Team-BHP - Tata Nano : Test Drive & Review

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARCUS_520i (Post 3215841)

Good evening everyone!

I saw a nano with a slightly different badging than usual. It was at the rear next to the LHS tail lamps and read "TCS Special".

Anyone knows about the 'speciality' of this one?

There was an offer made in mid 2011 specially for TCS employees. In addition to easy finance options, the offer included
1) Left ovrm
2) Alloy wheels
3) Ratan Tata signature on the speedo console PLUS a generous 25000 discount.

It was good value for money. I think they managed to sell 1000 + cars as part of this campaign.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishbull_6157 (Post 3215969)

Yes, I did notice the LHS ORVM and the alloys.
A 25K rupee discount on an already low priced car is fab! *Of course, the ones benefiting would only be Tata employees, but still clap:

Quote:

Originally Posted by avingodb (Post 3216113)

Guys, how much does the transition to synthetic fuel for Nano cost and which is the recommended oil?
Also does this change make a difference in terms of fuel efficiency, output, engine life etc?

edit: is it ok to change to synthetic if the car ran on regular oil for the previous two years?

Dear Avingodb,

IMO, synthetic oil in Nano is not necessary and moreover, will increase the cost of ownership of the car. I don't see the small engine benefiting too much due to the use of synthetic oils as the refinement level in the 2 pot engine is not among the best.
The Castrol edge, fully synthetic costs around 800-900 bucks for a litre. Castrol Magnatec, which is not fully synthetic but a good engine oil will cost about 1200/- for a 4 litre pack. IMO, its a better take to use it on your car, but DO check the specs. Follow the drain interval given in the manual.

What spec engine oil does the Nano takes, btw?

I have been using Castrol Magnatec in my car for last 10 years and needless to say, fully satisfied with it.

Regards,
Saket

Quote:

Originally Posted by saket77 (Post 3216177)

IMO, synthetic oil in Nano is not necessary and moreover, will increase the cost of ownership of the car. Castrol Magnatec, which is not fully synthetic but a good engine oil will cost about 1200/- for a 4 litre pack. IMO, its a better take to use it on your car, but DO check the specs. Follow the drain interval given in the manual.

For normal Indian road use, a good mineral oil that meets/exceeds the automaker grade spec is perfectly adequate for any car, along with the change as recommended. You just want to be sure it isn't spurious.
Synthetic oil is an expensive overkill for the application - although if some car makes specify its use, best follow their recommendation.
Semi synth is pure marketing, doesn't mean anything.
For many years I have used Magnatec - a good mineral oil - too, supplying the service station with it. Now I don't bother, I am content with the oil that the authorised service station uses, and use the money saved on other things that matter more. And no hassle running around buying oil and carrying it along for service. I do ensure change of oil/filter as recommended.
I was pleasantly surprised at DSK Toyota for my petrol car - the SA said we have both kinds of Toyota branded oils, but mineral is perfectly adequate. Most places would up sell, so this approach was nice to see.
PS: One problem I foresee with the Nano is checking oil levels. Even for cars with 6 monthly changes, I check the oil level once in between, and always before an intercity run.
With the annual - for my running - recommended change in the Nano, doing this every three months is going to be a pain, since there isn't easy access to the oil level.

A friend (not on TBHP) is planning to buy the 2013 Nano. I've a few questions regarding the Nano:

In Bangalore, what mileage are users getting, for a commute at 10 am and 8 pm through the city?
The fuel level indicator uses an LCD - how many bars are there and how many bars do you let it go down to before filling up? Is there any reserve available when there are no bars shown? I know that letting it go too low is not smart for FI engines, but given the small 15L tank, I also don't want to keep visiting the fuel station too often.
On a non-fuel note, what is the opinion of lady drivers steering the Nano in traffic & parking - is the absence of power steering a large handicap? My friend very occasionally drives a Grande Punto, so that steering weightage is the benchmark.

BTW, I had a very impressive TD of this car on Saturday, it doesn't feel like just a 600cc 2-cyl at all. Colour me impressed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arunphilip (Post 3265793)

A friend (not on TBHP) is planning to buy the 2013 Nano. I've a few questions regarding the Nano:BTW, I had a very impressive TD of this car on Saturday, it doesn't feel like just a 600cc 2-cyl at all. Colour me impressed.

I am not from Bangalore but I normally get 15-16 kmpl with AC ON in city. I have not managed to get mileage higher than 16 kmpl in city. On highways, I get 20-22 Kmpl.

The digital bar type fuel level indicators are not the best when it comes to accuracy. I prefer analog type fuel level indicators since we can better interpret the amount of fuel present. I have ran out of fuel (the last time it happened was last night) more than 5 times credit goes to fuel level indicator. Never trust it, fill up as soon as the bars disappear on the LCD.

The steering is not a problem, steering at speeds is a breeze. Yes, when the car is at stop, there is more effort required to steer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arunphilip (Post 3265793)

what mileage are users getting
how many bars do you let it go down to before filling up?
what is the opinion of lady drivers steering the Nano in traffic & parking

Avg. mileage has been 14 kmpl with intermittent AC in bangalore. Decent mileage considering that the 4th gear is hardly engaged during the commute.
Driven about 5 kms on the last bar. Do no recommend to wait that long. Note - when starting from an incline, the fuel indication fluctuates. Shows higher or lower than actual depending on whether it was parked down or up hill but settles after ~200 meters.
My wife uses the Nano primarily. Steering is a issue only when starting from tightly parked spaces. Once started, it is a breeze to drive, easy to park. High seating position helps a lot. Complains about thick 'A' pillars - have to watch out at intersections. Clutch gets hard but improves temporarily after service - need to get used to this.

The mileage you'll are getting is low. I get atleast ~18-20 (w/o A/c) in city with my '10 Nano. Did you use the tankful-to-tankful method to check mileage? If it still gives the same numbers, contact the company and get it checked.

Fuel indicators Bars : I let it go till the E has been flashing for a few kms. Highway mileage depends on how you drive it. I've got 24-25kmpl while driving 80-90kmph.

Lady drivers generally won't find it very tough to steer at traffic speeds, the issue is only at standstill.

Most importantly, I believe the Nano is a very reliable car. Not because of its crashworthyness, but also due to its simplicity in engineering. It goes up comfortably in inclines due to the RWD, the independent suspension actually works out well and all this while being quite feature rich at almost 2/3rd the price of the Alto!