[ACM]

Why:

2600kms per month. Including weekly 350kms return trips to a commercial farm with eight kms of return rough village road (No Tar). The weekly trip would be on Mumbai Goa Route from Thane to Mahad area. This is being developed into a fine road but will take another 4 years to be completed in my estimate.

In the interim period there would be the usual skipping/ shifting from one side of the divider to the other as in under construction roads, passing adjacent to under construction flyovers and underpasses on hastily constructed roads, driving on undulating surfaces etc. The last section of four kms is a rough village road with no Tar. Road sections would have muddy slush and water logging.

The initial period would involve staying in Tents, while a farmhouse gets ready.

This is for a commercial operation. I have a 12-year-old Petrol AT 1.8TSI Skoda Superb as the other car and it is totally unsuitable for these weekly trips and a bit unreliable.

I would be making 60% of the trips Solo and driving myself. I am 6 Ft, 115Kgs.

Critical Requirements:

1. Max 16L - Lower the better as it all gets added to the project cost.
2. Ground Clearance.
3. 4X4 or AWD?
4. 4 Seats minimum, 5 Ideal.
5. Roof Rack
6. Good Load Carrying capacity. Capability of adding Roof-Mounted Tent etc.
7. Diesel - For fuel efficiency and associated Load pulling torque.
8. Reliability
9. Carry my Dog and Cat (In a cat carrier) along.

Good to have Requirements:

1. AT - Ruggedness is fine but comfort too is important.
2. Safety, Stability of vehicle, Reasonable speed to save time
3. 7 Seats with last row fully foldable to add luggage space.

Note: The shortlisted vehicles are compared by many but not for the specific requirements and nor with a target price as above.

1) ISUZU V-Cross - 2017-2020 models Preowned ONLY. The new ones are simply overpriced (if not how could they sell for so less just 3 years back) and folks don't give me the Toyota profit margin reasoning - They are bigger culprits. (Profits retained outside India itself while calculating transfer pricing).
Pros:
Load Bay is always useful on a Farm. 1 Ton plus capacity.
Proper 4X4
Space for Pets
5-Seater
Has all the required Features
Most preowned vehicles have the required accessories fitted. Canopy will be extra cost though.
Good Water Wading Capability.
Good commanding visibility:

Cons:
Unlikely to be able to get a AT 4X4 version
Long wheelbase - Cumbersome in rough roads
Likely to be 80K kms run and hence reliability? Clutch? Suspension? @80k kms.
Likely to have met some abuse in previous life.

This is presently top of mind for my requirements presently.

2) Force Gurkha: New
Pros:
Superb visibility
4X4X4 - Differential Locks
Superb rough use matting provided by the company.
All accessories are approved by the factory itself and provided as a pack. Nice Orange and Green colours.
Factory Warranty
Striking Unique Visibility and Massive Presence. Exclusivity.
Best Water Wading Capability.
Very commanding visibility

Cons:
Just 4 Seats
Interiors - Will have to get them customized.
Poor Engine - 90BHP. Had 90BHP Safari TCIC from 2001 to 2010 - Back to origins for me.
Gear Lever is Rubbery and Short in height for taller drivers.
Low Ground Clearance effectively due to a metal protection plate between the front wheels. - Needs a tire height upsize hence and it costs.
Stretch Budget as it is effectively now 18L OTR - (Discounted value will be closer to 17L.) I feel like I can get a much better vehicle preowned and not that the Gurkha will exhibit phenomenal reliability for being new. Plus, what when the novelty wears out the power shortcomings will come to haunt me.
One must go at your own pace. Not for cornering at pace for speed runs.

This is second in my consideration set presently despite the price, absence of load bay. Can I live with it?

3) TATA HEXA: Preowned XT AWD
Pros:
I loved the Aria pride AWD during my 2.5 years and 65k kms with it.
7-Seater
AWD and AT both are superb - But why not together.
It has all the features and ground clearance I need.
Modest Water Wading Capability.
Well within budget.
Rear Seat folds.
Would get 7-seater with bench in middle so that too can fold.
Can sleep inside.
Excellent Ride comfort.
Quality interiors are better than that of the Fortuner even.

Cons:
It lost roof rails in models from mid 2018. Got a better screen that I would immediately replace with a Woodman System. So, I need to add costs for that.
Can't get both AWD and AT is same vehicle.
It is an AWD not a 4X4. A disadvantage. Experts do comment if it would be enough for my usage to get to my farm and back over rough village track.
MT AWD has Leg-space shortage for taller Drivers. But I did use the Aria AWD for 65k kms. So, Ergonomics is a worry.
Reliability? (For a 2017-2018 model). It will be out of warranty.
19" Alloy wheels are not the best for rough roads. Only MRF has reasonably priced Tires for those alloys.

This is third on my list. It tugs at my heart.

4) Fortuner: Preowned 2014-2016 models. Ideally 4X4 AT
Pros:
Reliable, It's a Toyota, but at 100k kms plus?
7-Seater
It can take a Roof Rack and Rear Seats can be folded to the side.
Good Water Wading Capacity.
Good visibility

Cons:
4X4 AT are rare and the AT till 2015 were 4-speed ones.
Generally, they are all run 100k plus.
Bouncy Ride. Middle Bench is not comfortable. The under-thigh comfort is missing.
Boring to me. Common on the Roads. No exclusivity.

This is Joint third in my list but does not tug at the Heart. Endeavour does but does not come within the budget.

5) Tata Safari Storme: Preowned VX Varicor 400 4X4 - 2016-2018

Pros:
Kinda 7-seater. The last two row seats fold away.
Superb ride.
Have 175,000 kms of Safari experience.
Decent Power
Well Within Budget
Decent water wading capability and ground clearance.

Cons:
Heavy for certain off-road sections
Have already lived with a Safari for an exceptionally extended period. -- Again?
Hard to find a 4X4 VX Varicor 400
Age - Though actually younger than the Fortuners that I am considering

Tempted to move it upward in the consideration set ranking. Presently Fouth.


6) Scorpio S11: Preowned 4X4 (No combo with AT)

Pros:
Good Engine
Well within budget
Can take a roof rack.
has decent features.
The water wading capability is not too high.

Cons:
Short, Low Luggage space
The middle row is cramped.
Bouncy Ride
Common on the roads.
A new one comes just this month, and it will be a massive improvement.
Doesn't Excite me but will serve most of the purpose. Presently Fifth.

Rejected:

Thar Diesel AT: 20L approx. OTR, Too Small on the inside. No luggage space. Bouncy and busy ride. No Roof Rack provision. Sadly, a gem of an engine + AT Gearbox combo that does not suit me. The compromises are too many for me at that price point when the objective is not just a lifestyle vehicle for show, nor for off roading fun.

Endeavour 4X4 AT 2.2 or 3.2: Even Preowned 4X4 ones don't fit into the budget - Or maybe I need to search better.

Duster Refresh 110ps AWD AMT: Tempting but too small. Well within budget. Renault Service? Older Dusters have expensive parts to replace, shorter in height.

New SorpionN 4x4: Likely to not have 4X4 at launch or be priced too high for comfort. For a new car, the max I have considered is 17.5L. (Only if New). I am Ok with a mid-variant, but not the entry variant.

I am looking forward to adding for my consideration any options that I may have missed and need assistance in eliminating options that I shouldn't consider so that I am left with just a top three set. Not considering any soft roaders without AWD or 4X4.

PS: The Purchase will be in July most probably. I have test driven ALL the options listed by me above, at various times.

[GTO]

Lots of asks for 16-lakhs. I would say that a pre-worshipped Jeep Compass 4x4 or Tata Hexa will suit your needs to the T. If new car, then you must strongly consider the Gurkha (owners are super happy with it) and wait for the Scorpio-N.

[condor]

Originally Posted by ACM

3) TATA HEXA: Preowned XT AWD

Cons:
Experts do comment if it would be enough for my usage to get to my farm and back over rough village track.

19" Alloy wheels are not the best for rough roads. Only MRF has reasonably priced Tires for those alloys.

The AWD should be enough to get to a farm and back. Unless you are going to get into slush during monsoons.

The wheels/tyre combo can be taken care of. Get a set of 16" alloys and tyres. Have seen ads for 25k for a set of 5 alloys. Though this will set you back by about 50-60k, the ride comfort will definitely improve. And any unplanned tyre replacements will not pinch so much.

[dhanushs]

I may not be able to give you an option, but, I'll try to answer some of the questions you've put across.

Originally Posted by ACM

[*]4X4 or AWD?

If you are not going Off-Roading, then a low ratio gearbox and central locking diffs are not needed at all. With traction control and AWD, you can get most of the jobs done.

Likely to be 80K kms run and hence reliability? Clutch? Suspension? @80k kms.

You should get lesser run ones. This was bought as a lifestyle vehicle by some and most have figured this huge vehicle isn't their cup of tea. If you look closely you should definitely find one for sale.

Also, for an Isuzu, 80k isn't much. It's a very popular global model and I'd say reliability is just like Toyota, but, NOT service.

This is second in my consideration set presently despite the price, absence of load bay. Can I live with it?

With the kind of running and terrain you are going to use the vehicle in, I'd say the Ghurka will not be reliable at all. My personal opinion about the Ghurkha is that it's just a toy. Not a purpose-built vehicle.

19" Alloy wheels are not the best for rough roads. Only MRF has reasonably priced Tires for those alloys.

Can easily get better tyre and rim options. IF thats the only concern.

Reliable, It's a Toyota, but at 100k kms plus?

Yup, even after 100k its pretty much reliable. I have a 15-year-old, 120k kms done Mitsubishi Montero and can vouch for the same. Jap SUV's are super reliable.

Bouncy Ride. Middle Bench is not comfortable. The under-thigh comfort is missing.

100%. I'd say the only con with the Fortuner, apart from the exclusivity factor.

Originally Posted by dhanushs

I may not be able to give you an option, but, I'll try to answer some of the questions you've put across.

If you are not going Off-Roading, then a low ratio gearbox and central locking diffs are not needed at all. With traction control and AWD, you can get most of the jobs done.

You should get lesser run ones. This was bought as a lifestyle vehicle by some and most have figured this huge vehicle isn't their cup of tea. If you look closely you should definitely find one for sale.

Also, for an Isuzu, 80k isn't much. It's a very popular global model and I'd say reliability is just like Toyota, but, NOT service.

With the kind of running and terrain you are going to use the vehicle in, I'd say the Ghurka will not be reliable at all. My personal opinion about the Ghurkha is that it's just a toy. Not a purpose-built vehicle.

Can easily get better tyre and rim options. IF thats the only concern.

Yup, even after 100k its pretty much reliable. I have a 15-year-old, 120k kms done Mitsubishi Montero and can vouch for the same. Jap SUV's are super reliable.

100%. I'd say the only con with the Fortuner, apart from the exclusivity factor.

Originally Posted by condor

The AWD should be enough to get to a farm and back. Unless you are going to get into slush during monsoons.

..

If tackling extreme gradients, or crawl is not needed (Low Ratio Gearbox) then for slush, AWD is actually perfect. Added with traction control, it gives the right traction and momentum.

[condor]

Originally Posted by ACM

[*]4 Seats minimum, 5 Ideal.[*]Carry my Dog and Cat (In a cat carrier) along.
.

Missed one point - If the dog/cat comes along, would it always be inside ? If you get the V-Cross, the dog may have to sit outside, even during rains or summer.

One other point about the V-cross - do check the rear seat comfort. Especially the seat back-rest.

[Kosfactor]

Mahindra is the default choice in rural areas for overall durability and running costs. Scorpio would make short work of the 350kms and then you can take the rough sections slow or fast depending on your mood.

S11 may look utilitarian compared to the N that is coming up but that utility is what matters to you at the moment. Get a white one please, helps you blend into the landscape, of course it helps.

[PrideRed]

For the budget and from options listed I think you may get DMax or Hexa only. A well maintained 2014/15 Fortuner in Mumbai would easily ask 18-20L which I still feel is worth it. Since you travel solo most of the time, middle row comfort should not matter much. If you need, there are plenty of after market suspensions which you can look at. Since Fortuner is sold in good numbers, finding a good used copy is easier. The soft suspension is easy when you test drive, but on longer run starts eating driving pleasure(Personal take)

Few other options I would consider
1. Thar D MT/AT- I find this better option than Gurkha, though scores a bit low on practicality.
2. XUV500 AWD- mechanicals have proved to be reliable, fast and comfortable, should be available under 16L.

[Sheel]

I will wait for Scorpio N to be launched. See the specifications, times lines for delivery, any niggles / issues reported and then take a call on this.

My second choice would be a mint Fortuner or a MU-X.

My third choice would be a Scorpio S11. I have the S10 4WD so do have some experience. It is super reliable (98.5K done, stock clutch, no mechanical issues to leave me stranded).

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by ACM

Max 16L - Lower the better as it all gets added to the project cost.

Judging by your requirements, I think the Bolero Neo N10 (O) could also be a viable option. It comes with factory fitted MLD (Eaton MLD (M-Locker) now available off the shelf) and will cost approx. 14L on road in Mumbai. Only challenge could be getting delivery in 2-3 months.

[ACM]

Originally Posted by GTO

I would say that a pre-worshipped Jeep Compass 4x4 or Tata Hexa will suit your needs to the T. If new car, then you must strongly consider the Gurkha (owners are super happy with it) and wait for the Scorpio-N.

Will add Jeep Compass 4x4 to the consideration set. Yep ScorpioN will be out this month end but it may not launch with 4x4 variant or it may be available only with an expensive variant.

Originally Posted by condor

The AWD should be enough to get to a farm and back. Unless you are going to get into slush during monsoons.

The wheels/tyre combo can be taken care of. Get a set of 16" alloys and tyres.

So AWD is enough. Agree on the tyres.

Originally Posted by condor

Missed one point - If the dog/cat comes along, would it always be inside ? If you get the V-Cross, the dog may have to sit outside, even during rains or summer.

The Cat will be always inside. The Dog inside or outside depending on outside climate. May look for a full height back cover Canopy.

Originally Posted by PrideRed

A well maintained 2014/15 Fortuner in Mumbai would easily ask 18-20L which I still feel is worth it....

...Few other options I would consider
1. Thar D MT/AT- I find this better option than Gurkha, though scores a bit low on practicality.
2. XUV500 AWD- mechanicals have proved to be reliable, fast and comfortable, should be available under 16L.

Getting many fortuners within 15L. Mostly no XUV as it is not ladder frame. Thar is too impractical and small on the inside. Plus is an unsettled ride. Loosing some interest on Gurkha with feedback that is coming.

Originally Posted by Kosfactor

Mahindra is the default choice in rural areas for overall durability and running costs. Scorpio would make short work of the 350kms and then you can take the rough sections slow or fast depending on your mood.

Yep.

Originally Posted by Sheel

I will wait for Scorpio N to be launched. See the specifications, times lines for delivery, any niggles / issues reported and then take a call on this.

Not keen on MUX, will decide after the ScorpioN launch though.

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

Bolero.

Not interested in Bolero as such. Cannot wait 2 months after I decide.

Originally Posted by dhanushs

If tackling extreme gradients, or crawl is not needed (Low Ratio Gearbox) then for slush, AWD is actually perfect. Added with traction control, it gives the right traction and momentum.

So AWD is enough. Got that. 100k Fortuners and ISUZU are fine if I like them. Hexa with right tyres is fine. Gurkha will require me to do a long satisfactory test drive (have asked the dealer to provide it) or be rejected.

[thedragonreborn]

I drive a Hexa AWD (4*4 if you ask the TML marketing team ).

Over the last 4 years, I have switched out to 16'' rims and Yoko A/T tyres, as well as replaced the thinner-than-paper plastic bash plate with steel plated underbody protection for the TOD case, sedimenter and the engine bay. With these and a Thule roof rack, the car has been able to get through a fair bit of no-roads, slush and the like, while ferrying 5 adults, a toddler and a dog in decent comfort.

Pre-emptive maintenance has helped with reliability.

Strangely, at 6ft 1in, with a fair bit of the middle-age spread, I still find the car comfortable for 10 hour drives at a stretch.

If you find a well kept example, it will set you back by about 13L + 1L for kitting it out, meeting most of your asks.

I had booked a pre-worshipped Fortuner 4*4 (13L, 30k km on the odo), but switched to the Hexa after the family fell sound asleep during a TD

Our trips are mostly through rural stretches of Maharastra, where roads are an alien concept, based on Mars-scapes.

[Arun_S]

Did you check the Mahindra Getaway, it has been discontinued but you can look around for a pre-owned.

It is based on Scorpio so spare parts should be fine.

[Trojan]

Considering what you have described as your usage, I don't think you need a 4WD with transfer case, as most RWD SUVs can easily tackle slushy and mild off-road without hassles.

1. From a new vehicle point of view, the Gurkha offers the maximum kit within your expected price range, it is also the most potent in terms of off-roading but you will need to compromise a bit on other factors like (interior space with 2 pets and luggage)
The ride quality is one of the biggest USPs of this vehicle. Do consider.

2. The V-Cross rear seats aren't that great and if you going to carry 4-5 passengers regularly then thats going to be a slight issue

3. A used Fortuner would be highly suitable for your usage and requirements.

4. Aria and Hexa AWD are not reliable and with the long body, hits will become an issue. The placement of the intercooler is sad and may cause you to get stranded even (happened with me twice)

Another 2 vehicles which you have not considered and are equally potent are

5. Scorpio Getaway (Used)
6. Tata Yodha 4wd (New - maybe from a farm perspective you should be able to get a private registration)

7. I think any Scorpio would be able to do justice to your requirements.

My suggestion from existing vehicles
New : Gurkha or Tata Yodha
Used : Fortuner or Scorpio or Scorpio Getaway

Upcoming : New Scorpio

Cheers,

[LEOMAN]

Hi , statement from an endeavour owner,I got mine in 2020 and it 3.2 2017 model and i can vouch for the same. If you try hard and maybe upgrade your budget say by 2-3 lakhs you can get a good 3.2 say 80k on the odometer.Ford also has robust mechanicals ehich are build to last if maintained well.Secondly its very pocket friendly , a complete service with oil replacement has never costed me more than 10k.
Way better ride than the fortuner and features also. you can get 2016 models for 18-20l easily.

[abtyagi]

There is almost nothing that beats a 3.0 L Fortuner 4x4 given the criteria. It would excel in everything and do that 365 days a year.

I own a 2015 model, and I am still pleasantly surprised by how tough and ultralow maintenance it is.