[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by sgmuser

The last thing you should worry about Mahindra is about it's ruggedness and for that matter reliability when it comes to drivetrains. Electricals and electronics big YES. They are error prone but the speed with which they are improving is really to be appreciated being indigenous and mostly home grown development. don't know what Thar is capable of. Thar just did a cakewalk. Bottom-line: Mahindras mechanicals are the best in Indian manufacturers when it comes to reliability and abuse; added bonus is they are easy to fix. I NEVER thought I'll use 4L right out of my home/steps.

Originally Posted by Grr7

An important aspect that may have factored your driving experience:

have mentioned how the clutch action is so smooth and petrol car like. Probably attributable to the characteristic of 1.5 engine (which also does duty in XUV300 if we need a second reference).

Mahindra is a very competitive and ever evolving company. I wont be surprised that the current Thar iteration (esp RWD) is more refined and better product than 2 yrs old Thar 2.2 (4x4).

Agree completely with both these sets of insights.

Thar and generally Mahindra Jeeps capabilities under very harsh conditions is proven over generations since 1947.

When my Dad was planting tea in the ‘60’s and 70’s and 80’s and ‘90’s and all, the Willys and Mahindra were the mainstays for all day to day operations in all weathers on all terrain and in all sorts of adverse conditions. These vehicles are simply ideal workhorses in rough and tough conditions and still continue to be so. They are ubiquitous and more or less indispensable in the non urban areas of the country.

Indeed the 1.5l 2WD RWD and the 2l 2WD RWD are lighter in character, have much lighter clutches and without the weight of the 4x4 components, are nimbler too.

(Some here may remember the Skoda Yeti 4x4 140bhp which had EDL and a pretty heavy clutch. It was prone to stalling when one started and moved. Took a little care when releasing the clutch. They later launched a 2WD 110bhp version whose clutch was far lighter and the vehicle itself was nimbler without the 4x4 Haldex hardware. And the vehicle was no longer prone to ‘stalling’ on start and move.)

And best of all, these Mahindra Thar 2WD RWD vehicles, with that excellent BLD, can take you out of most normal bad road or no road situations.

There is absolutely no doubt that the introduction of the 2WD RWD is a master stroke by Mahindra. It serves the market very well with a pucca utility plus stylish looking lifestyle vehicle.

Indeed it is also true that with each new iteration and with the passing months, the newer Mahindra Thars are getting better and better. I can notice the differences on account of continuous product development and enhancement and evolution when I compare my Feb 2021 Thar with my friend Bibendum’s Feb 2023 Thar.

[vellatechie]

Has anyone upgraded Thars rear parking sensors? I have found the ones in the current car slow and they often miss if I have a pillar in the mall parking as well.

Any suggestions for the rear camera (with better viewing angles or quality) is appreciated as well.

[sgmuser]

Originally Posted by vellatechie

Has anyone upgraded Thars rear parking sensors? I have found the ones in the current car slow and they often miss if I have a pillar in the mall parking as well.

Any suggestions for the rear camera (with better viewing angles or quality) is appreciated as well.

Got the Mahindra official rear camera accessory as it requires some software update to view in the original av unit. The camera quality is strictly average. But helps a lot. Esp in places like Chennai this is a MUST. I'm spoilt by the X1 camera when it comes to sharpness etc but still it's worth getting.

[TheDonGogoi]

Thank you guys for replying to my previous post and sharing your experiences, insights and knowledge. Post my TD experience I was a little bit stressed regarding my own car maybe because it is “my” very first car and although it is a gift or present from my family to me and that I did not “earn” or earn for the car, the car is very very valuable and precious to me because it is a reflection of the affection and love that my parents and family have toward me and also because of the passion for cars that we share among our family. Your replies have made me realise that with a little bit of love, care and affection and of course proper maintanence I can keep my beloved Thar the same way it was when it rolled out of the M&M manufacturing plant in Nashik or when 43kms on the ODO and a 2000km journey across the country later I saw it for the first time in the showroom and I started to tear up for something thats just a bunch of plastic, metal and rubber put together and it doesnt even feel, talk or say anything to me, basically I mean to say that I am now confident that I can now maintain my car in top condition for many years. I also hope to share my experience with the car or write a review for the car when I have little bit more actual experience of the THAR. But till now it has been 6months and 3500kms of pure joy.

[udainxs]

Tangential ask, but curious to know if anyone has gotten into trouble for driving the Thar with the top down in a city

I know GTO drives his in Mumbai, but curious about cities like Bengaluru and Chandigarh

The reason I ask is, Ive never seen a Thar with the top down in either of these cities, even though the Thar is very popular there

Convertibles are rare, I understand, but Bengaluru evenings(nights) seem ideal for top-down drives

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by udainxs

Tangential ask, but curious to know if anyone has gotten into trouble for driving the Thar with the top down in a city

Convertibles are rare, I understand, but Bengaluru evenings(nights) seem ideal for top-down drives

Possibly the reason you may not have seen too many of these being driven about with the top down, is because of the dust and pollution. Yes Bangalore has ideal weather for convertible cars and their enjoyment, but with the city becoming increasingly crowded and dusty and all, most people prefer the roof on, windows up and the AC on.

However, a number of Thar convertible owners from Bangalore do take their Thars out of town and drive leisurely with the top down on the open road and in the hills.

There is absolutely no law or rule that prevents one from driving any car with the convertible top down.

[JVH]

Originally Posted by udainxs

Tangential ask, but curious to know if anyone has gotten into trouble for driving the Thar with the top down in a city

------

Convertibles are rare, I understand, but Bengaluru evenings(nights) seem ideal for top-down drives

Couple of weeks back, on my way to Mysore on the expressway, I saw 2 - black and red merrily cruising. Haven't seen one in the city though.

[sgmuser]

I do not think convertible is practical in places like India. Too much dust (lots of construction activities), harsh climate (read hot), rains etc. Plus top down isn't safe as well. When we are sure we will be there around the car all the time then it's ok. I see two door JL/JK drivers don't even lock the cars in my office open parking in the middle east when it's top down. Wranglers are water proof mostly. Also, it's safe. Generally it's safe even outside in mall parking for that matter. We shouldn't leave stuff outside. That's all. But in India it's a different story altogether. Thar is also water proof but when heard the plastic roof had water leak then I start to doubt their claim. I would have liked if they had provision to remove hard top by ourselves like JL. Also the Thars in Mahindra SUV Proving Track had stickers in their roof lining. I doubt they have leak issues but I could be wrong.

[yadavsid21]

Originally Posted by sgmuser

I doubt they have leak issues but I could be wrong.

I have Feb 22 batch Thar D AT CT and its pleasure to drive. I do take it out for leisure drive with family on weekends. CT is very well built and haven’t faced any leaks so far. Took it to Mahabaleshwar during peak of monsoon last year (red alert was issued that time) but zero leaks.

[Cavityavenger]

Originally Posted by udainxs

Tangential ask, but curious to know if anyone has gotten into trouble for driving the Thar with the top down in a city

I know GTO drives his in Mumbai, but curious about cities like Bengaluru and Chandigarh

The reason I ask is, Ive never seen a Thar with the top down in either of these cities, even though the Thar is very popular there

Convertibles are rare, I understand, but Bengaluru evenings(nights) seem ideal for top-down drives

I own a Convertible top in chandigarh and there are no legal regulations that stop you from driving top down. I made sure of this before booking the vehicle.

In terms of usability of a convertible top, I’ve had zero issues with any leakage etc. getting used to properly zipping the canvas top takes a while, but once you’ve done it a few times, it usually takes less than 5 minutes to put it down and back up again.

Driving top down in the mountains is an absolute blast, and we often do it weather permitting. Chandigarh has plenty of fair weather days, and the kids love a top down drive once a while.

[sgmuser]

Originally Posted by sgmuser

I do not think convertible is practical in places like India. Too much dust (lots of construction activities), harsh climate (read hot), rains etc. Plus top down isn't safe as well. When we are sure we will be there around the car all the time then it's ok. I see two door JL/JK drivers don't even lock the cars in my office open parking in the middle east when it's top down. Wranglers are water proof mostly.

By water proof I meant about the inside of the car including seats, electronics etc when it's open and when it rains. Not the roof being water proof alone. Hard top Thar had water leak issues and that's why they stopped saying the hard top is removable. Previously it was removable in workshop. Wrangler hard tops are user removable fyi. Thar should be same as well. I like open top but with hard roof when I want to cover it. Not the way now it is. Then why there is a plastic roof if I can't remove it? Why not metal? Like Wrangler, it would be badass if the roof is body color and metal. M2C. It's all my likings/preferences or wish list.

[yaniv14]

Hi,

Has anyone here done any mods for camping on their Thar? I was looking for an awning setup that is easy to install. Also, do i need to install a roof carrier if an awning is installed?

Awaiting ideas!

[sahil624]

Calling out all the Convertible Top owners. I am in a dilemma. I wish to get Thar diesel automatic 4X4 as my second vehicle. My first vehicle is three years old and in good condition. We do a few long drives (2000 kms to and fro) long drives. If I get Thar, I would like to do those long drives on Thar too.
This being my second vehicle, I wish to get Convertible Top in White color. My query is to the Convertible Top owners, how easy or difficult is to travel long distances on a Convertible Top? Is the noise too intrusive. Any other concerns that I should be aware of before taking a decision?

Thanks.

[udainxs]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

There is absolutely no law or rule that prevents one from driving any car with the convertible top down.

Originally Posted by Cavityavenger

I own a Convertible top in chandigarh and there are no legal regulations that stop you from driving top down. I made sure of this before booking the vehicle.

Thank you for your responses

Chandigarh law enforcement did not welcome open Jeeps in the past, so was wondering if the same applied to the Thar as well. The sheer number of hard-top Thars, and relative absence of convertibles, there also got me curious. Glad that isnt the case

I can totally relate to the joy of driving up to Kasauli and beyond in an open top Jeep. Being from Chandigarh, Ive done that in an MM 340 many many years ago

And since I currently call Bengaluru home, Im glad there arent any legal repercussions, and people just head out of town to enjoy the breeze!

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by udainxs

The sheer number of hard-top Thars, and relative absence of convertibles, there also got me curious. Glad that isnt the case

Originally Posted by sahil624

Calling out all the Convertible Top owners., I would like to do those long drives on Thar too.
I wish to get Convertible Top in White color. My query is to the Convertible Top owners, how easy or difficult is to travel long distances on a Convertible Top? Is the noise too intrusive. Any other concerns that I should be aware of before taking a decision?
.

1. Hardtops are simply more practical in India. Dust,pollution, security and safety of things inside the car. Etc. There is plenty written on this forum and indeed this very thread about these facts.

2. A. Convertible top in White looks gorgeous. I really love that White Thar. If I didn’t own my Rocky Beige already, I’d have very probably bought the White. (Or the Red!) my head still turns whenever I see these!

2. B. Convertible top will make flapping noises after 80-90kmph. There will be a constant wind noise which can irritate on long drives. Otherwise I think basis what some of my friends who own the convertible Thar say, it is perfectly live-able with. However, I am not sure how much you and your family will enjoy really long trips in the Thar. Because it is predominantly a 2 seater with enough luggage space for 2. Especially if you carry out the rear seat tumble fold modification. If three persons, then the rear can be both bumpy as well as a marked lack of toe room. The person behind has to be short because there is hardly any space to stretch. Suspension

2. C. I also bought my Thar as my Grand Tourer. While I dearly love the convertible and the open top motoring wind in the hair feel etc, I compromised in a sense - choosing practicality over passion and bought the hard top. The security concerns when parked overnight alone, can lead to serious headaches and loss of peace of mind.


All the best.