BHPian Air Cav recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Happy to inform the enthusiast fraternity that after a sudden brain wave and inspiration I have purchased a pre-worshipped Jeep Compass 4x4 Ltd Manual. I consider this acquisition as short timed, well planned and executed and it has resulted in that which for me in essence is as having gobbled up a mouthwatering deal. Have generally believed in preowned till date I have gone to the showroom only thrice for a Linea T Jet and a Chevvy Beat (wifey's treat) and an HD Street Rod. Rest three cars namely an Ikon 1.6 (1st among equals), Abarth Punto and the current Jeep have been pre-worshipped.
The Compass is a late 2018 registered model with 17817 Km on the odo when I acquired it just over a week back for 14.5 L and I sealed the deal with full down payment i.e cash out and Compass in. I was never was much of an SUV buff and have always preferred cars for personal ownership as in the course of my service, I have been driving 4x4 all along from deserts to high altitude areas (16000 ft) and more from the old Jonga to Mahindra MM540 to Gypsies, 4x4 trucks like TATA 2.5s and Ashok Leyland Stallions, 6x6 Russian Kraz and even a Tatra 8x8 and many other things beyond the road or above it in the air. But the Jeep bug bit me ever since I drove my brothers Compass (2021) 4x2 last year right after his purchase. This was a vehicle that offered the true ruggedness of an SUV and the dynamics of a well sorted road car. Rest of the capable ones (except the Audi Q3) appeared to me as either bumpy or lumpy and no matter their creature comforts or "presence" they did not prove to be comfortable on road as a road car of the same price range and that is important for me from the perspective of peronals ownership. That may be due to the fact that for 'the great outdoors' I have never required a personal vehicle. The balance of the candidates appeared just like French pastries or Jacked up hatchbacks masquerading as SUVs as if in a Pantomime.
For me, the Compass appeared as the perfect balance between a sprightly and comfy sedan and an accomplished mud-plugger. I was clear on two things for owning an SUV. It had to be 4x4 (preferably manual) and had to move good enough on the road such that I did not miss a good road car while driving. Only other vehicle I seriously was tempted to buy was a 12 year old Grand Vitara done only 60K. Even though it was costing me nearly three quarter less than the Compass, and a petrol, (I've could never make myself be concerned with kpl), I let it go for the concerns on the practicality of owning such an old car given the constantly mobile nature of my service. The GV was in fine nick though.
Nonetheless, all is well that ends well and I'm posting a few images of my new love, and she's one hell of a looker and a heaven of a grinder. Hope to keep driving her well and the first thing I did was to get her new shoes in 225/65 R17 spec, and they are way better than the stock size.
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