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1997 Mahindra Classic vs 2021 Mahindra Thar

I really love my Jeep and I really love the new Thar. But keeping 2 Jeeps isn't an option as I want to have a diverse garage (a sporty 2-door coupe is on the horizon).

These are the words of BHPian GTO.

As some of you know, I've fallen in love with the 2nd-gen Thar. If everything had gone to plan, I would have already sold my Classic by now & would be waiting for the '21 Thar.

BUT

As luck would have it, there are major hurdles in the paperwork. The company that financed my Jeep shut down back in the 90s and after talking to a lot of people, I have come to the conclusion that it is going to be very difficult, and will involve a lot of effort & paperwork to remove the hypothecation. So, my Jeep is still standing down the house like the spouse who still madly loves you and won't give you a divorce.

Don't get me wrong, as of now, I still want to swap the Classic for the Thar, but just wanted to hear the thoughts of BHPians. Which 4x4 of the 2 would you rather own & why?

Advantage Classic: A 24-year long love affair, there is a certain sexiness to an old + unique Jeep, looks badass and is still a head-turner, the rarity as there is nothing like it on the road (anyone can buy a new Thar), raw + mechanical driving feel, "fully open" to drive, smaller & nimbler, more fun to offroad in, costs nothing to own as its already paid for, the maintenance is cheap, had no breakdowns in 7 - 8 years. A real Jeep & a true Classic. 

But the Mahindra Classic's usage is very limited because its a 2-seater, slow, bumpy, crude and not comfortable cruising over 80 - 90 kmph. Forget the highway, even city usage is limited as I cannot drive it under the afternoon sun or if I'm going for a family lunch. The Classic is my night & weekend toy.

Advantage Thar: Way more luxurious & comfortable in comparison, has all the amenities, a fantastic Diesel AT, usage will be higher as it can be driven everywhere, air-conditioning + power steering, 4-star NCAP rating (my '97 Jeep has zero safety), can be used for road-trips, can offroad in comfort, convertible top that I can open & close at will.

But I'm not sure how much of the Thar's highway manners I'll use as my preferred highway drive is the BMW. Additionally, as I have media cars on several weekends, even the Thar's usage will be limited (although a lot more than the Classic).

I really love my Jeep and I really love the new Thar. But keeping 2 Jeeps isn't an option as I want to have a diverse garage (a sporty 2-door coupe is on the horizon).

P.S. A small advantage with my Classic is that, due to its narrow width, I can stick it to the building wall and squeeze my 530d out through the gap. Hence, there is no need to remove the Jeep to remove the 530d. That won't be possible with the bigger & wider Thar which will block the other car.


 
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