[abhikb]

Originally Posted by BlackPearl

Congratulation abhikb! She will surely love the Thar.

Thanks Blackpearl. Her behaviour while on a drive in the Thar gives me the confidence that she will love it.

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

Congratulations Abhi. One of the best pics of Thar with the baby beaming bright in the front.

Wish you and your family a memorable Thar ownership. May the new born see the world from an enthusiast's eye.

Only if I could send this to her.

Thanks buddy. The world is a small place who knows our paths may cross in future.

[gururajrv]

Congratulations abhikb god bless the little angel & your family.

Hope she grows up to become a hardcore off-roading specialist on this same Thar (mostly in EV disguise) by the time she makes it to college

Try plonking in bigger wheels - Thar with bigger set of wheels is a beauty like no other! Just a thought from my side - purely for eyegasm!

[abhikb]

Originally Posted by gururajrv

Congratulations abhikb god bless the little angel & your family.

Hope she grows up to become a hardcore off-roading specialist on this same Thar (mostly in EV disguise) by the time she makes it to college

Try plonking in bigger wheels - Thar with bigger set of wheels is a beauty like no other! Just a thought from my side - purely for eyegasm!

Thanks guruajrv for the best wishes and the especially the future thought.

I am using the Thar as a primary vehicle for myself hence i cant risk it with any form of modification that may distort its regular movement.

A wild thought on the back of my mind for long time is- Get a Scrap jeep and modify as a tertiary vehicle

[abhikb]

UPDATE:

I could finally hit the roads after a hiatus of almost 11 months and the first one in my Thar since I bought the vehicle 4.5 months back. On the weekend of 21st-22nd December me and my office colleagues did a short weekend trip to Mount Abu, Rajasthan (Paradise for People from Central Gujarat ). The to and fro distance covered was 620 kms in a span of 30 hours from starting the trip and reaching back home. We were 12 people participating in the trip and accommodated in 2 cars and a Thar.

My primary purpose of taking the Thar on this trip was obvious, but in order to ensure my passion doesn't take the toll on co-passengers who will be travelling in the Thar, I made some addition to the rear seats which converted the seating position into a bed. (pics below). This small idea did provided the much needed comfort to the rear passengers since people are not used to travel on side facing seats these days.

Due to ongoing festivities in Unjha organized by Patel society we had to take the alternate route to Mount Abu i.e. Ahmedabad-Himmatnagar-Khedbrahma-Ambaji-Aburoad for the to and fro journey. The total distance increased by about 30 kms and additional 1 hour time. The town of Mount Abu has many Jeeps mainly Commanders, Major, Thar DI or the extended chasis modeled CJ3s. These vehicles are used as Taxis for ferrying tourists across the area, If I was in the mind of my Thar I would feel at home amongst my other family members.

Anyways when do something new for the first time (outing with Thar), the least expected aspect of the vehicle amuses you. The same thing happened with me in this Trip.

Few surprises which the Thar threw at me:


-> Thar's behavior on the Highway is commendable. It just sticks to the road without any body roll. This vehicle is a complete breeze to drive on the Highways and it can eat tarmac all day long. Even if Little bit of body roll is induced due to potholes the Thar finds back its stable path immediately.
-> Being in Ahmedabad since birth, I have been to Mount Abu several times driving different vehicles that we have owned over the course of time. Few patches which require downshift at times due to steep inclines or idiotic vehicles plying from the opposite end, the Thar manages the show very easily without the need for downshift.
-> Didnt feel any form of fatigue despite being behind the steering for almost 8 hours during return journey. (Climbed to Gurushikhar and then started return journey)
-> People give side very easily for overtaking on highways mainly I guess because seeing a fast moving Jeep approaching from behind is not regular scene.

We clocked a mileage of about 14kmpl during this trip which included approx. 500 kms of driving in the plains and around 100 kms in the Ghats. Maybe on continuous driving in plains the mileage might increase.

Overall in terms of driving dynamics, comforts, responsiveness of the mechanicals etc. the Thar excels calmly.

Few pictures of the trip:

(1) Drenched in Dew after spending a cold night in open


(2) That wide grin when you know, you have awesome vehicle


(3) Alongside its sibling the Thar DI


(4) Another DI version of Thar


(5) A Commander (4WD converted to 2WD)


(6) Local Taxi Stand, full of Commanders and Thar DI


(7) At Nakki Lake


(8) At Gurushikhar


(9) 1st Interaction with mountains


(10) Another one at the top


(11) Morning View from the Top


(12) Alongside its elder family member a CJ Series Jeep. It was longer than the usual CJ3Bs. Dont know the name of the exact model.


(13) The seating jugaad made at the rear seats

Post completion of this trip, the ODO now stands at 6300 Kms, probably in the next weekend the Thar will again move out to Vadodara for T-BHP GJ Meet-up. Not for a single second I regretted during this journey about bringing the Thar neither did any of my colleagues complained who were travelling with me. "Yes, this is an awesome vehicle made my Mahindra".

Finally closing the update with a parting Shot.

Cheers!!!

[abhikb]

My Thar completed 7500 kms this week and inching closer towards the 10k mark. During the last weekend we did a 400 Kms to and fro trip to Ambaji temple situated in the Aravali hills in the Thar. This was Ayona’s(our 2 month old daughter) first trip by road and she enjoyed it to the core. I have put up a detailed travelogue in this regard here https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...mple-thar.html (A 2 month-old toddler’s 1st interaction with road tripping -Drive to Ambaji temple in a Thar) . As a custom the first outing in any new vehicle that we buy is made to Ambaji temple, but had to wait for 4 months with the Thar for this customary trip. The Thar kept going like a rugged workhorse without any issues.

Apart from this there isn’t much update till now. I have ordered Bolero ZLX IRVM with day night function through MASS and will get it fixed this week once it arrives with the dealer. Cost is about Rs. 1500 including fitting charges but the delivery period is 15 days. .

Further I have been using fuel log feature available in With You Hamesha app. The mileage is coming between 12-13 kmpl in city runs and about 14-15 kmpl for Highway runs. The screenshot of the fuel log is mentioned below:

[abhikb]

Few things down the memory lane:

I have mentioned on the ownership thread (Post-2) that the Jeep bug was probably planted in my mind since childhood as my father owned a CJ3B Jeep and whenever he used to take me out for a drive as a kid it would bring a big smile and some dose of excitement. Needless to say the same has continued in present time as my daughter(2 months old) is always smiling or completely calm whenever we take her out for a drive in Thar.

Last evening the childhood memories became fresh as I found the below the photo while going through the old photo albums:

That is my father with his M&M CJ3B Jeep and the same Jeep which left a lasting impact on my mind as a kid. This picture was clicked sometime in the early 90s.


As far as what I could remember hearing about the Jeep from my father several times, it was a 1976 made M&M CJ3B Jeep with 81” wheelbase sold to Government of Gujarat. My father bought the Jeep through auction in the 80s when it was retired from government service.

The Jeep was bought through auction with the original 2.2L hurricane petrol engine which produced about 72bhp of power and 154 NM of torque. The power and torque figures may not be accurate as this is based on the information my father shared. The engine was swapped with matador’s Diesel engine brought from after market. It had the T90 3 speed gearbox and a T18 four wheel drive transfer case, with one lever for switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive a shorter one to switch between four-wheel drive high ratio to neutral and low-ratio. It seems that the 4WD gear shifting method is more or less same in Thar (4H-N-4L) only difference is two levers have been combined with a single lever.

The Jeep stayed with us for close to 12 years before it was sold off, maybe in 1995. As a teenager I always used to complain to my father as to why couldn’t he keep the Jeep so that I could have used it after turning 18. It seems that fate had some plans for me and after more than 2 decade later we have a Jeep(Thar 700) parked at our home which is much modern and much easy to use for daily chores. I don’t know if the CJ is surviving till date which is very likely to be possible, but I still feel that it should have been with us as both our Jeeps would have been parked together while sharing some bit of nostalgia and the sense of satisfaction.

Ending the post with a parting shot of current day with our Thar as the legacy continues in our family both through human and machines.

Cheers

[abhikb]

Update:

Thar has been on mile munching since last 1 month with out of town trips every weekend. The ODO now stands at 8500 kms, hopefully it will go for 2nd service at 10000 kms next month.

I had mentioned in the review that I will update my experience on the highway manners of Thar once I hit the roads a few times. So it’s time I update the thread on this long pending section.

Engine performance,driveability & handling on Highway:






Thar’s cruising ability on the Highway is commendable and it eats tarmac hours together. The drive quality is very much planted and this is where it surprised me the most. Thar is a body on frame design SUV, but unlike most of Body on frame design SUVs where there is issues with excessive body roll, but I didn’t find any such issue with the Thar. The 100 kmph Mark comes up at 2000-2100 rpm whereas 120 kmph comes up at 2300 rpm. The fuel efficiency figures have remained at 14-15 kmpl with consistent driving at 90-100 kmph speed. I have listed out the positives and negatives as below:

Positives:

1) Mile muncher and compliant ride quality.
2) Power available on tap of accelerator at high speeds.
3) Minimal body roll at high speeds.
4) Stays more or less stable and eats away potholes for breakfast.
5) Engine noise is well controlled at high speeds.

Negatives:

1) The benefits and smoothness of aerodynamic design is missed.
2) Steering feels little nervous at more than 100 kmph.
3) The canopy flutters like anything at high speeds and the surface also gets heated making it difficult for rear passengers to rest their back on the canopy surface.
4) Have to deal with reflections of headlights of other vehicles from the window glasses at night. This is due to the square shaped design.

IRVM modification:

As recommended by many Thar owners on the forum, I have replaced the stock IRVM with Bolero’s IRVM which has day night function. (See pic). The IRVM was procured and fixed through Authorized Mahindra Service station. It costed me about Rs. 524 including taxes and fitting charges. Below is the pic of the new IRVM:

[abhikb]

10,000 Kms update:

This update is little delayed from my end, my Thar 700 completed 10,000 kms on 10th March, 2020 which came up in 7 months Of ownership.(Completed 8.5 months as of now). The third service was scheduled last month post completion of 10,000 kms but due to lockdown imposition it has went for a toss. Anyways will send the Thar for servicing once the lockdown period is completed.

As on date the ODO stands at 10,537 Kms and most of the time the Thar rests in the garage as of now due to the lockdown situation.

Overall it has been a satisfactory journey with this beauty till now, though there are lot many imperfections in it coupled with no creature comfort or car like advantages. Yet there are few things which eradicates all the negative factors and gives the feeling of being content and complete. To sum it up, decisions for buying or owing something like Thar requires lot of patience and heart to heart connect with the vehicle because what you own/drive is something which most of the people can only dream off in their life.

Summary of ownership:

Longest Drive in a single day: 700 kms/12 hours.
Off roading experience: NIL (Regret That badly)
4WD Engaged: Once, rear wheel got stuck in muddy terrain while going to one of the construction site during monsoon, Had to engage 4H to move out.
Major modifications: NIL. Everything is kept in stock condition.

Service details:

1) Service sequence: NA. Had to send the vehicle to workshop to sort out the steering wheel alignment issue.
Kms: 1059
Changes: None
Cost: NIL

2) Service sequence: 1st
Kms: 5185
Changes:
a) Engine oil change
b) Door locks,wiper washer fluid changed
c) Steering wheel alignment
Cost: Rs. 2379.

Below is the screenshot of the service history as visible on Mahindra’s With you Hamesha app.

As per my discussion with Service manager at Punjab Mahindra-Ahmedabad, for 10,000 Kms service following activities are to be conducted:

1) Engine oil change (this was done in 5000 kms service also, yet they have said as per process will have to change it again at 10,000 Kms)
2) Oil filter, air intake filter and diesel filter replacement.
3) Gear oil and differential oil change.

Since, it would be free service, labour won’t be charged but I am expecting the bill to be around 7-8k easily in this service.

Niggles and issues:

The issues and niggles have remained NIL as of now (touchwood), apart from the steering wheel alignment which gets misaligned every 4-5 thousand Kms and I have to get it fixed during service.

Changes/additions:

1) Insect mesh: Rs. 2500
2) Sony XAV-3000 touchscreen system with JBL 3 way coxial speakers and twitters- Rs. 18000
4) IRVM replaced with Bolero’s IRVM which comes with day/night functions: Rs. 524
5) Blind spot mirrors on the ORVM: Rs. 300 (bought through Amazon).
Total expenses till now: Rs. 21,834

Fuel Log:

I have been maintaining fuel log on Mahindra’s With you Hamesha App since December-2019. The screenshot of the log is placed below:

Highest Mileage: 15.15 Kmpl
Lowest Mileage: 11.56 Kmpl
Overall Mileage: 14.05 Kmpl
Approx Cost per km: Rs. 5-6 (Diesel cost in Gujarat has remained around Rs. 70 per liter)

I normally don’t put pressure on the accelerator during driving and on routine basis I drive sedately. Though in the city traffic where it is not possible to switch off AC due to Ahmedabad’s heat, the mileage drops down to 10-11 Kmpl. However, on the highway runs the Thar returns a decent mileage of 14-15 Kmpl with AC.

Additions/modifications planned:

1) Hardtop:

After having gone through numerous products and discussions with many Thar owners on which hardtop to go for, I have zeroed down on putting up a semi-hardtop for my Thar. Basically there are three options available in market a) Semi hardtop, b) FRP Hardtop and c) Metal hardtop. Of these the Semi hardtop retains the original look of the vehicle. Semi hardtop is made using A metal frame, toughened glasses, Insulation, ply and above that the original canopy is fixed.

Other than the hardtop below are add-ons planned:

2) Non-oven carpet interior lining
3) Rear single door
4) Central locking
5) Auxiliary lights beneath the windshield
6) Additional bench at the rear to convert the rear seat into a bed whenever required.
7) PVC carpet flooring

I had finalized the above work and had planned to handover the Thar on 20th March. Needless to say, due to lockdown situation this work couldn’t be taken up. Hence, once things normalize I will be handing over the Thar to the vendor who will take up the work. Estimated time for completion of work is about 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

To sum it up if am given a chance to go back in time and again go through the selection process of choosing a new vehicle,I would still pick up the Thar.

The negative factors are endless for thar and it’s very difficult to recommend it anyone but it’s better off as a Jeep without the pain of owing a traditional one and better off as a modern day Jeep.

[abhikb]

As mentioned in the previous post, I had finally taken the call to go for a semi hardtop for my Thar and some other additions. However, the plan went on hold due to lockdown declared by the government on account of COVID-19. Ahmedabad being in Red zone the work got delayed further, I am happy that I didn’t hand over the vehicle for modification as it would have been lying idle for 2.5 months.

Last week I got a call from vendor who was supposed to take up the modification that they have started their workshop and I can handover the vehicle at my earliest convenience. So this week on 10th June, I went there, paid the advance and handed over my Thar.

The following work will be done:

1) Semi hardtop
2) Leather roof lining
3) Rear single door
4) Central locking
5) Auxillary lights beneath the windshield
6) PVC carpet flooring.(might get this knocked off, don’t find the necessity).
7) Provision for conversion of rear seats into a bed when required

The total cost for the above modification will be around Rs. 63,000. Since this is my primary vehicle I Just finalized on getting the practical things done without adding too much of bells and whistles.

I went to their workshop for a routine visit to check on the status since today is the 3rd day, As of now they have started on the fabrication work, I am expecting the work to get completed in another 10 days time.

Below are the work in progress picture:





Will be visiting the workshop again after few days to check the progress and will keep the thread updated.

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by abhikb

Will be visiting the workshop again after few days to check the progress and will keep the thread updated.

Any reference photos of the final look you are aiming for? Particularly for the "semi hard top"?

[abhikb]

Originally Posted by Dry Ice

Any reference photos of the final look you are aiming for? Particularly for the "semi hard top"?

Hi,

Below is the pic of semi hardtop:



The outer surface is covered with the existing canopy. It somewhat retains the original canopy look of the Thar, also increases the practicality of the vehicles and most importantly is cheaper as compared to FRP or metal hardtop.

[sjcherian]

Originally Posted by abhikb

Hi,

Below is the pic of semi hardtop:

The outer surface is covered with the existing canopy. It somewhat retains the original canopy look of the Thar, also increases the practicality of the vehicles and most importantly is cheaper as compared to FRP or metal hardtop.

Looks good. Will make it a step better than the soft top. Do keep posting updates as you have them.

[abhikb]

Took some time off from work today evening and went straight to the workshop to check on the progress. The framing and associated work has been completed and they have started working on the interior and upholstery, the rear tailgate has been also fabricated and painted. Seeing the progress, I am hoping that my Thar would be ready by mid of next week.

Below are the work in progress photos:

[abhikb]

The modification work is advancing well and almost 90% of the job is completed, had a word today with the workshop owner who is quite confident of giving delivery by next week. Hence the next post will be on the final outcome of the modification.

As on date Work in progress pictures below:

[abhikb]

Life with the Thar after Semi Hardtop:

The delivery of my Thar was delayed by 3-4 days as the vendor didn’t receive the rear glasses on time. However, I took the delivery about 15 days ago once the complete work was done. The final bill came to Rs. 62 thousand, the cushioning of the front seats was knocked off as I thought the OEM seats will do the job for now. Overall fit and finish and quality of the job done is satisfactory and upto the mark.

It has been raining almost daily in Ahmedabad since last 1 week and I have been using the Thar for 50-60 kms per day on an average. Luckily there hasn’t been any leakage issues post installation of the semi hardtop. Driving and using the Thar is much more convenient now, the high traffic noises is down to almost 10% of what it was earlier. The fluttering of canopy at high speeds has also gone, AC cools better in the staunch Ahmedabad heat. Overall noise level is more or less like a regular car, the reduced noise also made me discover couple of squeaking noises while driving. Nevertheless it’s not much of a bother to me as my erstwhile Xylo also had the same squeaking noises and hence probably its common in Mahindra body on frame vehicles. I have listed down few advantages after doing the modifications:

1) Thar is more secured now with the lockable rear door, no worries of security issues.
2) Driving on highways is much more convenient now with the removal of canopy fluttering noise.
3) Rear passengers can now seat more comfortably with the insulation and lining in place.
4) Can switch off the engine at signals in peak afternoon as the AC now cools better.
5) Blind spots used to be created while driving at night on the corners, the auxiliary lights help in eradicating the same.
6) Convenience of Central locking. Moreover once you opt for a hardtop it is mandatory to have the central locking as you can’t unlock the rear door from outside, being the soft top vehicle it doesn’t get a locking arrangement on the outside.
7) PVC carpeting helps you to be relieved to the tension on water accumulation below the matings and ultimately rusting of the Metal floor.
8) No irritating honking and loud audibility of Traffic and other ambient noises.
9) Removable seat between the rear bench seats will be comfortable for taking power naps on long distance tours.
10) Original canopy look is maintained with the semi hardtop, IMHO a Jeep looks best with open top or with the canopy.

The primary disadvantage which I foresee as of now is I will have to be careful with regard to the life span of the canopy, it will have to be replaced immediately if found damaged. Otherwise the insulation and lining will get damaged.

The above points are advantageous with respect to usage in city, highway, cross country driving and occasional off roading. View and opinions of hard core off roaders and Jeep gurus might differ according to their usage and experience with the vehicle.

Below are the final pictures (before and after) :