Buying Tips For A Used Mahindra Scorpio

Think SUV, and the first image that comes to your mind is a Mahindra Scorpio. The car first debuted in 2002, and has since been the most successful indigenously developed product in India. The Scorpio enjoys a healthy popularity among buyers and motoring enthusiasts alike, thanks to its versatile nature and rugged character. The SUV can be had in either 7,8, or 9 seater configurations, along with multiple trims with varying levels of equipment.

The Scorpio has seen multiple iterations and changes over the years. Let’s go through the different models of the Mahindra Scorpio:

Mahindra Scorpio over the years

The Scorpio was first launched in 2002 and was available in two trims, Turbo 2.6 and Turbo 2.6 DX. Both models sported a 2.6-liter turbo-diesel engine. Later in the same year, a petrol engine was added, but due to poor fuel-economy it wasn’t well received. It was discontinued a few years later. Prices begun at a mere ₹5.5 lakh.

In 2006, Mahindra introduced a facelift for the Scorpio. In 2007, a new engine was introduced to the line-up. The new 2.2-litre ‘mHAWK’ motor was more powerful and efficient than the previous 2.6-litre diesel motor.

In 2014, the second-generation Mahindra Scorpio was introduced. It was a significant improvement over the previous generation, and featured more power, more equipment, and more safety as well.

2017 saw the Scorpio gain some more improvements. It had more power and a new 6-speed manual gearbox. It also received a redesigned front grill.

Also See: 2020 Mahindra Scorpio Might Get Alturas-inspired Front Design

Reasons why you should consider buying a Mahindra Scorpio

The Scorpio was one of the popular SUV back in the day, and for good reason. It offers plenty of space on the inside, and could seat at least 7 people, with configuration available for 8 and 9 seating options as well. The interiors are decent, with hard plastics covering the dashboard and inside door panels. The seats are extremely comfortable, and the driving position is very commanding, providing you a good look of the road and the entire vehicle up ahead.

In terms of looks, there aren’t many vehicles on the market that can match the butch and masculine aesthetic of the Scorpio. The flat face and large headlamps are bold, the side profile is boxy, and the rear is completely flat too. It is a breadbox design, but an angry one. The car has a lot of street presence, and in rural areas, driving one around will bring you instant respect.

The equipment level was also impressive for its time. Mahindra has always ensured that the Scorpio gets updated with the latest tech. The later models feature projector lamps, LED DRLs, driver-information digital display, front row airbags, and disk brakes for the front wheels. You can also get a 4x4 version, which has great off-roading potential. The latest models also offer an automatic transmission.

What could have been improved on the Mahindra Scorpio

While the Scorpio is a brilliant vehicle, it has its shortcomings as well. There was no automatic gearbox on offer until this year (there was, but it was discontinued before automatic gearboxes became popular). Also, the 4x4 variant was only available in the highest trim, and there was no cheaper option. Lastly, the third row is not very suitable for ferrying people around, as they are cramped and do not offer either good support or comfort.

Should you choose a new Mahindra Scorpio instead of an Old one?

The Scorpio is over 17 years old, and to be honest, it isn’t the best option out there. Even though the Scorpio is a good SUV, the competition has now surpassed it in almost every manner imaginable. It desperately needs a makeover to make it more modern, which will thankfully happen soon. Test vehicles of the upcoming Mahindra Scorpio have been spied multiple times, which means the launch is imminent.

If you live in Delhi NCR, you may have a problem with a used Scorpio. As diesel cars older than 10 years are banned, you wouldn’t be able to find a steal deal. Even if you do, it might be close to its 10-year term. Still, considering the price of a new one, you might be better off with an old one. Just make sure you do your research and find a good deal. Skip ahead if you want to see our used Mahindra Scorpio recommendations.

Also See: Next-gen Mahindra Scorpio, Thar and XUV500 To Get A 2.0-litre Diesel Engine

How to buy a Used Mahindra Scorpio

What to check

The electronics and electricals of the Scorpio are known to act up, even within a few years of purchase. Make sure to get all electricals and electronics thoroughly checked. Even the infotainment unit can be troublesome, freezing up during operation.

On the mechanical front, the first-gen Scorpio had horrible suspension. You’d be better off replacing those. Scorpio EX models manufactured between manufactured between May 2012 and November 2013 were recalled for potentially faulty pressure regulating valve. The second gen had better suspension, but the models manufactured before June 2016 were recalled for faulty fluid-hose in the engine bay.

Also See: Ford-Mahindra Co-developed C-SUV To Come With Unique Identity

Cost of service and spares

The electrical issues are cheap to fix, although the mechanical issues are a whole different ballpark. Replacing the suspension would cost a fortune, and if you sense any problem in that area, steer clear of the vehicle. The service costs are also high. Be ready to spend upto 10 grand for a service, with average costs around ₹6,000. Replacement parts, including tyres, are quite expensive. A poorly maintained model might empty your wallet faster than you anticipate.

Real-world fuel economy

Even though it is a diesel car, the Scorpio is not very frugal. The first gen had a 2.6-liter turbodiesel, which is not very good to drive by today’s standards. It returns poor economy as well, lower than 10 Kmpl in the city. The second gen offered two engines. The 2.5-litre common-rail diesel will run for around 12 Km for every litre of diesel, while the 2.2 mHAWK motor will return around 14 Km per litre.

What should be avoided

Engine reliability has always been an issue with the car, so avoid high mileage models. Below 50,000 Km is great, upto 80,000 is manageable. The 2.5L and 2.6L engines are not very clean running, and with age they might release a lot of black smoke. Get these thoroughly checked for leakages and valve clearances.

What should be bought then

The mHawk engine is the best engine option out of the three, and that would be our recommendation. In general, try to go for the second-generation Scorpio, it looks better and had better equipment too.

Our Recommendations

We picked a few used Scorpio models from our classifieds:

Mahindra Scorpio S6 Plus, 2017, Diesel MT for sale (Ahmedabad)

2016 Mahindra Scorpio Diesel MT for sale (New Delhi)

2014 Mahindra Scorpio SLE BSIV Diesel MT for sale (New Delhi)

Mahindra Scorpio VLX 2WD BS-IV, 2014, Diesel MT for sale (Faridabad)

Mahindra Scorpio S6 Plus, 2014, Diesel MT for sale (Kolkata)

Mahindra Scorpio VLX 2013 MT for sale (Pune)

Mahindra Scorpio VLX 2WD Airbag BS-IV, 2013, Diesel MT for sale (Mumbai)

If you are a motoring enthusiast looking for a fun vehicle at a throwaway price, the following are specially recommended for you. Just remember, these options are only for project cars/cars you’d thrash at your local off-roading event.

Mahindra Scorpio DX 2.6 Turbo 8 Str, 2005, Diesel MT for sale (Guwahati)

Mahindra Scorpio SLX 2.6 Turbo 8 Str, 2006, Diesel MT for sale

2006 Mahindra Scorpio MT for sale (Thrissur)

For more used Mahindra Scorpio SUVs, Click Here

Alternatives you can consider instead of the Mahindra Scorpio

If you are looking for a spacious people carrier, you could also consider a used Toyota Innova MPV. It would be slightly more expensive option, but the passengers, especially ones in the third row, would appreciate the additional space and better seats.

If you have your mind set on buying a Mahindra SUV only, you can go for the XUV500, which is more expensive than the Scorpio, but also much better in terms of driveability, ride and handling, and even exterior looks.

Also See: Tips to Buy Used Mahindra XUV500

If budget is a constraint then you could also consider a used Tata Safari, which is the direct competitor of the Scorpio SUV. It offers better ride quality and interior space, but looks more conservative too and has slightly poorer build quality. You can also take a look at the Renault Duster. It is only offered as a 5-seater SUV, but is a cheaper and offers better quality than the Scorpio.