My Safari Musings. Hi all,
I would like to take this opportunity to pen down my experiences of owning and maintaining a Safari 2.2 VTT. It has been a little over an year (April 2009) when I finally took the plunge and bought my first SUV.
I had been contemplating a Safari for almost two years prior to that and somehow was never able to make up my mind. The reasons were simple, I wanted a trouble free vehicle which would not give up on me in the middle of nowhere. With the mixed feelings and reports for the Safari, this definitely was not an easy decision.
I have been primarily a Maruti Suzuki customer and presently own the M-800, Zen, Esteem and also the Baleno. With nothing else but reliability to speak about, my loyalty to the Maruti Suzuki brand was unflinching. My shortlist for the SUV had just two candidates, the Grand Vitara and the Safari 2.2 VTT.
Finally it was the Safari and the reasons to tip the scales in favour of the Safari were the inner space (I am a little over 6 feet tall), the ride quality and the sheer torque. I took the chance of the reliability factor since I am myself a auto enthusiast and quite adept at servicing and maintaining my own vehicles.
So on 29th April 2009, I finally got the delivery of my pearl white brand new Tata Safari 2.2 VTT, 4x4. I had to wait for almost 3 weeks before I got the delivery, but it was well worth it.
So after an year, how has been my experience, am I happy with my decision or do I repent every single day, has it given up on me leaving me stranded or has it stood by me on my few trips, has it demanded too much maintenance or remained happy like a well fed baby and finally what is my honest opinion about the Safari. Well read on if you like to know the details. For the impatient here is a summary:
1. Mileage till date: 6540 Kms.
2. Regular Servicing Cost: First Three Services for total of Rs. 5112/-
3. Other Maintenance Costs: Aprroximately Rs. 1400/-
4. Trips undertaken: Mussoorie, Chail, Kasuali, Gurgaon (Total of around 1600 Kms)
5. Fuel efficiency: Hovers around 11 Kmpl in city and around 13 on highway.
6. Retro Status: Completed with the usual items ECU Cover, Front Windows Retro, ECU Update, Fuse Updates Timing Pulley change was not required.
7. Satisfied: Oh Absolutely.
8. Did it give up on me: Not yet. For the truly interested here are the other details.
Over the last one year, I have added some much needed extras to my vehicle. Here is an overview.
1. Added a custom built computer system that is primarily a media centre with a little of GPS and OBD-II thrown in.
2. Added a bluetooth enabled rear view mirror with a reversing camera.
3. Replaced the stock speaker system with a complete JBL setup. Replaced the tweeters, front speakers and the rear speakers and added a 12 inch Woofer.
4. Added two JBL amps, one driving the 6 speakers and one for the 12 inch woofer.
5. Added the official Garware Window film for Safari.
6. Added the official Gear Lock, Minda
I will upload photographs soon. Here are some of my experiences with Tata Motors / Dealer
1. They issued the insurance policy for my vehicle as a 4x2. I pointed out the mistake and it was duly rectified and a separate note issued by the insurer.
2. The knowledge of the servicing staff is limited. They know how to do the usual things, but the moment you ask for a specific detail or request a specific adjustment they are at a loss. We definitely need a service manual.
3. Their customer feedback process works. They call absolutely religiously after every scheduled service and take feedback. They also follow up in case you report something out of the ordinary.
4. There 24x7 on road service is definitely pro-active. The other day I added there number to my cell phone and dialed it just to confirm if I could dial the 1800 number from my cell phone. The call definitely went through and I kept the phone before the could pick it up (Since I was just testing the number). Surprise Surprise, I got a call back within 15 minutes and the person apologized to me. He said he is sorry that my call could not be attended when I called so they are calling to find out how they can help. This was out of the world. I have never yet seen this kind of responsiveness from any individual / organization. I am impressed.
5. I registered for the Safari Explorer Club and the letter came back after 10 days, apparently the company that handles registration on behalf of Tata Motors has shifted from the address mentioned in the owners manual. I rang up Tata Motors and I had the Safari club packet delivered to me within next two weeks. Although what I can do with it remains a mystery to me. Problems faced and so far un-resolved.
1. During washing water drips in from somewhere above the clutch and brake pedals.
2. There is a grinding noise from the front brakes when the brakes are heated. Comes only when bringing the vehicle to a very slow stop.
3. The front windows have a tendency to make a "khat" noise when you go over a pothole. Comes only once when you go over the pothole the first time. Guess it has something to do with the window getting settled into it's place the first time it gets a shock.
4. There is definitely some air leakage from the Air Conditioner vents. Even with Re-circulation mode on, outside air definitely comes in. I have seen others report it too and thought it is best to leave it at that. Things I like:
1. The sheer amount of space and legroom upfront and the rear seat comfort is the best that I have experienced.
2. The presence and ride quality of the vehicle. It just munches the miles and makes a mincemeat of the potholed roads.
3. The confidence it inspires, even if you are driving slow people will not act funny around you and respect your line of driving.
4. Go anywhere anytime capability. Absolutely love this and drive without any tension of damaging my vehicle. I am nevertheless a careful driver so I know the limits. Things that could have been better:
1. Attention to detail: Particularly missing in certain areas, Cigarette lighter cover for example is something that is ready to come off anytime. Same is the case with the row of buttons that control the fog lamps and other items. The buttons have a tendency to pop out if you have a quick finger. Not that these impact the vehicle in any considerable manner, but at the same time nothing would have added more cost to the vehicle if a little attention had been given to these small things.
2. General Quality Control at factory: I had a leaking rear quarter glass, they fixed it at the first service no doubt, then I had a rubber lining on the door come off since it was loose and they fixed that too, then I had the vehicle tilted oh very slightly to the right side which they fixed too by adjusting the torsion bars (although I had to do it again myself later).
Well I guess that sums up my experience with the Safari so far and I am quite satisfied.
There is one last thing that I would like to add, by buying and owning a Safari we should not believe that we have bought a vehicle that is indestructible. It is after all a vehicle and even the best one's out there will fail if not looked after properly. With reasonable amount of attention and care I believe it is quite a vehicle and offers the best value for money. |