Mahindra Pik-up dual Cab, 2012

[Cyberess]

Great tuff rig, they are made to survive in India so they must be pretty tough.

Can we have an update of the truck

Greeting Greyfox,

What sort of update do you want?

Just finishing a Christmas 8000 km round trip Darwin to Brisbane and return -- really just a road trip this time -- not much off road this time, but towing a camper, its been extreme hot weather -- notice that the fuel economy drops off with the hot weather particularity across the Barkly Hwy at about above 45C mark, so the auxiliary been getting a workout at plus 12L/100K. Still got about mid 8L/100K around Nambour -- QLD lower speed limits and cooler weather did help at that time.

Give more of a report when I get back.

 

[Greyfox]

Greeting Greyfox,

What sort of update do you want?

Just finishing a Christmas 8000 km round trip Darwin to Brisbane and return -- really just a road trip this time -- not much off road this time, but towing a camper, its been extreme hot weather -- notice that the fuel economy drops off with the hot weather particularity across the Barkly Hwy at about above 45C mark, so the auxiliary been getting a workout at plus 12L/100K. Still got about mid 8L/100K around Nambour -- QLD lower speed limits and cooler weather did help at that time.

Give more of a report when I get back.

Excellent, interesting how it goes towing, what is it like going up hills, what good or bad points have you discovered the more you use it.

Is it a comfortable veichle to live with, any information like that.

Owning a new veichle is great , but as you drive and have to live with you veichle , you discover differnt elements of the veichle, any informationlike that would be good.

Hope you have a great trip

 

[Hogger]

Mahindra

Hi Greyfox, sounds like you are interested in the Mahindra Pik Up. I bought one after seeing the one owwned by Cyberess. I have had my truck for a few months now. Have not done a lot of off road, but here are my thoughts up to now. It pulls fine up hills. I tow a double horse float with two horses. All in all would weigh around 2 ton. No problems at all with that. The Mahindra is a very comfortable truck to ride in. It has Captain seats in the front with movable armrests. I am a big guy 130kgms, and I find it very easy to ride in. Also all my rear passengers are very impressed with the room and vision they have. Also it the only dual cab that I know of with air con for the rear seats. I have only seen this in the larger trucks like Landcruisers. The Mahindra is very skimpy on diesel. I think the worst feature about the ute is the turning circle. It is horrid. You need an eight lane highway to turn around. All in all I am stoked in the truck. I was quite worried when I first purchased the Mahindra but I feel better and better as time rolls on. So far no repairs, just regular services. Will let you know anything that goes wrong. Cheers

 

[Greyfox]

Thanks Hogger

Yeah I had a good look at a new dual cab pick up a couple of years ago, really thought they looked solid and tuff, like you I am a big guy, I ended up going for a Land Rover Defender which I love to death, it is quite amazing how similar both our veichles are, rugged , tuff, similar engine power and huge turning circles
I do have a soft spot for the Mahinda and it is great to hear some feedback on them.

I dont see to many around, so hope in the near future this brand does not dissapear from our shores, as it did previously.I would love to hear how you go with it and any stories good or bad

 

[Cyberess]

Just finish my 6000 km trip , towing my camper etc..

And yes I agree with Hogger's comments, the large interior is great with the captain seats etc, interior size etc.. About the only thing they got a little wrong, when selecting reverse gear it just about hits the arm rest, but that's not a biggie. My vehicle is rather modified now, but it's mainly Mahindra supplied mods etc, which is a good thing.

On my 6000 km trip Darwin to Brisbane and back, with a tour on the coast, about the only thing to go wrong was a tire failure .. yep at over 40C on the Barkley Hwy

I call this tire tire failure, as the actual tire didn't go down, it sort of ruptured from inside the tire, and tread separated from the the tire it self, it was amazing as the tire still had pressure -- well with a slow hisss. I am not that wrapped with the standard tires, that come on the Mahindra, it's the second tire the go, well that probably not that fair -- as tires do go.. I am contemplating on replacing all the tires with Yokohama Geolandar ATS G012 -- I already have one G012 as a spare.

 

[Greyfox]

Looks like tyre delamation , were the tread comes away from the base rubber.
Sounds like you had a good trip.
The Defender is large on the inside but the ergomincs are not th e best, go have to have the window down to turn the steering wheel, the hand brake rubs on your left leg and the drivers window winder rubs on your right knee , but I love it

 

[Cyberess]

The Defender is large on the inside but the ergonomics are not th e best, go have to have the window down to turn the steering wheel, the hand brake rubs on your left leg and the drivers window winder rubs on your right knee , but I love it

The Mahindra's ergonomics feel quite good, seating position etc, appear to be spot on.

Yeah I sort of briefly checked out the Defender ute in Darwin, but the dealer didn't appear to be interested in selling me one, or didn't seem to be interested in getting me in a white dual cab ute at all, I did sit in a short wheel base one, and it didn't feel that bad. The main issue that I could remember was the Defender was going end up well out of my price range -- No air bags, etc -- still I as thinking of one, may be if there was a white dual cab one sitting in Darwin at the time I was looking I might of ended up with one.

Greyfox, you should start a thread about your Defender, with photos etc, as I would like to read about your Defender.

 

[Cyberess]

On startup notice that the dual battery volt gauge dropping right down on the main battery on startup -- Drop into my local battery guy and had both my main and auxiliary battery testing.. Yep the main starter batter was very week and failed the load test.

Well that is only 2 years for the main battery, the I live in Darwin the tropics -- it stuffs batteries-- I was really surprised that the auxiliary battery completely passed the tests, as the auxiliary battery has had plenty of use with the fridge, my guess being in the canopy it's cooler for the battery.

I have now replaced the main battery with a $380 Optima dual purpose marine battery, that they call a blue top

Nice figures, but I guess it should be at $380 --- should be good for my winch.

Living in Darwin and the wet season, not getting our 4WDing at this moment, it's been a good time to fix the lighting and the electrical system in my canopy.

First up I built a electrical cabinet, I made the cabinet out of a tool/part organiser similar to SCA Tool Organiser - 8 Compartment, it was sitting in my shed and it was just the right size, so after a few mods with a hole say, and mounting it on a piece of marine ply..

Note the marine switch panel that I mounted in the lid -- From Jaycar Marine Switch Panels with Circuit Breakers - Jaycar Electronics for $28

I wanted, everything to use circuit breakers, and no fuses, and with 16-Way 100A Brass Distribution Bars, to make it easy to add the wiring, and extra cabling later. The 16-Way 100A Brass Distribution Bars came from Jaycar 16-Way 100A Brass Distribution Bar - Jaycar Electronics

I have used a 70AMP Circuit breaker/Isolator switch for the main feed into the cabinet/box that I purchased from a boat shop.

Used plenty of Anderson Plugs around the canopy

I use the Anderson plugs for my fridge, for plugging my air compressor and for pluging in my solar panels. -- The best place I find to purchase Anderson plugs is from Ebay -- I paid about $18 for 10 plugs -- To purchase Anderson plugs from Jaycar they are about $12 each -- it's the same plug.

As for running the fridge from the Anderson plug, I have modified the Waeco lead to include a 10A blade fuse

For lighting I have mounted the lights on the gull wing doors on the canopy

Those light are 12V work lights that I purchased from Bunnies at about $8.50 each, and they certainly throw good light.

The work light -- with shielding extra they look nice and neat.

A 600W pure sinewave inverter that I purchased off ebay for $78 delevered

Tested with a 750W drill, worked fine, Then tested it with a industrial pedestal fan -- yeah I was amazed with the industrial -- this was only a test, all I am planing on doing with the Inverter is powering/charging laptops, powering low wattage 240V lighting, and running small 40W box fans.

Cheers

 

[Robmystik]

Hi Cyberess,
I'm also going through the process of buying a Mahindra, like yourself I venture off road quite often. Going from a GQ twin locked with 35's I'm extremely concerned I will be disappointed. The question I have for you are,
Have you investigated a front locker?
Regards

 

[Cyberess]

I don't know if there is a front locker available, never really considered one. I can't say I have been in a situation where I can say I explicitly needed a front locker, (May be I not adventurous enough ) I can tell you that the factory rear locker works well.

About a font locker, you may want to talk with "Ben Robinson" from "Modern Motors" of Dungog, ph (02) 4992 1486, they seem to have produced a number of custom after market mods like Exhausts, Performance Chips etc, and they are good people to talk to. I have ordered parts through them, and asked for info etc, they have been very responsive. They are the same people that sell parts through ebay 4wdindustries Parts on eBay There is not much that they don't know about the Mahindras.

Can't say if you would be disappointed or not -- I guess it's all what your expectations are, all I can say is that I enjoy the one that I have. Maybe have a look at my thread on myswag "http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17679.0" as well.

Either way let us know how you get on -- Maybe we will see another build up of some type.

 

[Robmystik]

Yeah I'm dealing with Ben he is very helpful.
I'll be sure to add pics!
Thanks for responding

 

[The_Pabs]

Mahindra Issues

G'day Cyberess,
I bought my PikUp at the same time as you when I was at the dealership they talked about one that had just been ordered by a fella in Darwin. How have you gone with warranty work? have you had any issues? and where have you had things done if they were needed we've had to drive 150 kms to our nearest dealer everytime we've had a warranty issue even though one of the conditions of sale was that we could get warranty work done at our nearest town (Casino, NSW). I have a singlecab, 4WD, Tabletop. So far warranty work includes:
EMD Module replaced
EGR Valve replaced
EGR Valve Sensor replaced
Drivers Seat Replaced (piece of metal was sticking out the back of the seat) this was done today and the replacement is horrible can feel a metal bar across the seat just below my shoulder blades.
New Radio (old one started getting interference all the time)
Passenger Door Seal replaced twice as it got a tear in the same spot
Seal around black vent tended to as water was getting inside the panel when it rained
2 Shock Absorbers replaced (cant recall which ones)
Rear shackles welded back to chassis as one broke! the welds on these always looked daggy and not up to scratch.
1 Tyre replaced as the plys were separating
Some wiring connections also needed to be cleaned as speedo wasn't working.
Fuel Gauge Sender replaced twice (fuel gauge is still basically useless)
There has been a whistling noise for the last few thousand kms and when in for the service today i was told it needs a new turbo!
This stuff is just off the top of my head, all in 40000kms i just had the 40000 km service and it set me back $800. I like the vehicle when its working properly but its so painful when its forever having to get things fixed.

 

[Cyberess]

G'day Cyberess,
<snip>
How have you gone with warranty work? have you had any issues? and where have you had things done if they were needed

Yes I have had warranty work done, but by my local mechanic -- walking distance from my place -- plus work done my my local tyre joint.

I think I have included some of the issues in this tread already..
Tyre issues -- you will notice reading this thread that I had the tyres balanced several time.. I was doing a bit of 4WD driving.. but the tyres came up could not to be balance, so I had the old tyres sent back and replaced. Mahindra was real quick in getting the work done.

Fuel tank issue, I documented that one on Myswag forum "http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17679.msg494538#msg494538" Mahindra had a new fuel tank to me in less that 5 days -- was reimburse by Mahindra (total amazed on the speed that they got the new tank to me.) Actually this was a test for Mahindra service, and they done well.

Issue with Central locking -- fix by my local auto elec -- that turned out to be linkage adjustment. Was reimburse be Mahindra -- Didn't cost that much

ABS light on -- for a year -- fixed while in Brisbane -- as the ABS does not pick up with normal scan tools, only a Mahindra scan tool for the ABS faults -- My ABS was working, it was just a fault light. It's sort of fixed now.

My Mahindra has only done about 26000Kms but it has been rather rough stuff.

Now about your Mahindra is it the 2.5L or the later 2.2L diesel setup?

<snip>
EMD Module replaced
EGR Valve replaced
EGR Valve Sensor replaced

What was the problem or what fault were they chasing? to have these components replaced?

<snip>
Drivers Seat Replaced (piece of metal was sticking out the back of the seat) this was done today and the replacement is horrible can feel a metal bar across the seat just below my shoulder blades.

Weird -- my seats have been real good and comfortable , although I will have a look over my seats now -- This is why I like people to talk about the faults that they have, so I can fix mine before it happens

New Radio (old one started getting interference all the time)

I found the standard radio real good, with exceptional reception -- I have replaced mine, but it was more for getting a GPS function with in the radio part, still I think that the standard radio was a touch better than the new one that I have now.

Passenger Door Seal replaced twice as it got a tear in the same spot

Exactly where does this happen, your the second person that I have heard with this problem, I am trying to work out the week point for the door seal.

Seal around black vent tended to as water was getting inside the panel when it rained
2 Shock Absorbers replaced (cant recall which ones)

All my suspension is EFS -- as I knew that my suspension was going to have a hard time, and I am certainly glade that I swapped out my suspension on the purchase of my vehicle -- Actual for remote work I would recommend standard suspension to be replaced on all vehicles, and really standard suspension is really only good for city work.

Rear shackles welded back to chassis as one broke! the welds on these always looked daggy and not up to scratch

Did you get any photos? Do you mean the bracket that holds the rear shackle? Just wondering if it's something that I should get reinforced -- plenty more rough 4WD trip for my vehicle, this is a week point that interests me.

<snip>
This stuff is just off the top of my head, all in 40000kms i just had the 40000 km service and it set me back $800. I like the vehicle when its working properly but its so painful when its forever having to get things fixed.

$800 don't seem that bad, possibly a little high, but getting work done in Darwin is probably even higher priced,

Cheers

 

[Robmystik]

Wow seems like you have had a rather bad run... But on the quantuary I've spoken to guys that use these vehicles in arduous conditions (mine sites) with little faults. Cyberess has asked very good questions therein keen to hear your responses
Regards

 

[The_Pabs]

G'day again
I have the 2.2 litre model, power is quite adequate for the machine just getting itself around.
EMD module was replaced because the cruise control stopped working
EGR valve stuff was because the check engine light and the engine warning light came on.
My original seat was comfortable even when the brace broke and was sticking out of it, might just be a matter of softening up over time but it felt pretty ordinary driving home from the dealer today.
The factory radio is definately adequate I assume something broke inside it to cause the fault.
Mine mostly does highway driving 80% of the kms would be on Tarmac, and the off-road stuff it's done hasn't been very rugged just putting around the farm.
Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of the where the shackles attach to the chassis, I can get a few of how it looks now though they did it differently to how mine was originally done, and when I walked through the lot looking at the ones they had in stock after the repairs I noticed they all looked like the repaired version that mine had.
And the door seal has torn basically where the door locking pin (for want of a better name) is, on the passenger side, door also seems to be harder to shut than the drivers side. And every now and then when I press unlock on the remote it will unlock and then instantly lock again and then u have to press unlock and open the door before it can lock again. Doesn't happen all the time but probably once a week and I reckon it all relates to that passenger door

 

[Cyberess]

HI The_Pabs

Good for getting back..

Thanks for the info on the EMD and the EGR module, it could be useful for me or for someone else who has a similar issue.

About the rear shackle mounts, and about ending up with different mounts on your Mahindra, you might be on to something there, as with Mahindra's, there was some extensive suspension and chassis changes between the 2011 to 2012 2.2L plated models, so much so the 2011 plated models have a ANCAP 2 rating where the 2012+ models have a ANCAP 3 rating -- my guess you now have the 2012+ mounts on your vehicle which is a good thing.

About the dealer if you purchase from the same dealer as me, I purchase my Mahindra through Billabong Mahindra, which went bankrupt and out of business about 2 years ago. They gave me a extra Billlabong warranty, which now ain't worth the piece of paper it's written on. Did you get caught up with probs of Billlabong Mahindra going down? About Mahindra Australia themselves they have been excellent, good to deal with, and have supplied my mechanic with phone support.

About your front seat, it just sounds like it's just firm and new -- interesting to see how you go with it though.

With your servicing if I was you I would get a trust worthy local mechanic to service your vehicle, even do the warranty work, you will have to contact Mahindra first just to be sure, but in my case that arrangement has been excellent, and there is quite a few Mahindras out there getting serviced remotely. When I get my vehicle serviced I order my parts Air filter, Fuel Filters, Oil Filters first, generally though 4WD Industries or "Modern Motors" of Dungog and have them deliver the parts -- in your case be friendly with your nearest dealer and get them to send the parts. On the day of service I have a box ready with extra fan belts etc (just in case) filter all ready, I have my service book ready to stamp (right on the right page) -- and I have photocopy a enlarged service schedule sheet ready, as I will want everything that's on the schedule to be done. Yep I am a bit fussy, and willing to pay just to make sure it's done right. I like to be involved, I am lucky to know a good mechanic.

O.K. lets hope things get better for you as far as your Mahindra goes.

BTW: I will be checking my door seals around the "door locking pins" just to see if it's starting to be a issue on my Mahindra.

Cheers

 

[Cyberess]

I have examined my door seals now, Luckily all my door seals appear to be nice firm and tight, but I have to say this, the door seals are of a very simple moulding and design -- maybe I have missed something.. There has been 2 posts about the door seal issue the other person with a issue, was "Hogger" -- Ref: http://www.4x4earth.com.au/forum/my-4wd/19873-mahindra-pik-up-dual-cab-2012-a-3.html#post357797 -- Umm anyone with this issue, get a photo before it's fixed please..

Anything that breaks or fails on my ute, I will try to get a photo (hopefully I don't forget at the time) and I will post it to this thread, and I am likely to beak things, as I have purchased my ute as a 4WD and that's what it's getting used for.

If anyone is chasing what could go wrong with Mahindra's there is a great link on a South African forum Mahindra Problems! - 4x4 Community Forum The faults etc, don't seem to be higher than other brands of vehicles, but reading these threads I find interesting as it can give a insight of what one might expect.

Cheers

 

[LeighP]

Hi,
Followed through on your thread. I'm just in the process of sellign a vehicle to be replaced with a 4WD, and the Mahindra is on my list.
Just owndering about your EFS suspension....couldn't actually see it anywhere, but did this include new torsion bars, and did it give you any static increase in lift? I see where you wound up the torsion bars and fitted Toyota spec shackles for a cheap lift, is that all lift you have over stock?
Many thanks.

 

[Cyberess]

What's installed on my Mahindra Pik-up is the mine suspension kit, as supplied by Mahindra, as a factory option.

What is included in the Mine Suspension kit
2 upgraded EFS front shockers
2 upgraded EFS rear shockers
2 upgraded leaf springs.

Later had extended shackles and the torsion bars wound up. With the getting the torsion bars wound up, the frontend had to be re-shimmed, and re-aligned. For the re-shimming process, I think some of the bolts had to be changed for longer bolts.. When getting a suspension place to do this work, be warned it will take a few extra hours to do a good job, as for instance doing the wheel alignment the locking hub will need to be removed to allow a alignment machine to alignment on the frontend.

About what I have had done, I feel that I have got it right, as the vehicle is handling nicely and has good clearance.

Now having a look at what "Modern Motors" a Mahindra dealer in Dungog, is selling the kit for as they run a ebay shop called 4WDInusdtries they have priced the kit at $1200
Mahindra Pick PIK UP Heavy Duty Suspension Upgrade KIT Single Dual CAB | eBay

If you have questions about that kit give "Ben Robinson" from "Modern Motors" of Dungog, a call ph (02) 4992 1486 -- They are good to talk with and know their business.

I see that Fulcrum Suspension is also doing a suspension kit that suits the Mahindra.
Link 1
MAHINDRA - Fulcrum Suspension 4WD Kit Catalogue | Expert service, advice, repair & install of suspension parts & wheel alignment including power steering, strut, shock absorber, shocks lift kit, sway bars, 4x4 suspension, air suspension product & sus

I can see they have priced their kit for $1100
Link 2
MAHINDRA PIK-UP 07-ON REAR SUSPENSION TOWING UPGRADE KIT

Cheers

 

[LeighP]

Thanks very much, thats great info. I've actually got a 4WD suspension shop near me that I'll drop into and have a conversation with.
I'm looking at getting the vehicle up a bit, but not necessarily increasing the load carrying capacity. I need the ride to be good unladen, as thats how it'd mostly be driven.
I'm thinking better shocks than standard, wind the front torsion bars up, custom rear leaves and the extended anti-inversion shackles.

Appreciate the information.