MODS: Sorry for the back to back posts, otherwise the post would be too lengthy! THE ACCIDENTS:
• The first one was in October 2010. All four of us, i.e, my dad, mom, sis and me, were going back home after visiting one of our family friend’s home. The incident happened at the Palayam junction, right in front of Saphalyam Shopping Complex at around 7.30 PM. We were waiting in the right lane in the signal to turn right. A white Maruit 800 stopped in the left lane. When the signal turned green, we started moving and this 800 guy tried to take a U-turn right through the front! The 800’s bumper hit on the LHS of our front Bumper and took off a little paint and misaligned the bumper a little. The 800’s bumper was hanging completely! We both parked our cars in the side and he started shouting at us claiming that he did the right thing! We called the police who were nearby and they told the other guy to shut up and stop arguing. As our car was insured and did not want to file a case, the police asked us to settle the matter as we wished. After some dialogue, we left the place. The car was given to Kulathunkal Motors in a day or two. The work was done really well and we did not claim insurance as the repair cost was just a little above Rs.1200.
No damage to the lights!
Notice the lose bumper clip in the following 2 pics
pic 1
pic2
Paint damage!
• The second one happened in April 2011. My sister was driving and my mom was there too. She stopped the car at a signal where there was heavy traffic. A Swift Dzire coming from behind banged on the rear. My sis said the whole car jerked. They couldn’t open the door as the traffic was too much. That guy too did not stop the car! I later inspected the car and found some marks on the RHS of the rear bumper and the car seemed to be lower in the RHS. And I found that a fibre sheet behind the rear wheel surrounding the engine area had bent a little bit. Gave it to the A.S.S immediately and also asked them to attend the problem with the clutch and wiper. Surprisingly, they did not even charge a penny for the accident work but the clutch issue was not solved this time either!
The only pic I have of the accident damage - slightly bent bumper end
SOME OTHER POINTS:
• The FE has been good. Almost 90% of the total distance covered has been in the city and more than 95% with the Air-con working. In such conditions, the car comfortably returns 16 – 18 km/l.
Worst achieved – 14 km/l
Best achieved – 22 km/l
We have not yet had a highway trip.
• The quality of the plastics has been more than satisfactory considering the price, especially the interior ones. Other than the rattle from the lock assembly, there have not been any other rattle issues. The switchgear too has been pretty functional and sturdy.
• Exterior plastics age very quickly. Most of the parts have already started losing their colour and texture.
Dull looking plastic window side panel - clearly noticeable with naked eye
• Ride and Suspension - The ride has now become better and is kind of supple and absorbs most of the undulations. It’s only the bigger potholes or craters that filters in. But the suspension is a little bit noisy, because, even when we do not feel the undulations, the noise from the suspension is clearly audible.
• Gear box has become much better and it’s smooth and precise now. You can hardly miss a shift, but the reverse gear does need a bit of pushing at time to engage.
• I always felt the head lamps to be weak. I asked the SA about upgrading the bulb and he said it would void the warranty. So no hopes.
• The either sides of the underbody of the car has dents which happened when the car was lifted at the service centre. I brought this to notice and asked them to rectify it. But they said that it is because the Nano’s body is weak!! I could not believe their answer. I went around checking the underbody of the other car’s there, not just the nano, but every car and found 90% of them to be damaged. But I never faced this problem in my Wagon – R. I raised a complaint and am yet to get it repaired. They asked why are we considering this to be such a serious issue and I just answered them by asking whether they would this dent would decrease the price of the car if we are selling off the car to them! They shut their mouth and were smiling helplessly!!
The under-body damage
ACCESSORIES:
I have installed Garware Classic sunfilm ( 50% light transmission and 99% UV rejection) of green tinge. The installation was not great and there are a few air bubbles in some areas. I cannot find the bill so I will search for it and update the price.
I also bought a set of floor mats of Taiwan make. They seem to be pretty durable and stay in place. Its price was Rs.1100.
These were installed at a shop called Parijath at Ulloor and I would not advice people in going there. The staff are courteous but the options are limited and the installers weren’t professional at all.
I have not yet installed any security system as I have never felt the need for it and the options in the Tata Genuine Accessories weren’t satisfactory. Same goes to the Audio system. Kulathunkal Motors have no idea about the Genuine Audio system. They are now installing audio system of Sony, etc. saying that these are accepted by TATA Motors. I feel a little apprehensive about fitting them and now I am searching for the Genuine ones offered by Tata Motors. Also, have not put seat covers yet!!
Sorry for the mobile-phone pictures. The camera is with my sis and she is out of station. Will upload better pictures once I get the camera.
If anyone needs anymore info, please do feel free to ask me! I shall try my level best to answer all the queries.