[Grandizer]

Hello friends,

At present I have a Mitsubishi Outlander from 2010. I love my car. It has done over 194000kms, and even as recent as last year I have driven it from Dehradun, to Coonoor, and back! Crossing many places in India worth visiting! I love my car. It is fantastic!

But the rural parts I am looking to move to do not seem to have proper roads. People often tell me only 4x4s can go there, as often it is just a mud path on hilly terrain. I do not plan on 4x4ing just for the sake of it - it will be a necessity. Hence I am considering a new car.

Hence my requirements are:
- Should be 4x4
- Sufficient ground clearance
- Access to service center in rural area, without having to send it to a major metropolitan city.
- May drive to a city every once in a while from rural areas. Maybe 4+ hours each way.
- reasonable storage space for carrying some household supplies etc and possibly suitcases etc on weekend trips.

With those things in mind I seemed to move in the direction of:
- Mahindra Thar
- Suzuki Jimny
- Possibly a used army vehicle (temporarily since it may be cheap)
- I decided to avoid a diesel purchase because of Gadkaris recent warning to car manufacturers to reduce diesel car production.

While Thar seems like it should be a reasonable choice, the lack of 4 doors and lack of storage space was a turn-off, since not only may I have to tranport supplies in bulk to my future residence, but also because I take my dog everywhere and there should be sufficient space for him (a German Shepherd).

Jimny seems better because of the 4 doors, and slightly more storage space. As it is a new car to the market, not so sure how other users feel about their experience with the car yet.

As for a used army vehicle I need to do more research. I happened to read some old posts where people were discussing the process etc. But seems like a possible stop gap option.

I would stick with my outlander if I could, but because it will be a rural area with possibly no road, outlander may not be able to traverse so easily. Servicing may also be more difficult in rural areas. Otherwise I love my outlander and feel it is the perfect car for me otherwise.

So was wondering what your thoughts are, and if you can chime in on more things to keep in mind when trying to make my selection.
Or if there are any other existing vehicles or upcoming vehicles you think I should consider? Open to any guidance you feel will be useful. Thank you!

[GTO]

You're lucky because the choices are plentiful today!

Originally Posted by Grandizer

Access to service center in rural area, without having to send it to a major metropolitan city.

Eliminate Force Gurkha then. Also check which workshop is closer, Maruti or Mahindra?

Possibly a used army vehicle (temporarily since it may be cheap)

Avoid. They require way too much work & upkeep. Plus, they are slow and unreliable, even after rebuilds. I own a '97 Classic, so have been through the process.

While Thar seems like it should be a reasonable choice, the lack of 4 doors and lack of storage space was a turn-off

- 4-door Thar coming in 2024, but will be more expensive than the already expensive 2-door Thar. You should wait for it.

- If you are looking at VFM, get the Jimny today. A+ mountain goat!

- If you are open to spending more, also consider the Scorpio-N 4x4.

I would stick with my outlander if I could, but because it will be a rural area with possibly no road, outlander may not be able to traverse so easily.

Give the terrain a try in your Outlander first. Then decide whether you want to splurge on a new car. Although, IMHO, a 14-year old car with 200,000 km means it's time for an upgrade.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by Grandizer

Hello friends,


With those things in mind I seemed to move in the direction of:
- Mahindra Thar
- Suzuki Jimny
- Possibly a used army vehicle (temporarily since it may be cheap)
- hank you!

If this is going to primarily be a passenger transport vehicle, your choices are spot on - the Thar or Jimny make great sense. Considering your description I would go for the Jimny because it is much more comfortable in terms of ride and has 5 doors. Very very useable because it is narrow and easy to get around our Indian conditions because most rural roads are narrow and a tight squeeze especially if a tractor or combine harvester is on the same road and you need to pass it.

If you add the EVCX Throttle Controller you will also be happy with the pep that the Jimny provides. I think both Maruti and Mahindra have more than enough service centres across India.

If at all you need a beater 4x4 vehicle for moving produce and other utility things, then an used Bolero pikup or old Thar or Gypsy may help.

Avoid ex Army and other similar vehicles unless you’re doing a passion based restoration project.

[SuperGirl_Dad]

Originally Posted by Grandizer

Or if there are any other existing vehicles or upcoming vehicles you think I should consider? Open to any guidance you feel will be useful. Thank you!

Since you are considering Jimny - have you considered the Maruti/Toyota Vitara cousins AWD. Seems like a capable car to replace your Outlander. Since you don't intent to indulge in hardcore off-road, hopefully it should suffice in slushy terrain.

Reviewers seems to be impressed with the AWD capability (Maruti Grand Vitara Review).

Maybe you can take test drive on the exact terrain if the dealer obliges .

[dritzdcool]

If its only you and a partner travelling most of the time then Thar 4x4 is okay as you can use the rear passenger area for all the household supplies and suitcases.
If its four person most of the time then ScorpioN 4x4 is a good choice.
Jimny in my opinion will not hold its cabin structure in case of a roll over.

[aviator1101]

Since you don't want to buy a diesel vehicle, Scorpio N 4x4 is out of the list.

Avoid buying a Army auction Gypsy you will only end up wasting time and money. (Seen lot of such cases) As a hobby/restoration project, it's ok. But not as a utilitarian vehicle any more. Always remember, they have lives their life in the army, that's why they are with you.

The other petrol options as the other members already brought out is limited to Jimny and Thar. So not much to think about.

But if you re-consider of revoking your self imposed ban on purchase of diesels, do consider a used Bolero 4x4. It is damn tough and truly a go anywhere vehicle.

[anjan_c2007]

Since an used Army jeep is on your list other than the MM550DP, please also add the Mahindra MM540DP/Classic and the CJ500D /Major to your list. These are extremely suitable for our Indian conditions and are extremely rugged too. And as regards the looming fear of diesel ban, a second hand Mahindra could set you back by Rs 2-3 L which is not rattling our personal finances. There are good chances that you may come across these in the used market. And more about the logic of such a "proposed" ban is discussed in the next para.

As regards Gadkari and his nausea for diesel, that's impossible and may remain a pipedream for him for the rest of his life. Because, the countless buses, trucks, mini-trucks ( 407, Aces, Dosts, Maximmos, Jeetos and more) and also defence vehicles cannot simply be banned overnight due to such whims and level headed political considerations must take precedence in a democracy.

[inwester]

Originally Posted by Grandizer

People often tell me only 4x4s can go there, as often it is just a mud path on hilly terrain.

Hence my requirements are:
- Should be 4x4
- Sufficient ground clearance
- Access to service center in rural area, without having to send it to a major metropolitan city.
- May drive to a city every once in a while from rural areas. Maybe 4+ hours each way.
- reasonable storage space for carrying some household supplies etc and possibly suitcases etc on weekend trips.

- I decided to avoid a diesel purchase because of Gadkaris recent warning to car manufacturers to reduce diesel car production.

Added safety and comfort to your requirements.

Since you seem to drive a lot and long across the country, I would advise to get a Scorpio N 4x4, which is a safe and sound choice. Worry about the Diesel part 10 years later and for now enjoy the superior space, safety and comfort that car provides compared to what you've listed here.

The other option is to wait till Thar 4-door launches, but given the 2-door's suspension I doubt it will have a comfortable ride.

Good luck.

[Grandizer]

Thank you all for the advice friends. Most of the time it would be just me and my dog, maybe one other person. But as we may be in a slighly remote area, when we go to get supplies we may get it in bulk, so storage is important. Perhaps I will reconsider my self imposed ban on diesel. I haven’t looked at the Vitara yet.

Increasingly I keep thinking I want to keep my outlander. It has huge amount of storage, space, is so comfortable, decent mileage, it’s really an awesome car. The only problem is if there is an uneven road it may be challenging to drive I think. Also servicing in a rural area could be a problem. But that’s like once or twice a year. Maybe I am overthinking things. Why did Mitsubishi have to leave? Why can't Subaru be here?

I guess Thar and Jimny would be suitable for the uneven roads and off roads but for everything else I love my car. I looked at the Wrangler (so expensive), but what a lovely car! Haha. I’m thinking I somehow need to stick with my outlander. It’s like home on wheels.

Mod Note : Please avoid typing with excessive dots.........like................this.

Thanks

[Livnletcarsliv]

The only options you have are
New - Jimny, Thar, Scorpio N, Gurkha, 4 door Thar (upcoming)
Used - Prev. gen Thar, Prev. gen Scorpio, Bolero, Fortuner, Gypsy, Isuzu D-Max

Ignore the diesel ban for now as it did not happen anywhere in the world yet (which are already more EV dominated markets), let alone India. Even otherwise, banning diesels all together in India (with the current roadmap) is still only an imaginary expectation.

For your use case, the best bet would be a new Scorpio N 4*4 if you can manage your budget. On the other hand Jimny is an intrenational model and is unlike any other Marutis in India. So it is definitely capable and Maruti is of course committed. But I feel that Jimny is too msmall for your use case.
If not in the used route, you can check out the Bolero 4WD, Fortuner 4*4, prev. gen Scoprion 4*4 and the Isuzu D-Max.

I suggest you take extensive TD's of the all your choices and then decide.

[Draken]

Havent been in an outlander but I expect its a fairly comfortable vehicle. If you are getting used, I would not recommend Previous gen Thar, Bolero or Gypsy considering the comfort perspective. The old Scorpio is a bit better but still not something i would consider good.
I would recommend a used Fortuner but it might be out of budget.

If you can consider an AWD, maybe try getting a cheaper used car like the Duster AWD as a second car.

[TheFonz]

Originally Posted by Grandizer

Thank you all for the advice friends… most of the time it would be just me and my dog, maybe one other person….but as we may be in a slightly remote area, when we go to get supplies we may get it in bulk, so storage is important.
Perhaps I will reconsider my self-imposed ban on diesel.

You should test drive the Toyota Hilux, it is a pickup truck and is a good off-roader.

[Grandizer]

Thank you friends I will consider Hilux, and D-max also. I think both look like great idea. Need to test drive!

[Amrit@wheels]

Unless the running is fairly high (doesn't sound like it), it's better to stick with petrols and avoid unnecessary dpf issues. Jimny and Thar are two obvious choices, but you should also check out the GV AWD. The Allgrip variant is a bit expensive but you get a full-fledged vehicle with decent build quality, creature comforts, and unmatched reliability and A.S.S It has 'enough' power and great fuel efficiency so for your occasional City usage.

[navpreet318]

Originally Posted by Grandizer

Thank you friends I will consider Hilux, and D-max also. I think both look like great idea. Need to test drive!

Going by the current discounts on the Hilux, it should be a no brainer. Also don't fret about any DPF issues. Toyota has managed to sort them out. In case you're heading to remote areas, you can also have a software patch installed where you can do manual regeneration at any level of DPF being filled with soot. Even the first block.

It is a tough SUV. It is a Toyota. End of story. Service center at remote location, well you won't need it till the regular 10k kms. There are no niggles in this vehicle.