BHPian ACM recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

2600 kms per month. Including weekly 350kms return trips to a commercial farm with eight kms of return rough village road (No tar). The weekly trip would be on Mumbai Goa Route from Thane to Mahad area. This is being developed into a fine road but will take another 4 years to be completed in my estimate.

In the interim period there would be the usual skipping/ shifting from one side of the divider to the other as in under construction roads, passing adjacent to under construction flyovers and underpasses on hastily constructed roads, driving on undulating surfaces etc. The last section of four kms is a rough village road with no Tar. Road sections would have muddy slush and water logging.

The initial period would involve staying in Tents, while a farmhouse gets ready.

This is for a commercial operation. I have a 12-year-old petrol AT 1.8TSI Skoda Superb as the other car, and it is totally unsuitable for these weekly trips and a bit unreliable.

I would be making 60% of the trips Solo and driving myself. I am 6 Ft, 115Kgs.

Carry my Dog and Cat (In a cat carrier) along.

Note: The shortlisted vehicles are compared by many but not for the specific requirements and nor with a target price as above:

ISUZU V-Cross - 2017-2020 models Preowned ONLY. The new ones are simply overpriced (if not how could they sell for so less just 3 years back) and folks don't give me the Toyota profit margin reasoning - They are bigger culprits. (Profits retained outside India itself while calculating transfer pricing).

This is presently top of mind for my requirements presently.

This is second in my consideration set presently despite the price, absence of load bay. Can I live with it?

TATA Hexa: Preowned XT AWD.

This is third on my list. It tugs at my heart.

Fortuner: Preowned 2014-2016 models. Ideally 4X4 AT.

This is Joint third in my list but does not tug at the heart. Endeavour does but does not come within the budget.

Tata Safari Storme: Preowned VX Varicor 400 4X4 - 2016-2018.

Scorpio S11: Preowned 4X4 (No combo with AT).

Doesn't excite me but will serve most of the purpose. Presently fifth.

I am looking forward to adding for my consideration any options that I may have missed and need assistance in eliminating options that I shouldn't consider so that I am left with just a top three set. Not considering any soft roaders without AWD or 4X4.

PS: The purchase will be in July most probably. I have test driven ALL the options listed by me above, at various times.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Lots of asks for 16-lakhs. I would say that a pre-worshipped Jeep Compass 4x4 or Tata Hexa will suit your needs to the T. If new car, then you must strongly consider the Gurkha (owners are super happy with it) and wait for the Scorpio-N.

Here's what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:

The AWD Hexa should be enough to get to a farm and back. Unless you are going to get into slush during monsoons.

The wheels/tyre combo can be taken care of. Get a set of 16" alloys and tyres. Have seen ads for 25k for a set of 5 alloys. Though this will set you back by about 50-60k, the ride comfort will definitely improve. And any unplanned tyre replacements will not pinch so much.

Here's what BHPian Kosfactor had to say on the matter:

Mahindra is the default choice in rural areas for overall durability and running costs. Scorpio would make short work of the 350kms and then you can take the rough sections slow or fast depending on your mood.

The S11 may look utilitarian compared to the N that is coming up but that utility is what matters to you at the moment. Get a white one please, helps you blend into the landscape, of course it helps.

Here's what BHPian PrideRed had to say on the matter:

For the budget and from options listed I think you may get DMax or Hexa only. A well maintained 2014/15 Fortuner in Mumbai would easily ask 18-20L which I still feel is worth it. Since you travel solo most of the time, middle row comfort should not matter much. If you need, there are plenty of after market suspensions which you can look at. Since Fortuner is sold in good numbers, finding a good used copy is easier. The soft suspension is easy when you test drive, but on longer run starts eating driving pleasure(Personal take).

Few other options I would consider:

Here's what BHPian Sheel had to say on the matter:

I will wait for Scorpio N to be launched. See the specifications, times lines for delivery, any niggles / issues reported and then take a call on this.

My second choice would be a mint Fortuner or a MU-X.

My third choice would be a Scorpio S11. I have the S10 4WD so do have some experience. It is super reliable (98.5K done, stock clutch, no mechanical issues to leave me stranded).

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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