OK, it's time for an update to this thread.
Last week, the car completed 20K kms and it was time for the 4th service (first paid service). So, took the car to ABT, Arumbakkam yesterday morning for the service.
There were no specific issues that I wanted them to look into, except for the dent in the bumper (due to a girl in an M800 banging into the car from behind
). However, it seems bringing the bumper back to shape requires heating and stuff which has to be done outside at some mechanic's place (who would not be available due to yesterday being a Sunday). So, decided to get it done some other day.
A new bumper costs 3K or so and given the lunatics on the road in Chennai, I am not sure I want to get it replaced only for it to be damaged again by someone else.
Got back the car after service in the evening, with the following work done :
Engine oil replaced (3.7litre X Rs.168.53/litre).
Oil filter replaced (Rs.66.09).
Gear oil changed (2.5 litre x Rs.168.71/litre).
Coolant changed (Rs.208.99).
Wiper fluid changed (Rs.11.84).
All 4 spark plugs replaced (53.5 x 4).
Full water wash + inside cleaning.
Plus other checks that are part of general service.
The total damage to the wallet was Rs.2919 of which consumables was Rs1546, labour was Rs.1050 and tax was Rs.323.
The service itself was only Rs750. Another Rs.300 was charged for rear brake drum cleaning. I am not sure what cleaning they did which was worth 300 bucks. Seems like a rip-off to me.
After the service, the car felt better, but that could be purely psychological. Anyway, all the muck on it for the past few months was gone (was too busy for the last 2 months to clean it) and the car looked yummy after a long time.
Some questions :
1. Is a spark plug good only for 20000 kms ? IIRC, the spark plug on my bike has easily done 40000 kms and still going fine.
2. Even though MUL says the service period is every 10K kms for the Baleno, these guys want me to bring it in every 5K kms. Ofcourse I trust the manufacturer over the dealer and thus stick to 10K period. Why do these guys ask to bring the car in every 5K kms ? Just to make some money ? Or is it really required ?
3. He wanted me to go for a decarbonisation (damage of 1500), which I declined. Is this worth the money or again a way for the dealer to make money ?
Mods, could you please update the thread title to reflect the 20000km update ? Thanks.