That was meant to be a sarcastic "Simple, no?" My appolgies if it came across as anything else.Originally Posted by DaveInDenver
Adventurer
That was meant to be a sarcastic "Simple, no?" My appolgies if it came across as anything else.
Tate 04 Tundra Double Cab TRD
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
-Lazarus Long, Time Enough For Love
Explorer
Actually the HiLux is different from the Tacoma as well, not the least of which is a diesel engine! The D4D that has been out for several years already.
The Tacoma is a US made truck for the US market, the HiLux is made for the rest of the world where diesels are not anathema!
I didn't realize that India is now getting into the automotive export market. I'll be watching to see if I see those in Guatemala.
Trans-continental traveller. '82 Toyota LandCruiser BJ60 turbo diesel, A/C, Warn winch, Aussie rear, LSD front etc. etc.
www.wirrell.com
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I second Scott's comment on the nice, simple, exterior tie-downs. I miss those things.
I also miss nice, simple, compact pickups of nimble size, reasonable capacity, high reliability, and good economy. A new Tacoma that gets 17 mpg on premium fuel is not my idea of economical.
It would be ironic if it took an East Indian company to introduce something this sensible to the U.S. market. But good on 'em if they do. I'd drive it.
1973 FJ40, 1974 Series III 88, 1982 911SC, 1970 Triumph Trophy, 1985 300D, JATAC, Thorn Nomad.
Overland Expo
ConserVentures
Explorer
The import pickups of years ago are no longer offered because folks in Canada and the states still have the retarded "bigger is better" idea. Until folks get a grip and figure out that bigger is NOT always better we won't see smaller more reasonable sized vehicles. Here in Central America there are not many folks who'd be interested in buying a full size truck, even for what we'd consider a good price, but you can sell a compact fuel efficient truck VERY easily.
btw: I haven't seen any Mahindra pickups here yet.
www.wirrell.com
Expedition Leader
It is the dreaded "chicken tax" that goes back to the late 70's or early 80's and is still on the books.
Imported trucks are subjected to a punitive 25% tax. That's why the first Japanese vehicles assembled in the US were trucks. Mazda, Isuzu and Mitsubishi all sell (or used to sell) rebadged American trucks in the US market (Ford Ranger, Chevy S10 and Dodge Dakota, respectively.) The reason the Mazda looks like a Ford Ranger is because they are the same vehicle with just a few cosmetic differences. By making the truck in the US, they avoid the tax. It's also why the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are made in the US.
That's one reason I'm not holding my breath for the Mahindra. Unless the Chicken Tax is repealed, it will be almost impossible for anyone to break into the US truck market and still make a profit.
(I think it's called the chicken tax because it is a retaliation for some other countries taxing chicken exports from the US.)
Martin AKA Zapp Branigan KD0PHH
2007 Toyota 4runner SR5, 4.0 V6
Wife's Vehicle: 1995 YJ "Captain Morgan"
And our Homebuilt Teardrop Trailer "Bubbles!"Other Rides: 2008 Triumph Scrambler; 1997 Mazda Protege (Daily Driver)
"I am the Man with No Name - Zapp Branigan!"
Untitled
I'll take one engine to go please...Sounds like a great start to me
Michael Slade
Adventurer
Mahrinda
Saw this article today suggesting importation in 2009 with prices starting in the $20Ks.
If the quality is decent it will be sweet.
Jim
Expedition Portal Moderator
Expedition Leader
a little more info
Pickuptruck.com says 2009 is the year Mahindra will be introduced. The vehicles will be imported from India, despite the 25% import tax.
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/news...ndiakorea.html
The Mahindra USA web site has a few more details about the trucks. Click on the images of the vehicles to download a PDF with some specs.
http://www.gv-usa.com/vehicle-info.php
Explorer
Dig the 'knarly' light bar on the EX
Joash R
2002 Double Cab Bakkie/1997 LX450 Imvubu/2004 Pontiac Vibe
If we attend continually and promptly to the little that we can do, we shall ere long be surprised to find how little remains that we cannot do. -Samuel Butler
Expedition Portal Moderator
Expedition Leader
another photo
nice and clear, from Mahindra, via TruckTrend.com
Truck Trend says 2.2L turbodiesel with 300 lb-ft of torque,
six speed auto trans, gear driven transfer case, torsion bar
front suspension
Chip Haven
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