Recommendations for a 4WD

satie · 28th February 2007, 00:19

Hello,

After lurking on the forums for a little while I have finally decided to post. I am newbie here so if I violate any rules in my post please let me know.

I am planning to buy a 4WD in the next month or so. I have been away from the driving scene (in India) for about 7 years and dont really have enough knowledge to make an informed decision. The only car I have used for off-roading in the past is the Maruti Gypsy King 4x4. With the car market heating up recently, I am wondering what other options are available.
I am looking for 4WD vehicles only as a 2WD will just not cut it for me. I have been stuck in landslides, with rocks hurtling down from cliffs, in Garwahl; a dry river bed at dusk in Corbett National Park; and had my engine flooded in 2 feet of water in a 2WD. And I dont want those experiences again.

I am looking for a car in the Rs. 5-8 lacs range. I need functionality and not looks. Something that can easily be fixed, if need be, anywhere in the country. I would probably drive an average of 2500km a month mostly on state and national highways, and in the forest (I am a semi-professional wildlife photographer). Ideally, I would like to be able to commute comfortably to work (in NOIDA) in it, but that is not an absolute requirement. I will be the only person driving it. And as I will be driving it for long distances/hours, driver comfort is important. I dont need a lot of room inside. I will mostly have a big bag/case of camera equipment, a couple of sleeping bags, a tent, supplies, etc. And one passenger most of the times. If the vehicle meets all my needs, I plan to keep it for a long time unless a better alternative comes out. Resale value, although important, is not as important as the other things I mentioned.

If anyone here has good experience travelling to remote areas frequently on not-so hospitable terrain, please make your recommendations. Personal experience with a vehicle counts more than technical specs to me.

Thanks.

V-16 · 28th February 2007, 02:09

In your budget, the Gypsy King is the only available option as a truly time and terrain tested, go anywhere vehicle which can be fixed anywhere ( u must've seen the ad where the guys manage to easily find a Maruti service station but not an eating place in Ladakh)
Secondly try the Force Motors site and contact them for a Force Gurkha. See the video on the site. its like a Humvee. sadly i dont think they supply to the civilain market but im sure if ur persistant enough u can find out how to get hold of one. The other 4X4s are merely sheep in wolves clothing and much more expensive.
In short , go for a Gypsy and then add on what u want in the car to make it suitable for you.

Godfather · 28th February 2007, 05:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-16

In your budget, the Gypsy King is the only available option as a truly time and terrain tested,
Secondly try the Force Motors site and contact them for a Force Gurkha. In short , go for a Gypsy and then add on what u want in the car to make it suitable for you.

Hmmm.. V-16 what about the Mahindra range of vehicles..I think the Bolero Invader should also be in that price bracket.. Safari is out as the LX 4x4 will cost 9+ on road..

Godfather

moralfibre · 28th February 2007, 08:47

I am not sure but does Forester fit the bill perfectly?

Godfather · 28th February 2007, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by moralfibre

I am not sure but does Forester fit the bill perfectly?

No Forester is more expensive.

Godfather

chanapli · 28th February 2007, 09:00

read
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...4x4s-gone.html

&

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...good-gets.html

abhilashvk · 28th February 2007, 09:20

Have a look at Scorpio 4X4. I donno what the NewDelhi prices are. In Bangalore its 11 Lac + OTR (9.3 Lac ex showroom).

msdivy · 28th February 2007, 09:33

Hi Satie, have a look at this thread: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...good-gets.html

jango · 28th February 2007, 10:06

Hey you can try ur hands on the Mahindra MM540/550 or also check out the CJ550/500. These jeeps may be a bit bumpy but can sure take you to places......

chanapli · 28th February 2007, 10:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by jango

Hey you can try ur hands on the Mahindra MM540/550 or also check out the CJ550/500. These jeeps may be a bit bumpy but can sure take you to places......

But "Satie" is a US return. Not sure he would prefer a raw jeep!.

benbsb29 · 28th February 2007, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by chanapli

But "Satie" is a US return. Not sure he would prefer a raw jeep!.

i guess in that case, even the TRAX doesnt apply here?

theMAG · 28th February 2007, 10:50

satie,

I'm note sure if you're in touch with Indian vehicle segments and prices. For 5-8 lacs apart from the utilitarian Trax Gurkha the only other option is the Gypsy 4WD. But you'll bleed your pocket with it since its a petrol and gives 5 kmpl at best. Increase your budget another lac or so and you can be the proud owner of a diesel Tata Safari 4x4 Dicor with all creature comforts

speedzak · 28th February 2007, 11:03

I will hoot for a Gypsy King. In his Budget, it is the only thing which meets all his demands.

Forester is expensive, Jeeps are too base, Trax Gurkha won't be easily repaired anywhere (debatable though), Safaris not reliable as much, Scorpios not that great and not as reliable etc...

Why don't you think of importing an LC 70 series? Don't think of finding a service centre here. It hardly needs one.

jango · 28th February 2007, 11:08

Satie in such a case think abt the Gypsy King, perfect for ur type of use...

chanapli · 28th February 2007, 11:10

I believe Gypsy is too old to get spare parts and even knowledged mechanic these days. I would put money on running models.

How about

1. Trax
2. Bolero

28th February 2007, 00:19	#1
satie Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 4 Thanked: Once	Recommendations for a 4WD Hello, After lurking on the forums for a little while I have finally decided to post. I am newbie here so if I violate any rules in my post please let me know. I am planning to buy a 4WD in the next month or so. I have been away from the driving scene (in India) for about 7 years and dont really have enough knowledge to make an informed decision. The only car I have used for off-roading in the past is the Maruti Gypsy King 4x4. With the car market heating up recently, I am wondering what other options are available. I am looking for 4WD vehicles only as a 2WD will just not cut it for me. I have been stuck in landslides, with rocks hurtling down from cliffs, in Garwahl; a dry river bed at dusk in Corbett National Park; and had my engine flooded in 2 feet of water in a 2WD. And I dont want those experiences again. I am looking for a car in the Rs. 5-8 lacs range. I need functionality and not looks. Something that can easily be fixed, if need be, anywhere in the country. I would probably drive an average of 2500km a month mostly on state and national highways, and in the forest (I am a semi-professional wildlife photographer). Ideally, I would like to be able to commute comfortably to work (in NOIDA) in it, but that is not an absolute requirement. I will be the only person driving it. And as I will be driving it for long distances/hours, driver comfort is important. I dont need a lot of room inside. I will mostly have a big bag/case of camera equipment, a couple of sleeping bags, a tent, supplies, etc. And one passenger most of the times. If the vehicle meets all my needs, I plan to keep it for a long time unless a better alternative comes out. Resale value, although important, is not as important as the other things I mentioned. If anyone here has good experience travelling to remote areas frequently on not-so hospitable terrain, please make your recommendations. Personal experience with a vehicle counts more than technical specs to me. Thanks.
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 02:09	#2
V-16 Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: mumbai Posts: 4,594 Thanked: 950 Times View My Garage	In your budget, the Gypsy King is the only available option as a truly time and terrain tested, go anywhere vehicle which can be fixed anywhere ( u must've seen the ad where the guys manage to easily find a Maruti service station but not an eating place in Ladakh) Secondly try the Force Motors site and contact them for a Force Gurkha. See the video on the site. its like a Humvee. sadly i dont think they supply to the civilain market but im sure if ur persistant enough u can find out how to get hold of one. The other 4X4s are merely sheep in wolves clothing and much more expensive. In short , go for a Gypsy and then add on what u want in the car to make it suitable for you.
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 08:47	#4
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,973 Times	I am not sure but does Forester fit the bill perfectly?
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 09:00	#6
chanapli BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Banglaore Posts: 270 Thanked: Once	read http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...4x4s-gone.html & http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...good-gets.html
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 09:20	#7
abhilashvk BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bangalore/Calic Posts: 367 Thanked: 32 Times View My Garage	Have a look at Scorpio 4X4. I donno what the NewDelhi prices are. In Bangalore its 11 Lac + OTR (9.3 Lac ex showroom).
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 09:33	#8
msdivy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,815 Thanked: 2,826 Times	Hi Satie, have a look at this thread: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...good-gets.html Last edited by msdivy : 28th February 2007 at 09:35. Reason: Oops, chanapli has already posted this link.
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 10:06	#9
jango BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New York & kotayam Posts: 800 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	Hey you can try ur hands on the Mahindra MM540/550 or also check out the CJ550/500. These jeeps may be a bit bumpy but can sure take you to places......
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 10:50	#12
theMAG Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 7,217 Thanked: 1,807 Times View My Garage	satie, I'm note sure if you're in touch with Indian vehicle segments and prices. For 5-8 lacs apart from the utilitarian Trax Gurkha the only other option is the Gypsy 4WD. But you'll bleed your pocket with it since its a petrol and gives 5 kmpl at best. Increase your budget another lac or so and you can be the proud owner of a diesel Tata Safari 4x4 Dicor with all creature comforts
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 11:03	#13
speedzak BANNED Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: India Posts: 4,347 Thanked: 27 Times	I will hoot for a Gypsy King. In his Budget, it is the only thing which meets all his demands. Forester is expensive, Jeeps are too base, Trax Gurkha won't be easily repaired anywhere (debatable though), Safaris not reliable as much, Scorpios not that great and not as reliable etc... Why don't you think of importing an LC 70 series? Don't think of finding a service centre here. It hardly needs one.
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 11:08	#14
jango BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New York & kotayam Posts: 800 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	Satie in such a case think abt the Gypsy King, perfect for ur type of use...
	() Thanks

28th February 2007, 11:10	#15
chanapli BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Banglaore Posts: 270 Thanked: Once	I believe Gypsy is too old to get spare parts and even knowledged mechanic these days. I would put money on running models. How about 1. Trax 2. Bolero
	() Thanks