45,000km in a Mahindra Scorpio: Takeaways From Dan Snare's Long-Term Review

Plenty of reviews are written after a week with a press car. Dan Snare's is different: he's put around 45,000km on his own Mahindra Scorpio in roughly 15 months – road trips of about 2,000km at a time, regular off-road driving and plenty of towing. His honest review is well worth a watch.

Here are the points that stood out to us, plus what we'd add from the Ryebuck workshop. (These are Dan's own experiences – your results will depend on how your Scorpio is set up and driven.)

1. It's genuinely capable off-road

Dan uses the Scorpio off-road regularly, and the rear differential lock earns its keep in rocky and sandy conditions. Combined with low range and good tyres, it handles more than many buyers expect from a value-priced wagon.

2. Accessories cost fuel – plan for it

Dan's fuel use climbed as the accessories went on. Coverage of his review puts it at around 14km/L (roughly 7L/100km) before the build and around 9km/L (roughly 11L/100km) fully kitted with the bar, roof gear and all-terrain tyres. That's normal for any touring 4WD – weight, aerodynamics and tyres all add up.

Workshop tip: with a 57-litre factory tank, extra weight means fewer kilometres between fills. That's exactly why Ryebuck is developing a long-range fuel tank with Dan. Until then, carry fuel for remote legs and plan your stops.

3. Servicing has been straightforward

Dan's Scorpio has had three routine dealer services, and when a windscreen needed replacing it was done within a day. Keep up with the basics and keep a genuine service filter kit and brake pads on your radar, especially if you tow or tour.

4. The value equation still stacks up

Dan test-drove an Isuzu MU-X before buying. The Scorpio came in cheaper with accessories included – and left money over. For a lot of owners, that saved money is what pays for the protection and suspension that make a wagon touring-ready.

5. It tows and it tours

From family trips with the camper trailer to K'gari, the Flinders Ranges and the Simpson Desert, the Scorpio has done the hard yards. The key is setting it up for the load it carries.

What we'd add from the workshop

• Match the suspension to the weight. A bull bar, winch, drawers and fridge change how a vehicle sits. Our Tough Dog 40mm kit for the Scorpio comes in versions for front-end weight and rear load.
• Protect the front end. If you're driving at dawn and dusk, a bull bar is cheap insurance.
• Use the roof wisely. A good roof platform keeps light, bulky gear organised – keep heavy items low.
• Plan power early. Fridges and cameras need reliable 12V – a lithium battery with DC-DC charging, like Dan's, is the way to go.

See every part on the car on Dan Snare's Scorpio build page, and follow his trips on YouTube and Instagram.