When it comes to the more adventurous aspect of the Indian spirit, few other SUVs embody this quite like the Mahindra Thar. When travelling to Leh-Ladakh or going to the beach, the Thar has become the steed of choice for those looking to offer more than mere capability. However, when purchasing a pre-owned Thar \u2013 as rugged as the vehicle is \u2013 one must look beyond the skin-deep appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A properly looked-after Thar can remain with you for many years. However, if the vehicle has been misused and improperly serviced, the money in your pockets could diminish faster than anticipated. From the engine to the rusting underneath the vehicle, to the waterproofing of the soft-top, and the status of the 4×4 system, each aspect is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you decide to pop the hood for inspection, start with the paperwork. This will help ensure that the pre-owned Mahindra Thar you are interested in buying is free of all liabilities. This also helps the owner track the vehicle’s history, from previous owners to insurance claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first thing to check is the Registration Certificate (RC), which should include the variant name, engine number, chassis number, and the type of fuel used in the variant. If there are discrepancies in any of the numbers, that’s already a serious concern. The service history should also be verified to ensure the details mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insurance should also be in force and refer to the same owner as the RC. To view the vehicle’s claim history and check whether any major repairs were carried out due to accidents, the insurer\u2019s website can be accessed. For vehicles purchased under financing, the bank NOC and Form 35 confirming the loan has been closed should also be provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, conduct a quick verification check on the Parivahan portal for any pending challans or disputes related to the ownership of your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examine the exterior of the Mahindra Thar to see how the vehicle has been driven and how it has performed off-road. To begin the inspection, which was carried out in broad daylight. This will enable you to view scratches, dented panels, and repaints. Inconsistent paintwork can reveal whether the vehicle has been involved in a crash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the underside is free of rust or corrosion, especially where the wheels are located. This happens in the more senior Thars that have been involved in water crossing or coastal routes. Do not skip the bumpers at the front and back. This has been repaired in many vehicles after knocking off-road or replaced with less accurate steel bumpers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the soft-top variant, the roofing fabric should be examined for signs of deterioration, such as holes and water spots, as water leaks can cause damage to the interior. In the hard-top variant, the roof edges should be checked for water leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, reexamine the alignment of the auto’s panels. Misaligned gaps between the bonnet, doors, and fenders can indicate whether the vehicle has been in previous accidents or repaired improperly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After verifying the authenticity of the exterior model, it’s time to go inside, as the interior can also reveal much about the Mahindra Thar’s usage. This begins with the condition of the seats. Excessive sagging or worn-out seats can demonstrate how the vehicle has been used. In the soft-top version, the seats should also not have a musty odour or water spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next comes the checking of each of the electronics in the vehicle: the power windows, the locking systems, the infotainment screen, and finally the A\/C. The A\/C should blow cold and make a few sounds; otherwise, the condenser might already be clogged, or the compressor might not be strong. In vintage cars, the dashboard should not have loose switches or knobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n