[RGK]

Originally Posted by anilisanil

Come on be positive! How about thinking that the parts that are supposed to fail post warranty period are failing prematurely and there would be no part to fail after warranty period?

In that way you are one Lucky man :P

Yes true to a certain extent.
The parts which has to run 1000 of kms are failing prematurely is the concern here and raises the question of long term reliability. Also there are not too many service centres spread across a state to give confidence that it can be repaired when needed.

Also the ownership experience is not completely peaceful as it should be and creates a jitter in your mind.

Have raised my concerns to Ford.

[scanD]

Originally Posted by RGK

Yes true to a certain extent.
The parts which has to run 1000 of kms are failing prematurely is the concern here and raises the question of long term reliability. ...

+1 to that.

My Figo's fog lamps stopped working after a few (less than 5) uses.. turned out to be Fuse blown issue. The replaced fuse lasted 2 seconds before it went puuff. Took it to service centre.. they (claim to have) *thoroughly* checked the circuitry and concluded it to be a mere fuse problem. Replaced the fuse.. this one lasted 5 minutes and then same fate.
Finally they did some troubleshooting and concluded that both left & right side fog lamps have become defective and need to be replaced under warranty. Am not sure if they've analysed the root cause correctly.

Anyone else here experienced blown fuses due to fog lamps ?

[Skyline GT-R]

Figo steering rack failure has been reported many times but in my case Ford still says it is because of non OE alloys/tyres !!!

Today i consulted with "Skillmech" a reputed garage in Thrissur & they say they will sort out the rack issue without replacing the whole rack but needs the car for 1 whole day.

@ Kerala TBHPians - Skillmech stocks parts for Opel/Daewoo. In case anybody needs them you can direct.

[wildsdi5530]

Ford has a policy of replace, never repair. This is great if covered under warranty of insurance or maintainence package. But it will blow a hole if paid from your pocket.

[AmarPaithankar]

Last month we purchased A Ford Figo ZXI diesel (delivery images posted earlier). Although I have not been able to add many kilometers on my Figo's odometer, the car is definately entertaining to drive.

My earlier car, a Chevrolet Spark that we had for 1.7 years was a fantastic and capable car but rising petrol prices, added running due to arrival of a new member (my daughter) forced us to let the Spark go.

We booked a Figo ZXI diesel when Ford had not deleted the rear wiper and electric ORVMs and only after I insisted and uttered some harsh words, was I finally able to get the ZXI diesel with the above two features.

I have written about my buying experience in the past but that was many posts back. I studied this thread extensively before making my decision and it has helped me immensly. But lately, with so many problems being reported by users and me not very familiar with a large (bigger than the Spark) diesel hatch, I am a bit apprehensive every time I take the car out.

They say too much knowledge is also as dangerous as no knowledge!!!

I have made some additions / upgradations to my Figo like:
1) 185/65 R14 Bridgestone Potenzas that are far better (grip wise, noise wise and looks wise) than the 3rd rate MRFs O.E. rubber
2) 100/90 watt halogens but headlight beam is still poor. The low power halogens are a pure cosmetic add-on.
3) Seat covers from Kurla, Mumbai stiched directly to the seat for that "firm feeling"
4) 3M under body coating
5) O.E. alloy wheels fitted before delivery. I did check out many accessory stores in Pune and was overwhelmed with the variety available. Three to four years back, we had just a handfull of manufacturers but now many Chinese makes of alloys at tempting prices are available. Plati alloys are good but I was warned that there are many fake Platis available. Neo's designs are boring although it is ARAI certified. It was finally decided to opt for O.E. alloys.
6) 3M sunfilm all around. Except for the name, there is nothing much as far as quality is concerned. The film has started peeling off and there are some bubbles on the rear windscreen! I have been assured a replacement but still....Quality...
7) I got Figo's O.E. door moulding (unpainted) but instead of sticking where it is normally stuck, I stuck the door moulding below as that is the area that is porn to minor impacts, especially by erate cyclists and parked two-wheelers.
8) Black coloured corner mouldings of both bumpers are from the Maruti Alto K10. Quality of these is far better than the sub-standard ones available in accessory shops.
9) A bright yellow TeamBHP decal on the hatch.

[whitelion]

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

Last month we purchased A Ford Figo ZXI diesel (delivery images posted earlier). Although I have not been able to add many kilometers on my Figo's odometer, the car is definately entertaining to drive.

Congratulations AmarPaithankar, I bought it in Last week Of July 2011. I agree with you it has something which provides immense driving pleasure especially in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. I am still bit uneasy with 2nd gear and need to get more acquainted with it's characteristics.

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

My earlier car, a Chevrolet Spark that we had for 1.7 years was a fantastic and capable car but rising petrol prices, added running due to arrival of a new member (my daughter) forced us to let the Spark go.

We booked a Figo ZXI diesel when Ford had not deleted the rear wiper and electric ORVMs and only after I insisted and uttered some harsh words, was I finally able to get the ZXI diesel with the above two features.

I was lucky in this respect since The SR dealing with me gave me news of "Price Hike and cutting down of features applicable from next day" while handing over the Keys. I got earlier features with earlier price.

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

I have written about my buying experience in the past but that was many posts back. I studied this thread extensively before making my decision and it has helped me immensly. But lately, with so many problems being reported by users and me not very familiar with a large (bigger than the Spark) diesel hatch, I am a bit apprehensive every time I take the car out.

They say too much knowledge is also as dangerous as no knowledge!!!

I too shifted from M800 to Figo after a very long time of almost 16 yrs. I also found very difficult to changeover and lack of confidence. After almost 2.8K on odo I am finding it little bit at home. The key is delearning Petrol Driving Style and become bit sedate in Initial period till one gets acquainted with Diesel Engine Characteristics. One has to learn how to use Torque of Engine to accelerate added to that Figo has some peculiar behavior. Keep on driving and soon you will get used to it, its my own experience. But be cautious and try to learn every KM you drive in this initial period. Highways I mastered easily but city roads with traffic I am still a bit less confident as of Today.

I differ with you for last comment since Having Much Knowledge helps a lot. Reading threads here accelerates the Learning process, to best of my experience.

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

I have made some additions / upgradations to my Figo like:
1) 185/65 R14 Bridgestone Potenzas that are far better (grip wise, noise wise and looks wise) than the 3rd rate MRFs O.E. rubber
2) 100/90 watt halogens but headlight beam is still poor. The low power halogens are a pure cosmetic add-on.

Spot on I drove my friends Figo with 90/100W upgrade for First hand experience and Now I am narrowing down On Hella 700FF Aux Driving Lamps. Soon I will finalize between 500FF and 700FF but Decision of adding Aux Lamps is Final rather than Bulbs upgradation.

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

3) Seat covers from Kurla, Mumbai stiched directly to the seat for that "firm feeling"
4) 3M under body coating
5) O.E. alloy wheels fitted before delivery. I did check out many accessory stores in Pune and was overwhelmed with the variety available. Three to four years back, we had just a handfull of manufacturers but now many Chinese makes of alloys at tempting prices are available. Plati alloys are good but I was warned that there are many fake Platis available. Neo's designs are boring although it is ARAI certified. It was finally decided to opt for O.E. alloys.
6) 3M sunfilm all around. Except for the name, there is nothing much as far as quality is concerned. The film has started peeling off and there are some bubbles on the rear windscreen! I have been assured a replacement but still....Quality...

Thanks for FeedBack It has helped me in my decision about Films. I was considering 3M and Garaware since Climatic Conditions In Kolhapur are not that extreme in summer so I eliminated VKool and now 3m is also gone So i will get cheap Garware(IceShield 80% and Classic 55% 5K Total) and get Going.

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

7) I got Figo's O.E. door moulding (unpainted) but instead of sticking where it is normally stuck, I stuck the door moulding below as that is the area that is porn to minor impacts, especially by erate cyclists and parked two-wheelers.
8) Black coloured corner mouldings of both bumpers are from the Maruti Alto K10. Quality of these is far better than the sub-standard ones available in accessory shops.
9) A bright yellow TeamBHP decal on the hatch.

The only thing I plan to do is last one but a Different one which I will procure Next month after Filming is Done. I plan to have in Front as well on back windshield.

[techn0l0gist]

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

1) 185/65 R14 Bridgestone Potenzas that are far better (grip wise, noise wise and looks wise) than the 3rd rate MRFs O.E. rubber

Try cornering a Figo at 100 kmph with the ZV2ks and then with the potenzas too - there's absolutely no difference , also under hard braking there is no noticeable loss of grip !

The 185 section Potenzas are better no doubt, but calling the ZV2ks 3rd rate isn't fair!

For the suspension setup and the power that the car makes, the 175 section is more than adequate for all purposes !

[RGK]

Originally Posted by techn0l0gist

The 185 section Potenzas are better no doubt, but calling the ZV2ks 3rd rate isn't fair!
!

I asked one Tire company engineer long time back. He clearly said, the foreign brand tyres are bit softer for high speed grip whereas Indian rubbers are slightly hard but give more tire mileage.

[sumathindra]

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

Last month we purchased A Ford Figo ZXI diesel (delivery images posted earlier). Although I have not been able to add many kilometers on my Figo's odometer, the car is definately entertaining to drive.

I have made some additions / upgradations to my Figo like:
1) 185/65 R14 Bridgestone Potenzas that are far better (grip wise, noise wise and looks wise) than the 3rd rate MRFs O.E. rubber
2) 100/90 watt halogens but headlight beam is still poor. The low power halogens are a pure cosmetic add-on.
3) Seat covers from Kurla, Mumbai stiched directly to the seat for that "firm feeling"
4) 3M under body coating
5) O.E. alloy wheels fitted before delivery. I did check out many accessory stores in Pune and was overwhelmed with the variety available. Three to four years back, we had just a handfull of manufacturers but now many Chinese makes of alloys at tempting prices are available. Plati alloys are good but I was warned that there are many fake Platis available. Neo's designs are boring although it is ARAI certified. It was finally decided to opt for O.E. alloys.
6) 3M sunfilm all around. Except for the name, there is nothing much as far as quality is concerned. The film has started peeling off and there are some bubbles on the rear windscreen! I have been assured a replacement but still....Quality...
7) I got Figo's O.E. door moulding (unpainted) but instead of sticking where it is normally stuck, I stuck the door moulding below as that is the area that is porn to minor impacts, especially by erate cyclists and parked two-wheelers.
8) Black coloured corner mouldings of both bumpers are from the Maruti Alto K10. Quality of these is far better than the sub-standard ones available in accessory shops.
9) A bright yellow TeamBHP decal on the hatch.

point 7 - This is quite unusual however it looks sort of good. I am now considering them. How much did you pay for the door molding?

[AmarPaithankar]

Thank you everyone for their views and comments.

Whitelion, I share your thoughts about driving point to point, the only difference being I had the Chevy Spark for just 1.7 years but one drive to Amboli and then Goa boosted my confidence. After that, going to the other end of Pune frequently when my wife was hospitalised helped me drive the car quite easily in city also.

sumathindra - The O.E. door moulding cost me Rs. 900 / -1000/- (unpainted). But in order to install the moulding the way I have, you have to re-shape them by cutting them a bit, especially the ones on the rear door so that the door's contours are matched.

I speak about MRF tyres based on experience and am not biased towards any manufacturer.

[whitelion]

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

Whitelion, I share your thoughts about driving point to point, the only difference being I had the Chevy Spark for just 1.7 years but one drive to Amboli and then Goa boosted my confidence. After that, going to the other end of Pune frequently when my wife was hospitalised helped me drive the car quite easily in city also.

Oh, Its like passing Post-Graduation. I Visit Pune to meet my daughter but fortunately she lives near Katraj Dairy. On few occasions I had chance to enter in to City and I found if one can drive confidently and without a scratch through City then its like passing Post-Graduation in Driving.

[techn0l0gist]

Originally Posted by RGK

I asked one Tire company engineer long time back. He clearly said, the foreign brand tyres are bit softer for high speed grip whereas Indian rubbers are slightly hard but give more tire mileage.

The Tire company engineer was probably an idiot or trying to sell his own brand. Going by his logic - Apollo Accelere would be softer and have a lesser grip than Bridgestone S322 ! Indian tires are on par with the foreign brands - however most tires that are made by indian manufacturers have a harder compound because our market is more inclined towards longevity and ability to take abuse rather than grip!

A general perception among car enthusiasts is that the OE tire sizes are always inadequate or are really bad quality tires (which is true in some cars) and you need to change the tires , however most manufacturers settle on an optimal OE tire size based on extensive testing and calculations, upgrading tires on cars with adequately sized tires is just a waste of money IMO !

Originally Posted by AmarPaithankar

I speak about MRF tyres based on experience and am not biased towards any manufacturer.

I own a Figo ZXI with ZV2k Radials and I have used other tires by MRF and also the Potenzas,I agree that some MRF tires are very bad at grip, in fact the ZVTS is pathetic when it comes to grip! You can read my review on the ZVTS here http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/tyre-a...ts-review.html However as compared the the ZVTS the ZV2K is a much better tire and on the Figo with the amount of power it makes and the suspension setup that it comes with, not a single time has the Figo stepped out on hard cornering or on braking , so I feel the tires that come with the car are absolutely adequate and upgrading them is unnecessary. You could try a test of cornering and braking with the ZV2ks on any figo and compare against potenzas - there's hardly any difference!

[Skyline GT-R]

@amar p

Your tyre upgrade is spot on. I also traded my OE tyre to BS MY01 Sports Tourer because it was making noise due to hard rubber used. Upgrading to 185/65 raises the GC a little bit which is required for the Figo if seating 4 pax.

[Sheel]

8 chimes greeted me again and I didn't post it on the other thread as it didn't happen while downshifting.

I was over 120kmph, braked hard, came to a halt, shifted to first, tried releasing the clutch & was greeted by the chimes.

My Car is at 8,000kms & this is the exact thing which had happened at some 3500-4,000 kms odd.

Been tanking up at the same COCO pump since the Car came home, driving the same way. Tried replicating the issue, but the chimes never came (glad they didn't)

[Statement]

Guys, What does the DTE show when you tank up? Mine shows a measly 543 KM. Its completely city driving and that too in the Bangalore bumper-bumper traffic. Wanted to check whether am doing very bad and need to alter my driving style, or if that's the avg. to expect.