Update at 1 year, 22000 kms
Yesterday Sable completed 1 year of ownership. At the outset, 22K kms is the most I've driven any vehicle in one year. Part of that comes down to requirement, and part to the vehicle's fantastic comfort and touring ability. I'll not get down to a description of the features and comforts again, but just focus on ownership milestones that have happened between today and the last update (April 2019).
In May I decided to get the vehicle stickered.
In June I did a Delhi Kolkata roundtrip. My 4th trip, 1st in the Storme. Here are some pictures from the onward trip, which I did alone. This is on Yamuna Expressway
First refuel stop before Allahabad.
Another breather on the Allahabad Benaras route.
I stopped for the night at Benaras. This is day 2 morning, at Ganga Bridge on Benaras.
Somewhere in Jharkhand
Bhpian Samba met up with me near Panagarh, and accompanied me right upto Dankuni Toll in his new Duster. It was like being ushered into Kolkata by the Kolkata teambhp brotherhood. The pics are in his post above. Thanks a ton, brother.
Sable gracing the master's house.
On the return I had Rolfie, my 55 kg German Shepherd Dog, who I was bringing back from Kolkata to Delhi. My childhood friend accompanied me as a handler. Rolfie got very comfortable in the car given its space and all. He did bug the hell out of us though, poking his head between the 2 occupants, leaving drool and fur all over the upholstery and plastics. 24 hrs over 2 days in a car, gotto feel for the dog.
A strange incident happened on the return trip. Somewhere in Mohania there was a diversion (flyover getting made) full of ruts. While powering out of one, I saw an SUV wheel rolling over to the side of the road at a high speed. Was way behind schedule in reaching Benaras, so kept on driving. After about 2 kms, suddenly it occured to me that that the Storme's spare wheel is mounted below the body. What if my wheel had come off?
Got down and checked the rear of my car, only to discover the worst fear had come true. In the space of a wheel was a torn cable.
Took a u turn and drove back to the diversion. Stopped and asked around if anyone had seen a spare wheel. By this time I had mentally budgeted for the cost of a steel wheel and Bridgestone Dueler 235/70 R16 tyre, so sure was I of the loss.
Luckily, a cement shop owner by the side of the road had retrieved the wheel and kept it with himself. He came to us and gave the wheel back. I offered him something but he refused. So as a token of gratitude, I gave a 100 bucks to the laborer who hauled the wheel.
The luggage had to be taken out of the hatch and the wheel mounted on the hatch, and this is how it spent the rest of the trip.
3rd service
The truck crossed 20,000 kms on the return trip, and it was immediately time for the 3rd service.
At this point I must say Sagar Motors Noida service, and particularly Lalit, the Service head, has proved to be a delight. I called up Lalit a day prior to the service and informed him I'd be coming. He was on point waiting to hear my queries. He agreed to change the spare wheel cable under warranty, and promised personal care in ensuring the vehicle came out squeaky clean.
The engine oil and set of filters were changed, as were the front brake pads. I have the gold AMC so I didn't have to pay anything. The only payment I made was to Bardahl guys who did a stellar interior detailing job (the car was full of dog hair and drool) for 3500.
As on date the odo stands at 22064 kms. Its been a trouble free one year of ownership, and the new Tata service standards have taken me by surprise. Let's hope this quality, of both product and service, is maintained.
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Originally Posted by rajneeesh An update on my Storme VX 4X4. The vehicle, which I fondly refer to as Rustom is now 3 years and 9 months old with 67.7 K on the odo. Since the last update, I have taken it for a winterdrive to Spiti (end February) and what a drive it turned out to be. Pristine white landscapes and no one to be seen for miles. |
Thank you for sharing your ownership experience. Please continue to do so, as there is a dire shortage of long term Storme ownership thread on this forum.
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Originally Posted by narayan Good ownership thread. I too had a totally hassle free ownership experience with the Storme between 2013-2015 - In fact I was pleasantly surprised to get a reasonable resale when I sold it in Dec 2015. |
Thank you for sharing. Why did you sell it so soon?
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Originally Posted by Samba It was a pleasure meeting 'Sable' on his maiden Delhi-Kolkata run! |
The pleasure was mine, brother.
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Originally Posted by bhatmaster Now that Safari's are no longer available in dual tone paint, the "Storme" decal provides the only visual relief for what is otherwise a bland and bus–like side view.
In this era and almost at the end of its lifecycle, i am booking a Safari Strome EX , what a fool I am And eventually it will be my 3rd Safari.
However, one small question - is this door decal strip embossing 'Storme' a standard fitment or had been put on as a accessory? |
The decal is standard fitement.
You're not going wrong by booking the Safari. The core strengths of space, comfort and ride quality are not matched by anything in the Storme's price range. And the only people who laugh at you are people who've never been inside one. Let's just say the Storme is an exclusive club.
Do make your ownership thread though.