I'm a dairy cattle rancher and I've owned six toyota 70 series, a nissan patrol and a ford f150 among others and a week ago I got my first mahindra......I am amazed!!! How can you even get sooooo much for such a small amount of money??? I don't know if I'm going to be this happy always but from whar I've seen and tested in the mahindra, this is a car for many working years!! Thank you mahindra!!!
Please keep me informed as you how you fare with it - I've got a few station owners who've swapped to Mahs on the book and intend quizzing them as time goes by too. Thanks mate.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY and ossa60 you both will be happy because Mahindra vehicles are durable and the service cost is also on the lower side. Atleast this is what something that I can assure you guys from my experience based in India.
Mahindra has been in the South African market for quite some time and has earned a solid reputation as a reliable workhorse. The dealership network and service levels are very high and owners appear to comment favourably on the no quibble approach to warranty issues which isnt often required. Definitely worth a look, especially for new-commers to our past time who want an economic, versatile and reliable entry vehicle.
Yeah, I think we have to realise that Indian tech and engineering is right up there with anything the world has to offer. Ask the man who's installing your broadband!
In the northeast india up the delapidated mountain roads the vehicles thins out to only mahindra pickups, mahindra boleros and the tata sumo (now discontinued) These cars are the lifelines of the villagers.
In India, the 7 seater SUV Scorpio sells like Hot Cakes. It is indeed very popular and extremely reliable. It can take abuse and is very easy to maintain. We had one for 12 years. Now we have the Mahindra XUV 5OO.
Had a pickup from 2008 to 2015 towed my boat everywhere ,went to the Cape great truck ,would not hesitate to get another ,only sold it as we went overseas for work .
I'm am Indian, scorpio has always been my favourite since it's launch and the new generation is just too good. Still saving up to own one, I hope I can own one soon. Not forgetting that this comment section is the best I've gone through, read every one of them... Peace
Awesome to see someone as yourself enjoying the Mahindra, and seeing the value. I've owned the previous shaped double cab, and really enjoy i, then traded it in on the Mahindra Thar Both awesome vehicles and very capable. Mahindra is doing really well in south Africa, and I feel people is really starting to show interest in them. Cheerz from South Africa
I'm lining up to try a Thar when they get to Aussie, had a bit to do with the old Peugeot diesel Mah's - I reckon the company has come a million miles since then but the tough thing has stuck.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY i do agree with you 100%, here in south africa I've seen alot of guys going from well known brands such as ford and Toyota, and give Mahindra a chance, which 99% of them is extremely happy. They've really proven themselves over the past few years. Can't beat the value for money.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY well, you will be sad to know, but Mahindra has no plans to launch The Thar in Australia due to some controversies between Jeep And Mahindra.. Well, let's hope if it gets there too..
I was looking at these a while ago. I'm a little surprised I don't see more Mahindra's about. They look like the best bang for your buck at the moment.
I got an NP300 Navara 2017 model with only 50,000km on the clock, when I pay off the loan I'm getting rid of it and getting one of these rigs. Can't beat tough as nails reliability and the Mahindra definitely delivers that.
I wish we could to, but our auto makers especially Jeep are to busy building over priced large trucks an expensive Jeeps plus they don't like competition. I would like to have a ROXOR but it's off road only an classified as a side by side. Plus they had to change the looks because it looked to much like the old jeep CJ.
I have been watching and listening to your reviews since community TV, around 1994 I think, and you put an honest aussie perspective out there good work keep it up.
I have had one personally for a little over 4 years now (previous model to the current) nearly 90,000ks, not much sand work but it gets a bit boggy on the farm, have extracted the 4wd tractor a couple of times with it, a couple of electrical gremlins (door solenoid, but had an identical problem on a Monaro) and such, but mechanically bullet-proof, great to drive. First 'farm' one traded at about 100,000k (was still going strong, but we were offered a crazy changeover on a new one), second 'farm' one ~4 years/80,000k and still good, better to drive that the SR5 Hilux parked next to them.
I own a 2014 model and absolutely love it... Mine is FULLY kitted out for touring off-road and i can buy 2 of them for the price of a kitted out hilux... P.S. Love the factory rear diff lock...
Drive A 2010 Mahindra Thar, rough but so good. Get complemented many A time in the bush. "Hey, listen to that engine"! Its the only car that can proudly pronounce its name, thar ,thartharthartharrrrrrr! Best to you.
For the last 12 or more years I have constantly asked Mahindra owners how good is their vehicle (Scorpio) and pickup and HAVE NEVER HAD A NEGATIVE COMMENT IN 12 YEARS. Never heard that from any other make of vehicle owner in all my years. They are very very popular in this country. Regards from South Africa
Always had huge respect for you Roothy for being your own man and going against the grain. Everyone else is chopping 200 series and putting portals on 79s- you've been playing with 40 year old cruisers, jeeps and now a Mahindra! Very interested to see/hear more about these. Not sure what Indian quality control is like - but if these can withstand 'roads' in rural India, then Aussie conditions will be a breeze. Only things that would put me off straight away is low towing capacity and underpowered motor. But for someone not concerned about towing it wouldn't be an issue.
Thanks for that - you've nailed it. Big thing for me has always been how much you actually need to go touring, as opposed to what people think they have to spend to get out there. It's rated to 2500kg but I haven;'t tow tested it yet, did have a half ton of compressor in the back and it actually made it more comfortable... leaf springs, sigh.... gotta love 'em.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY I hear you! I'm literally pulling crap off my car and out of my canopy right now after 6mnths of travelling bang on GVM. Didn't need half the gear, but I lugged it around the state putting strain on everything, looking like a rolling 4x4 catalogue. Ahh well, life's lessons 😂
It's a shame these won't be available in Canada. Love that flatbed at the :20 second mark. Wouldn't mind finding something like that for my 02 gmc sonoma 4x4.
They are a great vehicle, and for those who are looking for function at a good price, it's the only choice to make - the alternative is Chinese made and no-one should buy that.
On you mate!!! Amazing how many nobs confuse Chinese and Indian build quality and engineering. They couldn't be more different. And with China fencing off bits of Australia too...
I think your going to eat your words mate. Lets set aside the whole current aus/china issue, but I think you will be shocked how far the Chinese have come on cars in many cases superpassing the competition. I think you will be blown away with cars they will bring here in the next decade. Also whats the safety of this Mahindra like, not interested in all the bells and whistles but it doesn't look like something you will walk away from in any semi serious accident ? Im happy to give the brand a go, but not dying in a car crash is also high on my priority list haha
Just had a look at crash footage, would strongly advise anyone against getting this death trap, unless you plan to mainly use it off road or on a farm. Just not worth your life. 2 star crash rating.
@@aleks0001 A hard to take you seriously when you quote a 2011 crash rating. They are now 4 star. Don't spread bullshit mate, makes you look like an idiot.
I own a Mahindra Xylo - drove it from Mumbai to the last village on India’s border with Tibet in Himachal Pradesh. Drove on some of the most dangerous and steep mountains in the world. Crossed Kunzum pass at 15000 feet. All in all - a 5000 kms return journey. Not a single breakdown in the entire trip except a fuel pipe which came off due to large rocks on the mountains. I still have the vehicle - 9 years old - yet runs perfectly.
keen to see how these go for longevity on our roads. I spent a lot of time in the passenger seat of Mahindra's on a trip to Nepal. The average driver over there drives worse roads on there daily commute than 90% of 4x4 owners in Australia ever drive so you can't say it wasn't built for hard conditions. I wonder what the O.E. and aftermarket part support is like in Aus.
Good comments and good questions - OE support from what I've asked so far seems pretty good, largely because there's heaps of common parts across the range and with the tractors. No idea on after market but I guess it's the usual - anything non specific will be fine. Love to know if anyone knows more???
Great review Roothy, I like the look of them, but I also find the Royal Enfield Himalayan an attractive off road motorcycle... we don't all need flashy bells and whistles, and if it gets you where you want to go safely and reliably, what else does a fella need.👍
My family is having Mahindra jeep from 1978 and we kept replaced with Mahindra models till now. For me Mahindra means reliability, power, rough and value for money.
I pulled out 4 bogged landcruisers with my mahindra pik up on the weekend. I was only in 2h were they all got bogged in 4 low... I was once a toyota fanboi. But I have now seen the light . From east to west mahindra is best.
John thank you for this interesting and informative review. Certainly a capable 4x4 to consider. With that said I look forward to the launch of the Mahindra Thar 4x4 in Australia this year in Australia.
Dude euro ncap and global ncap are totally different , otherwise the safety score of both the vehicles are same ! The jeep wrangler scored a little higher for adult safety while the Mahindra Thar scored higher in child safety ! Otherwise both are great !
@@shankarwain4289 There is still a catch.. Euro NCAP rated Wrangler as structurally unstable. Its the same test for both Euro and Global NCAP in structural integrity test.. Thar is structurally stable btw
@@AdarshKookal yes I can agree with that ,2 stars are minimum for the thar in euro standards compared to wrangler's 1 star ! With safety pack of the euro ncap it can score 3 to 4 stars!
i am here in australia living here for last three years but basically i am from India. My father bought mahindra tractor in 1994 and its still keep going, we never ever had any big problem with engine and gear box since we bought this tractor . Such a reliable company
Remember how we used to feel about Hyundai in Australia? The Excel days when you could change gears without depressing the clutch. And now Hyundai build a hatch/sedan than Toyota.
There's limited options for us normal folk who don't want to run a V8 diesel or have rear axles that don't track with the front ones for 80k. Worth a look.
On ya mate - keep an open mind, I am - we'll see how she goes long term and I'm going to find some owners in the outback and get their opinions too. Most city folk just want the power ranger look to go to the shops...
For the love of god .... the front track is supposed to wider !! I’m so sick of hearing about that . It helps with stability when breaking and cornering at the same time ... Most vehicles are like that .
@@AndyL940 actually that's not true. I live in South Africa in the Kalahari region. Lots of sand. On sandy roads and gravel roads the wider front keeps searching for a track and when the weels finds a track it does not stick to it and tries to climb. With that you get a car that walks abought constantly and keeps you busy behind the wheel. I actually put deep dish rims at the back and it stabilise the whole truck. But I'm just a farmer so what would I know. A lot of the farmers here have traded their trucks for a Mahindra and are now on their second or third one. Tels you something doesn't it?
@@AndyL940 There is a reason that nearly all the serious 79 buyers pay many thousands of dollars for an aftermarket rear end to fix the short cut that Toyota was to lazy to address.
Would love to know how tall a tyre u can go plus what sort of suspension lifts are available but looking at it - as good as it may be, clearance looks like it would be an issue... (be nice if it came with a SOLID FRONT DIFF option ;) ) Something other than the usual make of vehicles is always a good thing imo
Cheap to buy, expensive to maintain here in South Africa. Had to replace a front cv charged me R12 500 for the shaft. But they are good vehicles. My sister has a XUV that has done over 260 000km and still going strong.
Same in NZ. Problem is, Mahindra in countries like NZ, appoint someone to be the agent, and you can only get parts from the agent, they have a monopoly. Here in NZ that means that Mahindra parts are crazy expensive. So I looked up the parts in India, they are crazy cheap, stunningly cheap. But Mahindra will not sell to me direct. Just wish I knew someone in India.
Very similar - I rode one around India in 1984 - great fun but had issues. The 2017 Enfield Himalayan I tested is so good I bought it rather than give it back... and it's still going hard without all the complexities and plastic most bikes have nowadays.
Hi Roothy, already liking Mahindra after your review. Do you reckon, there will be automatic versions available soon in Aussie and down here where I'm in NZ?
I have owned one for 5 years now,,,happy as with it,,,great on the beach, and in the bush,,,great on fuel, comfort and no fancy stuff to get in the way,,, only problem is parts,,,silly parts,,, plugs for gearbox, indicator relays etc,,just not in Australia,,,
Mahindra are at the top when it comes to pocket friendly off-roading. The Indian versions - Scorpio, Bolero, Thar... dominate the Indian mountains. Hence it is the top choice for the Military, Government and Law enforcement. Heck! the Indian Prime Minister has Scorpios in his Official fleet. Glad to see Indian products being well-appreciated in Australia and South Africa. I hope that Mahindra will sell the Roxor offroader in Australia....
I'm looking forward to all the follow-up episodes. I'm sceptical yet can't wait to be proven wrong. Not bad looking rig on face value alone though. My partner has been considering a LDV, maybe this might be another contender.
Guess it makes a good beach 4x4 cause when you get it stuck and the tide starts lapping at it you can just cut your losses and walk away and never look back.
I own an Mahindra XUV500 since 2013 , all I can say what a car..I do 800km drive at a stretch non stop ! Never get tired driving it , already clocked 140K km . next month i will be taking delivery of the new THAR !! Though I own a Hyundai sedan , when it comes to frugality - service and running costs . Mahindra comes a topper ..
I’ll be trading in my Amarok , it feels like it’s got a golf engine and gearbox remapped to give torque lower down , I’d rather have a tractor based engine remapped or twigged for the mahindra.
Hello from nz Hi John could you please tell me are there any issues on sand with the auto & petrol engine combo I’m retired & need a reliable beach transport regards Nik
Indian cars are competing like hell in international markets the pace India is gaining in automobile sector is appreciable... I own both a ford and a mahindra the power delivery at intial torque is so much phenomenal i can get over it in mahindra.
Good truck , had a 2014. parts are cheap out of India, dealer support and warenty are both excelent. Far more room inside and better ergonomics than comparable utes.
What's parts availability like though? And do you need specialist equipment to work on them? Toyota's are so prevelant in the bush because you can fix them with a rock and find your spare parts on the side of the track! I want something like this to be a good thing, but I'm skeptical at best.
Yeh hope they come around ... good thing about toyota can download techstream and have All the access to the ecu for diagnosis and fixing shit ...can program keys everything the dealer can do ...
Wonderful video. Just some details on the powertrain. If its a 2.2 or a 2 ltr, they were purpose built for the passenger car segment. They have been around for some time. The old 2.6 ltr was tractor derived and that too was updated to a 2.5 ltr version purpose built for the passenger segment. Mahindra is a motivated group and worked well with its vendors (from engine management to the drive train component manufacturers) to make their cars engaging and good value for money.
I have the 2014 single cab model which I have owned since new. 147,000 km's on it now. I'm a beekeeper so go in some very rough country, with some very heavy loads, well over the ton you are supposed to keep it down to. When I first bought it, I was a little worried it being a cheapy vehicle. And then first day, it broke down, my heart sank, I thought I'd made a terrible mistake. It was making a heckuva noise and blowing thick clouds of smoke. NZ Mahindra towed it away, but had it back to me the next day, the issue was a failed injector. After that experience which dented my confidence, it took another 20 or 30 thousand KM's before i started to feel trust in the vehicle. But now, I love it. Love driving it especially in the rough stuff, so glad I didn't get a second hand cruiser of the same price, would have been flogged out by now. Only caveat I would give a prospective purchaser, is keep it out of the water. Hasn't happened to me, but have heard from others the wheel bearings don't like water, if submerged and the bearing housing cools, water can be sucked in past the seals, and cause eventual bearing failure. Something Mahindra should look at re designing. I do go in water, but if it's above axle level I get out again as quick as I can, so there isn't enough time for the housing to cool and water to be sucked in. I don't do 4 wheel drive club type stuff where they cross rivers with water up to the windows, mine is a work vehicle and it works very hard, but also, I use my noggin and look after it.
Thanks Alastair - good tip on the bearings, although most axles suck water when going hot to cold which is why the serious guys fit breather tubes. However if the tolerance is a tad out from stock the situation could get worse - something else for me to look in to!
@@tweake7175 Yes. I have seen another 10 year old Mahindra with a rusty chassis, but recently saw another one same year as mine with the chassis spotlessly clean. So, not sure why mine got rust, but anyhow I felt it necessary to treat it for rust.
Extend the breathers...take those little rotating caps off, force a rubber hose over the nipple and extend the hose up high in the engine bay...do this for the breathers on the axles, gearbox and transfer case. Join the hose-ends at the firewall to an in-line fuel filter to stop dust ingress. If you are really serous, an air pump linked in and driver-switched to give slight positive pressure will keep all water out... no matter how hot before you go into water.
We owned Mahindra xuv 500 from last 6 years in India 🇮🇳 done 179000 km on it a lot as compared to Indian roads only we have changed in cars was break pads tyres and 1 time clutch plats or clutch wire that all. Love Mahindra so satisfying with 500. Now look forward to buy Xuv 700 in Australia 🇦🇺
I get that. There's a ton of LR influence in the Mah, the whole 'build it around the mechanicals' practical shape rather than pandering to a designer is pure old Landy or RR -
Big mountains yes, but over here it's the sheer distance of bad roads that kills vehicles. Metal fatigue and component failure mostly - very easy to clock up huge miles out back! Thanks for your comments tho - too true!
So far I'm really impressed, but you have to know I'm not the usual 'new car buyer', I like old tough machinery, always put function before form and have always believed that if you want to go fast, you ride a motorbike -
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY Fast!!!! We all have different ideas of that. Mate of mine told me if you pop your head up of the tank at 300+ it near rips your head off. Best vehicles I have owned was an old HJ47/45 and a 2.2 dsl hilux twin cab 👍
That's the plan - I wanted to get the beach thing up first but of to the outback soon as we can for some serious punting. On the low range backyard course the locking diff proved terrific so far.
Beauty - good feedback. Turning circle is also what breaks cv joints so restricting it means one less thing to break. Never heard of a Mah snapping a cv but get back to me after I fit the front locker.....
I've been told the block is the same by a Mah engineer - obviously modified. And I can see there's some parts that interchange - will look into it more - thanks.
Need more dealerships in Aus, especially Victoria. Pikups should be flying out the door given how popular the 70 series is. Big market for offroad ready utilitarian daily drivers. Just seems like not enough of the market know about it.
I'm a dairy cattle rancher and I've owned six toyota 70 series, a nissan patrol and a ford f150 among others and a week ago I got my first mahindra......I am amazed!!! How can you even get sooooo much for such a small amount of money??? I don't know if I'm going to be this happy always but from whar I've seen and tested in the mahindra, this is a car for many working years!! Thank you mahindra!!!
Please keep me informed as you how you fare with it - I've got a few station owners who've swapped to Mahs on the book and intend quizzing them as time goes by too. Thanks mate.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY and ossa60 you both will be happy because Mahindra vehicles are durable and the service cost is also on the lower side. Atleast this is what something that I can assure you guys from my experience based in India.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY mate any updates on when are we getting mahindra thar here???
Thanks mate FOR CHOOSING MAHINDRA PICKUP🙂
@@surendra7092 no...thank you Indians for your superb engineering!!!
Mahindra has been in the South African market for quite some time and has earned a solid reputation as a reliable workhorse. The dealership network and service levels are very high and owners appear to comment favourably on the no quibble approach to warranty issues which isnt often required. Definitely worth a look, especially for new-commers to our past time who want an economic, versatile and reliable entry vehicle.
Thanks Sean - Mahindra aren't really known in Australia so your opinion is really worthwhile.
I have driven one in Himachal region of India, which is full of big mountains and it was a treat to drive. It changed my opinion about Indian cars.
Yeah, I think we have to realise that Indian tech and engineering is right up there with anything the world has to offer. Ask the man who's installing your broadband!
I'm from Himachal Pradesh , near Spiti...
@@lammiji7273 damn bro Spiti valley is so damn beautiful!!!
@@jatin2866 😊💕❤️
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY Or your surgeon, dentist or GP lol
A company surviving in Indian markets with Indian road is definitely something.
Roads havent been same now bro. May b in very remote areas. Roads r pretty gud now. Very few percentage
Probably left.
In the northeast india up the delapidated mountain roads the vehicles thins out to only mahindra pickups, mahindra boleros and the tata sumo (now discontinued) These cars are the lifelines of the villagers.
The only down side is the rear over hang which is a trouble on the rocks. The only problem you can find on this pickup.
@@papaloo2000 yes its outta proportion if compared to rest of the body.
They r true blue SUV makers, what do u expect? 😂
Mahindra is value for money, reliable and is a capable workhorse. I have been using M&M for a while now no real trouble or reliability issues.
In India, the 7 seater SUV Scorpio sells like Hot Cakes. It is indeed very popular and extremely reliable. It can take abuse and is very easy to maintain. We had one for 12 years. Now we have the Mahindra XUV 5OO.
We have had our Bolero for the best part of 14 years now and utterly faultless.
Good review. A few years back I took their SUV XUV500 on to Fraser for a week and it performed very well. Steve 🇦🇺
That's one of their best SUV in very low budget ...and now they enter led in petrol field
Had a pickup from 2008 to 2015 towed my boat everywhere ,went to the Cape great truck ,would not hesitate to get another ,only sold it as we went overseas for work .
Which?
I'm am Indian, scorpio has always been my favourite since it's launch and the new generation is just too good. Still saving up to own one, I hope I can own one soon. Not forgetting that this comment section is the best I've gone through, read every one of them... Peace
Awesome to see someone as yourself enjoying the Mahindra, and seeing the value. I've owned the previous shaped double cab, and really enjoy i, then traded it in on the Mahindra Thar Both awesome vehicles and very capable. Mahindra is doing really well in south Africa, and I feel people is really starting to show interest in them. Cheerz from South Africa
I'm lining up to try a Thar when they get to Aussie, had a bit to do with the old Peugeot diesel Mah's - I reckon the company has come a million miles since then but the tough thing has stuck.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY i do agree with you 100%, here in south africa I've seen alot of guys going from well known brands such as ford and Toyota, and give Mahindra a chance, which 99% of them is extremely happy. They've really proven themselves over the past few years. Can't beat the value for money.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY well, you will be sad to know, but Mahindra has no plans to launch The Thar in Australia due to some controversies between Jeep And Mahindra..
Well, let's hope if it gets there too..
Do you the same thar which is available in India or roxor ?
I was looking at these a while ago. I'm a little surprised I don't see more Mahindra's about. They look like the best bang for your buck at the moment.
Yet they are never in any of the Ute comparisons, maybe they don’t pay for the advertising .
I got an NP300 Navara 2017 model with only 50,000km on the clock, when I pay off the loan I'm getting rid of it and getting one of these rigs. Can't beat tough as nails reliability and the Mahindra definitely delivers that.
I've got a Mahindra tractor, tough as nails. If the utes are as tough they will be a good thing.
this is one of the best looking new trucks ive seen in a long time i wish we could get these here in the states
the 2022 version will launch with better build quality and features in USA
I agree!!
I wish we could to, but our auto makers especially Jeep are to busy building over priced large trucks an expensive Jeeps plus they don't like competition. I would like to have a ROXOR but it's off road only an classified as a side by side. Plus they had to change the looks because it looked to much like the old jeep CJ.
I have been watching and listening to your reviews since community TV, around 1994 I think, and you put an honest aussie perspective out there good work keep it up.
I have had one personally for a little over 4 years now (previous model to the current) nearly 90,000ks, not much sand work but it gets a bit boggy on the farm, have extracted the 4wd tractor a couple of times with it, a couple of electrical gremlins (door solenoid, but had an identical problem on a Monaro) and such, but mechanically bullet-proof, great to drive. First 'farm' one traded at about 100,000k (was still going strong, but we were offered a crazy changeover on a new one), second 'farm' one ~4 years/80,000k and still good, better to drive that the SR5 Hilux parked next to them.
I own a 2014 model and absolutely love it... Mine is FULLY kitted out for touring off-road and i can buy 2 of them for the price of a kitted out hilux... P.S. Love the factory rear diff lock...
Any chance there is a place I can see a photo
Drive A 2010 Mahindra Thar, rough but so good. Get complemented many A time in the bush. "Hey, listen to that engine"! Its the only car that can proudly pronounce its name, thar ,thartharthartharrrrrrr! Best to you.
They also launched a new 2020 Thar this year but I don't know if they are available outside India
Thar was sold in Australia too? I had not idea
@@sounoks3180 FCA stays cautious to challenge Mahindra wherever possible! Truly envious
For the last 12 or more years I have constantly asked Mahindra owners how good is their vehicle (Scorpio) and pickup and HAVE NEVER HAD A NEGATIVE COMMENT IN 12 YEARS. Never heard that from any other make of vehicle owner in all my years. They are very very popular in this country.
Regards from South Africa
Always had huge respect for you Roothy for being your own man and going against the grain. Everyone else is chopping 200 series and putting portals on 79s- you've been playing with 40 year old cruisers, jeeps and now a Mahindra!
Very interested to see/hear more about these. Not sure what Indian quality control is like - but if these can withstand 'roads' in rural India, then Aussie conditions will be a breeze.
Only things that would put me off straight away is low towing capacity and underpowered motor. But for someone not concerned about towing it wouldn't be an issue.
It’s got more power than my trusty d22 haha. But not much
Thanks for that - you've nailed it. Big thing for me has always been how much you actually need to go touring, as opposed to what people think they have to spend to get out there. It's rated to 2500kg but I haven;'t tow tested it yet, did have a half ton of compressor in the back and it actually made it more comfortable... leaf springs, sigh.... gotta love 'em.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY I hear you! I'm literally pulling crap off my car and out of my canopy right now after 6mnths of travelling bang on GVM. Didn't need half the gear, but I lugged it around the state putting strain on everything, looking like a rolling 4x4 catalogue. Ahh well, life's lessons 😂
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY amen
2020 Pik up S10+ owner here
Still feeling it
(And still enjoying the $30k in my bank I didn't need to spend on other utes)
Thanks mate - that's a fair dinkum review!
It's a shame these won't be available in Canada. Love that flatbed at the :20 second mark. Wouldn't mind finding something like that for my 02 gmc sonoma 4x4.
Called a tray in aus, should see our steel trays if you think that one is good 👌🏼
They are a great vehicle, and for those who are looking for function at a good price, it's the only choice to make - the alternative is Chinese made and no-one should buy that.
On you mate!!! Amazing how many nobs confuse Chinese and Indian build quality and engineering. They couldn't be more different. And with China fencing off bits of Australia too...
I think your going to eat your words mate. Lets set aside the whole current aus/china issue, but I think you will be shocked how far the Chinese have come on cars in many cases superpassing the competition. I think you will be blown away with cars they will bring here in the next decade.
Also whats the safety of this Mahindra like, not interested in all the bells and whistles but it doesn't look like something you will walk away from in any semi serious accident ? Im happy to give the brand a go, but not dying in a car crash is also high on my priority list haha
Just had a look at crash footage, would strongly advise anyone against getting this death trap, unless you plan to mainly use it off road or on a farm. Just not worth your life. 2 star crash rating.
@@aleks0001 No, I won't eat my words, and yes, nothing in my remaining time on earth will see me in a CCP product.
@@aleks0001 A hard to take you seriously when you quote a 2011 crash rating. They are now 4 star. Don't spread bullshit mate, makes you look like an idiot.
I own a Mahindra Xylo - drove it from Mumbai to the last village on India’s border with Tibet in Himachal Pradesh. Drove on some of the most dangerous and steep mountains in the world. Crossed Kunzum pass at 15000 feet. All in all - a 5000 kms return journey. Not a single breakdown in the entire trip except a fuel pipe which came off due to large rocks on the mountains. I still have the vehicle - 9 years old - yet runs perfectly.
keen to see how these go for longevity on our roads. I spent a lot of time in the passenger seat of Mahindra's on a trip to Nepal. The average driver over there drives worse roads on there daily commute than 90% of 4x4 owners in Australia ever drive so you can't say it wasn't built for hard conditions. I wonder what the O.E. and aftermarket part support is like in Aus.
Good comments and good questions - OE support from what I've asked so far seems pretty good, largely because there's heaps of common parts across the range and with the tractors. No idea on after market but I guess it's the usual - anything non specific will be fine. Love to know if anyone knows more???
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY aftermarket parts can be sourced from India if some one agrees to buy in good quantities for their sales
Great review Roothy, I like the look of them, but I also find the Royal Enfield Himalayan an attractive off road motorcycle... we don't all need flashy bells and whistles, and if it gets you where you want to go safely and reliably, what else does a fella need.👍
Yep, I reckon spend the money on fuel and pubs, not waste it on having the fanciest truck in the office car park...
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY absolutely 💯
Avoid unnecessary attention...fly under the radar...
These Mahindras and thr Royal Enfields are ur proper underdogs
Got my 2008 mahindra for 250k miles, it only needed a water pump replacement, with on time mantinence, 1 ton loads every week and one heavy foot
Say any the maintenance part too.what all maintenance did u do ?
Abt*
Did you said Toyota or a mahindra. 👍
My family is having Mahindra jeep from 1978 and we kept replaced with Mahindra models till now. For me Mahindra means reliability, power, rough and value for money.
India . Our friends and allies, sold Roothy. A good move. Manual gearbox too 👍
Wish we had those in the USA. We miss out on a lot of great vehicles.
Definitely piquing my interest. Will be calling in at a dealer for a test drive asap. Time to trade in the old Grand Cherokee
I pulled out 4 bogged landcruisers with my mahindra pik up on the weekend. I was only in 2h were they all got bogged in 4 low... I was once a toyota fanboi. But I have now seen the light .
From east to west mahindra is best.
John thank you for this interesting and informative review. Certainly a capable 4x4 to consider. With that said I look forward to the launch of the Mahindra Thar 4x4 in Australia this year in Australia.
mahindra new thar scored more stars in global ncap than wrangler in safety
Dude euro ncap and global ncap are totally different , otherwise the safety score of both the vehicles are same ! The jeep wrangler scored a little higher for adult safety while the Mahindra Thar scored higher in child safety ! Otherwise both are great !
@@shankarwain4289 There is still a catch.. Euro NCAP rated Wrangler as structurally unstable. Its the same test for both Euro and Global NCAP in structural integrity test.. Thar is structurally stable btw
@@AdarshKookal yes I can agree with that ,2 stars are minimum for the thar in euro standards compared to wrangler's 1 star ! With safety pack of the euro ncap it can score 3 to 4 stars!
@@shankarwain4289 kuch V ...
@@samudrakumarbarman1979 kya matlab ! Maine bas general fact bataya ! Nothing more that !
i am here in australia living here for last three years but basically i am from India. My father bought mahindra tractor in 1994 and its still keep going, we never ever had any big problem with engine and gear box since we bought this tractor . Such a reliable company
Love from india mate you earned a subscriber,really epic review ,try to look mahindra thar and you willbe surprised.
Remember how we used to feel about Hyundai in Australia? The Excel days when you could change gears without depressing the clutch. And now Hyundai build a hatch/sedan than Toyota.
There's limited options for us normal folk who don't want to run a V8 diesel or have rear axles that don't track with the front ones for 80k. Worth a look.
On ya mate - keep an open mind, I am - we'll see how she goes long term and I'm going to find some owners in the outback and get their opinions too. Most city folk just want the power ranger look to go to the shops...
For the love of god .... the front track is supposed to wider !! I’m so sick of hearing about that . It helps with stability when breaking and cornering at the same time ... Most vehicles are like that .
@@AndyL940 actually that's not true. I live in South Africa in the Kalahari region. Lots of sand. On sandy roads and gravel roads the wider front keeps searching for a track and when the weels finds a track it does not stick to it and tries to climb. With that you get a car that walks abought constantly and keeps you busy behind the wheel. I actually put deep dish rims at the back and it stabilise the whole truck. But I'm just a farmer so what would I know. A lot of the farmers here have traded their trucks for a Mahindra and are now on their second or third one. Tels you something doesn't it?
@@AndyL940 There is a reason that nearly all the serious 79 buyers pay many thousands of dollars for an aftermarket rear end to fix the short cut that Toyota was to lazy to address.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY I agree mate, more money than brains!
what an honest review...we don't get these back home in India. people here buy the Isuzu D-Max instead for double the money.
Would love to know how tall a tyre u can go plus what sort of suspension lifts are available but looking at it - as good as it may be, clearance looks like it would be an issue... (be nice if it came with a SOLID FRONT DIFF option ;) )
Something other than the usual make of vehicles is always a good thing imo
Cheap to buy, expensive to maintain here in South Africa. Had to replace a front cv charged me R12 500 for the shaft. But they are good vehicles. My sister has a XUV that has done over 260 000km and still going strong.
Same in NZ. Problem is, Mahindra in countries like NZ, appoint someone to be the agent, and you can only get parts from the agent, they have a monopoly. Here in NZ that means that Mahindra parts are crazy expensive. So I looked up the parts in India, they are crazy cheap, stunningly cheap. But Mahindra will not sell to me direct. Just wish I knew someone in India.
@@alastair1955 There are people importing directly from India to South Africa. Mabe ask around and see if there are any direct importers.
@@mullerandre95 Hey thanks Andre, unfortunately I'm in New Zealand
@@alastair1955 just tweet to Mr. Anand Mahindra,
Sometimes he's super active on social media.
@@mercedesbenz3751 Thanks I'll try it
Is it availabel in 4x4.
The industrial version is looking beautiful..
Bit like the story with Royal Enfield now.
Very similar - I rode one around India in 1984 - great fun but had issues. The 2017 Enfield Himalayan I tested is so good I bought it rather than give it back... and it's still going hard without all the complexities and plastic most bikes have nowadays.
True 😮
@@ananddarnal6702 And they have the lowest particulate contamination in the engine after manufacture.
Hi Roothy, already liking Mahindra after your review. Do you reckon, there will be automatic versions available soon in Aussie and down here where I'm in NZ?
Mahindra Scorpio ❤️
The time it takes an Aussie to say Mahiiiindraa, he can get from point A to point B on the beach.
Hahah - yeah, we speak slow - but I think maybe we use less words to say the same things...
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY it was only meant in a healthy way as in reference to how it is pronounced in India, which is Mhindra
I have owned one for 5 years now,,,happy as with it,,,great on the beach, and in the bush,,,great on fuel, comfort and no fancy stuff to get in the way,,, only problem is parts,,,silly parts,,, plugs for gearbox, indicator relays etc,,just not in Australia,,,
Mahindra are at the top when it comes to pocket friendly off-roading. The Indian versions - Scorpio, Bolero, Thar... dominate the Indian mountains. Hence it is the top choice for the Military, Government and Law enforcement. Heck! the Indian Prime Minister has Scorpios in his Official fleet. Glad to see Indian products being well-appreciated in Australia and South Africa.
I hope that Mahindra will sell the Roxor offroader in Australia....
How does snorkel perform in heavy rain... Since it's placed straight.. Does any water get in?
I'm looking forward to all the follow-up episodes. I'm sceptical yet can't wait to be proven wrong.
Not bad looking rig on face value alone though.
My partner has been considering a LDV, maybe this might be another contender.
Would love it more if it kept the tractor noise . Imagine that every morning for the neighbours.
In India people change the engine to get that tractor noise.
That place is breathtaking, must be nice cruising around that beach
Guess it makes a good beach 4x4 cause when you get it stuck and the tide starts lapping at it you can just cut your losses and walk away and never look back.
I would be all over this if they were available in the USA. Maybe Mahindra should sell it here as a SxS truck.
Most dual cab rear seating is like sitting on a wooden park bench with zero back adjustment.
Is the Mahindra any different.
I own an Mahindra XUV500 since 2013 , all I can say what a car..I do 800km drive at a stretch non stop ! Never get tired driving it , already clocked 140K km . next month i will be taking delivery of the new THAR !! Though I own a Hyundai sedan , when it comes to frugality - service and running costs . Mahindra comes a topper ..
This is one of the toughest cars on indian roads best off road car and very economical.
No it’s not
Not even close
Very unreliable
It's doesn't even sell well here,
Not talking about Scorpio , just the Getaway
Proud to see Indian brand in foreign country ❤️
seems like my first car will be a Mahindra! i guess it will help me a lot for side hustles too.
Hey John, do you think it will survive to cape york trip. looking to buy in a week's time.
I’ll be trading in my Amarok , it feels like it’s got a golf engine and gearbox remapped to give torque lower down , I’d rather have a tractor based engine remapped or twigged for the mahindra.
Great video rooothy. I pick up my pastoral pack tomorrow. Will be fitting a winch and a 40mm lift early in the new year.
Very proud that even Australians are happy with Mahindra quality..
This was first car of mahindra that was not designed on jeep platform. This is the ace of spade of Mahindra.
Hello from nz Hi John could you please tell me are there any issues on sand with the auto & petrol engine combo I’m retired & need a reliable beach transport regards Nik
Indian cars are competing like hell in international markets the pace India is gaining in automobile sector is appreciable... I own both a ford and a mahindra the power delivery at intial torque is so much phenomenal i can get over it in mahindra.
Good truck , had a 2014. parts are cheap out of India, dealer support and warenty are both excelent.
Far more room inside and better ergonomics than comparable utes.
What's parts availability like though? And do you need specialist equipment to work on them? Toyota's are so prevelant in the bush because you can fix them with a rock and find your spare parts on the side of the track! I want something like this to be a good thing, but I'm skeptical at best.
Yeh hope they come around ... good thing about toyota can download techstream and have All the access to the ecu for diagnosis and fixing shit ...can program keys everything the dealer can do ...
I had mine for 7 years ,no parts issues ,all the filters are generic and there is a good dealer in network.
Made in india ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wonderful video. Just some details on the powertrain. If its a 2.2 or a 2 ltr, they were purpose built for the passenger car segment. They have been around for some time. The old 2.6 ltr was tractor derived and that too was updated to a 2.5 ltr version purpose built for the passenger segment. Mahindra is a motivated group and worked well with its vendors (from engine management to the drive train component manufacturers) to make their cars engaging and good value for money.
It shows because this brand is becoming more popular in Australia.
I have the 2014 single cab model which I have owned since new. 147,000 km's on it now. I'm a beekeeper so go in some very rough country, with some very heavy loads, well over the ton you are supposed to keep it down to. When I first bought it, I was a little worried it being a cheapy vehicle. And then first day, it broke down, my heart sank, I thought I'd made a terrible mistake. It was making a heckuva noise and blowing thick clouds of smoke. NZ Mahindra towed it away, but had it back to me the next day, the issue was a failed injector. After that experience which dented my confidence, it took another 20 or 30 thousand KM's before i started to feel trust in the vehicle. But now, I love it. Love driving it especially in the rough stuff, so glad I didn't get a second hand cruiser of the same price, would have been flogged out by now. Only caveat I would give a prospective purchaser, is keep it out of the water. Hasn't happened to me, but have heard from others the wheel bearings don't like water, if submerged and the bearing housing cools, water can be sucked in past the seals, and cause eventual bearing failure. Something Mahindra should look at re designing. I do go in water, but if it's above axle level I get out again as quick as I can, so there isn't enough time for the housing to cool and water to be sucked in. I don't do 4 wheel drive club type stuff where they cross rivers with water up to the windows, mine is a work vehicle and it works very hard, but also, I use my noggin and look after it.
Thanks Alastair - good tip on the bearings, although most axles suck water when going hot to cold which is why the serious guys fit breather tubes. However if the tolerance is a tad out from stock the situation could get worse - something else for me to look in to!
@Alastair Little
didn't you get the chassis recoated due to the rust ??
@@tweake7175 Yes. I have seen another 10 year old Mahindra with a rusty chassis, but recently saw another one same year as mine with the chassis spotlessly clean. So, not sure why mine got rust, but anyhow I felt it necessary to treat it for rust.
Extend the breathers...take those little rotating caps off, force a rubber hose over the nipple and extend the hose up high in the engine bay...do this for the breathers on the axles, gearbox and transfer case. Join the hose-ends at the firewall to an in-line fuel filter to stop dust ingress. If you are really serous, an air pump linked in and driver-switched to give slight positive pressure will keep all water out... no matter how hot before you go into water.
Love Mahindra
From India ✌️
How is the fuel consumption?
I am a proud indian. After watching this video, i am sure that India will become no 1 superpower.
Dude please close your mouth *I'm too indian
Rats! Had made up my mind to buy a Toyota Hilux Surf. Now I may have to test drive this. Great video and stunning backdrop. What a beautiful country
Where do you get the front metal bumper how much did it cost?
We owned Mahindra xuv 500 from last 6 years in India 🇮🇳 done 179000 km on it a lot as compared to Indian roads only we have changed in cars was break pads tyres and 1 time clutch plats or clutch wire that all. Love Mahindra so satisfying with 500. Now look forward to buy Xuv 700 in Australia 🇦🇺
I'm bought the mhindra 475 tractor year of 1999 to till date 2022 the performance is very well.
does manindra put timing chains on their tractors? it should be gears.
Indian cars vs Chinese cars? Just curious
I know china produces alot but i don't know if they are sold outside china.
You got that right John... Stay strong and happy mate 🤠
Everyone loves to hate because they're indian, but the fact is if the new Suzuki Jimny had this motor and gearbox you'd all be gushing over it.
But Australian loves India and dislikes CCP China.
thing is mate most duel cabs of all makes are built-in Thailand for the Australian market EG it is why I refused to pay 65k for Hilux
Awesome review John and great video editing . Love from India
We have mahindra here.. And the SUV is so amazing 👍
Current ANCAP score is 3 stars which is a shocker. That is for 2012 onwards, they may have made improvements since then??
Many Land Rover owners are jumping ship to Mahindra. They could be the spiritual successor to the Defender in time.
Land rovers aren't land rovers anymore
Many? Where are your stats?
I get that. There's a ton of LR influence in the Mah, the whole 'build it around the mechanicals' practical shape rather than pandering to a designer is pure old Landy or RR -
Mahindra has conquered the Himalayas in India and Nepal. Australia should be a cake walk.
Big mountains yes, but over here it's the sheer distance of bad roads that kills vehicles. Metal fatigue and component failure mostly - very easy to clock up huge miles out back! Thanks for your comments tho - too true!
Wow i was expecting a lot more negativity :-) Edit. From the comments NOT from Roothy 😀
don't
So far I'm really impressed, but you have to know I'm not the usual 'new car buyer', I like old tough machinery, always put function before form and have always believed that if you want to go fast, you ride a motorbike -
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY Fast!!!! We all have different ideas of that. Mate of mine told me if you pop your head up of the tank at 300+ it near rips your head off.
Best vehicles I have owned was an old HJ47/45 and a 2.2 dsl hilux twin cab 👍
Nice 79 series even has cupholders.
Actually it's a bit short on cupholders - only two in centre console,
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY that's 1 more cup holder than a 79.
These beaches are cake walk for Mahindras. They are built to better indian roads. Simply enough to take on world terrain
Been thinking bout one of these I’d like to see more off-road use mate if u get round to it great vid as always mate cheers
More off-road coming up!! Lot's more - want to get it right,.
@@JOHNROOTHROOTHY ripper mate have fun with it merry Christmas to you and the handbrake cheers
Thanks for reviewing the Mahindra. Any chance you giving it a test over tracks you are familiar and do a few videos on it in all type of situations?
That's the plan - I wanted to get the beach thing up first but of to the outback soon as we can for some serious punting. On the low range backyard course the locking diff proved terrific so far.
We can send rockets in budget . Making cars durable , reliable , in a budget is cakewalk .
I bought one of these for a work wagon, and I'm wrapped with it and would recommend to anyone. Only down side is not a very good turning circle
Beauty - good feedback. Turning circle is also what breaks cv joints so restricting it means one less thing to break. Never heard of a Mah snapping a cv but get back to me after I fit the front locker.....
Roothy, can you give us another update on the Mahindra, have you taken it outback?
2.2 mhawk engine is not from a tractor..developed in house and used in other products like xuv 500..
I've been told the block is the same by a Mah engineer - obviously modified. And I can see there's some parts that interchange - will look into it more - thanks.
Need more dealerships in Aus, especially Victoria. Pikups should be flying out the door given how popular the 70 series is. Big market for offroad ready utilitarian daily drivers. Just seems like not enough of the market know about it.
Really hope they bring these to the US.
I love it Mahindra 😉
Wish the uk would take on mahindra I reckon they wouod sell very fast