NOIDA Flying Field Action

Captains Log; Star Date 1910.2014

Morbe Dam

Captains Log; Star Date 1008.2014

Overcast sky, light breeze. Great monsoon morning for some hot vada pav and chai!

Head out to Shri Dutt at Phalaspe Phata on the old Mumbai – Pune Highway just before the turnoff for Goa.

The joint is pretty famous with people heading out on NH 4 or NH 17. The fast turnover ensures piping hot stuff – vada pav, missal pav and other sundry Maharashtrian snacks, through the day.

NH 4 with its well laid out tar, lined with greenery, some curvy stretches and spaced out traffic makes for a slick drive.

Turn off the highway at Chowk for a look-see of the Morbe Dam.

Good place for a short drive. A trail, just after the village, heading up into the woods looked like a super location for a trek. Apparently this is the trail to Irshalgad, as per Google Maps.

Head to Khopoli to check out Zenith Falls – updated here.

Shirdi

Captains Log; Star Date 0507.2014

Get moving around 1130hrs after fueling up. Decide to go via Ahmednagar to include Shani Shingnapur in the routine.

Traffic between Talegaon and Chakan slows down progress.

Notice that the houses in the village short of Shani Shingnapur have no doors.

The temple itself is pretty different. The deity, in the open, is a solid black pillar like rock which is bathed in sweet oil offered by the worshipers.

Start for Shirdi around 1800 hrs. The stretch from Rahuri to Shirdi is patchy and potholed. Reach Shirdi by about 2000 hrs. Total distance from Navi Mumbai to Shirdi - 355 km.

Plenty of hotels along the highway.

Ask around and I am advised to visit the temple right away, rather than in the morning, as crowd tends to be higher on weekends.

In about an hour’s time, the serpentine que through the hall and up a flight of stairs suddenly puts me in front of Sai Baba.

Tired and hungry, but much satisfied with the Darshan, the MTDC restaurant – Neem, adjacent to the Mahalaxmi Temple, comes to the rescue with some great food. As compared to the other joints around, this place is quite. Decide to come here in the morning for breakfast too.

Captains Log; Star Date 0607.2014

After a quick round of the temple, primarily to get a view of the temple from outside in daylight, and a light breakfast at MTDC, get started for home at about 730 hrs.

Head to Nashik via Sinnar. The road between Shirdi and Nashik is decent. Traffic is heavy between Sinnar & Nashik. At Nashik, the super flyover from Dwarka puts me right outside town on the super slick NH 3. Total distance to Navi Mumbai - 280 km.

Sinhagad Fort, Pune

Captains Log; Star Date 1105.2014

300 km round trip to Sinhagad, Khadakwasla Lake, detour to Peacock Bay & back - 8 hours. Really enjoyed the drive.

Approached Sinhagad from the NH4, Shivapur side. Lovely roads up to the turnoff on NH4, beyond that the road is narrow and patchy at places and traffic is sparse.

The last 5 odd kilometer climb to the Fort is what makes the drive interesting.

The last two kilometers (before joining the Khadakwasla-Sinhagad road) are bad with good bits of the road missing. With the Thar's GC, I didn't have to bother, but an oncoming sedan really had to watch it.

From Sinhagad, the  road to Pune via Khadakwasla is pretty tame, but local traffic is heavy.

Sinhagad Fort - Pune Gate

Khadakwasla Lake

Good parking area on top. Best to get here early - that would give you more time to explore the fort before it gets warm. Pittla-Bhakari is the standard fare at all the huts.

Imagine the landscape post monsoon's!

Flamingos, Navi Mumbai

Captains log; Star Date 0204.2017

Captains log; Star Date 2105.2016

Flamingos behind Seawoods NRI Complex - approached from the path along the Mangroves in front of Venkateshwara building.

Captains log; Star Date 0105.2014

Flamingos at the water body behind TS Chanakya, Palm Beach Road, Navi Mumbai.

Time your visit to high tide. Check the Mumbai Tide Calender here.

The Flamingos are busy feeding on the mangrove side during low tide and fly in here as the tide rises.

Thar CRDe

Captains Log; Star Date 1403.2024

10 years!

Captains Log; Star Date 0703.2019

88,888 Kms and counting!

Captains Log; Star Date 1109.2018

Completed the Spiti Circuit in June '18. The Thar performed admirably across terrains - plain highways between Mumbai and Delhi to offroad sections between Batal and Gramphoo.

Climbing up to Dhankar Monastery

Captains Log; Star Date 0603.2018

Five to six hoses related to coolant system needed to be replaced. Unfortunately spares were difficult to source and required multiple visits to the service centre. It also meant additional cost being incurred for replacing the entire 5 ltr of coolant multiple times.

Captains Log; Star Date 0212.2017

Captains Log; Star Date 1408.2017

60,000 Km and counting!

Though the vehicle performance has been pretty decent these past few years, Mahindra's after sales service is going from bad to worse! They need me to leave the vehicle with them for 4 to 5 days for the service! Let's see if a mail to customer care works.

Captains Log; Star Date 0603.2017

The Thar had to be towed to the workshop as some bearings related to the starter motor and alternator gave up!

1. The authorized dealer took 5 days to source the bearings and complete the repair.
2. Cost Rs. 13K, most of it labour.
3. The vehicle was washed before delivery. The engine bay was clean.
4. I had a couple of bottles of water in the vehicle. The dealer's staff was kind enough to return one!

Captains Log; Star Date 2611.2016

50,000 Km and counting ...

Hits

1. The Thar got me to Ladakh and back!
2. Got a Jerry Can mount done post the installation of the Hard Top. The mount allows the Jerry Can to fold out and open the tail gate.

Misses

1. The Hard Top rear hatch lets in a trickle from around the tailgate.
2. No solution as yet for the water trickling in near the co-passenger foot well.
3. The after sales service at the Authorised Dealer is a super miss.
4. Service cost isn't cheap either. Regular oil change, filter change and wheel rotation cost me almost Rs. 10,000/-.

Captains Log; Star Date 2805.2016

Got the hardtop finally!
The experience, straight away, was simply amazing!

After evaluating options between Mahindra and the Hyderabad Hard Top (HHT) settled for Mahindra even though the HHT is about half the cost of the Mahindra HT as I couldn’t reconcile with the distance, after sales and quality of the HHT. A six month warranty also tilted things the Mahindra way.

Did a small 100 km run to Matheran and back to check out the HT.

Hits

1. Super improvement in overall NVH (noise, vibration & harshness).
2. I can barely hear the outside traffic.
3. The engine hum / noise is the same.
4. Can enjoy music, a little more.
5. AC seems to be more effective.
6. Somehow the vehicle felt more planted.
7. Got central locking installed especially for the tailgate so that I don’t have to reach out from the inside to open. The central locking motor install on the tailgate though, is crude.

Misses

1. Found Mahindra Customization to be a bit snooty. They seem to be more interested in selling a fuller package of other accessories and going about it in their own way / pace. Again location (other end of Mumbai for me) was an issue.
2. The local Mahindra Dealer offered the same HT at a slightly higher cost (dealer margin I guess) but a faster install time.
3. The material took about 15 days to reach the Dealer.
4. I found the Dealer’s accessory personnel to be short on skills to assemble / install the HT.
5. While the HT material looked good there were alignment issues which had to be sorted out on ground.
6. The Dealer took about one and a half days to assemble / install the HT. A lot of time was wasted as the workshop and accessory shop had only one sealant gun between them!
7. Post the install I noticed that only two bolts were used to secure the hatch instead of the required four plus a few places that could do with some sealant – another visit to be scheduled.
8. The Mahindra Customization logo was missing. Getting another (and a better) one made.
9. The rear bench seats need moving up a couple of inches because the HT metal frame at the rear takes up some space. The seat on the co-drivers side is an issue as it’s longer. Will have to get it shortened or source another smaller seat as it restricts the movement of the co-passenger seat.
10. Above 80 kmph I could hear some wind noise. (non-issue).

Captains Log; Star Date 2603.2016

The AC cut off relay went kaput on a hot summer afternoon!

Fortunately the ASC had a spare - Rs. 520/-.

Captains Log; Star Date 1808.2015

Picked up a adventure-sports camera - SJCAM 4000 WIFI to be used as a dash cam and for other adventure activities.

Climbing up Matheran.
Music - Foolin' Around Mix (Instrumental) by Aina Haina; From the Free Music Archive

Captains Log; Star Date 0407.2015

Third Free Service - 20,000 km

1. Even though the service was done post the 1 year limit, the ASC treated the service as free service, which was nice of them.
2. Charge for consumables about Rs. 4,500/-.
3. Picked up some spares - 60 amp fuse (400 bucks!), wiper blades and a alternator belt.
4. Tyre's rotated and wheels aligned.
5. The windshield beading was letting water in and needed to be replaced (Rs. 1300/- including labor).
6. ASC reported that the left door beading also needed to be changed. Waiting for spares to arrive.
7. All of the above required separate visits to the ASC which was disappointing.
8. Noticed that the engine is running smooth (lesser cabin noise) and fuel efficiency is now averaging about 12km/ltr.
9. Saw the new Thar with the beige interiors and plastic bumpers and felt really glad to have the Thar I have.

Captains Log; Star Date 0207.2015

Red Bahadur on Mahindra Thar's Facebook!

Captains Log; Star Date 1406.2015

Red Bahadur gets a Jerrycan!

1. Picked up a 20 ltr Jerrycan and spout from NH4 Motorheads - Rs. 3000/-.
2. Got a local welder to fabricate a mount - Rs. 1800/-.
3. Got the Jerrycan painted yellow - Rs. 500/-.
4. The mount is a simple 'bolt-on'. Disadvantage - can't open the tailgate with the mount. This was supposed to be a functional accessory for long rage driving, but after putting it up, i can't get myself to take it off!

Thar CRDe - 2.5 ltr Power Plant!

Captains Log; Star Date 1301.2015

1. The A/C thermostat failed. ASC expects the spares to be available in the next few days!
2. Beam was corrected - to the other extreme. At least its on the road now!
3. ASC cleaned the brakes to check the rubbing noise. This has been done about 3 times in the past two months. I don't think they have a fix on the issue.
4. Mileage has improved to 11.5 km/ltr.
5. Enjoyed the 500 km run over the weekend.

Captains Log; Star Date 0812.2014

10,000 Km and counting ...

Experience up till now

The Good

1. Retro jeep styling. Difficult to take eyes off the Thar!
2. Engine grunt.
3. Super torque - hits 100kmph very easily.
4. High seating position gives a commanding view of the surrounding.
5. Long throw gears now slot smoothly.
6. Powerful AC.
7. GC and 4x4 comfort for tough terrains.
8. Easy to maneuver in traffic, guess the attention it draws helps!

The not so Good

1. The front IFS absorbs uneven roads nicely. The rear leaf suspension however is unforgiving.
2. Tail gate / latch rattle. Latch replaced under warranty. Still rattles. Will have to live with it.
3. Breaks have started making a 'rubbing' noise, however, breaking is good.
4. Coolant requires a top up once in three months.
5. High beam shows tree tops instead of the road. Taken up with ASC multiple times.
6. Handbrakes don't work. Use the gear when parking and the 'crawl' ability when starting on an incline.
7. Mileage of 10km/ltr. Hoping it improves to about 11.5km/ltr post the second service.
8. Average ASC experience. The Thar shares lounge space with Bolero & Xylo.





Captains Log; Star Date 0109.2014

The soft top has been able to hold the Mumbai monsoon!




Captains Log; Star Date 0807.2014

5,300 km on the odo - 1st Free Service

The following was attended to:

1. Oil filter change (Rs. 181.33)
2. Engine oil change (Rs. 1,504.02)
3. Other consumables / lubricants top up (Rs. 472.89)
4. Clanking noise from front suspension – checked and bolts tightened.
5. Tailgate latch rattle – corrected.
6. Total cost Rs. 2,428/-

Captains Log; Star Date 0607.2014

Celebrating 5000 km on the odo on the way back from Shirdi.




Captains Log; Star Date 1606.2014

Rain on canvas sounds better than rain on tin!





Thar CRDe - Display



Captains Log; Star Date 2405.2014

3M underbody coat.

Hope the soft top holds the monsoon - fingers crossed!

Captains Log; Star Date 1005.2014

The Thar CAN crawl!

Any incline, any terrain, just shift to first and release the clutch slowly!


This makes life easy in bumper to bumper traffic and starting off in an incline.

(The handbrakes don't hold the Thar!)

Captains Log; Star Date 0805.2014

Pushed the ASC for:

1. Covering up the drain holes - covered with a thin rubber tape material.
2. Wheel Alignment - "shims" added to correct the alignment.
The wheel alignment equipment at the ASC is pretty impressive.

Took some pictures of the underside while the Thar was raised on a platform for the alignment.





Thar CRDe - 4x4 Auto Locking Hub






Thar CRDe - IFS & the 4x4 Drive Shaft






Thar CRDe - Real Wheel Drive Shaft & Leaf Springs


No pull on either side post the alignment. All costs covered under the warranty.

Captains Log; Star Date 0105.2014


After 1800 Kms the gears shift better. The suspensions too seem to have eased up a bit.

Somewhere, i guess I've also learnt to handle the vehicle better, for example, slowing down on rough patches to avoid getting rattled.

Got fabric seat covers done - they are 'cooler' as compared to the stock seat cover. 

Added a 12v socket.

Average of 11.5 Km / Ltr at the last fill!

Captains Log; Star Date 0604.2014


Drove down to Lonavla, a small hill station on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

The drive on the Expressway was super. The short off road track near Tungarli Dam was fun. Turbo lag was evident on the steep climbing turns on the road to Amby Valley. Best to down shift to 1st before the curve.

Stopped at 'Homely Food' for a good Maharashtrian breakfast. Its located about 20 mtrs. down the lane between Maharaja Inn and Hari International.





Red Bahadur - Thar CRDe


Captains Log; Star Date 0504.2014

Checked with the workshop -

1. Coolant consumption is fine. Still picked up a litre each of Maximile coolant and Feo engine oil.
2. The vehicle 'holding up' on tight turns was diagnosed to the 4x4 being engaged!
3. Tight turns are now a breeze; vehicle running smoother.

Captains Log; Star Date 3103.2014

Had been eying the Mahindra Thar for quite some time, primarily due to

1. Retro jeep styling.
2. Go anywhere ability.
3. 2.5 ltr CRDe engine, 108 bhp, 247 nm torque - in a hatch sized set up.
4. 4x4 manual shift with low reduction.
5. After market fitments – hard top and a host of modifications.




A recent update by Mahindra, wherein the Thar came with a factory fitted A/C, added to the appeal.


Visited Team BHP on a daily basis to lap up reviews and user experiences – some good, some not so good. Apparently a lot of users have had to visit the ASC (more or less repeatedly) for issues related to torsion settings, brakes, hand brake, general rattle, oil and coolant leaks, etc.


Mahindra recently corrected some aspects like a bigger brake booster, moved to a more reliable fixed flange hub, improved door handles, cross member to check targa band rattle, etc.


Test drove the vehicle a couple of times to get comfortable with the decision. There would be compromises but the reasons listed above kept playing in my mind.


So the Thar was booked. As orders are processed post a booking, there was a 20 day waiting. Managed to push the dealer to accept a low booking amount and allow me to source the insurance from my broker to cut costs.


All the reviews and user experience helped tremendously during the PDI. In fact the sales and the PDI team of the dealer were pretty surprised with my knowledge of the vehicle.

Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI)

1. Deciphered the year and month of manufacture as February 2014 from the VIN number.
2. Noticed rivet dents on the body – acceptable as the molds used are of the old MM 540.
3. Bump stop settings / torsion bar required a correction. Pushed the dealer to correct the setting before the balance payment was released.
4. At the workshop, noticed a communication from
Mahindra stating that they had reverted back to auto locking hubs from fixed flange hubs from January 2014 onwards, due to some seal failures.



Thar CRDe - Bump Stops
Before - Left	Before - Right
After - Left	After - Right


Took possession of Red Bahadur mid March 2014.




Got the chaff screen and the lamp grills from the dealer.




Initial Experience

1. Super engine grunt – 2.5 ltr engine with near zero turbo lag.
2. Intoxicating engine buzz as you push the accelerator.
3. High seating gives a super view of the road ahead. Can even see over a Duster.
4. Love to see the bonnet and the bonnet hook from the cabin.
5. Super road presence. Very easy to bully hatches and sedans. Have to tell myself to ease off, having driven a hatch for the past five years.
6. Power steering makes maneuvering in city traffic a breeze.
7. Tough gears. The first and second gears take a lot of push to engage. After 600 kms, it’s a little better.
8. Fortunately the clutch is light.
9. Slightly higher turning radius (5.25 mtr) than a hatch (4.8 mtr).
10. The cabin feels pretty roomy after a hatch.
11. Upright seating position feels good. Should work for long drives too. No under thigh support though.
12. Stiff rear suspension – leaf springs for half a ton of load. Rough patches unsettle the vehicle, at speed.
13. Good AC, however controls are minimal – no re-circulate, no option to direct the blow towards the pedals, no defogger.
14. With outside temperature at 40 degree C, a transparent plastic partition just behind the front seat helps by limiting the cooling to the front half.
15. Brake, horn, lights, tires, wipers, soft top – good.
16. At the fuel pump, tank has to be filled in slowly else there’s a push back.
17. Added customized mats over the OEM rubber mats – the squiggly doormat variety.
18. Lot of drain holes in the body that need to be sealed. Yet to find a solution.
19. Beading on the doors need to be replaced with better quality stuff.
20. No 12v socket. After market addition required.
21. Reflections off the windscreen and windows take getting used to. (From the corner of your eye you see the right window reflect the car on your left).
22. Limited scope to stretch the left leg due to the 4x4 gear.
23. Coolant consumption seems to be high – to be checked at ASC.
24. At tight turns the vehicle seems to be “holding up” – to be checked at ASC.
25. Average approximately 10km / ltr.