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Virtual mechanic
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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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I would like to buy a small segment diesel car with good fuel economy, boot space and low maintenance costs. I am confused between the Tata Indica and the Swift diesel. Please suggest a solution.
Ramesh Swazam
The price differential between the Swift diesel and Indica diesel is substantial. In fact, you could buy the Indigo diesel sedan for Swift diesel money! But since you seem keen on a small car and if you have a flexible budget, the Swift diesel is a very good car. It is also a lot more involving to drive and reliable in the long run than the Indica, though the latter is cheaper to run and also has more space – we nevertheless suggest the Swift.
I read you article entitled ‘Brawl of the bantamweights’ with keen interest. I want more information on the Fiesta 1.4 petrol. I want to know the said car’s fuel economy and its maintenance costs. Al
so, I don’t know which to choose - the Fiesta diesel or the Aveo petrol. Do let me know.
J. Victor
The Fiesta 1.4 petrol returns an overall figure of 12.8 kpl in the combined highway and city driving cycle. Also, the car will cost you approximately Rs 26,000 annually in insurance and regular maintenance, while your fuel costs will obviously depend on how much you drive. As far as the Fiesta diesel is concerned, the annual insurance and maintenance costs are Rs 33,000 annually, but the overall fuel efficiency is 16.1 kpl and combined with the lower cost of diesel fuel, makes it cheaper to run. The Fiesta diesel does command a premium price over the Fiesta petrol or Aveo however, so you need to balance your purchase accordingly. If you drive more than 3,000 km a month, the Fiesta diesel makes sense.
Cooling water in my Maruti 800, which is 2002 model, has been oozing out and needs to be topped up frequently. Though, the fan is in proper working condition. Within 3 km, 75 percent of the water drains. What could be the reason for this?
Thangaraj Asokan
From the description you provide; it is obvious that there is a leak somewhere in the system. The culprits would either be a cracked radiator or a leaky hosepipe. Go to a qualified mechanic and get him to check the entire water circulation circuit, beginning from the radiator exit, past the water jackets of the engine block itself and back to the radiator inlet. If it is a cracked radiator or broken hosepipe, these can easily be replaced but if there is a crack somewhere in the water jacket of the engine block, it will be an expensive repair job.
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