[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by wooka

Shankar, please tell us where u got that toy from! I really want a dashboard thar in black! What fun!

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That 1:36 KinsMart Wrangler Rubicon which was placed on the bonnet for the photo is plastic and metal and has rubber tyres and looks quite similar to my Thar. A friend brought it from the US. The other one which is stuck on my dashboard is a generic plastic Wrangler/ Thar/ Jeep look alike in 1:32 scale from Amazon India.

All this is just a manifestation of the child in me. Thats why I keep taking all sorts of pictures of my vehicles.

[arunpools]

Recently, I added a bunch of things to improve the interior ergonomics of my Thar. I got the rear and front armrests from Mahindra Accessories. These were available at the dealership at the time when I took delivery of my car. Unfortunately, these armrests were not listed as genuine accessories in the Thar accessories catalogue. Anyway, I have got these now. They are not the quality that you would expect if fitted directly by the manufacturer but are far better than many I considered from other aftermarket brands. No drilling or anything all goes to exiting anchoring points. The rear ones came at 12k and from one at 4k. Could have come cheaper but I think I didn’t strangle the Sales guy enough to reduce the price. The rear armrests do reduce the rear seat's usable area somewhat. Have a look.









I have also added these roll cage hugging bags that I got from Amazon. The accessories are from Armaro. I came to know about these from a blog by Shankar Balan. Thanks for that. These are big enough for all the stuff that one would imagine to put in a normal car. An Eureka Forbes vacuum cleaner, a Michelin Air compressor, some puncture repair kit, some cleaning clothes etc., all find a home inside these cylindrical bags. They are well-made and look extremely durable.



I have had enough of USB cable plugging and unplugging for Android Auto every time I drove the car. So, I got myself a wireless Android Auto device from Amazon. The device is sold by a company called Ottocast. I would have preferred Motorola MA1 if I had a choice. MA1 seems to be the only one approved by Google but I couldn't get one online.

One word of caution with Ottocast, they have two separate models for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. If you have both types of phones at home and intend to connect them to the car, then you have to consider buying their higher and more premium version device that supports both Android and Apple devices.



Anyways, the Android version in my case is pretty much stable and gets connected in about 15-20 seconds. The connection stability is also good in my case and has worked seamlessly except for those random times when it doesn’t connect at startup. No lags or anything to report. I bought the device at 8K which I consider to be a premium. Probably it's worth 4 or 5K.

One quirky thing that I noticed is that even after the car is switched off, the Ottocast device remains ON for some time. The car USB port, into which this thing is plugged, powers it for some 3 minutes after you take your key out and lock the car. At first, I was a bit sceptical about keeping the device plugged in after switching off the car. Scary memories of a crazy ‘smart GPS tracking device’ that went into the OBD port of my XUV 500 managing to drain the car battery came to my mind. I wouldn’t leave any device that draws power from the car while it's switched off connected to the car unless it’s something that the car manufacturer has installed. That meant unplugging the Wireless Adaptor every time switched off the car. But the replugging it at car startup would have negated its utility altogether. But some experimentation with the car proved that indeed the power switched off after a while. At least I think that is the case.

Ok, that’s about it.

[GTO]

For those who aren't pocket-sensitive, this can be a real dilemma. Buy a Thar 4x4 for 20 lakhs, spend 5-6 lakhs on modifying it...or spend 20 more lakhs (after bargaining) and buy the real OG link. I have to admit, I'd be pretty darn confused between the two if I wanted a Jeep today. OG Jeep, more power, USA build, 4-doors, way more family friendly and lots more.

Posting this thought here as I see a lot of Thars sharing garage space with German luxury cars, thereby showing their owners can splurge.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by GTO

… this can be a real dilemma…

Will be an even bigger dilemma when the 5 door is launched

[msa.30789]

Spotted a test mule of Mahindra Thar 2 door in ECR towards Chennai. Any idea what changes are they implementing?

[Bit]

Originally Posted by msa.30789

Spotted a test mule of Mahindra Thar 2 door in ECR towards Chennai. Any idea what changes are they implementing?
Attachment 2572254

Could be the interior updated using 5 door layout?

[batish]

Originally Posted by Bit

Could be the interior updated using 5 door layout?

Seems like cream colour. Not sure though. Don't think they'll change interiors so soon.

[jimmyjagga]

Originally Posted by GTO

For those who aren't pocket-sensitive, this can be a real dilemma. Buy a Thar 4x4 for 20 lakhs, spend 5-6 lakhs on modifying it...or spend 20 more lakhs (after bargaining) . I have to admit, I'd be pretty darn confused between the two if I wanted a Jeep today. OG Jeep, more power, USA build, 4-doors, way more family friendly and lots more.

Posting this thought here as I see a lot of Thars sharing garage space with German luxury cars, thereby showing their owners can splurge.

I think with brands like Jeep one has to be conscious of long term reliability, availability and pricing of maintenance, this with same or worse ride quality than Thar. It is just my opinion but if I had that kind of money to splurge I would buy a Hilux and turn it into a camper/adventure vehicle. Of course I would be marred by the NCR 10 year Diesel Ban.
But yes, I guess you are still right, these are icons not just a frame on four wheels, which everyone yearns to own and ride, before realising that we are riding them in good old Made in India roads!

Regards
Jj

[rajeevsulu]

The 5 door version, when launched, is going to address that query very clearly. At least the door part would be addressed, maybe not the power part. That should be a very interesting problem to have when the 5 door is launched.
Cheers

[aak7420]

Originally Posted by Nair.V8

The stiff low-speed ride should settle down over time, will update in due course.

Nair.V8 How many kilometres has it since been ? Eagerly waiting for your review of the suspension

[MithunSathianat]

Originally Posted by 13thpsycho

MMG- i don’t know much about this

I have posted my experience with MMG kit here. Hope this helps. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5719008 (Initial Ownership Review & Modifications | 2021 Mahindra Thar)

[totaloverdoze]

I need help !

I recently installed the Bimbra rear seat sliders in my Thar from Futurz 4x4 in Mumabi.

I had a horrible experience with them while installing the sliders there ended up making holes in my rear seat (welding spatter).

At first Mr. Ashish the owner of Futurz 4x4 tried defending that its a very small hole and I should not bother about it and if at all I want it to be fixed he offered to get it rafued and he wanted me to leave my car with them for 2 days as his upholstery guy was not available / was busy, to which I refused and insisted to get it resolved there and then alternately requested for a loner car till it was resolved.

Later to resolve the issue he simply instructed his team to swap my rear seats with an another car which had come there for modifications. So if anyone here who had a red manual thar which was with them on the 14th Feb'24 for modifictions please check your rear seats.

As if this was not horrifying enough, I now have this continues rattle in the car and when I asked Ashish about the rattle he said its a part of the sliders and he cant do anything about it, he says the sliders have hinges which have a play in them so I have to live with it.

Now I am woundering if others who have installed the Bimbra rear seat sliders also facing similar rattling issues and if there is a way to resolve it.

looking forward to your valuable response.

Thank you.

[LionX]

Originally Posted by msa.30789

Spotted a test mule of Mahindra Thar 2 door in ECR towards Chennai. Any idea what changes are they implementing?
Attachment 2572254

Most likely cosmetic updates like new headlamps, infotainment systems, new steering,rear lamps etc. But if that's the case, I'm not sure what exactly they're testing as its already been tested on 5 door model extensively.

Could be a better tune for the diesel engine (for top variants) just like the entry level XUV700 variants (153bhp/360Nm) ?

Also i think its sensible to have Eco/Power driving modes for better fuel efficiency too.

[ravishankr89]

I met up with our local 4WD group in Bombay today and we got discussing about our cars. Listing a few things that I'd like more info on to make a more informed choice. Please do weigh in.

1) My petrol manual Thar gives me a mileage in 6.7...basically 300kms on a full tank. This seems to be very unusual among other owners. Even automatics and heavily modified heavier ones are getting better mileage. Whether it is highway or city driving, my figured seem to be unchanged..always under 7kmpl. I suspect that there is some unknown issue. Any ideas on what the issue could be? Is it a tuning issue? I want to get it checked with the SC but I'm not sure what to tell them considering the thar generally has bad mileage.

2) I want to change my stock headlight bulb to more powerful one. I don't want to change the whole light itself. Just the bulb. I know about the Philips one. Any newer or better ones? Looking for something that also will not blind the oncoming traffic.

3) Underbody protection. Which one is good? I know aluminium is the way to go but I've heard some people having heat issues with the underbody protection. Any issues or upgraded options?

4) Any other new functional and interesting mods that have come in the market? I'd like to be updated

5) I have been interested in the toughdog suspension that's newly developed for the thar. Anyone installed it? Looking for a detailed review and if you're in Bombay, would love a test drive.

Thanks in advance!

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by ravishankr89

I met up with our local 4WD group in Bombay today and we got discussing about our cars. Listing a few things that I'd like more info on to make a more informed choice. Please do weigh in.

Thanks in advance!

All of your queries have been addressed prior somewhere on the many Thar threads.

Anyway, since I have used my Petrol AT HT 4x4 Thar for 3 full years (Feb 2021 - amongst the early Thars.) - and I have done about 30,000kms in it, I will put my experiences down as submissions here to try and help.

1. Thar Petrol mileage is not great. However, 6.7 seems too low. Are you quoting from the MID or from the tankful to tankful method? If the latter, then I surmise heavy traffic where you are stationary with the engine and AC on. Or that you have a heavy foot. Or that your driving style in each gear needs tweaking. The manual Thar is a vehicle where you can be efficient in your gear up shifts and still be fearless because it has a lot of Torque.

1a. My Thar consistently gives me 9-11kmpl on highways unless I am heavy footed. When driving up steep ghats and hills, it drops to 7-8kmpl. The best I ve got is on a trip to Hyderabad where I managed 12 by driving 80-100kmph with occasional bursts to 110. I have also got 6.2-6.5kmpl when I drove rather fast up the hills in order to make it for an appointment. This year (in fact just last weekend), Bangalore-Ooty-Bangalore with some local running, returned 8kmpl because I drove ‘fearlessly’ - enjoying the Thar’s instant response.

1b. My friend uses a Petrol Manual AX version (from October 2020 onwards - amongst the very first Thars) for his estate work and hauling etc a lot of which is done in 4H and 4L. He has recorded 3kmpl mileage. Yes the Petrol Thar is a joy but it drinks Dino Fossil Juice like nothing else.

2. I use the Philips G Force Xtreme Vision H4 Halogen which is a straight swap and of the same wattage with a great throw. Osram night breakers are also lovely. As a long time Jeep user in hills and mist and rain, I will always prefer to stay with good Halogens of stock wattage and a straight swap. You can also check Philips racing vision H4.
2a. In addition, I have added Hella 700 Fog Lamps mounted on a bracket on the front bumper. These cut through the cold grey moist mist and fog in the hills very well indeed.

3. I have been amongst the early few who went for Arka Aluminium Underbody Protection three years ago, for three reasons.
3a. Leelakrishnan the ace rallyist is behind it.
3b. Aluminium does not Rust. (Important anywhere because the underbody gets wet and particularly in coastal areas because of salt air led corrosion.
3c. It is lightweight yet very strong.

4. Please read all the Thar threads with a fine toothed comb- there are plenty of functional modifications available.

5. I can comment on AVO Suspension as an early adopter three years ago. (4 Dampers and 2 rear coil springs) which has been for me, a great investment in comfort and stability.
5a. It provides great stability on those long sweeping highway curves, inspiring great confidence.
5b. It has completely removed the Thar’s bad innate habit of swaying from side to side over bumps and speed breakers.
5c. It has removed the horrible pitching and nose-diving under braking.
5d. When the Thar is neatly weighted at the rear with some ballast/ luggage, this, along with AVO gives the confidence to bang through all sorts of bad surfaces and roads. Madras-Bangalore highway is under construction and has a bad broken and corrugated surface. I have done many many trips up and down and the Thar with the upgraded suspension and the right load and the right tyre pressure, just eats up all these bad roads.
5e. Do not under estimate the importance of tyre pressure. While Mahindra may suggest 32 psi that is way too high. I use 28psi all round and it is a world of difference.