[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by anirbanjoy

Just curious - why de-chrome? Chrome looks gorgeous on your car!

I own a 4x4 Diesel AT Fortuner 2021 in "attitude black" (fortuner lingo). Chrome looks even prominent on that color. Attaching a sunrise image somewhere in Jharkhand.

However, in case you go ahead with de-chroming, I heard that wrapping gives issues 3-4 years down the line. Corrupts the paint, even with the costly 3M services.

Agree, chrome doesnot standout as much in a white car. I am not a fan of chrome hence want to de-chrome for sometime. Want something that I can revert back if needed. Cannot happen if painted and wrap for longer duration may end up spoiling the parts. I was hoping for after market TRD/GR grille to flood in, but none yet for facelift. So probably will keep it as is for time being .

[PrideRed]

Went for a weekend drive to Pondicherry. Took Chittoor-Ranipet-Tindivanam-Pondicherry route to and fro. Got best ever fuel efficiency of 16KMPL while driving towards Pondi. Mainly because the descent, lesser traffic and early morning drive. Return journey got a FE of 13.2KMPL as per MID which i find accurate. Average speed was about 60KM/HR. The suspension really seem to have settled down and stiffness has mellowed down. I now maintain 31/32 tire pressure against company suggested 29, yet find the ride compliant. Yes there are characteristics of body on frame but the stiffness has mellowed down. I am using AdBlue of Tata, during the drive regen happened thrice.
Car is now due for 20K service and plan to take sometime next week.

Pics from the drive

[PrideRed]

20K Service update

- Service was done at Nandi Toyota Banasavadi branch earlier this week.

- Service included oil change, air filter element change , oil filter and inspection of other bits.

- I love the concept of Toyota service center. All places have a lounge area with large see through glass pane where you can sit and relax while watching your car getting serviced.

- Service took about 2-3 hours including wash. That's quick!

- While Toyota dealers have become like everyone else out there pushing for "Value Added Services" , I made it clear that I will pay only for what is mentioned in Toyota Manual. Total bill came to 6800 as labor was free
for this service. I think paid service might now cost 10-11K .

- Bought muffler tip and seat belt pads for 2K from accessory list, costed about 2K. As a nice gesture, dealer handed over a key cover as a gift. Building good relationship with any dealer makes good experience last
longer. I am visiting Nandi Toyota(different branches) since 4-5 years, have had good experience(Sales + Service) throughout.

- Oil used is fully synthetic and costs 5K including tax. Unlike BS4, there is no option for BS6.

- AdBlue was not refilled as there was no warning and I had not asked them to check.

- Wheel alignment, Balance was done outside hence had skipped. Toyota charges around 3-4K for this job.

- There were no issues reported after inspection and I did not have any either.

- Interiors are holding well. Touchwood, no rattles, parts breaking or deteriorating quality.

- Stock Bridgestone's look good for another 20-30K KMs. Quite happy with their performance so far, performs off road despite being HT and better than few cheaper ATs out there on tarmac.

- Lastly, was good to see someone taking delivery as same spec car as mine at a premium of ~4-5L in about 1.5 years time . I have started to believe for now that cars do appreciate!

[PrideRed]

Did a weekend run to puttur and it has been raining cats and dogs. Thanks to Bangalore traffic, took us cool 2.5 hours to get out of city. Tanked up with Xtragreen and mostly drove in sport mode . Took Shiradi , roads after Gundya is in bad shape, though did not bother much. Every time there was bad stretch, pressed A pedal bit more and the car would glide through. Compared to Pondi trip , this drive was in mostly sport against Normal, higher speeds, bad roads, traffic, some OTR too later, ensured FE of 10.6KMPL. Dueler HT were quite decent on OTR, and had definitely more grip than new MRF NDMS tires I have in Thar DI. Again not apple to apple comparison but Duelers has done 20K and has been quite good.

Pictures and dashcam video from drive

Car looks good when dirty too





Water wading. Depth would have been around 1-1.5FT.

https://youtu.be/N2a92zrO3o8

.

One of the easier trails. Needed a 4H though, as surface was slippery and road was steep with sharp curve.

https://youtu.be/9MaAahF0S8E

[PrideRed]

All whites after enjoying some rain.

[PrideRed]

1.5 years of ownership, 22K KM on ODO, Fortuner never fails to bring a smile. Crusing at 3 digit speeds on 4 lane, gliding through potholes, jumping over those illogical road humps, navigating through slush or those tough OTR paths, did it all without breaking sweat.

Couple of hours of detailing, shining and ready to roll!

[kedar_GT]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

20K Service update

- Oil used is fully synthetic and costs 5K including tax. Unlike BS4, there is no option for BS6.

Hey PrideRed you have a fantastic garage and collection.
Given a choice to pick up the BS4 (assuming a running of 8k -10k per year or lesser), would you pick up the same?
Am looking to pick up a preowned 2WD diesel AT (primary usage of outstation trips loaded to the brim) in the ball park 30L budget. So would likely get a 2017-18 specimen in the same. Would there be anything to be specifically checked out (or anything of concern if the periodic maintenance is carried out on a tinely basis) given the fact we find the mention of Toyota BOF vehicles outlasting the owner?

Thanks in advance.

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by kedar_GT

Hey PrideRed you have a fantastic garage and collection.
Given a choice to pick up the BS4 (assuming a running of 8k -10k per year or lesser), would you pick up the same?
Am looking to pick up a preowned 2WD diesel AT (primary usage of outstation trips loaded to the brim) in the ball park 30L budget. So would likely get a 2017-18 specimen in the same. Would there be anything to be specifically checked out (or anything of concern if the periodic maintenance is carried out on a tinely basis) given the fact we find the mention of Toyota BOF vehicles outlasting the owner?

Thanks in advance.

Thank you. BS4 diesel is the golden era of diesels, no headache of DPF and decent power. I would recommend to pickup 2018-2019 BS4. The car of this vintage is quite reliable and don't have any major known issues. Look out for regular wear and tear parts. The suspension is slightly stiffer than facelift, but helps on 4 lane high speed driving.

[PrideRed]

A rare occassion when one T was not enough for airport run.



Loaded Fortuner, which is the case most of the time.

[PrideRed]

Wooden part on the steering has developed what looks line a faint line of scratch or a crack. The line is thin one and hadn't noticed all this while, until saw a similar line in another car, which got the steering replaced. Took car to Nandi Banaswadi to get checked, and dealer did all required process by sending image and description to TKM. TKM has approved for replacement and part has been ordered. Frankly I am in two minds now if to replace or not as current one is quite good and the faint line doesnot bother me. I am bit doubtful if dealer can match factory fit . Only downside would be if in existing steering the crack expands. Will discuss with dealer and proceed.

My car visits farms, drives mostly on bad roads and possibly one of the reason most of my cars have scoring on brake discs. There was minor vibration felt while braking at high speeds and hence asked dealer to skim the discs. I must say liked the triage they did. Validated brake pads, checked balancing, looked for disc bend, alignment a test drive and did skimming only after ensuring all other parameters are good. And best part, could see all these being done on car while sitting comfortably at lounge. Despite a busy day, was ensured car was attended and issues resolved. And if that matters to some, all customers were offered unlimited coffee/tea/water and were also offered snack box during lunch time. Car was delivered on time as promised. Overall great experience with service center so far.

[Nomad]

I always keenly read your milestone based write ups. To me it’s like a story I am following �� How many Kms did you cover so far? Another question is do we feel the steering feels quite heavy on city roads?

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by Nomad

I always keenly read your milestone based write ups. To me it’s like a story I am following �� How many Kms did you cover so far? Another question is do we feel the steering feels quite heavy on city roads?

Car has covered 23500KM as today. If you are used to light steering of Hyundai or similar cars, you will find Hydraulics in Fortuner heavy. But to be frank a car this high and heavy needs a heavy steering. Had Endeavour earlier , though it's easier at parking speeds, overall found the hydraulic better suited for car of this type.

On a different note, had 3 tank full of xtragreen, and during the highway drive earlier this week, regen happened after 320KM. I was thinking probably I missed a cycle but during return journey today regen happened again after 350+ KM. The process completed quickly too. Earlier, regen used to happen at arou 200KM mark on highways.

[Nomad]

My Fortuner completed 7500 Kms…So far happy with the experience. Only irritating thing is not having wireless Apple car play. Do you have any solution? BTW - Loved your red streak in the front grille ��

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by Nomad

My Fortuner completed 7500 Kms…So far happy with the experience. Only irritating thing is not having wireless Apple car play. Do you have any solution? BTW - Loved your red streak in the front grille ��

There are few options like Carlinkit, but i haven't used it. My other car has wireless and adds convenience. On the flipside, I found that battery drains quite rapidly.

[PetroNerd]

Hello there, PrideRed. I have been quietly reading all of your threads before joining TeamBhp.

I'm from Vittal. I'm sorry to invade your privacy I've seen your white Ford Endeavour many times before, and this time I've seen your BMW 320LD many times now. Just a few days back, you were behind me at Kalladka. My grandfather knew your family. Sadly, he is no more.
By the way, you have a great garage. Happy motoring.