A lustrous, spotless,plastic-smelling new car is unmatched for some, but according to my BUCKnor(I am not independant financially) it is best outsourced to fellow citizens around (CPO-Car Process Outsourcing).They do the research, buy it after a bargain, pay the tax, run-in, maintain and then sell it at a discount to potential customers like me.
2005
The first such car was the fiat uno. Everyone bad-mouthing a car brand renders it too good for the used market,and a 2001 1.7 ELX with 72k on odo was ‘asked’ 1.5 Lakh. A quick inspection ofthe body and under chassis revealed good maintenance and the deal was done.
It ran for another 30k km, and aslife gets monotonous and dull, only the blood of our (t-bhp) kind escapades on a change of the wheel. The Uno is amazingly frugal to own; except for PS oil seal change (Rs.2k with labour-private garage). Earlier TVS demanded 22k forthe box replacement, and now you know why it is difficult to awake the deadhorse (fiat India).
2007
The isuzu engine of the tavera iswell acclaimed, so thought of buying the B3 model (BUCKnor agreed). GM guys were asked to evaluate the Uno. Now, one geezer comes in a black pulsar and a black glass, chewing a gum (trying to put up a geek image). He took it for a spin,removed the rubber beading of doors, examine the underchase et al. Then opening the bonnet, he pulls the oil dipstick and then raises the throttle and checks for any oil spilling up. Then he opened his mouth.
“Accident car this is…also engine no compression…engine work…”
I asked him what he is meaning by that…-“When a diesel engine gives 21.xx kmpl always, with 5 people, pullingeffortlessly, with no smoke or oil consumption, what no compression?”
He started, “I am a mech engineer,and I know engines of Benz, BMW…..”
I intervened, “So what’s the deal?”
He: “not more than 80k”
Also, GM guys comes to his rescue:“saaar…phiyat caaar saar..no market saaarrr…”
Adieu guys.
Scouting for another used car, BUCKnor came across a 2002 Ford Ikon 1.8D, with 65k on odo. Now MS says, “ Ram..see unois 1.7…this is 1.8..good isn’t it..”
The price quoted was 2.7L.
The way Uno was groped by the‘Engineer’ taught me some lessons.
1)Inspect the glasses first. All glasses should have thesame tint/colour, brandname, year of manufacture.
2)The oil dipstick quagmire.
3)I insisted that the TO form be signed in my presence.
But the deal was done, as BUCKnor was satisfied of the TN-38 registration (coimbatore).
Took it to Ford SS. I asked the service manager to check for the database. The last service was done a month back, but with 112k Km on the odo.
Ford 1.8 Endura diesel engine is said to last for about 2-2.5L Km without opening up, so the extra mileage run was not a worry. Also, the entire service history was there at ford, so a payoff even after getting a raw deal from the dealer.
Ford service is a big-ticket, but a satisfying one. The A/C fan bearing packed up and there was oil leak from the brake vacuum booster. As for ford, Repair = Replace, bill came at around 17k (parts came from Chennai by the afternoon Jet airways and car delivered within hours).
The car is still running fine with90k(140k) on odo and no major works.Service cost is around 4 to 5k.
Meanwhile the Uno was sold-off through TASS when one of my relativewanted to buy a Tata Spacio for his factory. It fetched 1.27L.
2009
The sight of any Uno leaves me heavy-hearted. Even BUCKnor bemoaned the ford comparing it to the Uno. He now asked me about my choice...FIAT
A 2003 palio D ELX, with alloys and185 tyres, was asked 2L. An enquiry at coimbatore got me the ‘going’ rates as 2.2 to 2.5L. (Here at coimbatore, the going is always high. Dealers make a quick buck by buying from Chennai selling it here).
The car had dimples and nicks, yet overall it looked good. The angled rear of the Uno was maintained in the Palio,and I liked the rear lights too…
1)All glasses bore the FIAT-PILKINTON-MADE IN BRAZIL mark.
2)No pick-up or other performance issues.
3)Interiors were spotless.
4)Ride was pleasant. (With 80k on odo, it indicates good maintenance)
5)Owner needed Sub. I don’t need it, but I need to cover-up.
6)Bonnet open: There was a mild breeze of smoke coming from the intake side of the engine. I enquired about it. Owner told that it was from the diesel sprayed on the engine at service.
7)AC cooled well.
8)One issue I forgot to check was the exhaust smoke.
Deal.
While returning, I could see smoke pile-up behind the car from the rear view mirror. It was horrendous black smoke, with carbon soot spewn out from the exhaust. But for the 700 km driven the FE was around 16-17(+185 tyre) so I did not worry about the engine condition.
As expected, there was another Diwali at home. Even the 3 year old kid would run away if I went near the car because of the smoke.
Went to TVS. Asked them to adjust timing (ECU reset), and clean the injectors... voila..no smoke…! A timing belt change was advised, and bill was at 15k (adjuster bearing, tensioner…). “Engineis pretty good”
This 1910cc IDI diesel is asking adiesel filter worth 1300 bucks.The 137D’s local mechanic said that he can alter it to use the Siena1.7TD’s filter, as it costs around 350 bucks…I am thinking…
I like this engine very much…like a locomotive it pulls…5th gear ratio should have been taller..but okfor speeds upto 90/100 kmph, and like the GM Astra TD, it is so confident taking higher speeds/rough roads.
My apprehensions:
1)What is this oil dipstick stuff? What to conclude ifoil spills out from it? Local Mech says something about compression.
2)Can I alter the diesel filter for the palio D? Anyrepercussions?