My Pre-Owned Tata Safari 3.0 - Ownership Review

[umalkars]

Guys, had been to Chikhaldara last week. Started on 26th Dec (Monday) and came back around midnight on 30th Dec, traveling 1600 km. Will post details and few snaps soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.

 

[Ananth_pn]

Hi Umalkars
Yesterday, i read your article completely. Truly inspired by your sheer desire to own a safari. When its a used vehicle, 100 hidden things will be there, but the joy of overcoming all these gives a sense of achievement. Driving a used safari, i realised this recently. Keep updating your journeys & do call me if you happen to visit Mysore any time. My contact no is 9900144315.
Recently i bought a TCIC safari EX 2004 . I have just began my journey. Not a single person recommended this vehcile including my Tata Marina Mechanic. I got only support from The Automotive india forums of safari owners who share their pleasure of owning this & went ahead. Long way to go, but i can not explain the joy of riding this. I have covered about 2000 Kms till now. Sharing some of the pictures.
Below are the spends as of today.
1. TIming belt , Power stearing, Ac belt, Water pump Replacement. Oil , Coolent change, CC Cleaning (Catalact convetor) - COst Rs 6300 - My Mysore Mechanic - APPU Garrage
2. TASS - Visited on first day of buying , wanted to know the list of things to get, they said they charge Rs 780. Left the vehcile at 2:30 Pm, Got a call at 4 Pm saying Back suspension bushes have gone, Alternator belt has gone, replacement estimate Rs 6000, did not want to say no, got it done paying Rs 5500/-, they gave a small piece of bush in return !!

Milage driving from cochin - Mysore 11, Mysore - B'lore - 11.5 Kms



Ananth

 

[umalkars]

Congrats @Ananth_pn, the vehicle looks in a very good condition. Would certainly like to meet you if I happen to be in Mysore. You may also contact me if you come to Pune anytime.

Once again, congrats and looking forward to some great posts from your side of your memorable drives in your Safari.

 

[umalkars]

Just a minor update, got oil changed at Phoenix Motors (Katraj, Pune), the reading is 178+K km. They have identified few issues like front shock-ups are gone and also a couple of ball-joints need replacement. Could not do it yesterday as I was in a hurry. Most probably will get this done next month or a month after that.

This was the first time I went to this place (Phoenix Motors). Its authorized and its good. I would certainly recommend to visit this place once if you want to service your vehicle.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

@Sudhanshu: Hmm.....suspension and steering job on a Safari. Get ready to shell out big bucks.

Obtain quotes from multiple dealers before you final getting these jobs done on your Safari. And do post those quotes here.

 

[umalkars]

@Sam - They have also given the quotes, the exact amount is on the paper and its in my car. But its not big at all, I guess its less than 10K. Will post the exact quoted amount today evening or tomorrow morning.

 

[krish_go]

@Ananth_pn- You beast looks neat and well maintained. Great job!!

 

[rakeshkn]

Hi Umalcars your safari looks nice and cool. But as it is my favorite car I scared about the bill you payed and I don't think safari is my cup of tea :)

 

[umalkars]

Hi Umalcars your safari looks nice and cool. But as it is my favorite car I scared about the bill you payed and I don't think safari is my cup of tea :)

The heavy bill is my mistake. I should have enquired and then serviced the vehicle. Otherwise Safari is worth every rupee that you spend on it.

 

[umalkars]

Guys, need your suggestions ...

I am pretty enjoying drives in my Safari but the AC cooling is not that effective, mostly in the afternoons. The last time I checked the AC gas was in Apr 2012 and as I understand, the gas (pressure) doesn't usually decrease if there's no leakage. I am sure there's no leakage as the AC works fine, just that it doesn't cool as expected during day time.

So, would like to know what should I check in this case?

1. Should I get the gas pressure checked again, and top-up if required
2. Should I get the filter cleaned up (somebody suggested this, I am not sure)
3. Do I need to get the compressor checked; the vehicle is 5-6 years, should this affect the compressor performance
4. Would vent/blowers cleaning help
5. Is installing roof AC a good option, or at least additional blowers for rear-seat passengers (somebody suggested about blower fan??, which looks very similar to roof AC)
6. Anything else that you guys would like to suggest

Thanks.

 

[krish_go]

Ananth- welcome to TAI. Your ride looks neat and in perfect condition..
Get a rear cam fit it and also install nice hella fog lamps and a bumper guard if possible.
All the very best buddy!!

 

[Sam Dinkar]

@Sudhanshu: Forget point no 5 mentioned by you and get the other jobs done in this sequence: 4>2>1>3. Needless to say, don't move ahead if one of these steps rectifies the problem.

 

[umalkars]

A minor update - completed 1,80,000 km last week on odo. Bought vehicle last year when the reading was around 1.61L, driven almost 19K without any trouble. Just enjoying the drives in this beauty.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

@Sudhanshu: Lucky you.This thread has really made me admire the 3.0's resilience. 1.8 lakh kms is not a joke for ANY engine. Guess your Rs 70000 did not go waste;).

Please post some pictures. Its been sometime.

How is the engine behaving in terms of acceleration and cruising? Hope your check engine light problem is solved. Time to get the Safari serviced?

 

[mercedised]

For the AC, I found that the valve of AC pipe through which gas is refilled was leaking, get it checked. The LX model which does'nt comes with roof AC, the passengers have to suffer as the cooling takes a longer time especially in city the AC feels tobe ineffective. But, its Ok as far as the cooling is good after sometime, you see when you enter the car after its parked in sun, it will take atleast 20 mins for the car tobe returned to acceptable temperature during AC operation. For best effectiveness, roll the windows down for about 3-4 minutes after the car is parked in red hot sun.

Also, get the condensor fan checked it might be it is not working.