[Carpainter]

Many many congratulations predatorwheelz for making your dream come true. Safari was indeed one of my favourite vehicles when I was a kid and there were not many SUVs to look out for. It was a kind of a halo car in our market in late 90's and early 2000. Probably the first SUV in India with some creature comforts and aspirational values attached to it.

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

Interiors & Comfort – You CANNOT get more comfortable and spacious interiors than the Safari below 20 lakhs. There, the blanket statement at the very beginning to close all arguments!

Well I don't want to start an argument here but I believe Innova still holds this title. Innova's ride quality is probably superior than any other SUV/MPV below 20L, period. But yes Tata is known for giving comfortable seats in their cars. Hexa is a good example of that.

[coolmind]

Hi predator!

Where's the spare wheel located?
Was it an alloy wheel?
And what about the tool kit?
Can you share some pics of them please. Guess these are missed out.
Thanks for sharing the wonderful buying experience.

[lazy]

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

Thank you. Yes, I agree. Drive one and you'll know there's nothing like it! What is LoF?



I did read your ownership thread, and admired the cleaning job that you did. But I see you're too "lazy" to update the thread!

hey predatorwheelz,

LoF is ladder on frame, which is soon becoming outdated in the SUV world, with everyone going for monocoque construction.

Yes, I am lazy, too much for my own good. Despite the crazy rains here in Bangalore, the Safari is caked in mud and grime, but I haven't gotten him washed in over a month now.

Enjoy the elephant, you made a good decision. I purchased it in July, thinking I must buy it before Tata shuts it off for good.


cheers
lazy

[predatorwheelz]

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

I've become a member of SOUL (on the official website). But where and how do you get the sticker?

Don't bother answering the question. The same day I posted this, there came an envelope from SOUL which contained a welcome letter, and the SOUL sticker.

Originally Posted by GhostRider28

Congratulations, Aniket da!
"Bullet of SUVs" - really liked that one!

Please do not have second thoughts about the Renault twins. This is a purpose built vehicle, and you'll have the Predator to gun down quarter mile stretches and throw around corners when you feel like it. My Duster is almost 4 years old now, and I am fairly happy with Girgiti; but I would probably not recommend cross overs (a pretty subjective personal opinion)

And the post was refreshing and enriching to read, as always.

Thanks brother. Or should I say Mr Mondal Senior?

Very strange opinion. You are happy with Girgiti, and I know for a fact what all adventures you have done with it. Why wouldn't you recommend it to anyone else?

Originally Posted by Carpainter

Many many congratulations predatorwheelz for making your dream come true.

Well I don't want to start an argument here but I believe Innova still holds this title. Innova's ride quality is probably superior than any other SUV/MPV below 20L, period.

Thank you. I said you cannot get more comfortable and spacious INTERIORS than the Safari below 20 lakhs. You said Innova's RIDE QUALITY is probably superior than any other SUV/MPV below 20L. Where's the debate?

Originally Posted by coolmind

Hi predator!

Where's the spare wheel located?
Was it an alloy wheel?
And what about the tool kit?
Can you share some pics of them please. Guess these are missed out.
Thanks for sharing the wonderful buying experience.

Hi. The spare wheel is located below the car, and needs to be lowered by turning a screw. Its a normal steel wheel. It was very hot the day I took the pics, and I didn't want to get down on hot concrete to click the pic. But here's a pic from Tanveer's official review of the storme.



The tool kit is located below the 2nd row seats. Another pic from Tanveer's review.

Originally Posted by lazy

hey predatorwheelz,

LoF is ladder on frame, which is soon becoming outdated in the SUV world, with everyone going for monocoque construction.

Yes, I am lazy, too much for my own good. Despite the crazy rains here in Bangalore, the Safari is caked in mud and grime, but I haven't gotten him washed in over a month now.

Enjoy the elephant, you made a good decision. I purchased it in July, thinking I must buy it before Tata shuts it off for good.


cheers
lazy

Tch tch. You must definitely get it washed. So much metal gleaming in the sun is a treat for sore eyes!

A worthy mention for all pondering Storme buyers

I found this great post by Apachelongbow from the 2015 Storme Official Review thread. Its a short and helpful read for anyone planning a Safari, but scared of Tata Niggles and the car in general.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post3755407 (2015 Tata Safari Storme : Official Review)

The current Safari (post 2012) is niggle free in the mechanical sense. The mechanicals and the technical bits have matured, settled down, and there should be no failures or issues, unless you get handed a lemon, and Tata is known to produce lemons in between. However extended warranty, and good relationship with your service centre should take care of it. Infact Tata can be the most generous company if you develop a personal rapport with your support staff.

Fit and finish is still atrocious. Ok not atrocious but doesn't become of a 2015 car. The body dies are old and the plastics are cheap, so you will expect squeaks, rattles all around, and every 3000kms the rear door needs to be aligned to take care of the squeaky noise. Mechanically the Safari uses the earlier Dicor engine and not the new varior one, hence the pickup and top speed might be lower compared to the Storme. Also the fuel economy is slightly lower when compared to the Storme, due older gear ratios.


Since I also happen to own a 2013 thunderbird, believe me Tata is way way better in terms of being nigglefree compared to the bullet or any RE. The only thing is to be careful in choosing your fuel bunk (no kerosene please), follow all regular service and you should do fine.

The Storme is a much much improved animal compared to the Safari. Infact it is a new car under some old body panels. It feels, rides and looks like a new car, and the interiors do justice to the 15+ lac pricing. There is no squeaks, rattles or misaligned panels and there is no tailgate rattling to speak of.

90% of all the reported issues of Tata products on this forum is made by people who either don't own the product or who have 'a friend, relative etc' who owned it and faced issues. That aside, Tata are paying for the hastily rushed dicor they released which indeed was full of bugs and issues. They however rectified all the issues during subsequent years but the bad publicity continues to haunt them still.

If you do want to buy a Storme, I would recommend it. After all you don't have any SUV below 30 lacs which provides same ride quality, power and driving pleasure as the Storme or the Safari. Or if you have the money you can wait for either the new Endevour or the new Fortuner, both which seem to be great.

[tacho9000]

Heartiest Congratulations on your new acquisition. You've always said you wanted a Safari and now finally you've got around to owning it. Wish you many more happy and comfortable journey in your new pride and joy. But one query why did you not try to stretch for the 4x4. I'm sure it is despite the added heft to an already heavy by modern standards would've been an awesome vehicle for off the track explorations.

Regards,
Subhra

[Samfromindia]

I randomly clicked the ownership review section today and came to know the good news Congratulations on your new ride ! In the age of fancy crossovers i am glad that you chose a proper true blue SUV and something that you cherished to own back in the days.

According to you, one of the main things people are complaining is the lack of a modern touchscreen HU. But isn't that a simple aftermarket job ? It will cost less than the alloys i guess. Yes warranty might go for a toss but that should certainly be possible. Also when i started reading i was sure it will be a 4x4 as per the trend I was surprised you didn't take that variant or the higher trim with airbags considering you had a budget of 20L. But everyone has their own perspective and i am sure you have saved the extra cash for something which is more important or having better returns.

Will keep an eye on this thread for future updates and modifications !

[GKMahajan]

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

We share a history

..

..

Dear predatorwheelz,

The first post was sooooo long! However, full credit to your writing skills - I read it in one go!!

Congrats on the achievement of your "one day" dream!

I have a Scorpio S10 AT 2wd. I could 'feel' what you felt. I have a friend in Tata Motors. He had recommended the Safari to me - instead of the Scorpio. Due to my personal preferences, I wanted an automatic and Safari did not have that option. Otherwise, I might have been driving a Safari around.

I have a friend who owns a Safari. He got this as a replacement for his earlier Safari. Model and year details - do not have. I think both his purchases were used ones. Anyway, I had driven his older car - just in the parking. Still, I just loved the feel!

By the way, I forgot to mention - mine is a 8 seater - 2+3+3 - the last row is front facing. Most family members are a bit on the tall side with the legs being slightly on the still higher side. The decision to go for this was taken by my daughters - since they felt that they would be occupying the last row most often! The XUV got removed from the list just because of the bad third row!

I think - as usual - I have started to ramble! Let me stop here.

Congrats once more.

Regards,

Girish Mahajan

[sayakc]

Hello Predatorwheelz,

Congratulations on your new vehicle. IMHO, the Safari is a classic that has refused to die and with each version Tata has added some new feature. For me, it remains a hero vehicle.

South of 30 lacs there is a clear dearth of 7 seater SUV choices - Hexa, Safari,Scorpio and XUV500 being the ones. And out of these, I feel that the Safari has the best road presence and space.

Given an option I would have definitely gone for a Safari 4X4

Thanks,
Sayak

[sourabhzen]

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

We share a history
I have been in this world for 37 years.

Congrats predatorwheelz for your Storme!! Your ownership thread was really very nice to read.

Why most of us who buy Storme are in the range of 35-40 years of age? The only reason I can think of is that at 18-20 we wanted it and at 35-40 we could afford it.

Don't worry about the fuel economy. I get 12 on my 4X4 and I am not used to sedate driving at all.

[krish3]

Wonderful review Predatorwheelz. I'm also planning to buy a Safari Storme when I come back to India. Its been a dream of mine.

Seems like I have a tendency to buy cars which will go out of production soon... Zen Lxi in 2005, Getx CRDi in 2009 and now the Storme when TATA plans to stop Safari production!!!

Do keep updating the thread regularly.

Originally Posted by sourabhzen

Congrats predatorwheelz for your Storme!! Your ownership thread was really very nice to read.

Why most of us who buy Storme are in the range of 35-40 years of age? The only reason I can think of is that at 18-20 we wanted it and at 35-40 we could afford it.

Don't worry about the fuel economy. I get 12 on my 4X4 and I am not used to sedate driving at all.

Totally agree with your observation Sourabhzen.

[rajneeesh]

Predatorwheelz,

Welcome to the Safari Owners club.

This veicle is a legend and is still selling more than 20 years after it was launched. It has had multiple heart transplants, suspension and interior upgrades that have kept it relevant even today. It appeals to a niche audience, those who appreciate the Safari for what it is, rather than nitpicking and criticising it for something that may not be there. It is super comfortable, has quality interiors , a presence that still turns heads and a driving position that makes it "King of the Road". If you can overlook the absence of front facing seats, a touch screen based ice, Auto Climate Control and an Auto Gear Box this is the vehicle for you.

It has as solid ladder frame chassis, 4X4 ( High and Low) with limited slip differential. Which SUV gives you all this at the same price.

I have had my Storme for over 3 years and driven over 63 thousand KM. This includes a 4.5 KM return trip to Bhutan with the entire family and luggage . The vehicle has been trouble free, extremely comfortable and fuel efficient. As far as the resale value is concerened, the 4WD has better resale value ( maybe because they are few in number).

I intend to keep my Storme for a long time.

[lazy]

Originally Posted by sourabhzen

Congrats predatorwheelz for your Storme!! Your ownership thread was really very nice to read.

Why most of us who buy Storme are in the range of 35-40 years of age? The only reason I can think of is that at 18-20 we wanted it and at 35-40 we could afford it.

Don't worry about the fuel economy. I get 12 on my 4X4 and I am not used to sedate driving at all.

One more reason that I can add:
At around 40, a guy is usually able to know himself (what kind of car he really wants to drive), and is able to de-prioritize peer-family-general opinions regarding Safari and pursue his own choice.

cheers
lazy

[predatorwheelz]

My apologies for being away from the thread for so long. Too many things going on, which have been keeping me away from the forum as a whole.

Originally Posted by tacho9000

Heartiest Congratulations on your new acquisition. You've always said you wanted a Safari and now finally you've got around to owning it. Wish you many more happy and comfortable journey in your new pride and joy. But one query why did you not try to stretch for the 4x4. I'm sure it is despite the added heft to an already heavy by modern standards would've been an awesome vehicle for off the track explorations.

Thanks brother. You're the only friend who remembers me always wanting a Safari (even I don't) but I've got around to owning it nevertheless.

We had discussed the decision of not going in for the 4X4. This vehicle was bought primarily for touring areas where high GC was needed, not for specialist offroading. That, and the huge price difference I'd have to pay for something that would come to use maybe 5pct of the intended usage, made me stay away.

Originally Posted by Samfromindia

I randomly clicked the ownership review section today and came to know the good news. Congratulations on your new ride ! In the age of fancy crossovers i am glad that you chose a proper true blue SUV and something that you cherished to own back in the days.

According to you, one of the main things people are complaining is the lack of a modern touchscreen HU. But isn't that a simple aftermarket job ? It will cost less than the alloys i guess. Yes warranty might go for a toss but that should certainly be possible.

Thank you brother. Ironically the touchscreen is not a simple aftermarket job. The vehicle simply has no space to accomodate a double din or Touchscreen. The only solution is to go for something like a Pioneer 7150BT, which offers the convenience of a fold out touchscreen from a single DIN interface.

Originally Posted by Samfromindia

Also when i started reading i was sure it will be a 4x4 as per the trend. I was surprised you didn't take that variant or the higher trim with airbags considering you had a budget of 20L. But everyone has their own perspective and i am sure you have saved the extra cash for something which is more important or having better returns.

Will keep an eye on this thread for future updates and modifications !

I explained the logic of not going for the 4wd to tacho. But I can assure you that this thread will be updated regularly. Keep your eyes peeled!

Originally Posted by GKMahajan

Dear predatorwheelz,

The first post was sooooo long! However, full credit to your writing skills - I read it in one go!!

Congrats on the achievement of your "one day" dream!

I have a Scorpio S10 AT 2wd. I could 'feel' what you felt. I have a friend in Tata Motors. He had recommended the Safari to me - instead of the Scorpio. Due to my personal preferences, I wanted an automatic and Safari did not have that option. Otherwise, I might have been driving a Safari around.

Thank you for your good wishes sir. Just to relate to your story, a good friend is damn impressed with the Safari. But he only drives automatics (same story as you) and knowing that the Safari doesn't have an automatic, is planning to go for the Scorpio!

Originally Posted by sayakc

Hello Predatorwheelz,

Congratulations on your new vehicle. IMHO, the Safari is a classic that has refused to die and with each version Tata has added some new feature. For me, it remains a hero vehicle.

South of 30 lacs there is a clear dearth of 7 seater SUV choices - Hexa, Safari,Scorpio and XUV500 being the ones. And out of these, I feel that the Safari has the best road presence and space.

Given an option I would have definitely gone for a Safari 4X4.

Thanks,
Sayak

Thanks brother. Its not too late. Get one before they discontinue this great vehicle!

Originally Posted by sourabhzen

Congrats predatorwheelz for your Storme!! Your ownership thread was really very nice to read.

Why most of us who buy Storme are in the range of 35-40 years of age? The only reason I can think of is that at 18-20 we wanted it and at 35-40 we could afford it.

Thanks. You're bang on about why we get the Safari in our late 30's, though I realized I've now entered the "uncle" generation .

Originally Posted by krish3

Wonderful review Predatorwheelz. I'm also planning to buy a Safari Storme when I come back to India. Its been a dream of mine.

Seems like I have a tendency to buy cars which will go out of production soon... Zen Lxi in 2005, Getx CRDi in 2009 and now the Storme when TATA plans to stop Safari production!!!

Do keep updating the thread regularly.

Thank you. Don't bother too much about cars going out of production, as long as you plan to keep them and not exchange every 2 or 3 years! I don't. My cars are keepers. Predator, my Verna, is 10 years and 1.5 lakh kms young. If it hadn't been for the NGT rule, I can bet I'd have maintained it another 10 years.

Originally Posted by rajneeesh

Predatorwheelz,

Welcome to the Safari Owners club.

This veicle is a legend and is still selling more than 20 years after it was launched. It has had multiple heart transplants, suspension and interior upgrades that have kept it relevant even today. It appeals to a niche audience, those who appreciate the Safari for what it is, rather than nitpicking and criticising it for something that may not be there. It is super comfortable, has quality interiors , a presence that still turns heads and a driving position that makes it "King of the Road". If you can overlook the absence of front facing seats, a touch screen based ice, Auto Climate Control and an Auto Gear Box this is the vehicle for you.

It has as solid ladder frame chassis, 4X4 ( High and Low) with limited slip differential. Which SUV gives you all this at the same price.

I have had my Storme for over 3 years and driven over 63 thousand KM. This includes a 4.5 KM return trip to Bhutan with the entire family and luggage . The vehicle has been trouble free, extremely comfortable and fuel efficient. As far as the resale value is concerened, the 4WD has better resale value ( maybe because they are few in number).

I intend to keep my Storme for a long time.

It is encouraging comments from fellow Storme owners, like yours, that boosts my confidence. I too chose core driving values over "features" when I chose the Storme. And now the more I live with the vehicle, the more I'm realizing who this "niche" clientele is and why they keep changing their Safaris with Safaris. Do keep following my thread and adding your valuable inputs. Do you have a thread of your own which I can follow?

Originally Posted by lazy

One more reason that I can add:
At around 40, a guy is usually able to know himself (what kind of car he really wants to drive), and is able to de-prioritize peer-family-general opinions regarding Safari and pursue his own choice.

cheers
lazy

Very true that. Also at around 40, the guy is buying what is essentially the second or third car in the family. So he's a little free with his choices.

Update at 8500 kms

So the truck has completed nearly 8500 kms in 5 months of usage. Except 2 outstation trips I did in September, this has been entirely in-city usage.



The ownership experience has been non-eventful, and consequently pleasant. Not a single rattle on the truck so far. When we bought the Indica (in 2004) before the first service we had a failed starter motor, a bent tie-rod and a deformed steel wheel! Just goes to show how far Tata's quality levels have come in 15 years, I guess.

The driving experience is becoming more and more pleasant. The gearshift is now as smooth as a sedan and the engine has smoothened out. The long(er) gear throw and clutch travel have become second nature due to hours at the wheel. I've gained trust on the braking setup thanks to 2 emergency braking situations (one of which is detailed later in this post) where the truck came to a complete stop in seconds. No drama except the obvious nose dive. Given the driving position and road presence, the truck is now my choice of vehicle for even in-city commuting.

The first service happened on 23 November. It was totally free, just a wash and check-everything job. The only money I spent was getting an underbody coating done. It was of Bardahl make, and comes with 2 free top-ups in the next 2 years. Cost was Rs 3500+GST.

3 days after the service, I was driving home from a meeting in Faridabad. A biker ahead of me swerved across (from left to right) without any signal or indicators. I braked hard and came to a stop. Another biker behind me probably didn't brake at all, and rammed into the left rear flank. The sound of the impact made me think the body shell would have caved in! When I got down to investigate, it was just a bad scratch on the bumper, a single dent on the tail gate and the enclosed rear fog lamp which had come loose within its enclosure. A compliment to the build quality of the vehicle.



Luckily my trusted body mechanic Hassan (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/delhi...new-delhi.html (Denting & Painting - Hassan (New Delhi))) came to the rescue. A good application of rubbing compound made the scratches (along with the ones from before) disappear almost totally, and he used a glue gun to put the fog lamp back in place.

Complaints? Firstly, the remote fuel filler cap has conked off again. I had it rectified in the first service, and it worked fine for the next 2 refills, but not anymore. Back to alighting from the vehicle at the fuel pump, opening the hatch with an embarrassed face and yanking the cord to open the filler cap.

Secondly, the mileage. The truck has now gulped down 13 tankfuls, and except one instance the mileage has not touched 12 kmpl. Maybe after the first oil change the mileage will improve??



And lastly, a question for fellow Storme owners and engine oil experts alike. The truck is due to go for second service at 10K kms and/or 6 months, both of which will fall due next month. Tata has now increased the oil change interval to 20K kms. But (and here's my question) does it make sense to extend the first oil change to 20K kms? It is mineral oil after all, and I'm sure the engine will have something to spew out after being run in.

Tata tell me they won't cover oil change under AMC if I choose to change before scheduled interval. That's fine with me. But my gut says I should change the oil. Your valuable comments awaited.

[krish3]

Thanks for the updates. I went for a Brezza due to budget constraints.

As for oil. I think 20k is way too much for a mineral oil and that too for mostly city use. I would use oil for max 10k.

[sourabhzen]

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

does it make sense to extend the first oil change to 20K kms? .

They also say that you need to reduce the interval if the normal drive is in heavy traffic or dusty area. So, practically anyone who is not doing to much of highway drives should reduce the interval. Reducing interval will give you peace of mind in my opinion.