Completed the 1st assurance checkup at KROPEX, Hosur Road, BLR.
I left my car on 31 Oct at Kropex, met the showroom head who was really curious to know about TBHP(when he saw my no. plate TBHP stickers). So I explained him the about the group and the various happenings that take place at the forum. I could see that he was impressed !
Truly, TBHP signature has helped me at various places !!!
I collected my car last evening after the 1st assurance checkup and the following are the updates :
- Car has clocked around 1280 kms after 1 month and 5 days.
- Below were my concerns that I had raised with the dealer for obtaining a resolution.
- Most of the concerns were minor except for the one i have highlighted at the end.
1) Rattling noises, mainly from within Dash and doors
> Got it rectified as the Autocop installation was improper. The doors were checked for loose fittings. Now the cabin is absolutely silent except for the humming noise(fan) originating from the AMP.
2) Water marks(that's what they said) on rear hood door and roof top.
> Rectified by rubbing and waxing.
3) Engine oil change(and oil filter)
> Though the engine oil change was due only at 5000 kms, from the various expert opinions in TBHP I got the oil changed out of my request. This was the only payable item as part of the check up.
4) Seat Cover stitches had started wearing out
> Rectified by performing a restitch work.
5) Horn installation
> I bought a new set of horns from Root(sounds similar to the Skoda horn) that got fitted too.
6) Cleaning, Waxing and Vacuum of the Car was also done. The dash board cleaning job was not satisfactory as I could still see finger marks here and there.
7) LHS mirror plastic assembly started developing minor visible roughness(probably due to heat)
> Got it replaced. Though plastics are not covered under warranty, I decided not to pay for it as I dont expect such issues in a brand new car. The service advisor understood my concern and it was not charged to me. Of course the approval for waiver took 2 days, and the part had to be sourced from TVS.
8) Vibration on clutch pedal and noise while leaving the clutch suddenly.
When the engine is strained, especially at lower rpms negotiating a acute curve at 1st gears, or accelerating the car uphill from stop on an inclined slope, there seem to be vibrations(also equivalent to a very mild grinding feeling ) especially on the clutch pedal and the floor area.
Also if the clutch is left suddenly(at the same time not rashly) there is a mild click noise that can be heard originating from the bonnet area. This happens at both stands till and moving positions.
> The service advisor got this issue checked with the tech experts at GM and Kropex, and mentioned that all AVEOs have the above issue. I confirmed this by performing a TD of a new AVEO where I noticed similar issues. Also the service advisor mentioned that the issues will fade away as the vehicle clocks more kms. I am not convinced with this. I have requested the explanation in the form of a mail from Kropex/GM. At the same time I have escalated this issue to the showroom head so as to find a permanent fix as I dont expect such issues in the cars of this segment. I have to wait and watch.
Overall Kropex experience has been satisfactory, but requires improvements on areas like regularly updating customers on the work progress, delivery dates etc, service advisors should improve their technical knowhow et al.
Also I am not really happy with the following
1) Wind noise from LHS
The noise can be heard inside at the front LHS at speeds of 60 kmph and above, that is still not rectified.
2) My precious Ganesha idol is missing !!! I am really furious at this, as it was an unique idol made of some precious stone.
I would be reporting the above 2 issues as soon as possible to find a resolution.
Total charges incurred
3.75L ELF 15w40 Engine oil and filter = Rs.835/- (the oil change request that I had raised)
In general, the vehicle has been performing well and we are enjoying the drive ! I am planning for my next long drive. Kudremukh, Chikmaglur, Goa are some of the places I have in mind !
PS: I have started revving the car into rpms of 3000 and above. Though there is a general statement of the car being sluggish, I am satisfied with the overall performance. I think the car needs to be just tamed rightly !!!
@kavu75..perhaps we should meet up sometime and analyze the issue together. Also, together if we approach Kropex or other GM dealers, we should be able to find effective and timely solutions.
Let the GM people know that there is a small union of Chevy users
. I am already part of the PUG yahoo group and every PUG users(along with TBHP membership) earns their own space of respect from the FIAT folks when it comes to service or issues and all those !!!