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Originally Posted by adimodi Congratulations xtremeshock ! I am about to put my money down for a Ambition Diesel Rapid this coming week. I hope I am making the right decision. This would be my 1st Skoda, and infact my 1st car outside of Maruti Suzuki in a very long time (owned an Astra & Corsa at one point). |
Thank you adimodi, Ambition is the most value for money variant. I would suggest you take an opinion of the Mumbai Skoda owners right here on TBHP, I'm sure they will help you out with their service feedback. As a product it is a wonderful car.
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1. What do you recommend as a seasoned Skoda user for the Run-In optimization? -
as in, the excitement of a new car, it would lead us (my wife and I) to do a long run - say Mumbai - Goa - as soon as we get the vehicle. Is this recommended?
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Well I generally don't follow the rule-book, I take it easy i.e. below 2000rpm for the first 500kms, and for the next 500kms I gradually push it to 3000rpm, and for the next 1000kms I go till the redline but without being aggressive i.e. I never use full throttle, only after that do I drive how I like.
I don't see any problems in Mumbai-Goa, as long as you baby the engine a little with varying rpms, the only problem I see with highway driving a new engine is that you tend to get stuck in the highest gear with a constant rpm, which might not help the engine run-in.
Also, please do not keep your engine running idle for long periods of time, as it might harm the engine while running in.
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2. What shoe change is recommended? Is it definitely required to start off with, or can happen after 10 - 15k ?
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Well if you do want to change your shoes might as well do it early on (i.e. below 100kms on the odo) as you might get the highest re-sale value. I was going to shift to the Yoko C/S drives, but since I will be driving this car mostly in the city I neglected it.
But, if you do plan on doing some high-way driving, I suggest you change it immediately, as not only will it improve ride but also improve safety. I think you can get a nice set of tyres for around 10K after exchange.
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3. What precautions are the be taken so that the ICE & Reverse Sensor installer do not invalidate the warranty?
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Actually depends on the dealer, tell the dealer at the time of purchase itself what you plan to do with the car, mostly he will allow any changes or in worst case he will ask you to get it done through them, which is also OK.
HU's like Caska, Witson, Motevo, are just plug and play so they should not void warranty. Generally no wires should be cut while doing any installs, but some dealers are even ok on that, so its best ask your dealer or TBHP Mumbai Skoda owners. Here in Chennai they are asking me to bring the stuff and they will intall it.
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4. Is it true that if I get a breakdown in Timbuktu (figuratively) I will not be able to find some mechanic easily to sort me out immediately (temporarily)?
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I think the mechanics have moved on from the Maruti days, which were 90% of the cars either used to be Maruti's or Amby's, I could be wrong but thats what I feel. Others can comment better.
If you are a little aprehensive get a nice Insurance Package like What Tata AIG offers, free stay in hotel, daily taxi allowance, also free pick-up of car. But no car will give you a 100% reliability, it also depends on your luck sometime, so don't take this into much consideration and book the car you feel right.
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Thanks, and pls. post some pictures of the leather install and ICE details once done !
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Will definitely put up pictures of any update I do, but right now not getting the time, as I need the car.