Esteem Vx

maybach · 4th March 2005, 15:22

Maruti Esteem July 2000Vx
Kms Logged – 65503Kms
Likes – Performance, Driving position, FE, EPS, Maruti Service.
Dislikes – Rear Seat Uncomfy, Small Boot, Old Chassy, Poor Built Quality, Light Weight, Outdated Car.

I bought my Esteem Vx 2000 from Automotive Manufacturers Nerul as a replacement to my Old 95 Esteem Lx(which I sold in 95) got the car for 6lacs 5 thousand on road and 18000 worth accessories put by me, no dealer discounts..
http://img224.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img224&image=es12qo.png
The accessories I put were
Fogs – 1800
Wheel Caps – 1500
Silicon – 6000
Velvet Seats – 6000
Mats et all rest I don’t remember
The Car was the best at that time available in 2000 as the Accent came only in GLS and GLE trims with out any deck..
The car ran for 1000Kms before it had to go to Automotive.. well it was combined as when it had loged 998 kms it was hit by a tata sumo at crossroads..
The Car stayed there a week got the service done and was repaired back to normal with a change of the rear bumper which was paid by insurance.
Got the Teflon done as it was rainy season that time..
At around 20000kms the wheels started to lock too often and had to get the pads replaced.. Also tyres seemed to have worn out a bit..

The car did run nice overall. But at 24509 kms it started to sound like diesel.. the Silencer had given up was told a estimate of Rs. 18000 so did not bother to change as was enjoying my first diesel vehicle it till a few days got it checked again and was informed that only a specific part costing 4000 bucks had gone.. got that replaced and was back to normal again.. but then the AC failed and had to change it for Rs. 20000/-
The car again was problem free for a while until a dog hit its fogs and broke it.. had to change that as well but single fogs were not available so put new sets for 600 bucks from the outside..
http://img233.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img233&image=es23ql.png
Fan belt made noise happened thrice now has been solved after three visits..
A fast motorbike driven by some 10 year old ran into my car front the front and the front bumper was out of place got that repaired for 14000 including change of left head light..
Every Year Wiper Blades had to be changed which costed Rs. 650 from Automotive but till recently I have shifted to getting them replaced outside for Rs. 215. Also the Fogs were not so impressive so got them chamged again as the limited Esteem Yellow ones for Rs. 750. Antenna broke so got that replaced as well for 1000 bucks a power one. But after some time that also gave way after a heavy rain flew away into the highway.. got that replaced into a better one for Rs. 1200 which wa said to be made of better quality but that did not last a week.. it stopped functioning.. frustrated I left it like that and its still like that..open always.. then one day while driving down palm beach a Astra braked way hard at 100 and I was right behind.. I braked to avoid collision and the car went 360 degrees two Qualis went from besides and the car came to a halt jus a inch before the end of the road..(GOD SAVED ME) the tyres had worn out badly.. got them changed and upgraded from 155/80/R13Good Year Tubeones to 175/70/R13 GPS2 Tubesless ones.. the car handles better.. But then soon again the AC gave up and again I had to spead 20,000 on it to repair it.. the removed some AC compressor and PS stopped working as there was some connection with them. Have changed wheelcaps four times till now and also the rim once.. as was driving when a stone hit it and had to put a tube till got the rim changed for Rs.600(2nd hand as the dealer told me they were new and he did not have new rims as every one went for Alloys) The Rear left Power Window always failed to work despite me taking it to Automotive several times the problem did not get solved.. Door servicing did not have any effect.. and Automotive failed to clean cars several times after service..
Silicon started to give problems and the guy came home and changed the remotes for free.. also central locking gave up few times..
Car was hit by a truck at Powai and went to Automotive again for repairs.. but as always automotive failed to cover the body while painting and ended up waxing my car for free. Got blind spot mirrors fitted on them as well.. but the mirror started to come off recently.. had to get the side strip changed quite often as it kept coming off..Was going to Mumbai when there was sudden braking and I had to brake as I was the third in the line of the sudden brakers.. braked and avoided the front Accent but a CISF jeep banged into me and drilled a hole in the left side.. They told me to take hat ever action against them as they said they were helpless.. Again to Automotive and got repaired got Rs. 15000 somewhat helped by insurance.. It was quite troublesome.. but the worst was yet to come.. Engine needed repairs of 6000 Rs at 65000kms and Steering needed some working of Rs. 2000..
Disgusted I went to True value to get it valued but he refused to do so as it was accidented once.. before.. then there came a offer give your esteem take a Baleno and the Govandi true Valuer came and valued the car for Rs. 2Lac..
Recently in the rains was coming from town and was talking on the phone when the rain stopped, I forgot to switch off vipers

and the motor burned. New Motor cost me 800 bucks..
Braking – Is better then the NHC..though car tends to lock up quite frequently
FE –
Best was 15.65kpl which I got during a Pune trip
Worst was 7.2kpl which I got during pedal to the metal driving.

.
Looks – Average from the inside as well as the outside..
Features – Best at the price and time of purchase
Build Quality – Poor.
Service – Good.
Comfort – As the advertisement said You always want to be in the drivers seat as that was the best place to be in..
Rear Seat was very uncomfy and space was less..
Performance – this is what I love in this car.. it performance is very good.. I have never been let down at any signal thanx to the ACE(Aluminum Compact Engine) Performances terrific and the high gearing means that you can keep it in 3rd gear all the way from 25kmph to 159 kmph.. 0 – 100 is very quick thought ACI says it does it in 11.49 secs My self stop watch test gave me 11.89secs.. I love the way the car shouts when floored and it makes me feel that it has a sports exhaust system..

Tilll 3000 RPM the car does not fly but once you reach 4000RPM the car just Pulls crazily to the red line.. though I have hardly red lined it as by 4000RPM cars disappeared in my ORVMs I remember once I was in a hurry to watch a F1 race and was coming from Ghatkopar and the way I flew it was just awesome.. Handling is pretty good as well with the upgraded rubber.. Once I pulled the car like crazy at Palm Beach.. 1st gear all the way till 60 KMPH and then int 2nd till 105 KMPH and then slotting it in 3rd gear where it was flying like a Vtec.. took it all the way till 150kmph in 3rd

when I ran out of road..(this is the time when I got 7.2 KPL) but after all that the Oil pressure lamp started to blink and as many a times it did before but had not been sorted out by Automotive even after me tanking it up with Mobil 1.. After the 30K Kms it ran on 91 Octane fuel and it was a ease to reach speed above 120 KMPH in 5th gear.. On the expressway it has easily cruised at 150 KMPH in 5th gear and defeated every one except a flying corolla which was going at 180 KMPH..
Overall I would rate this car 6/10 as the amount I have spend over it I would have got a OHC 1.3 in 2000 without having so many troubles.. but I wont regret by purchase as the car has lived upto its expectations..
Sorry if I have not written the review very properly as this is my first review..
http://img42.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img42&image=es37wx.png

Technocrat · 4th March 2005, 16:13

Whoa what an experience.

but i seriuosly think there's something very fishy abt the service by Automotive. U got too much probs in your car coz one of my uncle has been using it for last 4 years & has not faced any major issues.

The 360 deg turn was in my opinoin your mistake as u were driving fast on worn out rubbers.

Also i cant digest the need to change the vipers everyyear, what do u do with them, do they always get burned ???

Neways what price will you be getting if you try to sell it today ??

raihan · 4th March 2005, 16:46

Dude thats one helluva experience. A good one thou.
cheers,
rai

maybach · 4th March 2005, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Whoa what an experience.

but i seriuosly think there's something very fishy abt the service by Automotive. U got too much probs in your car coz one of my uncle has been using it for last 4 years & has not faced any major issues.

The 360 deg turn was in my opinoin your mistake as u were driving fast on worn out rubbers.

Also i cant digest the need to change the vipers everyyear, what do u do with them, do they always get burned ???

Neways what price will you be getting if you try to sell it today ??

Well how many kms has your uncle logged on?

The 360 was my mistake i agree.

Yah vipers get burned as they are used through out the year for cleaning windshield.
Well I have no idea what price i will be getting but i am sure i wont get a good price as the New Esteem is cheaper by 45K and also has many more features.

Technocrat · 4th March 2005, 17:03

My uncle has logged approx 1 lac kms. May be since he's a normal driver(read no ripping) & mostly his car is Chaueffer driven, it had less or no major issues.

btw you use wipers all the time to clean/wipe windshield ?? I mean I never used them(in my dad's car) unless it was raining. I Used to clean/wipe it using a newspaper paper.

maybach · 4th March 2005, 17:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technocrat

My uncle has logged approx 1 lac kms. May be since he's a normal driver(read no ripping) & mostly his car is Chaueffer driven, it had less or no major issues

btw you use wipers all the time to clean windshield ??

Well my Esteem has been used at full throttle very often. Also your uncle does not pressurise the engine like i have done!!

Yah mostly wipers are used. I use them quite often. Atleast once a day.

Technocrat · 4th March 2005, 17:50

hehe then must say, your car has performed really well over the years

maybach · 4th March 2005, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technocrat

hehe then must say, your car has performed really well over the years

You call that well had to change AC compressor twice costing me 40000

drifter · 4th March 2005, 18:28

Hey

your esteem has had its fair share of accidents and problems hasnt it.
I think you should have tried another service center apart from automotive...when they werent able to sort out your problems.

And yeah nice review.

Drifter

cream · 4th March 2005, 18:48

gosh,

your review reads like the titanic logbook

man, when u redline - please ensure condition of the car , brakes etc - anyways, you shouldn't be doing all this stuff in an esteem - the safety of this car sucks, don't lose your life in a high speed chase - it's not worth it!

maybach · 4th March 2005, 19:22

Thnax drifter
i hope it has had its fair share of accidents and problems
Well automotive is near by and my neighbours used to work in Resham but thats closed now..
Yeah i redlined the car in perfect condition but after readlining the car didnot remain perfect..
i agreee on the safety aspect of the esteem is not that good thats why never took it over 165 oops it doesnot go over that lols

maybach · 5th March 2005, 18:07

Here is the picture of the car at automotive

alexnazim · 18th December 2005, 03:49

[SIZE=2]Dude, u are just 17! Be carefull when u drive! Just kiddin! Nice review though. I plan to buy a second hand Esteem VX 98 model 90000KMS done for 1.45. Lemme know if it is worth it.......Thanks[/SIZE]

Max · 18th December 2005, 04:58

Dude, you are now 17 ? and you bought this car in 2000 ?? that means you was only 12 when you bought this car ??? (I mean your dad !!?). You mentioned you have taken it to 165kms !!!!. I hope you don't always drive your car at such speeds to save fellow citizens life, as you have mentioned about 150kmph speed in 3rd gears and I don't think you can control your car at such speeds in case immediate breaking is required. Well, since you are still 17 and legally not yet eligible to drive car you should drive more maturely.

let me show this post to your parents or your local pandu

btw, it seems steem's AC compressor is not good !

4th March 2005, 15:22	#1
maybach BANNED Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Mumbai Posts: 266 Thanked: 0 Times	Esteem Vx Maruti Esteem July 2000Vx Kms Logged – 65503Kms Likes – Performance, Driving position, FE, EPS, Maruti Service. Dislikes – Rear Seat Uncomfy, Small Boot, Old Chassy, Poor Built Quality, Light Weight, Outdated Car. I bought my Esteem Vx 2000 from Automotive Manufacturers Nerul as a replacement to my Old 95 Esteem Lx(which I sold in 95) got the car for 6lacs 5 thousand on road and 18000 worth accessories put by me, no dealer discounts.. http://img224.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img224&image=es12qo.png The accessories I put were Fogs – 1800 Wheel Caps – 1500 Silicon – 6000 Velvet Seats – 6000 Mats et all rest I don’t remember The Car was the best at that time available in 2000 as the Accent came only in GLS and GLE trims with out any deck.. The car ran for 1000Kms before it had to go to Automotive.. well it was combined as when it had loged 998 kms it was hit by a tata sumo at crossroads.. The Car stayed there a week got the service done and was repaired back to normal with a change of the rear bumper which was paid by insurance. Got the Teflon done as it was rainy season that time.. At around 20000kms the wheels started to lock too often and had to get the pads replaced.. Also tyres seemed to have worn out a bit.. The car did run nice overall. But at 24509 kms it started to sound like diesel.. the Silencer had given up was told a estimate of Rs. 18000 so did not bother to change as was enjoying my first diesel vehicle it till a few days got it checked again and was informed that only a specific part costing 4000 bucks had gone.. got that replaced and was back to normal again.. but then the AC failed and had to change it for Rs. 20000/- The car again was problem free for a while until a dog hit its fogs and broke it.. had to change that as well but single fogs were not available so put new sets for 600 bucks from the outside.. http://img233.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img233&image=es23ql.png Fan belt made noise happened thrice now has been solved after three visits.. A fast motorbike driven by some 10 year old ran into my car front the front and the front bumper was out of place got that repaired for 14000 including change of left head light.. Every Year Wiper Blades had to be changed which costed Rs. 650 from Automotive but till recently I have shifted to getting them replaced outside for Rs. 215. Also the Fogs were not so impressive so got them chamged again as the limited Esteem Yellow ones for Rs. 750. Antenna broke so got that replaced as well for 1000 bucks a power one. But after some time that also gave way after a heavy rain flew away into the highway.. got that replaced into a better one for Rs. 1200 which wa said to be made of better quality but that did not last a week.. it stopped functioning.. frustrated I left it like that and its still like that..open always.. then one day while driving down palm beach a Astra braked way hard at 100 and I was right behind.. I braked to avoid collision and the car went 360 degrees two Qualis went from besides and the car came to a halt jus a inch before the end of the road..(GOD SAVED ME) the tyres had worn out badly.. got them changed and upgraded from 155/80/R13Good Year Tubeones to 175/70/R13 GPS2 Tubesless ones.. the car handles better.. But then soon again the AC gave up and again I had to spead 20,000 on it to repair it.. the removed some AC compressor and PS stopped working as there was some connection with them. Have changed wheelcaps four times till now and also the rim once.. as was driving when a stone hit it and had to put a tube till got the rim changed for Rs.600(2nd hand as the dealer told me they were new and he did not have new rims as every one went for Alloys) The Rear left Power Window always failed to work despite me taking it to Automotive several times the problem did not get solved.. Door servicing did not have any effect.. and Automotive failed to clean cars several times after service.. Silicon started to give problems and the guy came home and changed the remotes for free.. also central locking gave up few times.. Car was hit by a truck at Powai and went to Automotive again for repairs.. but as always automotive failed to cover the body while painting and ended up waxing my car for free. Got blind spot mirrors fitted on them as well.. but the mirror started to come off recently.. had to get the side strip changed quite often as it kept coming off..Was going to Mumbai when there was sudden braking and I had to brake as I was the third in the line of the sudden brakers.. braked and avoided the front Accent but a CISF jeep banged into me and drilled a hole in the left side.. They told me to take hat ever action against them as they said they were helpless.. Again to Automotive and got repaired got Rs. 15000 somewhat helped by insurance.. It was quite troublesome.. but the worst was yet to come.. Engine needed repairs of 6000 Rs at 65000kms and Steering needed some working of Rs. 2000.. Disgusted I went to True value to get it valued but he refused to do so as it was accidented once.. before.. then there came a offer give your esteem take a Baleno and the Govandi true Valuer came and valued the car for Rs. 2Lac.. Recently in the rains was coming from town and was talking on the phone when the rain stopped, I forgot to switch off vipers and the motor burned. New Motor cost me 800 bucks.. Braking – Is better then the NHC..though car tends to lock up quite frequently FE – Best was 15.65kpl which I got during a Pune trip Worst was 7.2kpl which I got during pedal to the metal driving. . Looks – Average from the inside as well as the outside.. Features – Best at the price and time of purchase Build Quality – Poor. Service – Good. Comfort – As the advertisement said You always want to be in the drivers seat as that was the best place to be in.. Rear Seat was very uncomfy and space was less.. Performance – this is what I love in this car.. it performance is very good.. I have never been let down at any signal thanx to the ACE(Aluminum Compact Engine) Performances terrific and the high gearing means that you can keep it in 3rd gear all the way from 25kmph to 159 kmph.. 0 – 100 is very quick thought ACI says it does it in 11.49 secs My self stop watch test gave me 11.89secs.. I love the way the car shouts when floored and it makes me feel that it has a sports exhaust system.. Tilll 3000 RPM the car does not fly but once you reach 4000RPM the car just Pulls crazily to the red line.. though I have hardly red lined it as by 4000RPM cars disappeared in my ORVMs I remember once I was in a hurry to watch a F1 race and was coming from Ghatkopar and the way I flew it was just awesome.. Handling is pretty good as well with the upgraded rubber.. Once I pulled the car like crazy at Palm Beach.. 1st gear all the way till 60 KMPH and then int 2nd till 105 KMPH and then slotting it in 3rd gear where it was flying like a Vtec.. took it all the way till 150kmph in 3rd when I ran out of road..(this is the time when I got 7.2 KPL) but after all that the Oil pressure lamp started to blink and as many a times it did before but had not been sorted out by Automotive even after me tanking it up with Mobil 1.. After the 30K Kms it ran on 91 Octane fuel and it was a ease to reach speed above 120 KMPH in 5th gear.. On the expressway it has easily cruised at 150 KMPH in 5th gear and defeated every one except a flying corolla which was going at 180 KMPH.. Overall I would rate this car 6/10 as the amount I have spend over it I would have got a OHC 1.3 in 2000 without having so many troubles.. but I wont regret by purchase as the car has lived upto its expectations.. Sorry if I have not written the review very properly as this is my first review.. http://img42.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img42&image=es37wx.png
	() Thanks

4th March 2005, 16:13	#2
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,770 Thanked: 2,705 Times	Whoa what an experience. but i seriuosly think there's something very fishy abt the service by Automotive. U got too much probs in your car coz one of my uncle has been using it for last 4 years & has not faced any major issues. The 360 deg turn was in my opinoin your mistake as u were driving fast on worn out rubbers. Also i cant digest the need to change the vipers everyyear, what do u do with them, do they always get burned ??? Neways what price will you be getting if you try to sell it today ??
	() Thanks

4th March 2005, 16:46	#3
raihan BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: CA/bangalore Posts: 272 Thanked: 117 Times	Dude thats one helluva experience. A good one thou. cheers, rai
	() Thanks

4th March 2005, 17:03	#5
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,770 Thanked: 2,705 Times	My uncle has logged approx 1 lac kms. May be since he's a normal driver(read no ripping) & mostly his car is Chaueffer driven, it had less or no major issues. btw you use wipers all the time to clean/wipe windshield ?? I mean I never used them(in my dad's car) unless it was raining. I Used to clean/wipe it using a newspaper paper. Last edited by Technocrat : 4th March 2005 at 17:06.
	() Thanks

4th March 2005, 17:50	#7
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,770 Thanked: 2,705 Times	hehe then must say, your car has performed really well over the years
	() Thanks

4th March 2005, 18:28	#9
drifter Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,488 Thanked: 75 Times View My Garage	Hey your esteem has had its fair share of accidents and problems hasnt it. I think you should have tried another service center apart from automotive...when they werent able to sort out your problems. And yeah nice review. Drifter
	() Thanks

4th March 2005, 18:48	#10
cream BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: mumbai Posts: 158 Thanked: 4 Times	gosh, your review reads like the titanic logbook man, when u redline - please ensure condition of the car , brakes etc - anyways, you shouldn't be doing all this stuff in an esteem - the safety of this car sucks, don't lose your life in a high speed chase - it's not worth it!
	() Thanks

4th March 2005, 19:22	#11
maybach BANNED Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Mumbai Posts: 266 Thanked: 0 Times	Thnax drifter i hope it has had its fair share of accidents and problems Well automotive is near by and my neighbours used to work in Resham but thats closed now.. Yeah i redlined the car in perfect condition but after readlining the car didnot remain perfect.. i agreee on the safety aspect of the esteem is not that good thats why never took it over 165 oops it doesnot go over that lols
	() Thanks

5th March 2005, 18:07	#12
maybach BANNED Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Mumbai Posts: 266 Thanked: 0 Times	Here is the picture of the car at automotive
	() Thanks

18th December 2005, 03:49	#13
alexnazim BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 90 Thanked: 0 Times	[SIZE=2]Dude, u are just 17! Be carefull when u drive! Just kiddin! Nice review though. I plan to buy a second hand Esteem VX 98 model 90000KMS done for 1.45. Lemme know if it is worth it.......Thanks[/SIZE]
	() Thanks

18th December 2005, 04:58	#14
Max BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Thane Posts: 538 Thanked: 99 Times View My Garage	dost gadi dehre challa Dude, you are now 17 ? and you bought this car in 2000 ?? that means you was only 12 when you bought this car ??? (I mean your dad !!?). You mentioned you have taken it to 165kms !!!!. I hope you don't always drive your car at such speeds to save fellow citizens life, as you have mentioned about 150kmph speed in 3rd gears and I don't think you can control your car at such speeds in case immediate breaking is required. Well, since you are still 17 and legally not yet eligible to drive car you should drive more maturely. let me show this post to your parents or your local pandu btw, it seems steem's AC compressor is not good !
	() Thanks