Which vehicle to buy for a Himalayan Road Tour?

[hondatoyotafan]

In that case go for a used safari dicor 4x4 vx with abs and airbags,if u can stretch your budget you can go for a new one.it will be great.

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by kesri

Just to clarify, my budget upper limit for this Rs 9-10 lacs; with all accessories & music system etc. - Kesri

A Scorpio 4WD will fit this budget, but has to be ordered approx 2 months in advance. Very reliable vehicle, and M&M service centres have parts avilable ex-stock.

[vkochar]

Scorpio all the way I would say. Very Reliable and really good to drive. I have never driven the 4X4 But people say its really good.

Comfort wise - Safari EX 4X4, will cost near your budget.

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by vkochar

Comfort wise - Safari EX 4X4, will cost near your budget.

Your call!
A wee bit more comfort or utter reliability! We're specifically talking himalayas here, remember!

[vkochar]

Originally Posted by anupmathur

Your call!
A wee bit more comfort or utter reliability! We're specifically talking himalayas here, remember!

That's why I said Scorpio first. It is no doubt an excellent SUV perfect for that Himalyan trip.

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by vkochar

That's why I said Scorpio first. It is no doubt an excellent SUV perfect for that Himalyan trip.

While that might be slightly strong language, I would like to qualify this statement in some more ways:
The reason why a lot of us buy a Safari or a Scorpio is simply that our budgets do not permit us to go for Endys or Tucsons or Pajeros.
Consider this: Even if I were to be offered a choice, regardless of budget, to choose a vehicle for touring the Himalayas, I'd opt for a Scorpio. The reason is very simple: an Endy breaks down, through no fault of yours, due to an Act of God, like a big stone rolling down the mountainside and breaking your car's axle/wheel assembly, your trip comes to an end. Ditto for many of the best SUVs. The humble Scorpio can be repaired in the himalayas, with a lot of inconvenience no doubt, but it can be done. For the Endy or the Tucson, you bring them back on a truck to the plains - even Chandigarh might not be good enough; you might need to come to Delhi!!

MY VIEW. Sorry, no offence meant to others. And maybe I'm saying all this because the grapes are sour!!
And...and... I must add: IMO, THE best is still the Gypsy for our mountains. If you can live with its very modest trim/ride quality, the Gypsy STILL rocks!

[zenx]

Originally Posted by anupmathur

And...and... I must add: IMO, THE best is still the Gypsy for our mountains. If you can live with its very modest trim/ride quality, the Gypsy STILL rocks!

From evidence at hand around the hills, I'd agree. Also the Boleros/Commanders! Used a lot by local transporters - esp the pickups.

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by zenx

From evidence at hand around the hills, I'd agree. Also the Boleros/Commanders! Used a lot by local transporters - esp the pickups.

Quite so, Zenx! Sorry, I ought to have mentioned those.