HM Ambassador Diesel (2005) Ownership Review


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Re: HM Ambassador Isuzu Diesel (2005) Ownership Review

The engine is HM + 2000 DSL (turbo), not Isuzu, as I have confirmed.
Congrts on your buy Hari. I used to own a hell lot of Amby's before say 5 years back. I am one such a guys who is crazy for amby.

But a small info HM+ engines are only with 1500CC not 2000CC. Isuzu engines only comes with 2000CC. I too owned a 2004 model 2000 DSL (turbo). It was a Isuzu. If you are in Chennai then take the car to a Person called Deli (Deepa Auto Works nxt to Anna Azhivalivam). He is the specialist in Amby's.

2000DSZ comes fully loaded with Bucket Seats, other stuffs.
 
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Thread Starter #21
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Congrts on ur buy Hari. I used to own a hell lot of Amby's before say 5 yrs back. I am one such a guys who is crazy for amby.

But a small info HM+ engines are only with 1500CC not 2000CC. Isuzu engines only comes with 2000CC. I too owned a 2004 model 2000 DSL (turbo). It was a Isuzu. If you are in Chennai then take the car to a Person called Deli (Deepa Auto Works nxt to Anna Azhivalivam). He is the specialists in Amby's.

2000DSZ comes fully loaded with Bucket Seats, other stuffs.
Thanks. I will go and ask them. I also plan to ask Sancheti motors directly.

Congrats

Any modification plans?
Not at the moment. Don't have the money and I prefer to keep the car as pure as possible. Of course, I might put in a central locking system later, but that's not on the cards now.
 

350Z

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Thread Starter #23
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I've been driving it for around 2 days now and I think it's a pretty good vehicle all round.

Here are my observations.

1. Engine is a bit noisy but I love its roar anyway (not like the pussy cat cars of today which don't even meow). But it isn't as smooth as the Petrol Isuzu engine which is understandable. The power steering is definitely a convenience and makes it far easier to manoeuvre about.
2. The AC is definitely effective considering the powerful engine. I think the gas may have to be refilled in six to eight months though, since it doesn't get as cool as it could.
3. Suspension and shock absorbers are quite good in comparison with the earlier Petrol amby I had before.
4. There is visible amount of respect on the road for an Amby. For example in narrower roads, other small cars tend to swerve slightly and give room. Also two-wheelers and autorickshaws think twice before crossing my path and tend to wait till I pass, unlike smaller cars where they tend to brush close to you. That is not to say I drive aggressively, but I also find it easier in a way.
5. I'm a bit worried about the engine heating up at the moment. My father says it's common in a diesel engine, but the heat indicator goes slightly above halfway mark even for a medium-long drive. I've not taken it out of the city yet though, so I cannot judge entirely how hot it would get when it starts doing high revs at fifth gear for a longer time.
 

350Z

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You do not need to worry as long as it stays around the half mark but still keep a watch though. The respect on roads for an Ambassador is pretty much certain. It may not meet the latest automobile safety standards but the solid stance and built of this car is enough to challenge some of the best cars available in market today.

Drive Safe,
350Z
 
Thread Starter #27
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The engine has been having some timing problems as I get black smoke in the exhaust and the oil is just recently changed. Pollution control checker asked me to look into the problem ASAP. Besides there are some more minor niggles to be fixed like a leaking radiator (this I suspect lead to the engine overheating at times), the tail exhaust pipe was not fixed properly, handbrake is not working and so on. The A/c gas needs refilling at some point, but since peak summer is almost over, I am considering waiting for a while and assess the weather before doing so.

It appears to me that the previous owners rarely used the vehicle and didn't care much for it as the problems I've discovered are only to be found on frequently running the vehicle.

Other than these fixes, I am perfectly happy with the vehicle. It's rock solid and stable at higher speeds as well, though pick-up is not as good as modern vehicles. Recently a Maruti Swift bumped slightly into my front bumper while overtaking me hastily at a signal but I couldn't detect any scratch or dent caused by that incident.
 
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I just saw the pics of your Amby. Excellent buy, it looks to have been neatly mmaintained.
 
Thread Starter #30
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It actually wasn't neatly maintained. Interiors were horrible and smelly. Seat was even nibbled by rats. I spent money on it and got the interiors done up completely. Cleaned everything and installed floor mat and seat covers.

Also the engine was not at all properly maintained. I had to change the oil completely and the radiator water contained was broken..

And I still have some expenditure coming up regarding engine tune up and a leaky radiator pump.

But most of the remaining things are minor. I was kind of upset that they didn't give much care for this car.
 

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