Moving to India - MM Thar vs New Gypsy

ajdallas · 14th January 2010, 21:30

Note from Mod : The Thar's full test & review has been uploaded at this link. Thread closed. Please continue the discussion over on the review thread.

Hi, i am moving to India for a couple of years from USA. I have been an offroad enthusiast forever, I have owned the excellent Jeep Wrangler straight six 4x4(TJ) and now am driving 2007 Toyota 4 runner sport 4x4. Unfortunately cannot bring my 4runner to India - hence looking at getting a regular vehicle(Innova probably) and one relatively cheap 4x4 - my two options as far as I can see - brand new - are the new upcoming Thar or a brand new Gypsy. It seems they will both fall in a similar price range(5-6lacs). I am leaning toward Thar -with the hardtop+AC so I can use it as a daily use vehicle as well.

Any suggestions?

BTW - this is my first post on team-bhp - I have been following this site for the last few months since I decided to move on an assignment to Mumbai and am really kean to meet some fellow team-bhpians in Mumbai.

AJ

Amar82 · 14th January 2010, 22:48

I won't go for Thar unless i have read some reviews about its performance and also would prefer Hard top AC version.
Price would be the biggest factor for selection between the two.BTW is there any conformed lauch date for Thar?

Amar

ajdallas · 14th January 2010, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amar82

I won't go for Thar unless i have read some reviews about its performance and also would prefer Hard top AC version.
Price would be the biggest factor for selection between the two.BTW is there any conformed lauch date for Thar?

Amar

From what I have read, it should be around Q2 2010.

Parm · 14th January 2010, 23:53

if you are a petrolhead go for Gypsy.

if you are fine with the clatter of the diesel engine then go for Thar.

IronWolf · 15th January 2010, 01:21

Not heard much about the new Gypsy, however the MM Thar certainly seems to have caught attention of many. Not sure about the Diesel clatter under the new norms it should be pretty subtle.

Any Thread on the new Gypsy? Not able to find any!

ajdallas · 15th January 2010, 03:13

sorry - what I meant was a brand new gypsy(as opposed to used) and not necessarily a newer model of gypsy.

AJ.

GrayBerry · 15th January 2010, 04:25

ajdallas:
Go for Thar, its the best 4X4 in India atleast per spec. I am sure you will also have a better resale value after 2 years, if you plan to sell

4x4addict · 15th January 2010, 08:59

As parm pointed out. If you don't mind the petrol and can live with a mileage of about 10kmpl with petrol then gypsy is a good option as the price is very reasonable for a brand new vehicle with 4x4. The disadvantage is that it is bumpy due to leaf springs all around and light weight.

The Thar is diesel and will have good mileage. Also the ride will be better due to the IFS in the front and it is a lot more powerful than the gypsy which just about has enough power to keep it moving. You cannot even compare the torque numbers of both engines. The drawback is that most likely you will have to pay about 6 lakhs for the vehicle and do the hard top yourself or send it to mahindra customization for a hard top.

I feel you won't go wrong with either so end of the day it's you call keeping in mind the following
1) Off Road Capability (Tie or possibly in favour of Gypsy)
2) Fuel efficiency (Thar)
3) Ride comfort (Thar)
4) power/pick up (Thar all the way)
5) Availability (Thar is still a dream at this point)
6) Resale (My guess is Thar due to above mentioned reasons, but I could be wrong)
7) Price (Gypsy is more affordable and can be ordered new with hard top)
8) Maintenance costs (Gypsy maybe cheaper to maintain give it's old school petrol powertrain, no expensive deisel filter changes, etc..)
9) Gypsy engine is not BSIV compliant so you may not be able to register it in cities after the cut off date.

Monkeyboy4u · 15th January 2010, 09:10

Hi folks,

when you guys use the term new gypsy, do you guys mean

a newly purchased gypsy vehicle

or

a new model/version of the gypsy which is going to hit (or already hit ?) the market ??

The reason why I ask is, I am planning to buy a gypsy and if something new i coming up in the gypsy, I would like to consider that choice as well !

fazalaliadil · 15th January 2010, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parm

if you are a petrolhead go for Gypsy.

if you are fine with the clatter of the diesel engine then go for Thar.

AJ, Parm,
This diesel does not clatter, take my word for it!
AJ, After you have been driving on I-20 and the tollway, back here both vehicles are capable of taking the Indian road situations. Had it been a choice between a Gypsy and 540/550, I would recommend a Gypsy.
THAR has completely changed the complexion and equation of the Indian 4X4 scene. It has a cruising advantage unlike its predecessors.
The giant leap in technology is what you have to keep in mind especially when the pricing is nearly the same.
Regards,

prashant03 · 15th January 2010, 10:24

I would prefer the Thar any day. The Gypsy just looks and feels so dated.

Saw the Thar at the Auto Expo, and it did look pretty awesome.

fazalaliadil · 15th January 2010, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyboy4u

Hi folks,
when you guys use the term new gypsy, do you guys mean
a newly purchased gypsy vehicle
or a new model/version of the gypsy which is going to hit (or already hit ?) the market ??
The reason why I ask is, I am planning to buy a gypsy and if something new i coming up in the gypsy, I would like to consider that choice as well !

Monkeyboy,
The reference to the new Gypsy here means, a brand new one from the show room.
There is no news of a Gypsy coming up with a newer version/ model engine or cosmetic wise, the latest one is with a MPFI and older one has a carburetor.
Regards,

Torque-ative · 15th January 2010, 11:21

Thar in stock form is formidable enough !
The New Stock Gypsy will need altered gear ratios (Rock crawler), at a bare min. to make it as capable in off-road senarios.

Also driving style makes a B-I-G difference.

With the Thar you should be able to keep the pot boiling by just selecting the right gears. With the Gypsy you will need to have her singing like a Banshee on all gears to do the same terrain.

The light weight body and that screaming engine is precisely the reason why it has such a huge rally following.

See the difference !?

Monkeyboy4u · 15th January 2010, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by fazalaliadil

Monkeyboy,
The reference to the new Gypsy here means, a brand new one from the show room.
There is no news of a Gypsy coming up with a newer version/ model engine or cosmetic wise, the latest one is with a MPFI and older one has a carburetor.
Regards,

Weren't there rumours of a new BS IV Gypsy ?? just wondering ?

COUGAR · 15th January 2010, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkeyboy4u

Weren't there rumours of a new BS IV Gypsy ?? just wondering ?

well the new Maruti will just reprogram the ECU to make the Gypsy BS4 Compliant.

14th January 2010, 21:30	#1
ajdallas Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 7 Thanked: 0 Times	Moving to India - MM Thar vs New Gypsy Note from Mod : The Thar's full test & review has been uploaded at this link. Thread closed. Please continue the discussion over on the review thread. Hi, i am moving to India for a couple of years from USA. I have been an offroad enthusiast forever, I have owned the excellent Jeep Wrangler straight six 4x4(TJ) and now am driving 2007 Toyota 4 runner sport 4x4. Unfortunately cannot bring my 4runner to India - hence looking at getting a regular vehicle(Innova probably) and one relatively cheap 4x4 - my two options as far as I can see - brand new - are the new upcoming Thar or a brand new Gypsy. It seems they will both fall in a similar price range(5-6lacs). I am leaning toward Thar -with the hardtop+AC so I can use it as a daily use vehicle as well. Any suggestions? BTW - this is my first post on team-bhp - I have been following this site for the last few months since I decided to move on an assignment to Mumbai and am really kean to meet some fellow team-bhpians in Mumbai. AJ Last edited by GTO : 5th January 2011 at 18:46. Reason: Adding link to review
	() Thanks

14th January 2010, 22:48	#2
Amar82 BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ludhiana Posts: 291 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	I won't go for Thar unless i have read some reviews about its performance and also would prefer Hard top AC version. Price would be the biggest factor for selection between the two.BTW is there any conformed lauch date for Thar? Amar
	() Thanks

14th January 2010, 23:53	#4
Parm Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a Toyota! Posts: 2,753 Thanked: 890 Times	if you are a petrolhead go for Gypsy. if you are fine with the clatter of the diesel engine then go for Thar.
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 01:21	#5
IronWolf Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Benga-loo-ru Posts: 1,569 Thanked: 45 Times View My Garage	Not heard much about the new Gypsy, however the MM Thar certainly seems to have caught attention of many. Not sure about the Diesel clatter under the new norms it should be pretty subtle. Any Thread on the new Gypsy? Not able to find any!
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 03:13	#6
ajdallas Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 7 Thanked: 0 Times	sorry - what I meant was a brand new gypsy(as opposed to used) and not necessarily a newer model of gypsy. AJ.
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 04:25	#7
GrayBerry BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 174 Thanked: 22 Times	ajdallas: Go for Thar, its the best 4X4 in India atleast per spec. I am sure you will also have a better resale value after 2 years, if you plan to sell
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 08:59	#8
4x4addict Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,483 Thanked: 4,529 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/1 (5)	As parm pointed out. If you don't mind the petrol and can live with a mileage of about 10kmpl with petrol then gypsy is a good option as the price is very reasonable for a brand new vehicle with 4x4. The disadvantage is that it is bumpy due to leaf springs all around and light weight. The Thar is diesel and will have good mileage. Also the ride will be better due to the IFS in the front and it is a lot more powerful than the gypsy which just about has enough power to keep it moving. You cannot even compare the torque numbers of both engines. The drawback is that most likely you will have to pay about 6 lakhs for the vehicle and do the hard top yourself or send it to mahindra customization for a hard top. I feel you won't go wrong with either so end of the day it's you call keeping in mind the following 1) Off Road Capability (Tie or possibly in favour of Gypsy) 2) Fuel efficiency (Thar) 3) Ride comfort (Thar) 4) power/pick up (Thar all the way) 5) Availability (Thar is still a dream at this point) 6) Resale (My guess is Thar due to above mentioned reasons, but I could be wrong) 7) Price (Gypsy is more affordable and can be ordered new with hard top) 8) Maintenance costs (Gypsy maybe cheaper to maintain give it's old school petrol powertrain, no expensive deisel filter changes, etc..) 9) Gypsy engine is not BSIV compliant so you may not be able to register it in cities after the cut off date.
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 09:10	#9
Monkeyboy4u BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: New Delhi Posts: 66 Thanked: 24 Times	Hi folks, when you guys use the term new gypsy, do you guys mean a newly purchased gypsy vehicle or a new model/version of the gypsy which is going to hit (or already hit ?) the market ?? The reason why I ask is, I am planning to buy a gypsy and if something new i coming up in the gypsy, I would like to consider that choice as well !
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 10:24	#11
prashant03 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 34 Thanked: 0 Times	I would prefer the Thar any day. The Gypsy just looks and feels so dated. Saw the Thar at the Auto Expo, and it did look pretty awesome.
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 11:21	#13
Torque-ative BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 500 Thanked: 89 Times	Thar in stock form is formidable enough ! The New Stock Gypsy will need altered gear ratios (Rock crawler), at a bare min. to make it as capable in off-road senarios. Also driving style makes a B-I-G difference. With the Thar you should be able to keep the pot boiling by just selecting the right gears. With the Gypsy you will need to have her singing like a Banshee on all gears to do the same terrain. The light weight body and that screaming engine is precisely the reason why it has such a huge rally following. See the difference !? Last edited by Torque-ative : 15th January 2010 at 11:23.
	() Thanks