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Originally Posted by Moody Dilemma: So my question to all you Gypsy lovers is that am I overlooking something which would make the Gypsy absolutely unfit for my case. Please be the devils advocate for me, my heart is growing too powerful over my head. I would appreciate any inputs from you guys. Disclaimer: I have no previous experience with any Jeeps/4x4 so please correct any of my presumptions about them. My experience with cars is limited to Mazda 3; BMW 3 series convertible(In US), WagonR, VW Vento (India) |
I've driven a few Gypsies, hardtop, soft-top, and even four-door altered body, both here in Himachal, and in Mizoram where my father-in-law owned one (also have driven his current Wagon-R Stingray quite extensively there). My brother had a Mazda 3 (wagon), and a longtime U.S.-based friend / former college roomie is a high-level BMW tech who's owned a whole slew of 3-series (besides an M5 - and had a 735i myself). So though my tastes and their progression/regression may not be typical, I might have a pertinent perspective, at least.
I also don't think it needs to be a simple head vs. heart thing. If someone wants a Gypsy because they want the tough image, and inside they're really a mouse with no intention of ever really utilizing the thing, then it's almost a kind of dishonesty that will not ultimately satisfy. If on the other hand someone "downgrades" from a posh European luxury sedan to a strong, spartan little 4x4 because they are feeling a decreasing desire for pampering and advanced technology, and because they can value the Maruti for its actual merits and how it fits into a proposed lifestyle (a lot of people worldwide are getting into a mindset of back-to-basics "simplification" these days), then it can be a good, practical choice with even LESS compromises than the alternatives. In short, this comes down to the really important, ALL-important question of what one truly values in life. With that in view, nobody (oneself included) can really tell you what kind of car to buy without really understanding the core motivations.
I think others have outlined pretty well most Gypsy pros and cons, but I've wondered if many/most of the con's could be resolved with minor mods. To add my two paise:
Gypsies have become a HUGE seller up here around Manali the past couple years, far surpassing sales of the Thar-DI/Crd, and everyone who buys them does seem to drive them happily on a daily basis, many being modified with larger tyres, snorkels, etc. Of course, speeds are not too high here, and there's generally no need of A/C. Compared to other rather rudimentary 4x4 vehicle options (Bolero LX, or even our old Marshal):
1. Indeed ridiculous that the turning radius should be even more than our Marshal (a much larger vehicle), especially when the Gypsy has CV-joint front axles (vs. the u-joints of the M&M's) and theoretically are capable of greater shaft angles. I keep wondering if some modification (longer arm on the steering gear, for example, or maybe even a simple adjustment of the steering stops?) could rectify this, as with stock tyres there seems some leeway re: leaf-spring clearance. Shorter-wheelbase U.S.-market Suzuki Samurai's (a cousin was once a salesman and sometimes offroader) were considered to be highly maneuverable with good turning radius, so not sure of the problem here.
2. Road handling and feel of the controls, and even seating position, versus our Marshal, feels decidedly much more car-like (I do drive some small cars up here, too - Alto, Zen, i10, M800, etc). Really depends on how much you need to be coddled. Not much sound insulation, but much smoother and maybe even quieter than most of the the M&M diesel options.
3. Ride quality universally considered harsh, and same for the Thar DI / Bolero LX 4x4 / Camper. BUT the (heavier) 4-door hardtop Gypsy I've driven was surprisingly plush (as is a standard model with 6-8 adults aboard), so it really comes down to an issue of vehicle weight vs. spring rates. Our Marshal's ride was also excessively harsh before removing a couple leafs from the spring packs and re-arching the remaining ones; I can see no reason this couldn't be done with the Gypsy with equally favorable results. This is not rocket science. Incidentally, the Wagon-R (Stingray) ride is rather firm itself, and I've driven both on the same roads. Something can be done here. No, it's not going to handle/ride like a 3-series, but it should be possible to make it much more than merely tolerable. It's got live axles, but they're a lot lighter weight units than on the M&M's, and should be pretty easy to keep controlled even with softer springing.
4. Interior is spartan but functional, and stock buckets reasonably comfy and form-fitting in my view; space and packaging is actually quite good for a car with externally quite compact dimensions (in account, largely, of the short hood). Can't sit three across in a front-facing rear seat, but you CAN put that seat quite forward from its usual position and still have decent legroom and a LOT of luggage room in back. The Bolero's middle/rear seat room is pathetic considering the car's size, and the Marshal is even worse (long hood originally designed with inline-six-cylinder engines in mind).
5. Fuel average is a lot better on the MPFI engines than on the old carb models, with more power to boot. One friend here is claiming 14 in daily use (Rohtang and back). That sounds optimistic to me, but 12, at least, should be possible, which is as good as my neighbor's well-kept i10 is getting up here. Low-end torque is lacking, especially compared to the M&M DI's, but no worse than the Crd/mHawk's, and much more linear. And moreover, it's an engine that doesn't mind being revved high, being quite smooth (smoother than the Wagon-R Stingray). Like any car, have to adjust driving habits to the mechanical design a bit.
Think a lot of this really comes down to one's expectations. To me, a hardtop Gypsy with an A/C conversion, softened springs (not at all costly, if you can find someone to do it) and maybe some mod for the turning radius would be a fully feasible do-everything sort of vehicle for city/hill/light highway use. Simple, rugged, and reliable, with reasonable levels of passenger comfort, a car you could drive all day and easily carry enough stuff in for long weekends / holidays.
I do not pretend to represent the opinions of the majority, however.
-Eric