Introduced to the Indian market for the first time in 2010, Mahindra Thar turned into an icon in no time. It filled the void that was already there, but became more visible after the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy was finally discontinued in 2010 after years of speculation. The first generation of the Mahindra Thar was a much more improved version of the Legend, which itself was based on the legendary MM 540.
The Mahindra Thar was a purposeful 4×4 that was meant to tackle any possible terrain one could encounter even in the most hostile of terrains. The first Thar had a more powerful engine than the MM 540’s 2-litre DI engine. The first generation of the Thar did not have a petrol option, but that problem was resolved when the second generation of the Thar broke cover in August 2020 and was finally launched in October of the same year.
Pre-owned Mahindra Thar Generations
The first-gen Mahindra Thar was a basic vehicle that was made just to be purposeful. It had just average plastic quality, leaf spring suspension at the rear, and rear seats that were anything but comfortable. It was a vehicle that was supposed to last, and last it did. The first generation of the Thar was available with two diesel engines – a 2.5-litre CRde engine and a 2.5-litre DI engine. The DI Thar was made to be driven around rural India where the situations are terrible and unpredictable on a daily basis and was available in both 2WD and 4WD trims. The more powerful and turbocharged CRDe engine had two trims – 4WD and 4WD with AC.
Generation 1: 2010-2019 Mahindra Thar
Where the first generation of the Mahindra Thar was as modern as a bare-minimum 4×4 jeep could get, it did have its own set of problems. The rugged looks, the ability to go anywhere, the rear seats that were made to rattle your insides, the minimal use of electricals meant a vehicle that was more bulletproof than most of the vehicles we had seen on Indian roads back then. It was more of a lifestyle product that people bought to either go off-roading on a weekend, or to take to the higher altitudes in the Himalayas to utilise the prowess it possessed. In rural India, the more basic DI version sold like hot cakes because it did everything it was expected to do.
Generation 2: 2020-Present Mahindra Thar
The second generation of the Thar was everything people asked for in those ten years when the first generation made its way through some of the most inhospitable areas you can possibly find in India. The new Thar promised to do everything that the older one could, and it also had two front-facing rows of seats, much improved plastic quality, an automatic gearbox as an option, an additional petrol engine, a RWD version, much improved looks, and much more comfort than its predecessor. Yes, that meant a significant increase in price, and moving away from the character that the first-gen Mahindra Thar was known and worshipped for. Because of these much-needed changes, some people hated the new Thar, while the majority loved it.
What to check for on a used Mahindra Thar before buying?
Check the soft top for any wear and tear
Where the first generation of the Mahindra Thar came only with a soft top, the second generation gave the buyers the option of choosing between a soft or a hard top. The soft top of both the versions of the Thar is made up of a thick fabric that can keep the inside safe from things like rains in most of the situations but not all. With time and other unfortunate occurrences, the quality of the fabric deteriorates, and that can lead to a lot of things like water seeping inside the cabin during rains, and too much dust inside the vehicle in no time among other things. Make sure you pay close attention to the soft top of a Thar (be it old or new) before you make a decision because getting a new soft top for your Thar can be both painful and expensive.
Ensure the 4×4 engages and performs the way it should
This might be a bit tricky to figure for many customers who are considering buying a used Mahindra Thar. Many of us have never used a 4×4 in our lives, and therefore, do not know what to expect of it. If the Thar you are buying is an RWD version, there is nothing to worry about here, but if it has 4×4 it needs to be checked. As the 4×4 vehicles do not always transfer the power to all four wheels under general circumstances, it has to be manually engaged in either 4H (4 High) or 4L (4 Low). If the Thar you are considering has done a considerable amount of off-roading, take a look at the propeller shaft under the vehicle powering the rear differential. The locking hubs, if not working properly, will not be able to engage the front axle resulting in the Thar being just a RWD in all circumstances. Take a closer look at the transfer case to see if it works smoothly switching between RWD, 4H, and 4L.
Check if all the electricals and AC are working fine
Where the first generation of the Mahindra Thar had just enough electricals and efficient air conditioning, the second generation had to accommodate more technology in order to appeal to the masses. The first generation of the Thar was primarily a two-seater, and the AC unit had to be just enough for the front row passengers. The new Thar can easily accommodate four adults and hence the AC needs to be more efficient than before. While buying any of the generations of the Thar, make sure that you switch on the AC and turn the air flow to maximum and then gradually decrease it. See if it is cooling adequately without making any unnecessary noise from the compressor. Also, while off-roading, it is also possible to damage some of the wiring in and around the vehicle. So, ensure that all the switches and electricals are doing what they are supposed to do.
Damage to the body and the underbelly (Rust) (Clutch fluid pipe)
Take a vehicle on the roads less travelled and the battle scars will keep on increasing every time it ventures into the wilderness. At times, these scars are just a few scratches here and there, but at times, things can go a little haywire. Look for visible dents and damage to the body of the vehicle as it might compromise on the structural rigidity of the vehicle. If the vehicle looks non-symmetrical from any angle, the chassis might have taken a hit too. Off-roading usually means treading in areas where roads do not exist. This often equates to slush, big boulders, riverbeds etc. If the Thar you are considering has spent enough time crossing rivers or going sideways on muddy paths, ensure that the vehicle is rust-free, especially the floor of the vehicle. Another thing to do is to get under the vehicle and see if something is broken or cracked. While off-roading in a Thar many years ago, I had a non-functioning clutch after a giant boulder damaged a hose draining the entire clutch fluid. These things happen and it just seems logical to ensure that all damage gets identified and resolved.
Ensure the suspension is in good condition
The first generation of the Mahindra Thar had basic suspension setup with independent suspension at the front, and leaf springs at the rear. Where the leaf springs are as robust, and easy to maintain and fix, as it gets, they do not make for a comfortable drive. The new age Thar makes the drive much more comfortable with independent suspension at the front, and multi-link suspension at the rear. In both the cases, the suspension is expected to take some beating if the vehicle has been off the road on a number of occasions. One of the things you must take a close look at before zeroing in on a particular Mahindra Thar is the suspension. See if there is any leakage or some damage to the leaf spring in case of the older model. Drive the vehicle on every possible terrain you can possibly find in your vicinity to make sure it stays as grounded as it should.
Check if the diesel engine is making unnecessary engine noise
This issue is mainly found in the previous generation of the Thar. The current generation engines are usually too new to develop such issues unless treated extremely unfairly by its owner. Turn the ignition on, open the hood, and try to hear if there is any unnecessary sound the engine is making apart from the usual rattle a diesel engine is known for. Also, take a look at what comes out of the exhaust. If the smoke looks unnecessarily black (or white in some cases), check with a mechanic or an expert to figure if there is something wrong with the engine, and if that something can be fixed without meddling with it.
Summary
The Mahindra Thar is one of the most iconic vehicles India has ever seen. The first generation offered a much more basic vehicle that had 4×4 prowess, could go anywhere, and had few things to break. The second generation of the Thar was more of a lifestyle product that could also take you to work on a daily basis apart from promising the same off-roading capabilities as the vehicle it replaced. Where the new Thar is too young to be seen frequently in the used car market, the older ones are found aplenty thanks to the amended Motor Vehicles Act. This makes it all the more crucial for a buyer to pay extra attention to small details such as these while purchasing a used Mahindra Thar. But if you do manage to find one such perfectly used Thar, it will bring you joy in ways you never witnessed before entering the magical world of 4x4s.
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