Mahindra Thar vs Suzuki Jimny
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Jimny wins on money kept: 79% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 176 782 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Thar | Jimny | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 293 999 | R 444 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 139/m | R 7 776/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 175 334 | R 352 115 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 118 665 | R 92 785 |
| Value after 5 years | R 135 064 | R 303 628 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Legendary retainer |
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
Suzuki Jimny →
The three-door Jimny has been sold here since 2008, and the 2018 generation created waiting lists that lasted years. It is one of very few cars in SA that barely depreciates, with clean used examples trading close to new prices. The range is now GLX-only, with a 1.5 petrol and proper low-range 4x4.
Known for: waiting lists and barely depreciating
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mahindra Thar or the Suzuki Jimny?
The Suzuki Jimny. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 60% for the Mahindra Thar, a gap of 20 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mahindra Thar loses about R 118 665 over three years and the Suzuki Jimny loses about R 92 785. 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 Mahindra Thar runs about R 5 139 per month and the Suzuki Jimny about R 7 776, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.