1st service update –
Mileage: 1536 kms
Place: Autolinks, Rama Road
Total cost: 500 INR (that included a fuel additive worth 450/-)
Satisfaction level with service: 9/10
They did not agree to my request of complete change of engine oil and oil filter. But they topped it up and did all other toppings too. All checks were done, including brakes. The vehicle was washed and cleaned to a sparkling shine. The service advisor was extremely helpful.
Was driving back home after service when a biker rammed into the rear as I slowed down at a speed-breaker. Turned out he was driving too close. The rear left reflector lamp developed a slight crack and the rear bumper came off from the left. I immediately called up the workshop and made a u-turn. Got the bumper fixed but not the reflector as I decided to let it stay that way as a sign of good omen/bad omen (whatever they say). But my decision to get a rear guard got reconfirmed that day.
More update –
Two days later, I went on a drive with friends on the NH8 highway, up to Midway (Behror). Had lunch there and returned to Delhi. The drive experience was great. My friends assured me the rear seat comfort was excellent and they were not jostling for space either (they are 6 feet, big, burly guys). This was also the first time that I engaged the fifth gear for a much longer duration. I found the Safari to be truly an excellent highway cruiser, and a great handler even at high speeds. Also, for the first time, I noticed that the fifth gear is as strong as the first in terms of sudden pulling power. I cruised at 90 on the highway, and at times, gave a slight tap at the pedal and away it shot past other vehicles that seemed to be going faster.
A couple of days later, the truck got its external safety equipment. Tried first at a dealer nearby, but was not satisfied with the way they were trying to install the rear guard. The connecting plates had sharp edges and looked ugly. Moreover, they couldn’t figure out how to attach the right end of the guard to the vehicle as the connecting plate was either too short or too long (depending on where the nuts went). Finally, I had enough and asked them to stop. From there, I headed straight to Bimbra (the guys specializing in these things) even though it was a long way away. The rear guard was installed without fuss – they had one designed specially for the Safari. Also had a look at several front guards on display but they were too heavy. Their boy then took me down to their godown and it was choc-a-bloc with front and rear guards all over. I liked one that was light and went well with the color of the truck. Got it installed.
Two days later saw the truck speeding down NH1 with two families on board (5 adults, 4 kids, 5 medium-to-big pieces of luggage) and a tankful of diesel. The truck behaved extremely responsibly with all its parts obeying manual inputs all the way up to Manali and back. Hill driving was done with ease, with the truck pulling fantastically at inclines with full load. Not once did I lose confidence in the vehicle, not even when I drove up the Hadimba road, famous for its narrow, curvy stretch all the way up to the Hadimba temple and beyond. During that drive, I had to once suddenly stop right in the middle of a sharp left turn at a 45-degree incline as a Sumo incorrectly made a turn down the middle of the road from the opposite end. I had a Omni tailing me closely and it was right behind me when I applied the brakes. Fortunately, he stopped in time too. I let the Sumo driver take a left and pass me by as it was easier for him to do it as he was coming downhill. With handbrake pulled up, I applied the first gear, increased speed and released the handbrake slowly. The truck seemed to slide back a bit but with a hard step on the pedal, it lunged forward after a split-second rear wheelspin.
All in all, it was a satisfying first hill trip in the Safari. The FE (for this trip) did not break any records but was a respectable 14.25 kpl, given that the truck was on full load all the time. I intend to post the travelogue soon in the appropriate section.
Next things to buy on the list –
- reverse camera with screen. I have gone through a good range available in the market, from a 6 inch screen to be placed on the dash costing 5500/- to full-blown night vision, infrared, waterproof camera with 7 inch screen, with four sensors, costing about 13k. (@jkdas: I am aware of your request but have been unable to find the one you mentioned. Everybody says it must be Chinese with no warranty the moment the product is taken out of the shop.) Nowadays, everybody uses the word Chinese to mean local as far as electronics go.
- full floor mat for the jump-seat area. I have been unable to find this one anywhere. Any suggestions or alternatives are welcome.
After the above two, or at least the first one, the only other additions for the time being would be the trips that I intend to take more often in the truck.