[Shiwik]

With a heavy heart we had to part ways with our Hexa XT to make room for a GLA 220d. Hexa was a war horse and was an integral part of our family for 5 faithful years never once letting us down and accompanying us on several long trip - rain or shine, road or no-roads, the Hexa never complained and covered these distances with a smile. The ownership had also been very fuss free. This marks a 10 year association with the Tatas (Aria + Hexa for close to a 100k KMS). Contrary to several believers, Tata indeed is a great brand and has been extremely reliable through out. Products could be better rounded in-terms of ergonomics and thorough QC in an otherwise very competent product line-up. Hexa would continue to occupy a soft corner in our hearts and i would keep checking in on this thread periodically!!

Why GLA 220? My only additional requirement in the Hexa was an auto gearbox. For those in Bangalore can appreciate what a blessing it could be (especially during peak hours). The thought to move to an Auto was finally cemented after our trip to Tadoba last month (~2300k back and forth). The Hexa did it without breaking a sweat. However the left leg and hands were constantly in motion working the gears (you encounter a surprise/unscientific speed breaker, 2slow trucks competing with each other and several other variables) where there are 3-4 iterations of gear changes to reach crusing speeds.

I test drove the Fortuner, Hyundai Alcazar, Jeep Meridian, Mahindra did not revert back and felt the Kia's were a size too small for my liking. Each one had their own pros and cons and with the benchmark already set too high by the Hexa, the decision was more difficult to make. Until one of my ex-colleagues sent me a picture of his new GLA 220D. That is when the thought of jumping a segment came up. After checking out the Audi and BMWs, GLA was the one that stole our hearts and was also a befitting replacement for our mighty Hexa. Getting the delivery tomorrow (29/11). Thanks to everyone sharing your experiences and providing support on this thread and like i said, deep within, i would be itching to come back to this thread periodically

[Navigatorsasi33]

Hello friends,
I'm a new member of Team BHP and have been actively following the discussions, finding them highly informative. Currently, I own two cars: a Volkswagen Ameo TDI Highline Plus AT and recently acquired a used TATA Hexa XTA (2017 model with 50,000 km completed). Recently I exchanged my Maruti Dzire AT because my family needed a spacious 7-seater. Unfortunately, my search for a new 7-seater didn't go as planned, and the Innova was beyond my budget. Both the Ertiga and Carens didn't meet my expectations in terms of space, especially considering my brother already have an old Ertiga, and the newer version felt a bit smaller compared to the older one.

I came across the Tata Hexa on Spinny and chose between Spinny and CARS24 for a used car with a minimum 1-year warranty on the engine and transmission (at least on paper). This requirement stemmed from a past bitter experience with my Hyundai Elantra from a used car dealer.
The cost of the Hexa was relatively high at 13.3L. Although I later discovered it was on the higher side compared to the market price, the assurance of a 1-year warranty persuaded me to proceed, uncertain about what the future might hold. The Hexa's condition was good, having undergone major servicing at 45k km with the TATA Authorized Service Station (TASS). Reviewing the service history, I noted that all periodic servicing was completed at TASS, with only AC running repairs, which were also addressed.
Spinny assured me that they had conducted thorough servicing, replacing necessary components, and found no major issues. They guaranteed trouble-free driving for the next 10K km. To further validate, I consulted a reliable friend who owns a service station for multi-brand imported premium cars. He confirmed recent oil and filter changes, assuring me that the car appeared practically brand new. After driving the car for about 1000 km, I have not encountered any major issues.

My plan is to keep the car for the next 5 years or more, if luck is on my side, as I am convinced of the HEXA's space and safety features.
* In light of this, please provide suggestions on the steps I should take in the near future to ensure the longevity of my HEXA.
* When should I schedule the next service, at 60K or 55K?
* Should I opt for service at TASS or at my friend's workshop (as mentioned above, a multi-brand service station for imported premium cars)?
* Are there specific parts that I need to check and replace immediately? (From my 1000 KM drive, I haven't noticed anything significant.)
* What precautions should I take with reference to the HEXA XTA for trouble-free long-term ownership?

Suggestions and feedback are welcomed; thanks in advance.

[TheCamShaft]

Originally Posted by Navigatorsasi33

.
* In light of this, please provide suggestions on the steps I should take in the near future to ensure the longevity of my HEXA.
* When should I schedule the next service, at 60K or 55K?
* Should I opt for service at TASS or at my friend's workshop (as mentioned above, a multi-brand service station for imported premium cars)?
* Are there specific parts that I need to check and replace immediately? (From my 1000 KM drive, I haven't noticed anything significant.)
* What precautions should I take with reference to the HEXA XTA for trouble-free long-term ownership?

Congratulations on your Hexa purchase, and wish you a great driving experience for years to come. Stick to every 6 months service cadence with TASS , and Hexa will serve you very well.

Hope you received the Owners manual along with your car, if not you can always download it from https://tmlcars.tatamotors.com/image...ers_Manual.pdf.

Just make sure all major touchpoints for 5th year service from the Owners manual has been covered by the previous owner. One major point for 5th Year's service that some of the TASS tend to dodge is the Timing Belt change. Not all TASS are religious about changing that, and might have given reasons like it is in good shape and so forth. Just review the service history and if its not replaced, get it done at your next service. This includes Water Pump replacement as well.

Second of things which is not mentioned in the Owner's manual but Hexa owners community deem important are Automatic Transmission Cooler Change and Automatic Transmission Fluid change, get it done as well at your next service.

That said, here's a comprehensive list I prepared for the 6th year major service for Hexa and executed on that with TASS. The list was developed based on Owners Manual, T-Bhp community discussions , and collective knowledge of pan India Hexa owners community

1. Timing Kit Replacement

Entire assembly – Belt, Tensioner, Idler etc
Water pump replacement

2. ATF

ATF Fluid change
ATF Cooler change
Clean breather pipes for auto transmission

3. Mounts

Gearbox mount
Engine Mounts (two)
Suspension mounts, bushes
TVD – check and replace if necessary

4. All Filters change

Oil filter change
Air Filter change
Fuel pre filter change
Main Fuel filter change

5. All Fluids Drain and Change

Engine oil flush and change
Brake fluid bleeding and change
Power Steering fluid (check for leakage in container) bleeding and change
Engine coolant flush and replacement
Axle fluids- front and rear

6. Rubber Hoses and Belts

Hoses and Belts of Alternator/Compressor, Power Steering belt

7. Hoses and Pipes

Check all Hoses and Pipes thoroughly
Replace coolant hoses as necessary

8. Electricals

All Electricals thorough check

9. Brakes

Brake Pad remove and clean
Brake Caliper greasing

10. Hand Brake check
11. Sensors

MAF Sensor clean with spray
O2 sensor
T-MAP sensor clean with spray

12. Suspension Check

Suspension mounts
Anti roll bar bush – Front and Rear, greasing
Axle greasing
Propellor shaft greasing

13. Underbody check

Exhaust system pipes for leak/crack

14. AC Filter clean
15. Wiper motor and full wiper assembly cleaning
16. Scan OBD for errors, and take appropriate actions

With TASSes being increasingly busy, pick a right one that will do the job for you. For instance, not all TASSes have experience with AT Cooler and ATF changes.

As for me, I'd stick with TASS for Hexa maintenance and service, while still get certain things done from FNGs that TASS cannot do, like for example, EGR cleaning. FNGs typically don't tend to adhere to OEM specifications for oils, but if you know of one that you can trust to do the job well, why not!

Once you cover the above list once at 5th year or the 6th year service, you can breathe easy as rest of maintenance will be just very regular ones. Enjoy the hexa rides, i love the machine for all the joy it brings to me and family!

[Navigatorsasi33]

Hi sir, I once again thank you for the information provided. With reference to it I checked with the nearest TASS and their reply regarding the needed changes and checks as per the list it would cost around 65k ( excluding ATF oil changes and parts, they say as per manual its for lifetime and no need to change). And regarding the others it may cost around 65k roughly for it and it may change depending on other required changes.
It would take a week or 15 days to procure the needed parts.
Pls advise on it whether it's reasonable cost.??
Thanks in advance.

[Shreyans_Jain]

Originally Posted by Navigatorsasi33

Hi sir, I once again thank you for the information provided. With reference to it I checked with the nearest TASS and their reply regarding the needed changes and checks as per the list it would cost around 65k ( excluding ATF oil changes and parts, they say as per manual its for lifetime and no need to change). And regarding the others it may cost around 65k roughly for it and it may change depending on other required changes.
It would take a week or 15 days to procure the needed parts.
Pls advise on it whether it's reasonable cost.??
Thanks in advance.

Absolute rip off!

ATF oil change costs around 15-18k including new oil as well as labour, and takes 2 days. The specified grade of ATF is mentioned in the manual and is available in the market. It is not some super speciality item that has to be imported or anything. ATF replacement is MANDATORY.

Steer clear of this dealership/workshop. They are playing you for a fool. Pls refer my long term ownership thread for details of individual parts changed and the time and costs involved.

[Navigatorsasi33]

Thanks for the valueuble info. What's is your view on other replacement charges of 65k approx. Will be helpful if I can get some opinion. Thank you

[theZULU]

Originally Posted by nvldvr

To many more years/ kms of happy ownership. Cheers. :-)

Came across your initial ownership review today quite by chance Saurav, while I was researching for information on finer technical aspects of switching wheel rim size, especially when opting for Non-OEM after market options for my next modification Project.

What I found amazing about it is that apart from being crisp yet comprehensive, every word and aspect you have mentioned bears out exactly with my experience on my XTA 4x2 and hold good till today - 5 years down the line and 94000 Kilometers completed!

I believe that even if the Hexa, when it was in production, may not have succeeded in enthusing the Indian Automobile Market, but its quality and engineering has clearly proven that our Home grown Automobile Makers, especially Tata Motors have come of age and are now capable of manufacturing world class vehicles.

Rgds

[smsrini]

Originally Posted by SHEMOHDA

Hey! Did you happen to change the rubber part at the top as well? Somehow the part on my car came loose and I lost it, I wonder where.

I didn't have to replace that part. It's held in place under the roof rail I think. We had to put a drop of super glue though to keep it in place after the plastic trim running down the windshield was replaced.

[Ashwinbr]

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

Absolute rip off!

ATF oil change costs around 15-18k including new oil as well as labour, and takes 2 days. The specified grade of ATF is mentioned in the manual and is available in the market. It is not some super speciality item that has to be imported or anything. ATF replacement is MANDATORY.

Steer clear of this dealership/workshop. They are playing you for a fool. Pls refer my long term ownership thread for details of individual parts changed and the time and costs involved.

I'm new to Bangalore and own a pretty great example of the initial batches of Hexa XTA. Can anyone recommend a good private mechanic who can help carry out the AT cooler and oil change as a preventive maintenance? Also, another q to the experiences friends here - Im not heavy footed with the hexa but have you faced a confused gear shifting in the Hexa when overtaking? A slight press doesn't upshift but a little more shifts up by 2 gears. Is this new or any software update or a tuneup needed?

[theZULU]

Maintenance Advice for all XTA/XMA HEXA owners

Quite a few XTA/XMA owners are reporting 6L50 AT malfunctioning /failure around 1 Lakh km /5 years.

The most common cause identified for this seems to be coolant getting mixed with ATF due to corrosion within the internal separating walls of the AT oil cooler, due to which coolant enters the AT and damages the solenoids of the TC.

TaMo does not repair/overhaul the 6L50 AT. Their only solution is to replace the entire AT unit at a cost of approximately Rs 4.5 lakhs. The situation is getting further attenuated by the long waiting period for the aggregate due to the
non-availability of Tata Motors who have to resort to import from the original OEM.

It also seems that TaMo has failed to factor in the driving conditions peculiar to India i.e. operating in heavy traffic & high summer temperatures especially in North India due to which they have advised that ATF is filled for the lifetime of the vehicle
i.e. 5 years!

A consensus seems to be emerging among the Various Hexa groups on SM that the only solution to avoid the heavy hit to the pocket is prophylactic replacement of both the AT oil cooler and the complete ATF in the AT on completion of 60000 km/3 years or so.

For info & action please as considered expedient.

Regards

[mally2]

Does anyone have experience with this place. They claim to be specialist in AT repairs

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bETfHf6JcCDKb6YXA?g_st=ic

SEHMBI- (40 + Years of Experience in Automatic Transmission Repair)

[busydrive]

Originally Posted by theZULU

[b]
A consensus seems to be emerging among the Various Hexa groups on SM that the only solution to avoid the heavy hit to the pocket is prophylactic replacement of both the AT oil cooler and the complete ATF in the AT on completion of 60000 km/3 years or so.


Regards

Originally Posted by mally2

SEHMBI- (40 + Years of Experience in Automatic Transmission Repair)

Well it's a fact that this AT Box needs periodic ATF change. 5 years is a good timeframe to get it changed.
The bigger problem is the issue with the AT oil cooler. This part is not usually available. Costs around 12K. Proactively getting it changed might be a good idea actually. Issue is availability and there exists no defined way to identify if it's going to fail soon.

[d4rkd3mon]

Hello Bhpians. This is my first post on team bhp although I have been an avid reader of the forum for over 3+ years now.

I bought a used Tata hexa in 2021, a 2017 model that had done 77k km after reading almost all of the 400 pages of thread. Unfortunately, at about 83km, my Hexa's gearbox started to slip, just the first gear. I was in Himachal at the time and went to the service center. My gearbox was replaced under warranty*( there is a huge side story on how I was charged a hefty 72k by the service center whose GM came up with fake stories that even though the car is under warranty, you will have to pay a certain percentage of the amount. It was only after 1.5 years that I realised it was fake and the bill was only supposed to be 12k. I need some legal advice on this as well, please let me know if this is the forum to discuss or should I create a thread somewhere explaining the entire fraud in details)

I absolutely love the car. I did a 6 month continuous expedition in the Himalayas with it. 3months in Himachal, 2 months in Uttarakhand and 1 month in ladakh and went to every nook and corner possible. I have driven it on icy roads in Khardungla where Fortuner's, Innova's and even Tata's mighty trucks were stuck. The hexa crossed it like a breeze. The same in Auli, went all the way upto the skii resort, easy.

Any how, I have a question about the car. It has done 1.05Lakh km now since the AT was replaced at 83km. I know for sure that the AT oil was changed.

1. Does the AT cooler automatically get changed with it or do I need to get it replaced? Is it part of the gearbox sealed? I haven't heard my TASS service managers recommend anything at all about AT cooler change.

2. The car also has some minor rusting crack on the exhaust pipe in 2 out of 3 segments that make it up. Can I get them welded or is replacing the only option?

3. I sometimes notice that the car is revving slightly higher, around 300 rpm higher than usual and gear shifts are late at 2.3k instead of the usual 1.8-2 figure there seems to some resistance in pick up, even at first gear crawl the acceleration is very sluggish.However, suddenly at times I find the car starts to glide, gear changes back to 1.8k mark, the first gear crawl noticeably faster, alsmot has me reaching for brakes. When this happens, my mileage numbers start to go higher, and improve by almost 3-4km/l. AC is on both times, no that is not a factor. The difference is stark enough that it's not just me but even my wife in the passenger seat notices it and asks me the same time when I am suspecting if it's moving smoothly or not. Once again, the Tass folks says, it's all good and it's probably the engine getting old. I don't believe it because the mileage numbers tell the whole story. When the car glides and stops over revving, I can feel the engine is quieter and also gives much more confidence in overtakes, as if someone took off weight from the car.Do you suspect it something to do with the clutch/pressure plate that is now giving up? How can I be sure?

[busydrive]

Originally Posted by d4rkd3mon

1. Does the AT cooler automatically get changed with it or do I need to get it replaced? Is it part of the gearbox sealed? I haven't heard my TASS service managers recommend anything at all about AT cooler change.

2. The car also has some minor rusting crack on the exhaust pipe in 2 out of 3 segments that make it up. Can I get them welded or is replacing the only option?

3. Do you suspect it something to do with the clutch/pressure plate that is now giving up? How can I be sure?

Welcome to Team-Bhp.
1. AT Cooler you have to change separately. You can check the bill to see if it was changed.

2. Exhaust cracks can be wielded in any workshop. I mean where you have gas wielding.

3. This is AT right, then there is no clutch pressure plate issue. Also to me the phenomena you have explained seems normal. I have also observed this.

[virusUG]

Originally Posted by theZULU

Maintenance Advice for all XTA/XMA HEXA owners

Quite a few XTA/XMA owners are reporting 6L50 AT malfunctioning /failure around 1 Lakh km /5 years.

The most common cause identified for this seems to be coolant getting mixed with ATF due to corrosion within the internal separating walls of the AT oil cooler, due to which coolant enters the AT and damages the solenoids of the TC.

TaMo does not repair/overhaul the 6L50 AT. Their only solution is to replace the entire AT unit at a cost of approximately Rs 4.5 lakhs. The situation is getting further attenuated by the long waiting period for the aggregate due to the
non-availability of Tata Motors who have to resort to import from the original OEM.

It also seems that TaMo has failed to factor in the driving conditions peculiar to India i.e. operating in heavy traffic & high summer temperatures especially in North India due to which they have advised that ATF is filled for the lifetime of the vehicle
i.e. 5 years!

A consensus seems to be emerging among the Various Hexa groups on SM that the only solution to avoid the heavy hit to the pocket is prophylactic replacement of both the AT oil cooler and the complete ATF in the AT on completion of 60000 km/3 years or so.

For info & action please as considered expedient.

Regards

Replied to this on FB. Pasting the same stuff here for wider knowledge as well as to get more info from experts.

Info that I got from my dad (who runs a car garage since 35years)
1. Oil will not let corrosion happen on AT side.
2. Coolant when added with potable/distilled water will be non-corrosive as well.
3. If there is any corrosion, it would change color of coolant + particles can be seen in coolant.


So to be sure about the issue, just keep checking/changing the coolant time to time