Maruti Ertiga: 74000 km update with fuel economy, service cost & more

With touring being a primary consideration, I am contemplating whether to keep my existing car or potentially upgrade to the newer model.

BHPian chorispao recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

On January 21, 2017, our family collectively chose and got the Ertiga Zxi. Here’s an update on my Ertiga as it enters its 8th year.

• 74114kms clocked till date with an average of 14.75km/L (max speed of 110kmph)
• Total service cost incurred of 54k till date, with an additional cost of 35k for Tyres, Battery, WA/WB, Wipers and others.
• While most of the mileage has been clocked on the Panaji to Bangalore route, there have been many getaway trips too with the longest trip being Panaji to Ladakh & back clocking 7172kms over 29 days, and other trips to Nashik, Mahabalipuram & Ooty.

That’s a pic of the custom rear windshield sticker of our Ladakh trip.

The Ertiga suspension provided a comfortable ride on the well-maintained roads of Goa, known for their smooth surfaces over the years. However, it faced challenges during approximately 40 trips through Anmod Ghat during its expansion phase and on the roads in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh, revealing imperfection in suspension and hence severe rattles. Despite these specific instances, the Ertiga demonstrated overall good performance, handling well in various weather conditions and in different terrains!

Replaced parts

• The stock tyres were GY Assurance 185/65 and were replaced at 44000km with GY Assurance 195/65 (cost of 5400 per tyre/GOA). With the 195, the drive quality improved substantially & the suspension felt better. Have noticed a 3% reduction in mileage reading while upgrading to 195.
• Had to replace the suspension stabilizer bars while we were en route to Ladakh, owing to poor road conditions in Gujarat and Jammu-Srinagar. We got this done in Srinagar in 2 hours flat and then back on the road. Hats off to the MSIL Service network!
• Prior to the Ladakh trip, the Battery was changed at 54000km/5.5yrs (cost of 3500/BLR) as a precautionary measure. Also, the front brake pads were changed.
• Wipers have been changed on a yearly basis and have got the best results with the Valeo set of wipers.
• A lot of broken parts remain unreplaceable: A broken AC vent grill, a missing chrome trim and an AC vent adjuster. (All dislodged due to rattling over rough roads)

On a friend’s recommendation, started using the Iftex additive, and after a tankful have experienced a better engine ‘grunt’ and improved mileage. Have continued to use this on a regular basis. Have observed that costs of service/spares & replacements were more cost-effective in Bangalore than in Goa.

Things I’m looking to upgrade/add and need our fellow BHPians inputs:

• Need a recommendation for better sound insulation with a damping material and where it can be done in Bangalore.
• An upgrade from the stock headlight bulbs (cost-effective Plug n play upgrade)
• Recommendation of a better engine oil. (Shell or Motul)

Come 2025, I will find myself in a challenging situation, torn between the decision to find a suitable replacement or stick with my current Ertiga. With touring being a primary consideration, I am contemplating whether to keep my existing Ertiga or potentially upgrade to the newer model. Currently, I don't see any viable alternatives, considering factors such as service and spares availability, comfort, and practicality – the Ertiga appears to be the most suitable option for me in these circumstances.

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