[eternalck]

Hello all, my first thread here.

I needed a second car for the home three months back and my friend was looking to sell his m800, he worked for Maruti Suzuki till 4 months back.

I thought what the hell, its a car from a known person i'll buy this one. The price he quoted was 50k for the non ac 2000 carb model, but i told him i'll pay back at my ease.

The first blunder i made was not get it inspected by a car guru, i'm a newbie with the internals of the car. I thought its driving around good enough, and its been with a maruti guy itself so it must be serviced fine too.

Little did i know what all is up with it... All got clear when i got it home and drove around a few km. I noticed that there was too much noise inside the car. I checked and there was very little transmission oil, the engine oil was all old, there were issues with the lights (some were out), noticed the two wheel side drive shaft boots were all torn, i just went to a MASS to have it serviced first of all.

I came to know that the front left wheel beering was the one causing the noise inside. Had that replaced (800INR). Changed the engine oil, topped up transmission oil, had various bushes changed (stabilizer bar, steering rack), wipers replaced, front parking lights changed, wheels balanced etc, the boots replaced and cv joints cleaned, the billl came out to 5000INR.

Good thing i caught the joints in time or i would have been stripped of around 5-8000 more. I deserve a pat on the back for this.

But it did not stop there, the technician told me that the steering rack needs changing as well as the suspension. Those two jobs would cost me around 10,000.

That was all the technical problems of the car. The roof and hood have various dips on it probably from a hailstorm. The front left door has a nice scratch on it (which i painted up myself to prevent more rust from ruining the body), has a tear in the fron bumper on the lower edge, has a minor scratch (without the paint being off) on the right door. the rear boot door had been repaired after a vehicle smashed it years back and been repainted, without the clear coat, hence it now has no sheen on it and looks a bit yellowish (the car's white by the way).

The car's rear tyres are all worn out and are bias ply, the front are new and radials.

Ya these are all the issues i listed; no more.

Now what i want to ask you all is:

1) How long can i continue using the steering rake without problems? So i can think of putting in some accessories.

2) When i tested the suspension by swinging the body and then letting it go the body stops in 1.5 swings, so isn't that showing that the shockers are fine? There are no visible leaks there too. So should i or should i not have them changed?

3) Where would i get good tyres in West Delhi? The MASS don't have them... What brand should i go for? And how much would they cost?

4) When should i have an engine overhaul? The odo is clocked at 72000km.

5) I've watched the windshield cracks, they are very tiny and not growing.

I think i'm not wrong if i say i'm now stuck with what we call a white elephant? After reading this post, you all must be wondering what on earth has this fellow done, trust me i'm too realising the mistakes i made.

And now i am totally flabbergasted at the ignorance of my so called 'friend', First of all he did not tell me about the torn boots which could have landed me in more trouble.
Secondly, he put new radials on the front, when we all know that its recommended to put the new tyres at the back, let alone radials.
Thirdly, his insurance was third party type, had he got the comprehensive one he could have mended the car body.
Fourthly, has the world come to such a condition where you can't even trust a friend to not rip you off?

Please go through the trouble of reading the long post and try providing me some solutions.


Thanks.

[SirAlec]

Originally Posted by eternalck

I came to know that the front left wheel beering was the one causing the noise inside. Had that replaced (800INR). Changed the engine oil, topped up transmission oil, had various bushes changed (stabilizer bar, steering rack), wipers replaced, front parking lights changed, wheels balanced etc, the boots replaced and cv joints cleaned, the billl came out to 5000INR.

Good thing i caught the joints in time or i would have been stripped of around 5-8000 more. I deserve a pat on the back for this.

The car's rear tyres are all worn out and are bias ply, the front are new and radials.

Ya these are all the issues i listed; no more.

Now what i want to ask you all is:

1) How long can i continue using the steering rake without problems? So i can think of putting in some accessories.

2) When i tested the suspension by swinging the body and then letting it go the body stops in 1.5 swings, so isn't that showing that the shockers are fine? There are no visible leaks there too. So should i or should i not have them changed?

3) Where would i get good tyres in West Delhi? The MASS don't have them... What brand should i go for? And how much would they cost?

4) When should i have an engine overhaul? The odo is clocked at 72000km.

5) I've watched the windshield cracks, they are very tiny and not growing.

I think i'm not wrong if i say i'm now stuck with what we call a white elephant? After reading this post, you all must be wondering what on earth has this fellow done, trust me i'm too realising the mistakes i made.

And now i am totally flabbergasted at the ignorance of my so called 'friend', First of all he did not tell me about the torn boots which could have landed me in more trouble.
Secondly, he put new radials on the front, when we all know that its recommended to put the new tyres at the back, let alone radials.
Thirdly, his insurance was third party type, had he got the comprehensive one he could have mended the car body.
Fourthly, has the world come to such a condition where you can't even trust a friend to not rip you off?

Please go through the trouble of reading the long post and try providing me some solutions.


Thanks.

Hello Hello! slow down man. thats lot of serious use of keyboard. And you bought it from a Maruti guy.
Your case is like " Murgi knowing how to lay eggs but not knowing about omlette at all" lolz it happens.

Here are the breakout of all the things.
1. Wheel bearing, i guess you are talking about a bearing inside the front Disc. Rs.650/- Labour Rs.100

2. Balancing Rs.40 pertyre plus the weight of lead. Alignment Rs.110/-

3. Various bushes, balance rod rubber set, Rs. 140/-
tierod. Rs.275 for two, Ends, 85 per piece. Labour Rs.150

4. Axle boot with clips et all. Rs160 a pair. Labour Rs.150/-

5. Cost of drivehsaft rs. 1700 for right and 1750 for left. Labour Rs.150

6 engine oil shell Rs.490 3 liter plus rs.60 for oil filter. Gear oil Rs.280 for two literLabour free

7. Front suspension gone at 75k kms is not done. Check it again somewhere else.

8. Steering Rake, Rs.2600/- Sona (MGP) Labour Rs.120/-

9. i will bet on bridgestone. s322 tube type and turanza tubeless (if you have alloy) S322 Rs.1400/- Turanza 1850/- with nozzle.

10. Wind sheild is Rs.2200/- Fittement is Rs.150

Since you live in delhi, you have lot of choices of places to go (read also more chances to be ripped. lolz). Get a second opinion from several MASS. also delhi members can help.

PS : can you post the images from different angle.

[eternalck]

Thanks for the reply Alec and the breakup... Tell me was the price he quoted me correct?

I am also thinking of putting in an air conditioner; the technician at MASS told me i could go in for a second hand one, cause its an old car, and there will be a warranty on it too. I will get it for <10k... so will it be worth it? A new air conditioner is costing 22500 including fitting.

Other members please do reply.. I am in sever need of answers. As you can see from my big post.

[SirAlec]

compare the price with that of mine.
You should go for a new AC. as you are a layman.
cooling coil, dryer, condensor and pipes should be new. Compressor can be bought second hand.

i normally shop for these at frens place at Ahm kabadi, they usually buy total loss vehicle. Most of them are new but cannot be repaired due to major monocoque deformaties. So these parts are good as new.

[eternalck]

thanks for the reply again SirAlec, One more problem that i'm encountering is that sometimes when i try to start it, it just gives out a loud noise (with no engine movement) instead of the normal engine start. What is this and why does it happen? It happens totally randomely. its not a very frequent occurance though.

Would someone please answer my other queries too?

[SirAlec]

I assume when you crank the engine, there is a loud noise.
there is a fair chance the teeth on the flywheel is worn out. you need to change that, or it will spoil the more expensive, starter motor.

[eternalck]

oh thanks again, you are turning out to be my answers man around here SirAlec

now to get to some minor parts, the front seats are at a very awkward angle on the first adjustment position. The recliners can't be set any more vertical which would be good for my back. Is there any nut or a bolt which i could loosen to set it more towards the vertical? I am good at this type of stuff .

[eternalck]

I will be posting some pictures of the car and the various scratches tomorrow.

looks like nobody is interested in an m800 anymore.

[GTO]

Eternalck,

Congrats on the purchase. There are a couple of things to understand here:

1. What you have bought is an 8 year old car that's run through 50 - 60% of its life. Inevitably, there will be a certain amount of work required. Don't lose sleep over it. The 800 is a simple Jap design. Thus, unless she has been through a major accident, any repairs will last for a long time.

2. Ditto for the scratches & dents. The 800 is a beater and should be used just as that. Let it stay the way that it is.

3. Brand new air-con for nearly 50% of what the cars book value is? Doesn't make sense. You have bought the car dirt cheap and hence, any work should be performed from the "value" perspective. How much is the running? Do you really need an air-con and is the car, as a second car of the house, going to be used only occasionally? Go for a used unit from a reputable air-con specialist. My Jeep is running a 10+ year old Tata Sierra air-con. Believe me, it is a chiller.

4. What I would do is get it serviced entirely (oils, filters etc.) and ONLY get the work done that is needed for reliable service. Get a second opinion on the (crucial) required work before cutting any cheques.

Originally Posted by eternalck

3) Where would i get good tyres in West Delhi? The MASS don't have them... What brand should i go for? And how much would they cost?

Plenty of 800 tyre information on the forum. Search. You could visit Iraghavas outlet too.

4) When should i have an engine overhaul? The odo is clocked at 72000km.

Get the compression checked AFTER an oil change.

5) I've watched the windshield cracks, they are very tiny and not growing.

Don't worry about this. Read pt. 1 of my post.

Secondly, he put new radials on the front, when we all know that its recommended to put the new tyres at the back, let alone radials.

In a front-wheel-drive car, I would also put better tyres on the front too.

Thirdly, his insurance was third party type

Recommended for older cars. Search the forum to see our discussion.

[eternalck]

Originally Posted by GTO

Eternalck,


In a front-wheel-drive car, I would also put better tyres on the front too.

Thanks GTO for your detailed reply and the congrats, so do you really think he did not rip me off giving it to me for 50k?

And GTO, every tyre manufacturer recommends putting new tyres at the back even if its a FWD configuration. Every single video, every single advice on the internet points me to having new tyres or radials on the back.

Yes i will be leaving out the windshield as it is, the body work can wait too.

Its now giving me an average of about 16kmpl, after the oil change, i did not get a compression test after that though.

For the ac i think looking out for any sign of rust or damage before getting the used ac installed will keep me from harm's way?

Yes the car will be frequently used, and i've seen what its like driving around without it on Delhi roads, especially Dwarka, so yes i think it is absolutely necessary to get that. i will probably get it somewhere around feb-march next year.

So now i think only the tyres remain, i will search around, hopefully will get some answers.

[Shashank.A]

Originally Posted by eternalck

so do you really think he did not rip me off giving it to me for 50k?

The dude might be technically incompetent himself for not knowing all the knick-knacks. As you say that driving around was good enough, so it might be same with that guy also.

Originally Posted by eternalck

And GTO, every tyre manufacturer recommends putting new tyres at the back even if its a FWD configuration. Every single video, every single advice on the internet points me to having new tyres or radials on the back.

I am surprised. Here every tyre dealer, mechanic, and whoever knows anything about the cars advices the best pair infront. The weight is in that area, braking functions from that area, steering works from that area.

[eternalck]

Originally Posted by Shashank.A

The dude might be technically incompetent himself for not knowing all the knick-knacks. As you say that driving around was good enough, so it might be same with that guy also.

yes shashank, but i was wrong, i drove it for a few kms, while he had been driving the car for 8 years and 67000km now, he must have known whats good and whats gone bad, or else he's gravely ignorant.
Narrowly missed or would have had to change the drive shafts too, just because of his not telling me about the boots.

i know quite a bit about the car already, and he remaining technically ill informed after so many years is just a hard thing to swallow (while he is in the auto industry too! and that too maruti)


ok one more thing i remember now is that the service centre mechanic told me there was play in the distributor and that the whole distributor needs to be changed for fixing that!

i think not, i opened up the distributor today and inspected it and after taking the rotor out, found that its the rotor (on the plastic end) that has play in it and not the shaft, then why would the whole distributor needed changing!? Cannot the rotor only be replaced which would sit tightly on the shaft?

[eternalck]

and also what should i do about the crank missing the engine and giving a loud noise?

[SirAlec]

Please get it checked. as i posted before, it will only spoil your starter motor/bendex which will be more expensive.

[SirAlec]

The Rotor (that plastic thingy with a brass thingy on top) is the only culprit here. Rs.45
Chances of the shaft or the gear having play is very bleak.


I am uploading a pdf file about the suzuki ignition. hope it helps.

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