[comfortablynumb]

Had some free time today after quite a while, so thought of putting it to good use by getting the long overdue service for my Scorpio done (after almost 1.5 years!), just 1 month before she completes 13 years.

Following things were done by the FNG during the service, which cost me INR 7k:
1. Changed the engine oil, oil filter, gear oil, differential oil, brake fluid and a reverse light bulb that had gone kaput, topped up a little bit of coolant.
2. Cleaned the air filter and AC filter.
3. Fixed the stuck front LHS window by giving it a few loving thumps.
4. General check up, under-body check up with nuts & bolts tightening, road trial.

After this, took it for wheel rotation, balancing and alignment, followed by washing and propeller shaft greasing.

Some pics from a day well spent.



Up, up & away!





Getting some long overdue TLC.





Looking spic & span!

Feb is insurance renewal month, and that will make sure she is set for another year on the roads.

[asit.kulkarni93]

Now that's a well kept Scorpio. Congratulations on completing 13 years with your ride. Surprisingly, Scorpios age better than Xylos or Boleros. This is what I have observed in a few 2008-11 Mahindras i have come across.

On a lighter note, A white Scorpio is not only pure bliss while driving around Pune but an easy sale whenever you plan to upgrade. Add chrome to enhance the resale value.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by asit.kulkarni93

Now that's a well kept Scorpio. Congratulations on completing 13 years with your ride.

Thank you!

Add chrome to enhance the resale value.

Haha, yes. I still remember the look of disbelief on the accessories guy's face at Sahyadri Motors, when I said I was not interested in the chrome "jewelery" package before taking delivery.

[nvldvr]

Hi

Updates on your Scorpio thread remind me of my Scorpio SLE. I think we had bought our scorpios around the same time in 2009.

Very fond memories of an amazing vehicle.

Great to see your Scorpio going strong. Wish you many more happy miles.

[msarunms1987]

I had bought a 2010 model Scorpio 2.2L SLE in 2013. The previous owner disclosed that the front left suspension was changed under warranty within the first year of ownership.

My usage was not the typical 10K kms per year. The odo had ~88K in 2022 when I sold it after driving it for 8+ years.
Below are some (or perhaps, most) of what I remember during my period with it:

1. Power window console replaced
2. Frequently burning fog lamps and head lamps changed some 8-10 times (ASC always said its normal)
3. Cabin light switch replaced
4. Broken front A/C vent replaced
5. Steering rack replaced
6. Brake discs replaced (ASC said no scope for skimming)
7. Clutch master & slave cylinders replaced
8. Fuel gauge pump replaced
9. Roof mounted stop lamp replaced
10.Coolant hose pipes replaced a couple of times
11. Windshield sprayer and pump replaced
12. Alternator overhauled a couple of times
13. Rear wheel bearings replaced
14. Tried convincing the ASC to replace the gearbox & engine mounts for straight 5 years, but they wouldn't listen. Their response always was that the vibration that kept progressing was a "normal thing" on an OLD Mahindra Diesel. Why they were unable to detect the cause for those vibrations and fix them, still baffles me.
15. May be a few others that I might not be able to recollect now.

I don't mean to rant, but everytime any of the above occurred, I kept questioning myself: "Did I do a mistake of opting for an Indian car? That too, a pre-owned?!"

Was I disappointed? Yes!

Was I scared? Yes! Particularly, when I had a dead clutch while I was at 90kmph on a highway with my family.

Did I still enjoy my drive? Hell yeah! A LADDER-ON-FRAME RWD SUV unlike a few other crossovers I test drove before investing on this, was the best thing that happened to me. After driving a Santro for close to 3 years, a talking Scorpio (I mean the voice commands ) was like an upgrade that was generations ahead to me!

That loud honk (of course, I never used it insensibly), that plush suspension, that body-roll (which my family never felt like it was something to complain about), those sofa like upholstered seats, unlimited leg space in the second row, a flexible 3rd row which was mostly occupied by our German Shepherd (his only complain was the absence of AC vents there), the thirsty 120BHP engine, the grunt from that excellent low and mid range torque, the wonderful road presence, the ready-made right of way it demanded, all these, were a boon for me.

I loved every KM that I drove it. It has taken me places and every trip in it has etched memories in our heart.

I still miss that seating position and that ground clearance in my current Innova Crysta, of course there are other obvious benefits.

That said, would I invest again on a Mahindra? May be, not.

Would I still want to own another Scorpio again in the future? Perhaps, a yes here!

All those failures that occurred at various stages, all those spares I had to replace - disappointed me and I felt sad that I had to do many many unscheduled garage visits. But that did not stop me from loving that beast of a machine!

PS: The car was always serviced on schedule, all at ASCs.

[Shan_Kmu]

Originally Posted by Raghu M

That's a very well kept Bole. I think you have maintained it pretty well

Thanks, Raghu. Looking forward to maintaining it the same way for years on

Originally Posted by msarunms1987

Frequently burning fog lamps and head lamps changed some 8-10 times (ASC always said its normal)

Well that's new to hear

Originally Posted by msarunms1987

Did I still enjoy my drive? Hell yeah! A LADDER-ON-FRAME RWD SUV unlike a few other crossovers I test drove before investing on this, was the best thing that happened to me.

Ha... I too felt the same when switching from a tiny Chevy beat to a BOF Bolero. Old school but tough.

Originally Posted by msarunms1987

All those failures that occurred at various stages, all those spares I had to replace - disappointed me and I felt sad that I had to do many many unscheduled garage visits. But that did not stop me from loving that beast of a machine!

That engine alone will make you forget all the complaints

[Jack Sparrow]

Originally Posted by msarunms1987

I had bought a 2010 model Scorpio 2.2L SLE in 2013. The previous owner disclosed that the front left suspension was changed under warranty within the first year of ownership.

2. Frequently burning fog lamps and head lamps changed some 8-10 times (ASC always said its normal)

12. Alternator overhauled a couple of times


PS: The car was always serviced on schedule, all at ASCs.

Burning of lamps is not normal! I Never had a case of fused bulbs in my 11 years of owning a Scorpio SLE.
I suspect the regulator / rectifier of the alternator for frequent fog lamps and Head lights change.
Where was this overhauled? The alternator will be a Bosch or Lucas make. Try overhauling it from a reputed alternator service center.

[comfortablynumb]

Got the vehicle's annual check up + general service + running repairs done at Sai Car Clinic (run by forum member asit.kulkarni93) couple of weeks ago for our annual Goa trip. Air filter, bonnet cable, handbrake cable, differential oil were changed. Brakes were cleaned, greased and bled. Coolant was topped up and hub greasing was also done. His team also installed my new dash cam for me. Also, big shout out and thanks to sukiwa for the memory card!

Took the Pune - Belgaum - Goa (via Chorla ghat) route during the onward journey on Oct 24 and Goa - Anuskura ghat - Pune for the return journey on Oct 28. Weather in Goa was beautiful, and surprisingly, there was not much of a tourist crowd at least in South Goa. Maybe it will be packed after Diwali.

Scout performed flawlessly as usual (touchwood!), and delivered an overall mileage of 14.35 with 70-75% AC usage, plus a lot of luggage.

Some random pics taken during the trip.







Above 3 photos are taken at our family temple.







With the vehicle about to complete 15 years in Feb '25, I need to decide whether to sell it now, or spend some money on a few major repairs that Asit has suggested, change the tyres and keep it for 2-3 years more. As my usage isn't a lot, I am leaning towards the latter option. But as a few friends opined, getting spare parts will become more and more difficult as the days go by, in case some major repair or replacement is needed. After all, M&M is no Maruti Suzuki or Toyota when it comes to supporting old models. Would definitely appreciate some advice if any of you have navigated a similar dilemma.

Cheers!

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

With the vehicle about to complete 15 years in Feb '25, I need to decide whether to sell it now, or spend some money on a few major repairs that Asit has suggested, change the tyres and keep it for 2-3 years more. As my usage isn't a lot, I am leaning towards the latter option. But as a few friends opined, getting spare parts will become more and more difficult as the days go by, in case some major repair or replacement is needed. After all, M&M is no Maruti Suzuki or Toyota when it comes to supporting old models. Would definitely appreciate some advice if any of you have navigated a similar dilemma.

Cheers!

Absolutely fabulous to see you and scout still plugging along after all these years! I remember our conversations during the earlier eons of Teambhp around this SUV when it just launched then

1. Parts are not an issue. I now have something of similar vintage from Mahindra. I think Asit and Boodmo can assist in part sourcing very easily. Else a simple order at the local Mahindra shop will also do. These things sold in droves, are still being driven and maintained by proud owners, dont expect part supply to vanish for another decade.

2. The real issue, and i say its an issue, is your low annual usage - probably much like mine where even doing 10k a year to just meet the oil change guidelines is a tough ask, especially when usage is shared amongst multiple options in the garage.

3. What are these major repairs? Do you have a list and what you have to spend? I suggest you get that first. Then get a valuation done at cars24 and Spinny. Compare them. What is the delta? Report back here.

4. Whatever it is you plan to buy next, if at all, my suggestion to you would be a 4x4. Tight budget? Jimny. Bigger budget? Hilux. Both will outlast 2 decades of ownership...or probably more with your levels of maintenance. I suggest 4x4 because it will encourage you to drive close by and explore (sahyadri) as opposed to needing to put on big miles every time just to enjoy yourself. I was in the very same dilemma myself and nothing other than a BOF could pull me out of this state. With a 4x4, I dont need to spend too much time getting to places to have a great time.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Absolutely fabulous to see you and scout still plugging along after all these years! I remember our conversations during the earlier eons of Teambhp around this SUV when it just launched then

Thanks, Venky! Haha, yes; your purchase of the Rocky Beige SLE was what pushed me over the edge! Its ownership review with the "evocative" description of the vibrating gear lever and hilarious banter with hrag & others is one for the ages!

1. Parts are not an issue. I now have something of similar vintage from Mahindra. I think Asit and Boodmo can assist in part sourcing very easily. Else a simple order at the local Mahindra shop will also do. These things sold in droves, are still being driven and maintained by proud owners, dont expect part supply to vanish for another decade......

Thanks to the eminently practical and sensible advice given by you and others like Suhas (sukiwa on the forum), Asit etc., I have decided to keep the vehicle for a few more years. To that end, I visited the RTO for registration renewal today; hopefully the new RC card should be delivered in a couple of weeks (fingers crossed).

Scout will complete 15 years with us next week. It's been an enjoyable and mostly fuss free ride, and we owe her a lot for all the safe, happy and memorable journeys that she has taken us on. Looking forward to more of the same.



Cheers!

[abhi_tjet]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

Scout will complete 15 years with us next week.
Cheers!

Congratulations comfortablynumb. Scorpio looks in good touch and it is a durable and reliable vehicle. Kudos for maintaining the vehicle in this day and age where people just get bored too easily and quickly from almost everything.

Sooner or later, govt norms will anyways make it tough to keep (ICE)vehicles for more than 10 or 15 years in tier 1/tier2 cities at least. Better to hold on while we can

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by abhi_tjet

Kudos for maintaining the vehicle in this day and age where people just get bored too easily and quickly from almost everything.

Thanks for the kind words, Abhi, but it's not like my bank balance gave me much of a choice anyway.

The real credit for the maintenance goes to FNGs like the one run by Asit and another one in PCMC which I used to visit in pre-covid times. They are still willing to service old vehicles, and troubleshoot/repair stuff rather than blind replacement. The authorized ASCs are least interested in doing that, when they have more modern vehicles like the latest XUV and Scorpio-N lined up outside their workshops.

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

Thanks for the kind words, Abhi, but it's not like my bank balance gave me much of a choice anyway.

The real credit for the maintenance goes to FNGs like the one run by Asit and another one in PCMC which I used to visit in pre-covid times. They are still willing to service old vehicles, and troubleshoot/repair stuff rather than blind replacement. The authorized ASCs are least interested in doing that, when they have more modern vehicles like the latest XUV and Scorpio-N lined up outside their workshops.

SLE is really close to heart, I still keep looking for our Polar Bear out there on the road, it really was a special vehicle. I always wanted those alloys which you have, I had to settle for aftermarket ones due to cost reasons. When you see a Scorpio with alloy wheel and without those nano coat stickers, there is something different - positively better looking in my eyes.

I would still get the vehicle serviced in ASC though, I have made their life miserable if they ever tried to do a shoddy job. Our oldest Scorpio after Polar bear is now in it`s 9th year I think, still well cared for by the ASC, including pick up and drop! I do see lot of vehicles of older generations still coming to ASC for routine servicing and other repairs, what surprised me is that commercial vehicles coming to ASC for accident repairs.

I see that of late there is almost a Maruti like fear among Mahindra dealers, they are really worried about any complaints going to the customer care especially if the dealer has clearly messed up something.

[comfortablynumb]

Got the new RC card in exactly 2 weeks; so, now we are set till 2030!

[mpksuhas]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

Got the new RC card in exactly 2 weeks;

Thanks for updating the thread. I remember during my car search time going through your ownership in detail. Suddenly noticing that it was more than 10 years ago makes me feel old