2013 Mahindra Thar long term review fifth report

I am happy to report that the Thar was faultless. It ran all the way there and back to Mumbai without a single mechanical issue. All it needed was a bit of warming up in the morning after a cold night at 14,000 feet. There was one problem though – the canopy zipper. It stopped working, and thanks to the vacuum created by the speeding Thar’s square backside, all the dust and diesel smoke from the exhaust would get pulled into the cabin. We bought industrial grade dust masks in Leh as a counter measure. Oh, and the AC packed up in Chandigarh. An AC pipe was chafing against a turbo hose clip and all the gas had leaked out. I got it fixed at the dealership there for a not inconsiderable Rs 3000.

I made it back to Mumbai in time for the off-road season. I go every Sunday with either the Mudcats, the OTR Rebels or with a few friends I made simply because I have a Thar at my disposal. That’s also what I loved about the Thar – when you have a special vehicle, you automatically meet like-minded enthusiasts and do crazy stuff with them.

Mahindra is making noises about taking it back, but I like it so much I’m thinking of buying it. Should I? I’m more than tempted.

OUSEPH CHACKO

Odometer 23,000km
Price Rs 8.51 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Test economy 10.6kpl (overall)
Maintenance costs Nil
Faults Faulty canopy zipper