Buying a Force Gurkha!!

khan_sultan · 18th July 2008, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by srishiva

How would you compare your Gypsy with the Jeeps ?

That would be going OT from this thread of the Gurkha and also, I don't want to start a Gypsy vs Jeep war

.

Both are good and there places where Gypsy would be ideal (where you need momentum high rev -- such as slopes/climbs)

On rocks, where you want to crawl, Gypsy can do it but is very scary. Low RPM torque in jeeps is magic. Gypsy can't even come close to it. In slush/mud also Jeep would rule.

Quote:

Originally Posted by srishiva

Going by the second trip to virajpet, since the jeeps were stuck, can you conclude that Jeeps are not good too ?

NO.. All jeeps successfully climbed on their own..

Quote:

Originally Posted by srishiva

We might not have good exposure to Gukhas and their capabilities on this forum and that might be the actual problem here.

Agree..

RedMM340 · 18th July 2008, 12:21

Monster BHP,

That Gurkha is a very capable vehicle that is worth buying. It is an ultimate off-roader that has very high end mechanicals not offered by M&M Jeeps. The diff locks, frame, transfer box, engine, are superior components.

It is a more capable off-roader than anything produced by M&M today.

Don't be fooled by a couple of pics that show a Gurkha stuck in axle deep mud.

Don't even compare a Gurkha to a Sumo. Sumo's are mechanical junk. A Bolero 4x4 is a nice SUV that has 4x4, but is not an 'off-roader'.

If you have the budget, and truly want an ultimate off-road vehicle, you will make a good choice in buying a Gurkha.

Regards,

scooby05 · 18th July 2008, 12:25

"JEEP" is a Brand, and should not be a term for 4x4 or Suvs. Please.
Lets not call Gurkhas and Boleros etc etc "Jeeps". And how is Gypsy not a "Jeep" class if we term 4x4s Jeeps.
Mahindra's Were Jeep licensee's Long Long Back. No More.
We are Team-Bhp, and we should atleast differentiate!!
Thanks All.

bblost · 18th July 2008, 12:29

WELCOME TO FORCE4x4.COM

Also check out the videos.

The webmaster is a member in team-bhp.
Team-BHP - View Profile: rrnsss

He is the best contact for all your questions.

Hemanth · 18th July 2008, 12:42

I beleive the price is too high. It's not worth unless you are doing serious offroading and atleast travel to places where thers is no road/Kuccha road. Also people who are used to driving cars will not like it because you need to have the "DIL" to drive since the drive is not smooth like car and also you dont have the luxury of car.
BTW : My brother in law was very excited when he knew that i have a Gypsy and he got into the vehicle started just got down because he was not used to it since he is used to driving a Civic.

Steeroid · 18th July 2008, 13:13

To all those looking for a Gurkha - May The Force Be With You. You really need all those wishes to find a vehicle.

GTO · 18th July 2008, 18:32

1300 kms on a supposed brand new car sounds fishy. Check with the company if it was indeed driven down from the factory, and thats the primary reason for its mileage.

condor · 18th July 2008, 18:54

Even if they are driven down from the factory, the odo is normally disconnected during this drive.

Check any Bolero, Sumo, The mini-buses, 407's, trucks, may be the Scorp too. The odo on the vehicle in the showroom will still be close to 0.

hrag · 18th July 2008, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedMM340

Don't be fooled by a couple of pics that show a Gurkha stuck in axle deep mud.

Thank you for this. People were taking off on the Gurkha in the Coorg OTR thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedMM340

Don't even compare a Gurkha to a Sumo. Sumo's are mechanical junk. A Bolero 4x4 is a nice SUV that has 4x4, but is not an 'off-roader'.

Where did the Sumo come from? He was asking about the Safari.

RedMM340 · 18th July 2008, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

1300 kms on a supposed brand new car sounds fishy. Check with the company if it was indeed driven down from the factory, and thats the primary reason for its mileage.

GTO,
I believe that Force Motors does drive all its vehicles to the selling destination. I had about 1500km on my new Tempo Traveller.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrag

Thank you for this. People were taking off on the Gurkha in the Coorg OTR thread.

Where did the Sumo come from? He was asking about the Safari.

O.k., I thought I saw a Sumo mentioned. Well Sumo or Safari, my comment remains the same. Mechanical junk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hemanth

I beleive the price is too high. It's not worth unless you are doing serious offroading and atleast travel to places where thers is no road/Kuccha road. Also people who are used to driving cars will not like it because you need to have the "DIL" to drive since the drive is not smooth like car and also you dont have the luxury of car.
BTW : My brother in law was very excited when he knew that i have a Gypsy and he got into the vehicle started just got down because he was not used to it since he is used to driving a Civic.

You believe the price is too high? I would like to know why you think this.

If you add up the costs of dual diff locks, divorced transfer case, mercedes derived engine + gbox and heavy duty frame,you will find that it is actually a great deal for what is offered.

The Gurkha is a real hardcore off-roader, which is a rare vehicle to be offered by any manufacturer anywhere in the world. Consider yourselves lucky to have the opportunity to buy one.

Samurai · 18th July 2008, 20:11

Gaurav, is this impression based on the newer TD-2650 FTI engine or the older mercedes OM616 engine?

I have followed the Gurkha passionately for nearly two years. I have test driven the very first new Hardtop Gurkha released last year. I can't justify that price somehow for that fit and finish. And I am yet to see the performance matching the hype.

dadu · 18th July 2008, 20:58

Then Gurkha is manufactured for which market segment ??, I always had an impression that the engine based on mercedes is a gem and so are the 4x4 capabilities.

I would not rate the performance just on the Coorg 4x4 drive posted here.

But I do feel that the price is on the higher side. how, depends??

Calculate your Off-road encounters till today and the ones that you intend to do and also your city drives. Evaluate the ratio and then decide, for such price you can get a more comfortable vehicle if you will drive majorly in the city.

Although there is no justification against your heart opinions of buying a Gurkha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by khan_sultan

Depends on what you want it for? I saw one first hand during the Coorg OTR and here are my 2 cents

Do not buy the Gurkha if comfort and interior space is what you want.
Don't buy if you want it for serious off-roading. Buy a much much cheaper and more capable JEEP instead.

For other things, other members can comment

RedMM340 · 18th July 2008, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai

Gaurav, is this impression based on the newer TD-2650 FTI engine or the older mercedes OM616 engine?

I have followed the Gurkha passionately for nearly two years. I have test driven the very first new Hardtop Gurkha released last year. I can't justify that price somehow for that fit and finish. And I am yet to see the performance matching the hype.

Samurai,
Yes, my impression is based on the OM616. Is not the newer engine a variant/evolution of the OM616? Or is it an altogether new design?

The fit and finish is not really the criteria for the Gurkha. Fit and finish is sort of a consumer car metric. Fit an finish really don't matter when you are negotiating a 30 degree slope or winching yourself out of a mud bog. The funny thing is that modern mass producers of cars peddle low cost components that are packaged nicely with good fit and finish in order to justify high prices. With the Gurkha, it is the very opposite, since you are getting high quality mechanicals with little focus on packaging and finishing. And no money spent on brainwash advertising.

You may not have seen the Gurkha demonstrate its full capability, but believe me, when a vehicle has the type of hardware like the Gurkha, it is very capable in the hands of a competent driver.

Monster_BHP · 18th July 2008, 21:32

Hey Guys.. For the first time i am not confused about what to buy. I am going for the Gurkha.

Why?

Because its the best buy for the price. I got it for 7.77-lakhs Ex-Showroom and 8.60 on Road. Considering the Mahindra 4Wd is 7.8 to 8.0 lakhs as well and this is far better in terms of off-roading, engine spec, uniqueness and over all 4x4 tech.

I was actually going for the Safari was rather forcing myself to go for the Safari just for the 4x4. I never liked it and i hate the plastic in TATA.

So all in all its a good buy for me. But thanks for others who have helped me to make up my mind.

P.S. Any true 4wd lover will close his eyes and go for the Gurkha, just for its ruggedness and looks..ya looks..

gowda79 · 18th July 2008, 21:45

just watched this test drive by the company drivers on you tube -

YouTube - India's Pride 4x4

Gurkha has got good capability of Off roading, just watch the above link and i hope u guys will believe it

Gurkha is made as per Indian Army requirementss...

18th July 2008, 12:21	#17
RedMM340 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on the move Posts: 457 Thanked: 34 Times	Monster BHP, That Gurkha is a very capable vehicle that is worth buying. It is an ultimate off-roader that has very high end mechanicals not offered by M&M Jeeps. The diff locks, frame, transfer box, engine, are superior components. It is a more capable off-roader than anything produced by M&M today. Don't be fooled by a couple of pics that show a Gurkha stuck in axle deep mud. Don't even compare a Gurkha to a Sumo. Sumo's are mechanical junk. A Bolero 4x4 is a nice SUV that has 4x4, but is not an 'off-roader'. If you have the budget, and truly want an ultimate off-road vehicle, you will make a good choice in buying a Gurkha. Regards,
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 12:25	#18
scooby05 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,145 Thanked: 192 Times	"JEEP" is a Brand, and should not be a term for 4x4 or Suvs. Please. Lets not call Gurkhas and Boleros etc etc "Jeeps". And how is Gypsy not a "Jeep" class if we term 4x4s Jeeps. Mahindra's Were Jeep licensee's Long Long Back. No More. We are Team-Bhp, and we should atleast differentiate!! Thanks All.
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 12:29	#19
bblost Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 11,005 Thanked: 15,315 Times View My Garage	WELCOME TO FORCE4x4.COM Also check out the videos. The webmaster is a member in team-bhp. Team-BHP - View Profile: rrnsss He is the best contact for all your questions.
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 12:42	#20
Hemanth BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mysore Posts: 193 Thanked: 4 Times	I beleive the price is too high. It's not worth unless you are doing serious offroading and atleast travel to places where thers is no road/Kuccha road. Also people who are used to driving cars will not like it because you need to have the "DIL" to drive since the drive is not smooth like car and also you dont have the luxury of car. BTW : My brother in law was very excited when he knew that i have a Gypsy and he got into the vehicle started just got down because he was not used to it since he is used to driving a Civic.
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 13:13	#21
Steeroid Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: N.A Posts: 7,046 Thanked: 2,751 Times	To all those looking for a Gurkha - May The Force Be With You. You really need all those wishes to find a vehicle.
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 18:32	#22
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,517 Thanked: 300,592 Times View My Garage	1300 kms on a supposed brand new car sounds fishy. Check with the company if it was indeed driven down from the factory, and thats the primary reason for its mileage.
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 18:54	#23
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 15,864 Thanked: 16,013 Times View My Garage	Even if they are driven down from the factory, the odo is normally disconnected during this drive. Check any Bolero, Sumo, The mini-buses, 407's, trucks, may be the Scorp too. The odo on the vehicle in the showroom will still be close to 0.
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 20:11	#26
Samurai Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore/Udupi Posts: 25,826 Thanked: 45,513 Times View My Garage	Gaurav, is this impression based on the newer TD-2650 FTI engine or the older mercedes OM616 engine? I have followed the Gurkha passionately for nearly two years. I have test driven the very first new Hardtop Gurkha released last year. I can't justify that price somehow for that fit and finish. And I am yet to see the performance matching the hype.
	() Thanks

18th July 2008, 21:32	#29
Monster_BHP BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: chennai Posts: 190 Thanked: 30 Times View My Garage	Hey Guys.. For the first time i am not confused about what to buy. I am going for the Gurkha. Why? Because its the best buy for the price. I got it for 7.77-lakhs Ex-Showroom and 8.60 on Road. Considering the Mahindra 4Wd is 7.8 to 8.0 lakhs as well and this is far better in terms of off-roading, engine spec, uniqueness and over all 4x4 tech. I was actually going for the Safari was rather forcing myself to go for the Safari just for the 4x4. I never liked it and i hate the plastic in TATA. So all in all its a good buy for me. But thanks for others who have helped me to make up my mind. P.S. Any true 4wd lover will close his eyes and go for the Gurkha, just for its ruggedness and looks..ya looks.. Last edited by Monster_BHP : 18th July 2008 at 21:35.
	() Thanks