The butch-looking Scorpio is a good option for those scouting for a used mid-size car, but be prepared to shell out a decent amount.

Fancy a second-hand Mahindra Scorpio? What can you expect from it? When the Scorpio was launched in 2002, it was a giant leap for utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M). A completely indigenous MUV to take on the boxy Qualis and the dated Tata Safari.
The Scorpio proved to be a runaway success and M&M still can't make enough to meet overwhelming demand. The handsome Scorpio is value for money and this has endeared it to many of the UV-buying masses. Its soft ride at low speeds and the light steering, which makes driving in city traffic very untiring, is an added boon. However, the steering becomes overly light at higher speeds and the suspension too bouncy, which hampers handling. The high seating position means visibility all around is good. The powerful and incredibly responsive 2609cc, 109bhp direct injection turbocharged diesel engine, developed by AVL, can propel the Scorpio to delightful speeds at a mere dab on the pedal.
The Scorpio has been around only for two years now and few problems have cropped up in its powertrain. In fact, the objective was to design a heart that could beat along for 300,000km without undergoing surgery.
What you have to watch out for is an oil leak from the turbo or the excessive whine that it gives out when the engine is revved hard. This is the result of many owners not waiting for the recommended one-minute idling, for the turbo to spool up or down, after turning the engine on or before switching it off. A turbo in such shape will have to be replaced. Earlier Scorpios also had a minor overheating problem and to rectify this, M&M altered the angle of the louvres behind the grille and also shifted the position of the numberplate to below the bumper, to improve airflow to the radiator and the intercooler. Also watch out for electrical niggles on top-of-the-line Scorpios, especially their power window and central locking mechanisms which tend to malfunction quite early.
How do you tell if that nice-looking Scorpio has been in an accident? Minor accident damage is easy to cover up simply by replacing the plastic cladding on the sides as this takes most of the brunt of everyday city driving. But if the suspension is directly hit in the event of a serious shunt, the suspension mounting points tend to get dislocated. Bringing them back to their original position is a rather difficult task and, in most cases, warrants the replacement of the chassis.
When on a test drive, check to see if the vehicle is pulling to any one side as this is a sure indicator of an improperly repaired chassis. The front suspension needs to be checked at around 30,000km as the front dampers tend to give way, though replacing them is not expensive.
Corrosion is seldom observed in a Scorpio, but it is a good habit to check the metal that sits behind the plastic cladding which is a haven for water and dirt, which could later eat into the metal. Poorly repaired accident damage areas also rust easily. Though the quality of the interior plastics is inferior, they tend to wear well. The same can be said about the fabric seats.
The Scorpio's air-conditioning system has been rather trouble-free and only needs servicing at regular intervals. The tread pattern of the Bridgestone Desert Dueler HT tyres is an on/off-road design. Hence, vehicles that have been used in the city tend to consume the block pattern tread of their tyres faster. The front tyres are good for about 35,000km. Our advice is to try and find a post-September 2003 Scorpio as M&M has effected a few changes to the SUV. One was the gear-type engine timing mechanism that was replaced by a less noisy chain-driven system. The axle ratio was also shortened to boost fuel economy. The rear suspension was also tweaked by adding an anti-roll bar, to reduce the body roll, that also aided handling. And, the middle row seats were moved back to increase legroom and comfort.
Most Scorpios will be in good shape. However, beware of the ones which have been used as touring vehicles. These invariably are maintained shabbily and much abused.
Finding a used Scorpio in pristine condition could be difficult as buyers normally maintain a pattern of replacing their existing vehicles with a new one only when they have a suitable option, and the Scorpio has given many a comfortable ownership experience. Prices of spare parts are reasonable and minor faults should not keep you away from buying an otherwise sound SUV. If you are able to find a Scorpio in good shape, go for it. It has loads of street presence and maintaining and driving one will not provide reason for frequent visits to a heart clinic.

Callout:
• Powerful 2.6 turbo-diesel engine trouble-free so far. Watch out for turbo oil leaks though
• Bridgestone Dueler H/T tyres have on/off road treadpattern and last for about 35,000km
• Body quite rust-free, thanks to superior paint job
• Huge plastic cladding and high bumpers protect body from nicks and dents

Captions:
• Over-assisted power steering makes for easy city driving.
• 2.6-litre turbo-diesel engine is reliable and spirited performer.
• Front suspension needs to be checked at around 30,000km.
• Standard Bridgestones dampen effect of harsh, potholed roads.
• Frame around the rear window rusts, but can be fixed easily.
• Angle of louvres altered in ’03, numberplate below bumper.

STORY OUSEPH CHACKO