Apr 06, 2009 06:30 PM
10633 Views
(Updated Jun 22, 2010 09:12 PM)
The Zen is a very reliable car and still doesnt look as old or out of place when parked.
My dad used it for 10 yrs until it clocked 94000 kms. We had the MH410 or the pre 1999 variant which was basic and crude. ie: sept 1998.
Enter into the car and you will see there are no power windows and power steering and a basic seat in the rear. Thankfully there was the coloured bumpers as I hate the black ones. the white colour is the best as the best thing is one can retouch it at the mechanic. There was also a company fitted leather steering cover which was very luxurious. Absence of rear seat belts and a horible pivot mirror only drivers side was something irritating but could be done without.
The best part is that it has good looking interiors and of good quality - side panels feel soft to touch unlike hard plastic. They aged gracefully with time. At that time there were no cup or bottle holders, or any type of storage space. All that came in later models when the competition started. It has decent space for 5 and boot space is also very good, easily accommodating 3 medium sized suitcases. Front seats leg space is very less though.
Engine- This model was the carburettor fitted one. MPFI came in 2000. In the beginning there was not much noise but as age started there was lots of engine noise but zero rattle in the interiors. A good polish made it look as good as new. It was very cheap to maintain and the clutch was only replaced once at 85000 kms for a very affordable amount. The gear box is really smooth and requires no maintenance. This is an attribute which is expected in all Maruti cars.
It is reasonably fuel efficient with 12-13kpl normally and 11kpl as the lowest in the city and manages 16 in the highway. This vehicle had zero suspension problems even after 80k on the odo. The mech also confirmed its just as fine with that second owner.Ride quality is harsh causing bodypain(specially if you are thin) though the seats are indeed very comfortable. Car is highly unstable after 100kph mark and causes it to turn to one side which is very risk.
Electricals- Not that good.:( some faulty wire can cause the speedometer lights to switch off partly.
the ac controls were not affected by this and were looking as new after so much time. AC is not so effective even in full blow at the back seats. The rear lights and front lights also remained intact and also had no problem at all. Pick up and acceleration does drop considerably with AC.
This car is not rust prone but one should maintain it properly to avoid that. Paint quality remains intact.
A noticable thing after you sit in any other car is that the Zen has bigger windowsand a low seating making you feel as if sitting on the road. Due to this visibility is very good and not obstructed at all making it very easy in crowded areas. This is something I miss in todays modern cars all of them which have thick A pilars.
Over all this was a very reliable old car, we did regret selling it due to its emotional value. after ten years. It has no problems and an excellent second hand buy below 1lakh. it is very pocket friendly and has never once broken down. The same attributes are posessed by the Baleno which we have now. Dont know the A star will also have these qualities which will be delivered tomorrow.
This is the best car in its class and will never disappoint anyone and give the ultimate peace of mind. Now that this car is altogether out of production, its sensible to buy the post 2000 models as they are much more refined and have more features if one wants to buy second hand.
