Mahindra pick-up compared to a Puma Defender

They seem to slog on forever in India so they must be durable.

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Originally Posted by cafe latte

How do you know, have you tried one?
One came third in the 5,000km Brazilian rally ( third in that class) which is a very tough rally indeed so they are no flimsy farm runabout. I know two people who have them, one does a lot of serious 4x4ing and they rate the Mahindra highly. If you think it is small check out the dimensions they are very similar to a Defender, actually the Mahindra is huge inside, one of the most roomy back seats I have seen. I love my Puma to bits, I hope I can have it for a very long time indeed, but for what it costs the Mahindra looks like a bargain to me. I bought the Defender with forever in mind, but the Mahindra only cost me 22k (Defender 57k) with loads of extras the Mahinda does not need to last forever, but seeing how my my friends treat theirs I might be surprised how long the Mahindra lasts.
When I check the Mahinda out whatever it faults are I will list them all here, I am very fussy about stuff if something is not right it will be noted. So far the faded plastic on the steering wheel and a naf gear knob, but I have not crawled underneath yet or put it through its paces so I am sure I will find more..
I found some interesting mods you can do, 2 inch lift and 120kw chip looks very interesting indeed. A company in NSW do a bunch of other mine spec mods too well priced as well.
I hope the Mahindra lives up to expectations, but at the end of the day 22k for almost brand new with loads of extras whatever it turns out to be I cant complain.
Anyway when I get home on Wednesday I will start putting the Mahindra through its paces. I dont expect it to be a Defender, but I am hoping it will be good.
Cheers
Chris

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All things considered, including your other thread desperately pleading for help to find a 130 instead of a Mahindra, and then your comment about having to amputate your right arm to drive a Defender?, I'm confused. I reckon my personal observations about the Mahindra are fair. Sure looks can be deceiving, it might be the most capable durable ute in the world. And no i haven't driven one, because I'm not interested in buying one based on looks alone. I hope it's an awesome truck for you. The price is great that's for sure, but what is the point of a comparo thread if the only responses you accept are positive ones? Best wishes, each to their own.

You mention a bit of rough ride - how does it ride with a bit of weight in the rear?

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Originally Posted by MrLandy

All things considered, including your other thread desperately pleading for help to find a 130 instead of a Mahindra, and then your comment about having to amputate your right arm to drive a Defender?, I'm confused. I reckon my personal observations about the Mahindra are fair. Sure looks can be deceiving, it might be the most capable durable ute in the world. And no i haven't driven one, because I'm not interested in buying one based on looks alone. I hope it's an awesome truck for you. The price is great that's for sure, but what is the point of a comparo thread if the only responses you accept are positive ones? Best wishes, each to their own.

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I am still looking for a 130, if you read the other thread properly it was to be a Mahindra INSTEAD of a 130 hence my thread, now my missus wants the Mahindra (as I said on the other thread). So now it is a Mahindra AND a 130 so I am much happier.
Re the right arm thing I love my Defender, but clunky drive line (you forgot to mention that) and the door against my right shoulder are the two issues of the Defender for me. Neither deal breakers, I want the clunk sorted and I will be pushing for a solution at the next service, but a different driving style gets over the arm thing to some extent, but it is annoying all the same. That said it was a joy to drive without looking for a place for my arm so it is a positive point for the Mahindra. Happy to hear alternative views on the Mahindra, but lets make them real. Ie you cant say they are small when they are very big and saying they are only good as a farm run around when they are known to be good off road. Not the best looking car, yes I am with you on that one, some poor interior finish you have a point, but lets keep this to what the car is not to unfounded opinions which are no help.
I have already critisized the Mahindra with the neg points I have found so far and I WILL post any other problems I find, I have no reason not to. I wanted a Defender all my life, finally I have one, I also have a series 3 ute for the farm and I am looking for a 130 project which the missus is happy about so even better. I am a Landy tragic, but I like the Mahindra too, I am curious to see which is better at what off and on road what is wrong with that?
Cheers
Chris

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Originally Posted by crash

You mention a bit of rough ride - how does it ride with a bit of weight in the rear?

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It is not rough it is quite good, but if you hit a sunken bit of road there is a slight bounce, I am being very picky here, but I am trying to be very honest. The suspension is a touch hard at the back, but aftermarket is available which apparently is more suited for off road also with a 2 inch lift. The stock suspension though will carry huge loads which is designed for india. Not sure what I will do yet re the suspension, it is comfortable enough, not that much worse than my Defender, but my Defender normally has all my stuff in the back so that will help too. Re the mahindra I will be carrying loads quite a bit so I will wait and see which way I go.
The Mahindra we bought has the aluminium tray and it had nothing in it so I am sure when it has the boxes on the back with some bits and bobs in it will be more than fine.
The bouncy thing is so subtle it is a non issue, part of me wants a lifted suspension, need to wait and use the car for a bit. The missus has sort of claimed this car though so I may not get a say in it.:)
Chris

Im guessing leather isnt an option,seeing they are built in India.
Andrew

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Originally Posted by BMKal

A mate of mine owns a few cranes which he dry-hires out to remote minesites. His two business / service vehicles are ..............

1. A SsangYong dual cab ute which he has had for quite a few years now. Ugly as sin (IMO) but has never missed a beat, and is much better to ride in than a HiLux.

2. A Mahindra dual cab ute, which he has had for a couple of years now, and is so far very happy with it. Spends most of its life travelling some pretty ordinary dirt roads, usually carrying a heavy load with drums of fuel / oils etc. I've driven it a couple of times, and would rate it better than many of its Japanese competitors. As caffe latte has said - looks much better with a decent bulbar and a couple of lights on the front. ;)

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And I had a Great Wall and didn't fix a thing in 12 months working out of Kal. Pat

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Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Im guessing leather isnt an option,seeing they are built in India.
Andrew

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:D Happy about that, I have ordered the canvas seat covers as they are in my F truck and they are perfect for off roading and farm duties. I found the car I found cheap, but if I had bought new new I would have gone the mine pack with rubber floors too, I hate carpets in cars.
Chris

On the way home, stopped in Townsville to pick up the new car (Mahindra). Missus drove it so far and she is super happy, she said it has great visability. No odd smells I checked and it looks a lot higher than I remembered, but I will get the tape out when I get home. As soon as I have a min I will test it off road should be in the next couple of days.
Only minus point is the service book is not stamped for the initial pre buy inspection and the 5 and 10,000km service, but the 15 and 25 are there. It should have a full service history so I will ring them in the morning. Even if they where not done it wont hurt anything, but it is not the point.. Car is perfect otherwise and missus said the aircon is freezing which is good. I need actually to start another thread when I get back about the huge heat that comes from the gearbox tunnel on the Defender. It starts to cook you even with the aircon on on a long trip, there must be a solution?
Anyway re the Mahindra picks and review coming soon, if I am not too tired tomorrow when I get back I will take it for a run rould the farm and see how it goes, no promises though as I am buggered. I won the shoot I went to though :D so tired but happy.
Chris

Interesting.