowadays, I manage to source the out case alone which is around 200/-. Quality of this to be improved.

7) Ground Clearance:
Marginal decrease due to the addition of the side skirts but no scraps till now with 4 passengers and a loaded boot.

8) Service Quality:
This is one aspect that worries me. Tried couple of MASS outlets but not completely satisfied. One would say that the latest service station is the best among the lot. The worrying bit is the labor charge and cost of parts. The difference can be seen clearly in my service history. An average of 2-3k per service can be expected. I used to service every 5k kms but there's no point in that other than shelling out money for this 5k kms interval service. Service every 10k kms is recommended (fluid checkup, wheel alignment every 5kms and balancing after 10k kms).

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Initial Ownership Section. Thanks for sharing!

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

Attachment 1052276

So finally decided to take some time off and start my ownership thread. The car in question is Swift VDi codenamed "Murciela"...

May sound weird, but really liked the name and thus emerged "Murciela"....

Never knew your ownership thread was not there! Anyway nice name. We can even localize the name to "Merci kutty"!

The first shot is awesome.

Wish you many more miles of happy & safe motoring! Lets hit a lakh kms man!

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

Never knew your ownership thread was not there! Anyway nice name. We can even localize the name to "Merci kutty"!

The first shot is awesome.

Wish you many more miles of happy & safe motoring! Lets hit a lakh kms man!

Thanks for the comments. Just added the ownership couple of days back. Definitely looking forward to the next milestone.

[naveen.raju]

I have been experiencing rattles in the center console. No idea from where. It somehow sounds like mouse squeaks. Any thoughts?

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

Latest Change:
Dec 22nd:
2nd set of tyres - Yokohama S Drives (205/55/R15)
Total Cost - 23,000

Latest Update:
Feb 17th 2013:
Mileage - 51212
Engine Oil - 241.47x 3 = 748.37
Oil Filter - 331.28
Labor - 215
Total Cost - 1467 including tax

Naveenraju,

It seems that you are using Mineral Oil in the engine as its Rs 242 a litre! How do find the engine to perform afetr 5000kms? Is it rough?

Do you change the oil every 5000 kms or 10000 kms?

Why don't you try using the synthetic oil from Shell (5W40) which costs Rs. 961 a litre.

Anurag.

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

Naveenraju,

It seems that you are using Mineral Oil in the engine as its Rs 242 a litre! How do find the engine to perform afetr 5000kms? Is it rough?

Do you change the oil every 5000 kms or 10000 kms?

Why don't you try using the synthetic oil from Shell (5W40) which costs Rs. 961 a litre.

Anurag.

I havent used synthetic oil although I had plans of going for it. I change every 10k kms.. I would say till 8k kms engine seems to be fine. Well, I havent noticed any issues with it so far. Might go for synthetic next time but not sure since it will be the 60k kms service and i'm expecting something big here (in terms of the total bill).

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

Might go for synthetic next time but not sure since it will be the 60k kms service and i'm expecting something big here (in terms of the total bill).

All even number services (20K, 40K, 60K, 80K, etc) will get big bills.

As mine has done 80K now I got the bill of 11626/- for the 60K i guess it was near 9K.

All the filters, fluids are changed.

Anurag.

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

As mine has done 80K now I got the bill of 11626/- for the 60K i guess it was near 9K.

All the filters, fluids are changed.

Anurag.

Yes, experienced this for the 40k kms service. Expecting something close to 12k this time.

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

...

2) Suspension:
Had faced few problems with the suspension. It doesnt absorb the potholes smoothly. Had replaced it under warranty but feel suspension is one area that they have to work on...

Does it have something to do with the low profile tires too? Swift always had a stiff suspension. After overhauling & replacing bushes, it feels better though.

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

5) Plastic Quality:
This is something that worries me. There are many rattles from the dashboard. This started picking up as the car clocked more kms. The most rattles are found in the center console and the back seats. The rear seat clamps tends to loosen itself at times. Guess this is the result of driving through bad roads. The durability of the plastics to be improved a lot...

The single MOST dis-appointment of a swift!! This is one thing & probably the ONLY thing I hate about my Swift. One drive without music can easily convince some about selling their car.

But in the last ~4.5 years / 80K kms of my ownership, I never had any rattle from the dashboard. It was from the rear 90% of the times. That in-spite, being hauled thru one of the worst possible roads.

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

6) Exterior Build Quality:
(a) Bumpers - A small hit will easily damage the bumpers or knock it's joints.
...

When I enquired recently, a new bumper + painting for a Swift can set one back by a 7K!! At 8.5K, I would rather get a stylish aftermarket one!

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

8) Service Quality:
This is one aspect that worries me. Tried couple of MASS outlets but not completely satisfied. One would say that the latest service station is the best among the lot. The worrying bit is the labor charge and cost of parts. The difference can be seen clearly in my service history. An average of 2-3k per service can be expected. I used to service every 5k kms but there's no point in that other than shelling out money for this 5k kms interval service. Service every 10k kms is recommended (fluid checkup, wheel alignment every 5kms and balancing after 10k kms).

Don't you have a MSM (service masters) in Cochin? On another thread bhpian @amalji had given a very positive review of them. Infact I was thinking I should take my car there once just to check them out. Who do you usually go to?

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

Does it have something to do with the low profile tires too? Swift always had a stiff suspension. After overhauling & replacing bushes, it feels better though.

Yes, IMHO low profile tyres do bring up this problem. I used 205/50/R15 for around 3 years clocking 45k kms. Everytime I took to service, I asked them to replace it under warranty. Now, am using 205/55/R15 and the suspension feels a lot better.

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

The single MOST dis-appointment of a swift!! This is one thing & probably the ONLY thing I hate about my Swift. One drive without music can easily convince some about selling their car.
But in the last ~4.5 years / 80K kms of my ownership, I never had any rattle from the dashboard. It was from the rear 90% of the times. That in-spite, being hauled thru one of the worst possible roads.

I have rattles from the center console (mouse squeaks), glove box (stuck double sided tape inside but still have that irritating noise) and from the rear seat (locking clip scratching on the floor).

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

When I enquired recently, a new bumper + painting for a Swift can set one back by a 7K!! At 8.5K, I would rather get a stylish aftermarket one!

This is what fellow bhpian ACMohan did. He replaced the front bumpers with GTi sports bumper which came to 8.5k. Sweet deal when compared to the OE bumper. I might go for this in the future. Have some minor scratches and a dent.

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

Don't you have a MSM (service masters) in Cochin? On another thread bhpian @amalji had given a very positive review of them. Infact I was thinking I should take my car there once just to check them out. Who do you usually go to?

I'm not sure on this. I guess he gave some positive review of Autoteam. Few other bhpians also recommended that place. I usually give at Popular service station near Lisie Hospital. Pretty good when compared to Indus.

[naveen.raju]

Guys, lately I have been experiencing a low mileage. I used to get a constant figure of about 15-16kmpl in city but now dropped to 12-13kmpl during the last few refills. What needs to be checked? Topped the engine oil recently. Car has now clocked around 53k kms.

[Schoudhury]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

What needs to be checked? .

Constant use of a/c may be ?
How about a quick check on the tyre pressure .
Cheers

[deetjohn]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

Guys, lately I have been experiencing a low mileage. I used to get a constant figure of about 15-16kmpl in city but now dropped to 12-13kmpl during the last few refills. What needs to be checked? Topped the engine oil recently. Car has now clocked around 53k kms.

How is the engine response? Is it sluggish? Did you check on the oil level. I hope it not over the max limit.

By the way, nice thread.

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by Schoudhury

Constant use of a/c may be ?
How about a quick check on the tyre pressure .
Cheers

It's been 100% AC right from the time I got the car. Tyre pressure is just right. I always check the pressure periodically and do alignment every 5k kms. Anyways, I'm planning to check all the fluids next week. I'm driving down to Blore during May 2nd week so will check if there's any improvement.

Originally Posted by deetjohn

How is the engine response? Is it sluggish? Did you check on the oil level. I hope it not over the max limit.

By the way, nice thread.

Didnt feel anything strange as of now. Everything is going as usual except for some rattles which is Swift's trademark. Oil level is within limits too.

Anyways, 60k kms is due in another couple of months.