[AbhiJ]

As I prepare to bid farewell to my 5 year old Accent Viva CRDi, I cant help but think about the times I spent with this car.

I have spent lazy evenings in this car with my friends, gone on dates and long drives with my girl (Who I married later), picked up groceries with my wife, and for the past couple of weeks its been taking my sweet little 5 month old daughter for her vaccinations...

My life completely changed in the last 5 years, and this car has seen it all.



The funny thing about the Viva was, that when I bought it, the car did not excite me. It was slightly noisy, cramped and very dated in looks. I bought the car purely because of its functionality. I need economical, reliable transport, and this fit the bill. This was my first Hyundai.

But the car grew on me. The three cylinder motor might be rough, but sure is potent. The engine was/is fantastic, The torque addictive. I was leaving petrol sedans in my dust at signals, I was filling my tank within Rs. 1200. The brakes were sharp and dependable. The handing was unexciting but predictable.



The car turned out to be a highway muncher. I made numerous trips with this car, covering over 400 kms in 6 hrs regularly, and always ending the the trip with a big smile.



And not once did it die on me. The car was the defination of reliability. In terms of reliability, it was much better than my Cielo, Zen and even the Lancer.

The only hiccup was when the OE Exide battery gave up the ghost while parked at my house. I got the car serviced every 5000 kms from the authorised garage.



Apart from the usual oil/fuel/air filters, below is a list of parts I remember replacing in the last 5 yrs:

1) Tyres: Upgraded the 195/60 R13 Potenzas the day I got her. Swapped to 185/70 R 13 after 45000 kms
2) Battery
3) Starting Motor: Drove through some deep water. Fortunately, this was the only casualty.
4) EGR Valve: Died last year
5) Set of 4 shocks (front and back): Replaced after 40000 kms
5) AC Condenser: This one was my fault. It developed a leak when I bumped a taxi :P
6) Headlights: Voluntary change, got them swapped when I got the car repainted 2 years ago (Also voluntary ... i.e. without accident)
7) Set of Front Brake Pads
8) Clutch Plate - at 45000 kms



Just mentioning a couple of interesting figures:

1) Top Speed : 165 kmph speedo read, on 185/70 R 13 tyres
2) Wheelspin achived in : 2nd Gear
3) Kms covered: 68000
3) Max Distance travelled in 1.5 hrs: 120 kms
4) Avg kmpl with A/c : Around 12 kmpl
5) Times I regretted this purchase : 0

The car is now on sale here. I hope its gives its new owner, as many smiles as it gave me. Thank you for reading.

p.s. I am awaiting delivery of my i20 Asta CRDi.

[sizoo]

Sir

I really appreciate your love towards your Accent Viva CRDi. Its an emotional as well as encouraging farewell to a nice machine you are going to loose.

However I too own a CRDi 2006 , but havnt still thought of loosing it till 2011. Hopefully this mate keeps me cheering as ever.

Cheers buddy & Goodbye CRDi!

Sizoo

PS: i20 ASTA CRDi is a nice choice! give a review!

[phamilyman]

Hmmm. Why not take it for much longer?

or that now the future depreciation adds no value to you?

[AbhiJ]

Originally Posted by phamilyman

Hmmm. Why not take it for much longer?

Good point.

My reason for sale is simple. I want a safer car for my daughter.

[Superleggera]

That was a cool farewell not mate, Enjoy your new i20 and do post pics !

[phamilyman]

ah okay. I know of another similar car on sale because of age (not troubles) and depreciation.

I mean, i'd match your mileage in total 2.5 years max, but I'd keep flogging the car till it either turns over and falls dead or completes 1.5-2 lakhs

And even I'd pick up a safer 2nd car as well - I have the hope of buying a 2 year old well-discounted Punto then !!

[AbhiJ]

Update: Bid goodbye to the car today, with a heavy heart. I hope it makes its new owner as happy as it made me...

Expecting delivery of the i20 within a day or so...

[Jaggu]

Whats that number markings on the speedo?? And a big Congratz for the i20!

[RishiSuri]

Feels nice to read good reviews about the car I also have. Been with this car for almost 3.5 years and still love driving it..

[AbhiJ]

Originally Posted by Jaggu

Whats that number markings on the speedo?? And a big Congratz for the i20!

Dont ask...

It was my attempt to train my driver not to lug the engine and upshift/downshift at correct times.

It worked... almost.

[Eddy]

This thing had 6 gears ?

[planet_rocker]

I guess the last marking was the "manual speed limit"

Did you sell her to a used car dealer?

Congrats on the i20. wish you many miles

[AbhiJ]

Originally Posted by Eddy

This thing had 6 gears ?

No just 5...

Originally Posted by planet_rocker

I guess the last marking was the "manual speed limit"

Yup.

Originally Posted by planet_rocker

Did you sell her to a used car dealer?

Yes, unfortunately.

Originally Posted by planet_rocker

Congrats on the i20. wish you many miles

Thanks. Hope to bring it to the Kolkata meet...

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by AbhiJ

I got the car repainted 2 years ago (Also voluntary ... i.e. without accident)

Why did you do that? Cars with original paint preserve their value better.

Originally Posted by phamilyman

ah okay. I know of another similar car on sale because of age (not troubles) and depreciation.

Yeah, Hitanshu, I know which one you're talking about.

[AbhiJ]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Why did you do that? Cars with original paint preserve their value better.

True. But in areas I have to drive it, cycles and richshaws end up scraping my car every fortnight.
After 3 yrs of driving, there were no dents to speak of, but multiple scrapes on every panel, hence got it repainted.

Btw, I would love to know the details of the depriciation Accent CRDi story....



Side Note to Kolkata T Bhpians: Had my car repainted at Glix (A. V. Designs). They were cheaper than the Hyundai quotes and did a superb job at denting/painting. The finish was as good as a showroom fresh car.
p.s. I do not have any tie ups with Glix