Mahindra should I trust the Reliability?

[Cris-Towns]

Hello

Just over a year ago I brought myself a Mahindra Scorpio 2.2 CRDe mHAWK 4X4 Single cab. When I bought the vehicle it was sitting on 78000km and had been used on a farm to what extent for work and how hard I am not sure.

With the idea being that in 2020 I would be doing some long term trips in southern Africa for a few months possibly up to Kenya.

Before I bought the vehicle I researched the reliability of the car and found out that it was a tough workhorse that should stand the test of time. Within the first year I have had no serious problems with a slightly leaking differential (still under 6 month warranty so free to clean up and fix) and then the abs sensor or wire breaking somewhere so my ABS light is on most of the time, the locking system has broken and some times the doors lock by themselves, and then there was a problem with the engine light coming on but under warranty they eventually fixed it not the best workshop. (I am not too happy with the dealership I bought the car from but that is mainly because of how I was treated by the owner and is another story). Anyway, these electrical problems mean very little to me and are part of the character of the car. There is also quite a bit of clanking (noises) etc but once again I do not mind.

The problem came last week when I was driving away for the long weekend my front right wheels bearing collapsed, this causing me quite a large sum of money to fix.

This is just under my 110000km mark. So I wanted to find out from others their experiences and whether I should take this as a minor problem and continue with this vehicle for my travels next year or if I should start to highly consider the possibility of trading in my car and going for something else or a Scorpio that is potential had an easier previous and if so what, or if I should look at a Scorpio that has possibly had an easier life? I would not want to spend more than 200k.

Any advice or wisdom would be highly appreciated.

[Kiwi 4x4]

Me, I'd be reluctant to buy a second hand scorpio (pikup)with 78,000 on it, used on a farm, driven by who knows.

That's because as an owner myself, I feel like I have to take good care of my scorpio. It has served my well at 123,000 km's now with few issues, but i'm careful with it, not sure how rugged it would be in the hands of an ignorant driver.

The wheel bearing problem is almost certainly caused by the vehicle having been driven in water, Mahindra pikups are prone to water getting in and consequent bearing issues. Would pay to get the rest of the bearings serviced and re greased.

Most of the other issues seem to be electric. I don't know it's just a thought, but maybe the vehicle has been wet at some point?

Re wether you should keep the vehicle, me, I probably would. Because you have sorted out quite a few problems now, perhaps you will get a good run from it now.

Doesn't sound like you have full confidence in your mechanic. To me, that is very important, you need to find a good one.

[Chris G]

I believe that from your question you already have lost confidence in your vehicle. The problem is that at the price you are willing to pay you might get something that is not trustworthy either. I say stay with what you have. Service your rear wheel bearings and enjoy your vehicle.

[Cris-Towns]

Hi Chris and Kiwi

I think I have kinda lost confidence but I don't want to at all I love everything about my mahindy I just want to be able to get to the places I want to go without spending a fortune.

I am a new car owner and maybe I have the wrong conceptions of what should or shouldn't break. All I really want to hear is a couple of people saying hey mine has gotten me to 200 000km or so and no problems. But that is what I am getting from you guys so thank you.

Also partly because I am taking my girlfriend on this overland journey across/up to kenya journey I want her to feel confident too.
And of course I want to get as far as I can .

[Kiwi 4x4]

I am with Chris, at the money you are prepared to pay you could be buying another bunch of issues, better to stay with what you have.

Nothing is guaranteed, but my feeling is you have this vehicle fully serviced by a good and careful mechanic, and you will be as ready for your trip as you can be, within the budget. Do have all wheel bearings fully inspected and serviced.

A guy on this forum who gave me confidence when i had doubts, runs a concrete business, at the time of his posting his Mahindra Pikup had 350,000 km's on the clock with no issues other than regular servicing, and had mostly been driven pulling a trailer with a ton or more of cement on board.