2years and 43000kms later I think its time to update this thread with a fresh report.
31st March 2010; My Safari completed 2 years of service with me. Its around 43600kms as of now. About my Safari ownership:
To repeat again, my primary purpose of buying the Safari was for touring India.
As such, in 2 years my Safari has spent over 80% of its time on roads outside the city.
Make note, this is my only vehicle in India which I use for touring, travel and recreation(which includes offroading).
I always believe that a vehicle is designed with a purpose and if it fits that purpose it ought to be treated accordingly. So my Safari is driven like it should be driven. I make full use of all the horses in the engine, the suspension travel, the 4x4 gearbox, the articulation, the offroad ability, the creature comforts, etc.
Extra fittings include:
2 Hella focus lights.
Reverse camera.
Sparco mudflaps.
seat covers & steering wheel cover.
Multiple floor mats.
Everything else in the vehicle is stock spec. Apart from the issues mentioned and solved earlier, my Safari has given me no other problems till date. The Safari after 2 years:
The vehicle is given no special treatment other than:
Oil change every 7500kms.
Routine service done outside the TASS includes a full diesel wash of the underbody followed by a spray coat of used engine oil. This is to keep the underbody rust free.
Routine vaccuming of interiors and interior treatment is a DIY policy after every long trip. Current condition:
Great. No noise or squeaks from any body panels.
No squeaks from any mechanical components inspite of numerous OTR sessions and OTR tours.
My brother arrived from Dubai to join me for a Coastal Gujarat trip including the Great Rann of Kutch. According to him, the engine is smother than 'makkhan'(butter). And it is indeed. Its as smooth if not smoother than my 4 liter V6 Prado(petrol) that I drive in the middle east.
I have not had to top up any fluids till date(including coolant).
I shall be replacing all fluids at the 45k service next month. The 4x4 Gearbox:
Simply wonderful. Apart from the numerous OTR's, all my trips and tours including a decent amount of offroad travel. There are never any second thoughts to visit any good location along the highway thanks to 4x4.
Here I would like to add, the Safari in 4x2 form is very very capable, even with the OE Bridgestones. My use of 4x4 is to strictly enable travel where the 4x2 can no longer take me forward. As such, Ive used the 4x4 quite a bit to my hearts content.
The reader might think im raving a bit too much about the 4x4, but that isnt the case. Honestly, on many OTR's the use of 4x4 is quite negligible and I have gotten stuck simply because ive forgotten to engage 4x4 having gotten used to doing tough terrain in 4x2.
The shift on the fly 4H is good fun and works wonderfully... Though I hate the position of the 4x4 switch.
The clutch is still going strong. No slippage and its not hard. Steering and suspension:
I always found the Safari steering not very precise. But after 2 years its become normal(im used to it now) since i can predict its behaviour.
The suspension has held up very well considering all that it has been through. I had the TASS look at the suspension recently when I had gone for wheel alignment and it seems completely OK. So no complaints yet.
I had some issues with vehicle pulling to the right under braking, but it turned out to be an alignment issue and was solved. Interiors:
The interiors seem to have held up quite well. nothing has fallen off and nothing has stopped working. The dual ac that does full time duty has never let me down either. I haven't had to use the heater on many occasions but it works whenever I test it.
All the switches, power windows working good.
On that note, ive not had to change any bulbs or fuses either. Underbody and paint:
There are no signs of rust that I can find. The paint on the body is good. There are scratches here and there due to offroading in the bushes but are barely visible due to the golden brown color. I was told that a good paint treatment polish will take care of them, since they are superficial scratches. So next month my Safari will get paint treatment. The underbody still looks like factory finish due to the oil treatment. Tires:
The OE Bridgestone HT tires have held up well with all the offroad torture they have been through. But with numerous punctures and cuts and just about 20% tread left, a tire change is coming up shortly. Problems and negative feedback:
Wheel alignment is a problem because this can only be done at a TASS due to the shims adjustment. This is a big pain since they take the whole day to do it and sometimes after a trial keep the vehicle for another day to correct it.
The outside temp. sensor gives out vague figures like -10* to 49*. and considering the time the TASS takes to fix the alignment ive stopped checking the onboard temp display.
The 4x4 switch is a pain to use since it hides behind the wiper stalk.
The height adjustable drivers seat goes down on its own overnight. I have to rake it back up in the morning. Positives & praise:
Very good ride comfort.
Excellent 4x4 gearbox.
Good suspension.
Good ac.
Headache free functioning.
Good average fuel consumption; 11 kpl with ac. 9-9.5kpl with ac in 4x4. The mileage could be better with a lighter right foot. Without ac 12.5kpl. PM's coming up: (Preventive Maintenance)
45k service will have all the mechanical fluids replaced.
New tires.
External Paint treatment.
New wiper blades. Cost of ownership:
My Safari is now under extended warranty till March 2012.
Until now ive had no additional expenses except for those mentioned earlier and the cost of routine services and non routine voluntary oil changes.
Other than that ive had to replace my front and rear windscreens due to coconut damage and vandalism. Happiness Quotient:
Satisfaction is not a good word, happiness is. So after 2years am I happy with my Safari ?
Yes I am. It hasnt left me stranded anywhere. Performs flawlessly in hostile terrain under challenging circumstances. Its supremely comfortable. Starts with one twist of the key after being parked for over a month.
Allows me to concentrate on my travel and enjoy my holiday than think about the machine. So yes, im happy.
Last edited by jaysmokesleaves : 8th April 2010 at 17:06.
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