BAIC B40 Plus vs Mahindra Thar
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The BAIC B40 Plus wins on money kept: 63% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 264 769 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| B40 Plus | Thar | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 500 | R 293 999 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 226/m | R 5 139/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 77% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 440 103 | R 175 334 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 259 397 | R 118 665 |
| Value after 5 years | R 341 802 | R 135 064 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Weak-franchise mainstream |
BAIC B40 Plus →
The B40 Plus is a boxy ladder-frame 4x4 with a 2.0 turbopetrol and low-range transfer case. Small numbers reached SA from 2021 before a wider marketing push, and the current Honor Edition sells for R699,500. It appeals to off-road hobbyists who want Wrangler-style capability without the Wrangler price.
Known for: boxy 4x4 with proper low range
Mahindra Thar →
The first-generation Thar sold in South Africa through most of the 2010s as a cheap, Jeep-styled 2.5 diesel off-roader. Crude on tar but capable in the rough, it built a small enthusiast following. The second generation was never brought here, so used values have held unusually well for a Mahindra.
Known for: jeep-styled budget off-roader
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BAIC B40 Plus or the Mahindra Thar?
The BAIC B40 Plus. It keeps about 63% of its price after three years against 60% for the Mahindra Thar, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BAIC B40 Plus loses about R 259 397 over three years and the Mahindra Thar loses about R 118 665. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BAIC B40 Plus runs about R 12 226 per month and the Mahindra Thar about R 5 139, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.