Loved, not just used: Preserving our 25-year-old Maruti Baleno sedan

The car is still a delight to drive. The 1.6L G16B engine remains refined and strong, offering excellent low-end torque and smooth cruising ability.

BHPian Armaan Sait recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Hello Team-BHP,

I’m excited to finally share something close to my heart: our 2000 Maruti Baleno, finished in the rare Atlantic Blue shade. It’s been a part of our family since new, and even today, it continues to turn heads with its classic charm and preserved condition.

Background:

• Year of manufacture: 2000
• Colour: Aquatic Blue (rare shade, barely seen now)
• Odometer reading: 128,000 km
• Usage: Light and careful usage throughout its life, always parked under shade.
• Ownership: Single-family owned from day one.

This car has been loved, not just used. Even after 24+ years, it retains its originality, soul, and smooth driving dynamics that made the Baleno special back in the day.

Condition & Maintenance:

• Paint: 100% original Aquatic Blue factory paint.
• Interior: Entirely stock — original fabric upholstery, dashboard, switchgear, and trim panels intact and in excellent shape.

• Mechanical: Regularly maintained with genuine parts; still drives like a dream.

• Accessories: Still retains the original Kenwood KRC-485 cassette receiver that came factory-fitted (with manual, invoice, and packaging preserved).

Documents:

• Original Maruti owner’s manual, service booklet.

• Kenwood audio manual and warranty card.

• Original envelopes and documentation from Indus Motors.

• Period newspaper clippings preserved alongside.

Driving Experience:

The Baleno is still a delight to drive. The 1.6L G16B engine remains refined and strong, offering excellent low-end torque and smooth cruising ability. The hydraulic steering feels wonderfully communicative — a rarity today. It’s comfortable on highways, composed around bends, and very easy to drive in the city even after all these years.

Why It’s Special to Me:

In today’s world of modern, tech-laden cars, the Baleno reminds me what true mechanical purity feels like. It’s simple, reliable, soulful — and in this condition, an increasingly rare sight. It’s not just a car; it’s a member of the family.

We’ve taken special care to retain its originality, and the documents, photos, and memories associated with it are just as cherished as the car itself.

Some of the Old Pics taken of the Baleno:

Plans Going Forward:

The goal is simple — keep it running, keep it original, and preserve it as a time capsule for as long as possible. Every drive is special, and every glance at it brings back memories.

Thank you, Team-BHP, for providing a platform where enthusiasts understand the joy of preserving a classic like this.

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