It was 2005 January. I was about 7 months in my first job and wanted to buy a SUV, preferably 4x4. People were surprised at the least. Everybody expected me to buy a sedan or hatchback but I wouldn't agree.


Took a test drive of new Scorpio. Liked the car, but there was no 4x4 option, or it would be outside my budget. The dealer promised to get the loan approved in few days with few banks competing. Took a test drive with friends and liked it a lot. The engine was great. But then the hardest part. Waiting period was more than than a month. I started looking for other options.


I came across a used 2000 Tata Safari 4x4 done about 48k. The dealer quoted 4.75lakhs but he promised to negotiate with the owner. Took a test drive, liked the car, liked the 4x4 option, tested it, the car could comfortable go upto 130-140 kmph. Took a test drive with my friends, they liked it too. There were some problems with the power steering pump, but the dealer promised to repair it if I buy the Safari. We had a relative in our family who owned a Safari. Talked to him regarding the maintenance cost, talked to a mechanic and finally decided to buy it.


The loan rate was negotiated, and the dealer handled everything smoothly. The papers were ready in 2 days. The power steering was repaired too. BTW I really recommend these dealers (Citizen Auto I guess in Bangalore) based on my experience in 2005. We even bought another scorpio for a friend of mine.


Took the car to Concorde Motors. They changed the timing belt and engine oil.


Took a drive to Ooty with one of my colleagues. Started around 4.45AM. There were rattles in the car when I took it to highway. Disappointed. But then pushed it to 130kmph and it worked perfectly ok. We were in Bandipur Forest around 9ish and the tour was closed. Decided to go to Ooty. Took the left route (I think Masinagudi) without knowing that it is one of the steepest climbs. A couple of cars coming down but rarely any car going up. pushed the car (mistake) and halfway through the temperature needle climbed up. Stopped the car. Opened the bonnet and the coolant was boiling. Waited for 15 minutes or so and then started again. Rest of teh drive was uneventful.


After that took numerous drives in South India, sometimes stretching the two days weekend to three days weekend (my boss was really supportive). got used to keeping the car in the rev band and did not have any problem at all. Whenever we went to Mysore, I used to do 130kmph with fully loaded car. On the way back from Coorg, even jumped a speed breaker at fairly high speed, no problem.


The car was used sparingly from May 2005 to April 2009. The car was transported to Kolkata (on the way it lost its clutch and the transporter paid for the repair). It was supposed to be maintained by a garage mechanic. When I started using the car again in 2009, it was completely different. There were multiple scratches on the body. The Blaupaunkt stopped working. disheartened, had to spend around 50k to get it back in shape. Changes relays, cosmetic parts, engine oil pipe retrofitment (the pipe gave way when we were at the Airport parking lot and left us stranded for the first time), changing alternator cutoff link, servicing motors, fuel opening lid, power windows etc. The car has done about 74k+ now. and did two long drives to Tarapith, Asansol and to Mandarmoni, Digha... so far so good, keeping my fingers crossed :) and hoping to run the car as long as it is ok... We are planning for a trip to North Bengal around December and then drive to Bangalore from Kolkata.