[LJP]

I’m thrilled to share the story of how I finally got my hands on a Mahindra CL 500 MDI 2004 after years of searching. I managed to find a rugged factory spec gem that I couldn’t be happier with. The journey to finding it was as exciting as owning it now. Prices here are extremely high and many of the Jeeps I came across were heavily abused or modified.

I surfed the internet relentlessly. Finally, I stumbled upon a listing for a Mahindra CL 500 MDI 2004 in Rajasthan. The photos and description were promising, and I decided to investigate it further. The first step was to make an advance payment so that I will not lose the opportunity. Moreover, since I’m currently based in Russia, I couldn’t inspect the Jeep myself. At this time my brother kindly stepped in to help. He traveled to Rajasthan, inspected the vehicle thoroughly, and confirmed that it was in excellent condition, and we can move forward with the deal.

This Jeep was a factory spec model, not heavily used or abused something I was specifically looking for. It had run 140K as per the meter said. But it can be little bit more since the meter was not working at this time. It had an interesting history as it was previously owned by a DGP, Director General of Police. But something was unusual, the registration was covering the period 2004-2024, which usually should be 2004-2019 (15 years of registration validity). If someone know about the rules for police vehicle registration validity all over India or in Rajasthan please share. The current owner had bought it earlier this year, and we negotiated the price to 2.85 lakh rupees, which I found reasonable. In Kerala, it would cost me around 4.5 to 5.5 lakh rupees.

I also sought help from the owner to get it serviced because my brother was planning to drive it all the way. So spent around 20K for it which includes, engine oil, transmission oil, and differential oil replacements. The odometer and speedometer, which were not working, were fixed. All the lights were inspected and repaired to ensure everything was functional. The leaf spring set was restored to its original condition. The wipers and combination switch were replaced with new ones.

Once the deal was finalized, my brother embarked on the adventure of driving it all the way from Rajasthan to Kerala. The journey spanned six days, during which he also enjoyed a leisure trip. The transportation costs came to around 40K which included approximately 15K for diesel, 5K for tolls, and other personal expenses. I managed to secure 3474, which matches the numbers on my Toyota Fortuner and Maruti SB308. It was worth every rupee to see that familiar number plate on my new Jeep. The registration process in Kerala, including the number booking, cost me around 18K including agent commission.

Now it’s home, I’m overjoyed with my decision to purchase this Jeep. The robust build, unique history, and the work I’ve put into it makes it a prized addition to my garage. I can’t wait to take it on more adventures and share updates.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, especially on any further enhancements or upgrades I could consider for this beauty.

[BABABOT]

Dear LJP
Congratulations for the addition of this wonderful CL500 MDI. One look at the pictures shows how much well the jeep has been maintained. Looks brand new even after 20 years. I see no body rust and also the colour looks so new. The previous owner must have kept it in a covered Garage. I too have bought a Jeep ( CJ 4B ) of 1970 vintage here in Rajasthan with the same MDI engine. I paid almost the same amount but I am having to spend about a lakh more for restoration. I too am a newbie here, so this forum gives us a lot of guidance for further course of action. The best advice I got was to get used to the Jeep for sometime before you do anything on it. The priority is to ensure the mechanical fitness as per the gurus here. But since this jeep was driven all the way to Kerala, I presume it to be good. All the best and happy Jeeping

Note. The vehicle registration after initial registration period is over is generally increased by 5 years each. so I guess it was either 10 + 5+ 5 or 15+5

[LJP]

Thank you for your kind words and congratulations on your CJ 4B acquisition. You're right; Rajasthan seems to be a treasure trove for rust-free vehicles, thanks to its dry climate which minimises rust. That was one of the reasons I chose a vehicle from there. In Kerala, where humidity often leads to rust and body replacements, original bodies in such good condition are rare to find.

The advice about driving the Jeep and getting used to it before diving into restoration is the best, since it helps to identify underlying issues and allows you to address them all at once, ensuring a more holistic restoration. Driving my Jeep all the way to Kerala was a good litmus test and I'm happy that it performed admirably.

About your point regarding re-registration, in general, the registration period would be 15+5 years, unless the vehicle was in Delhi or other restricted areas. Since it was a DGP's vehicle initially, I would have thought they’d avoid such hassles of re-registration. However, it’s possible that he used it extensively and valued it enough to go through the re-registration process to keep it for a longer time. Interestingly, in Kerala, police departments nowadays tend to replace vehicles after 10-15 years, so this Jeep being retained longer is quite amazing.

[Vinod_nair]

Congratulations on a beautifully maintained Jeep, it's TD was the longest in its history, well done.

My only advice will be as you live in a coastal town, to apply rust preventive, to avoid issues in the future.

Happy Jeeping.

[Vikash Kumawat]

Congratulations on your new purchase sir,
This MLD jeep and Mahindra Major are too common here in Jaipur rural areas, my neighbours have 2-3 Majors, they do milk business in them, carrying milk cans in the Major, one of our another neighbour recently bought 1996 MLD for 48k, now he uses it for carrying the Chara for his cattles from his fields to home. Our area's Lineman comes in a 90s Jeep with RRR XXX iconic number on it.

Originally Posted by LJP

But something was unusual, the registration was covering the period 2004-2024, which usually should be 2004-2019 (15 years of registration validity). If someone know about the rules for police vehicle registration validity all over India or in Rajasthan please share.

2004-2019 was the 15 years registration validity, and after he must have renewed the RC for 5 years ( 2019 to 2024 ), in Rajasthan and non NCR areas, it is possible to renew the RC for 5 years

[boxwrench]

Congratulations on your new ride. Interesting to see a person from Kerela(Land of Jeeps) going to Rajasthan to find one. Thank you for sharing your buying experience in the forum.

[LJP]

Thanks a bunch. I'm looking into rust prevention methods. Since it will be a work horse what would be the best approach to keep it protected?

[Vinod_nair]

Originally Posted by LJP

Thanks a bunch. I'm looking into rust prevention methods. Since it will be a work horse what would be the best approach to keep it protected?

Whatever you do, please don't get it done by the fancy guys like 3M etc., your best options should be your FNG painter.

[BABABOT]

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-v...-guidance.html (Bought a 1970 Mahindra Jeep (CJ500) | Requesting advice and guidance)


This is the thread of my story. Now a days it is undergoing the restoration process here at Kota, Rajasthan. As part of the paint job, I applied rubber paint in the entire tub. I have also used sealent on all joints . You can plan on there lines whenever you take a paint job

[(Alok)]

Whenever I thought that the old jeep tradition is now over after introduction of Thar CRDe and there will be no more new thread on 4x4 vehicle section, someone come up with his new acquisition.

Originally Posted by LJP

I’m thrilled to share the story of how I finally got my hands on a Mahindra CL 500 MDI 2004 after years of searching. I managed to find a rugged factory spec gem that I couldn’t be happier with. The journey to finding it was as exciting as owning it now.

You are thrilled to share and I am thrilled to read that some good examples of this excellent jeep is still alive.

This 4 speed CL 500 and TATA Specio (3.0 L Di) are my all-time favorite jeeps. A true definition of torque.

Prices here are extremely high and many of the Jeeps I came across were heavily abused or modified.

Yes. A good conditioned model of CL 500/550 4 speed is rare.

It had an interesting history as it was previously owned by a DGP, Director General of Police.

Previous owner might got this jeep in police auction.

Once the deal was finalized, my brother embarked on the adventure of driving it all the way from Rajasthan to Kerala.

Not meant for faint hearted.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, especially on any further enhancements or upgrades I could consider for this beauty.

A though thought.
Already good thing are in jeep:
1. That fantastic 4 speed gear box in the best thing to have (do not replace it with that confused NGT 520).
2. No EGR
3. No Turbo charger

My only concern is with brakes. There are all 4 drum brakes (no vacuum assist) in this model and they are simply poor. Situation get worsen if jeep is in water logged area. There will be a lot of modification needed to upgrade the brakes.

Always keep a set of clutch cable and accelerator cable in glove box.

Happy Jeeping

Originally Posted by BABABOT

One look at the pictures shows how much well the jeep has been maintained. Looks brand new even after 20 years. I see no body rust and also the colour looks so new. The previous owner must have kept it in a covered Garage.

Paint condition does not match neither with odometer reading nor age of the vehicle. Jeep must have under gone through a paint work. Wheel rims are also 16 inchers, original CL 500 was having 15” wheels.

Originally Posted by LJP

You're right; Rajasthan seems to be a treasure trove for rust-free vehicles

Only chassis.

[LJP]

Originally Posted by (Alok)

Yes. A good conditioned model of CL 500/550 4 speed is rare.

The reality is that these vehicles are not only rare, but those willing to sell them are asking for very high prices. For example, I heard from friends that someone recently purchased a 2008 Major 4x4 for 8 lakh, even though the original on-road price of this model was only 4.5–5 lakh.

Originally Posted by (Alok)

Previous owner might got this jeep in police auction.

The previous owner had bought it in 2024 at a police auction, likely with the intent to resell it for profit. He barely used it since he already owns a 2010 Major and a rally-spec Gypsy. And I ended up being the third owner of the vehicle.

Originally Posted by (Alok)

Not meant for faint hearted.

Driving it back from Rajasthan at a cruising speed of 60–70 km/h was challenging, especially without AC, making it even tougher. I asked him to get some friends to accompany him, but he was determined to take on the challenge and drive it solo all the way.

Originally Posted by (Alok)

My only concern is with brakes. There are all 4 drum brakes (no vacuum assist) in this model and they are simply poor. Situation get worsen if jeep is in water logged area. There will be a lot of modification needed to upgrade the brakes.

I also have a preference for the non-turbo models. Many enthusiasts have mentioned that the 2004 MDI is better than the turbo variants, though I wasn’t aware of this earlier. I didn’t go for the newer 2010 Major TC purely because of the price, but now I’m pleased with my choice.
My goal is to keep the vehicle in stock condition, including the brakes, to fully experience the machine in its raw form. However, I plan to replace the tyres with NDMS tyres, though I’ll do that later. I’m also considering installing a LAMDA Free Wheel Hub from Swastik.

Originally Posted by (Alok)

Paint condition does not match neither with odometer reading nor age of the vehicle. Jeep must have under gone through a paint work. Wheel rims are also 16 inchers, original CL 500 was having 15” wheels.

You’re right! The jeep has been repainted, but not excessively like we often see in Kerala. It’s likely had only two coats of paint, as there’s minimal putty work and the body lines are free of dents.

[BABABOT]

Hi LJP
You wanted the history of Mahindra Jeeps,
I got this online. Hope it helps
https://www.cartoq.com/evolution-of-...ears-on-video/

https://gomechanic.in/blog/mahindra-...-jeep-history/

[LJP]

Originally Posted by BABABOT

Hi LJP
You wanted the history of Mahindra Jeeps,
I got this online. Hope it helps
https://www.cartoq.com/evolution-of-...ears-on-video/

https://gomechanic.in/blog/mahindra-...-jeep-history/

Thank you for your response, I genuinely appreciate the effort. However, it’s not quite what I was looking for. I’m trying to delve into the finer details of the changes made to the Mahindra Jeep throughout its production timeline.
For example, I’ve heard that the Major’s bonnet height was lower than that of the D, DI, and MD models. By 2005, the Major’s 4WD variants were offered with open glass frames, whereas the 2WD variants came with closed glass frames. There was also a difference in the height of the rear seats in the Major to enhance passenger comfort.
The MD models, which were an intermediate step between the DI and MDI models, were manufactured only during 1996 and 1997. In 2002, Mahindra introduced a rotary pump but reverted to the earlier pump design two years later. Even the wheel rims underwent design changes over the years.
I’m also interested in learning about the engine-swapping culture in India during the 1970s and 1980s, as it seems to have been a common practice at the time. I’m looking for this kind of specific information, but I’ve struggled to find much detail, as it appears no one has thoroughly documented it.