Let the picture do the talking
Quote:
Originally Posted by haisaikat Stumbled across this thread today... |
Hi, haisaikat, sorry for the late reply. Since December it was really crazy, work and travel kept me busy. Things are kind of settled now.
Let's not talk about waiting period for old discontinued models , 99% of the time, parts won't be in stock, if they don't have parts in stock, then it will go as back order, means they will make the part on order. It usually takes about two weeks, it is frustrating at times. But, if the part is available, it won't take more than two days to reach in Bangalore. Ridiculously priced parts are another issue, if you just go over this thread, many times I have commented on pricing of the parts. It is no wonder no one is trying to keep these vehicles.
I visit Kerala very often now. Because I spend a lot of time here, I'm in need of a new, reliable car in Kerala, but I won't purchase anything this year. Brother has three cars, one is always available whenever I require an immediate long trip. For short trips, Elantra is more than enough. Elantra's FC is up next year, that'll be a huge decision making time, I don't know what I am gonna do then, not taking any decisions now. So far Elantra is doing the duty with regular maintenance but when I need to travel anything more than 200 or 300Km plus, I always have that block in my head, it is an old car and anything can happen at any time, the chances of something going wrong is high. Being that said, the current condition car is in, I don't think I have to worry much for at least one year.
Lot of updates since the last post. Front suspension was ordered from Hyundai, though I told them to enquire about back suspension price, they did not get back to me. Suspension reached within a week and work was carried out in one day. Ride has become much smoother after suspension work. I had already decided, once the suspension work is done I am taking Elantra to Bangalore, I ended up doing two up and down Bangalore trips in December. All drives were absolutely phenomenal, any long trip I have in this car, it'll make me think, "Will it be possible to keep this car for little longer?" Even after all these years and kilometers, it is so planted on the road. Every time I floor the acceleration, it brings a smile on my face, such good diesel sprint it has got. Steering feedback is very good at high speeds. This car can give you an excellent driving experience on the highways. Not often looking at the speedo meter? You will be doing some dangerous speed in no time. Yeah, checked the mileage, car constantly giving 17-18km/l, mileage has increased a bit, I don't know what changed now. Well, I am not gonna complain about that
After suspension work, first trip to Bangalore, I visited my trusted mechanic, told him to carry out pending works I had on the car. New lower arms, stabilizer link, ball joints, front and back brake pads. Changed back suspension bushes. Mechanic said, back suspension can run for some time and if required, will do the work next year. Small items like, crank case PCV, bonnet stopper bush were also changed . After all this work, the drive has become even more smoother, brakes have good bite now, steering vibration is gone. I'm not gonna say it drives like a new car, it drives like a well maintained 5 year old car now. Upper radiator hose started developing small leak, changed that at Hyundai service station. Important components, always stick with original parts, no compromise on that.
With a completely refreshed driving experience, wherever I was going, I started taking Elantra till last week, then reality kicked in. I am pushing it too much, December alone, did 6K plus. Two Bangalore trips, Goa, Kanyakumari and then lot of long Karnataka drives. Car is back to "City MOD" now. I really enjoyed all the recent drives I had with Elantra.
ERG gaskets kept as back up, very difficult get these now, see the manufacture date?
Crank Case PCV
Bumper stopper bushes
New radiator hose
New bushes marked in red, old ones got melted due to heat
Finally...