Anyone planning on buying one?

[Andy]

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Is there anyone here that is planning on buying a new Mahindra as soon as they release in the US? If so, what model are you hoping to get?

[pee wee]

I find this truck highly interesting, but there are too many facts missing to make an informed decision. The basic "how much does it cost and what do you get for that" is definitely not definite. Results of the crash tests? Results of the EPA tests? Speaking of tests, how can we have test drives in September with a truck that won't begin manufacture until October (so I hear)? Are the seats comfortable, what options are going to be offered, and the list goes on. I thought this truck had a 7 foot bed in the two seater configuration, now I see an article posted at Mahindratruckblog that the four seater has a 7 foot bed and the two seater has a 7.5 footer. For all I know that is accurate, since there are no trucks to look at. Obviously I am interested in them, but I'm keeping my eyes open and I might end up buying something else- once there is something to compare. I have high hopes for a compact pickup truck with a diesel engine (I was searching for one before I ran across the Mahindra offering), but not at any cost.

[dan-o]

I'm very interested if they don't get stupid with the price. I'm not paying
that kind of $$$ for a basic 2 door truck even with diesel, a/c and a fancy radio.
Better start about $15,000-$16,000.

[Andy]

pee wee, I'll check and make sure that the writer got the right info on the bed sizes.

dano-o, I agree. So far the price looks a little steep, even if they do throw in free maintenance for 4 years. I think that if it did get down to the $15-16k range, I would be interested in buying one as well.

For now it will be interesting to keep watching and see what develops.

[pee wee]

btw, I see the TR-20 will come with a 7.5 ft. bed. What are the chances that they can find a place to assemble knock down kits from the get-go? I know Mahindra is reportedly seeking a facility to assemble vehicles here, is it possible they could get things set up quickly enough to cut that 25% tariff out of their initial production? Just like our legislators intended, that "chicken tax" would kill potential success here if it forces base prices above 20k. I'm still driving my Nissan pickup I bought in '93 that had a base MSRP of $8995, and it has performed flawlessly and gets nearly 30 mpg on the highway, 24 around town. No ABS, no stability control, no cd player, no air bags, no cup holders, no break-downs and no mechanical problems. I would buy another one just like it if anyone made it and could sell it here (but they couldn't). With the low cost of labor in India, the absence of a reputation here, the general doubt in this country of the quality of Indian manufacturing, and the lack of a track record for service and reliability of this particular truck, I don't understand why they think that U.S. truck buyers are going to line up to buy 45,000 a year of these at a premium. I'm with Dan-o, they need to get the starting figure near 15,000 to have a chance. Below that and interest will build quickly, and they may sell a bundle of them. Strip off some doo-dads, leave the carpet out, forget the paddle shifters and mp3- I bet there are alot of people who would buy a basic, rugged truck to use as a truck. I know I would.

[IanS]

I need to replace my old Ford Aerostar that gets 23 miles per (canadian) gallon average in my use and can tow a small trailer. Reading mileage figures for small turbo-diesel vans and trucks on every other continent was frustrating. I was about to settle for a Ford Ranger as it seemed like the best value among the vehicles available here. Then I read about the Mahindra trucks. That's what I'm looking for!

So I'm waiting to see the TR40 and am looking into what is required to import one to Canada from the USA. I'll pay more for better fuel economy, the option to use biodiesel, lower GHG emissions and better towing capacity. I'll have to see the truck first and consider how much more $ before I decide though.

[Andy]

I was talking with my dad this morning and we came to the same conclusions on the pricing without being proven first. It will be interesting to see what kind of marketing they do, to convince people to buy them for over $20k. I think if they were right under the $20k mark, that would help a lot. Over $20k will be hard to swallow for must people with an unproven truck.

In any case, I'm looking forward to their release, and to hopefully see one in person! It will also be cool to have another car manufacturer to choose from.

[Hughlysses]

I'm considering it pretty seriously. Ideally I'd like an extended cab but I'll settle for the 4-door.

Mainly I want diesel power. I've spent the last couple of weeks reading various forums on installing Cummins or VW TDI diesels in small pickups, but a swap like this appears to be a pretty monumental undertaking. Because of that, I'm looking seriously at the Mahindra.

Has anyone heard anything about the test drives they're supposed to offer this year? I believe they were also supposed to release more complete specifications (engine HP/torque, fuel mileage) by now.

[palmtree]

Originally Posted by Hughlysses

Has anyone heard anything about the test drives they're supposed to offer this year? I believe they were also supposed to release more complete specifications (engine HP/torque, fuel mileage) by now.

I know. This makes me think that they may not be performing as well as they have promised. Anything under 30 miles per gallon would be a deal killer for me.

[SigSense]

I'll have to actually test drive one for a few hours before I make a decision on purchasing. Have read a lot of positive reviews from other owners.