Mahindra

Not sure what these vehicles are like in terms of doing the job, but my association with the motor trade shows me that they are record breakers in terms of depreciation.
Once you have laid down your money, don't expect to get much back on resale. Could be Ok if you run it into the ground.
PC

G'day Bill, While I know nothing specific re the mahindra it doesnt seem to get much
good press. The Kw & Torque figures seem a bit on the low side for towing, & a 2.2
motor will be working hard in comparison to the usual 3L jobs. I would be looking at
what you can get in used mainstream ones for similar dough. But if you have had a bad experience with buying used I understand your concern. Depreciation will be
horrendous as well. Your choice of course but too much downside for me......oldbaz.

A fella in a Caravan Club has a SSang Yong Actyon twin cab, he reckons they are pretty good and right price.

Have you looked at a Great Wall? I test drove one recently and I liked the interior and finish on the body.
I wasnt that impressed with the turbo lag,but having not driven a turbo diesel 4 cyl for a long time,I didnt have much to compare it with.
Gear shift linkages felt like they needed some grease,maybe it was just because it was new.
I think it was about $28k for a dual cab 4wd.

Never Driven one as yet.. But they do appear interesting

Have you driven one yet? What are you looking at the Dual cab 4x4 or a single Cab?

There is a interesting review on the Caravan world web site http://www.caravanworld.com.au/latest-reviews/article/articleid/60861.aspx

I have been considering one for a project of mine -- been writing about it on the MySwag site http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=17679.0 making up a expedition vehicle, with Snorkel, Lift kit etc using a Cab Chassis ver and getting a specialized Canopy made up , mounting Extra Spares and hilift jacks etc at the rear.

The Mahindra's look tuff, and sort of remind me what a 4WD should be --
What I like about the Daul cab 4x4 version --
* Decent rear Diff Lock as standard (A must for a good 4WD)
* Well they are very roomy inside
* Extremely tough and good ground clearance out of the box.
* All the mods that I have mention in the MySwag article are factory so it will not break the vehicles warranty -- and pricing of the extras are reasonable.
* It has a hugh back seat with it's own air con in the back -- My older teenagers will be happy

Looking at the Alternatives
Greatwall good consideration -- Price is right -- the Bad can't get Snorkels, bash plates and other 4WD gear that easily for them -- Open Rear Diff, will certainly limit it's 4WD ability.
There if a good forum on the Greatwalls at http://www.gwownersforum.com/

The new Mazda BT50/Ford Ranger -- By the time you gear that up, it will be about $65000 -- I was shocked with the pricing.

Toyota HiLux -- Could be a good Consideration -- Still be at least $60000 plus by the time you gear it up.

The VW Amarok -- looked a bit low ground clearance to me -- May be could get a lift kit for it .. but ouch pricing again will be probably over $60000, once again gear it up it would be about $65000

The Nissan D40 or D22 could be worth considering.. Still a bit expensive, and getting factory extras is expensive.