The Mahindra Pik Up is the square, cheap diesel bakkie that farmers and builders buy because the money goes a long way. Owners praise the 2.2 diesel and the six-speed manual.
The short verdict: it is good enough for the money if you buy the right one from the right dealer. It is not a Hilux, and it does not pretend to be. In September 2026 it was the fourth best-selling bakkie in South Africa (naamsa figures). See every one for sale on the Pik Up page.
What is the Mahindra Pik Up?
It has one engine: a 2.2 litre turbodiesel called the mHawk, with 103 kW and 320 Nm. Most have a six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic came in January 2020 on the S11 double cab.
You get a single or double cab, in 4x2 or 4x4. The 4x4s have low range (extra-slow gears for rocks and steep climbs). From the S6 up they get a rear diff lock that works by itself.
- S4 is the bare work bakkie.
- S6 is the middle one, and the one most people buy.
- S11 is the top double cab, with the automatic.
- S10 was the old top double cab, manual only. There are plenty used.
- Karoo editions are dressed-up Pik Ups with extra kit. See the Karoo listings.
This guide covers the 2017 bakkie onward, not the smaller Bolero MaXX Pik-Up that arrived in August 2026.
What does a new Pik Up cost?
These are Mahindra South Africa’s list prices for October 2026.
| Model | List price |
|---|---|
| Single cab S4 4x2 | R303,549 |
| Single cab S4 4x4 | R336,699 |
| Single cab S6 4x2 | R354,499 |
| Single cab S6 4x4 | R408,999 |
| Double cab S6 manual 4x2 | R413,849 |
| Double cab S6 manual 4x4 | R454,249 |
| Double cab S6 auto 4x4 | R485,099 |
| Double cab S11 auto 4x4 | R521,949 |
| Karoo Dew or Dusk | R657,399 |
| Karoo Dawn or Storm | R672,699 |
Here is what dealers ask for new and demo stock (under 5,000 km).
| New or demo | Asks about | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Single cab S4 4x2 | R299,900 | 150 |
| Single cab S6 4x2 | R327,200 | 80 |
| Double cab S11 4x2 auto | R459,900 | 19 |
The S4 sells close to list, so there is little room to haggle. Karoo editions ask about R25,000 to R50,000 under list. Nearly half the Pik Ups for sale (427 of 974 priced listings) are new or demo. Stock means bargaining.
Mahindra advertises the S4 single cab at R4,130 a month. That has a 40% balloon, a lump sum of about R121,000 you still owe at the end. Our bakkie finance guide shows the real monthly cost. Always ask for a written on-the-road price.
How much cheaper is it than a Hilux, Ranger or D-Max?
A lot. These are the cheapest new list prices from each maker’s South African arm, October 2026.
| Cheapest new | Pik Up | Isuzu D-Max | Ford Ranger | Toyota Hilux |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double cab | R413,849 | R574,010 | R624,900 | R658,500 |
| 4x4 double cab auto | R485,099 | R717,700 | R739,600 | R746,100 |
Even the top S11 4x4 auto costs R195,751 less than the cheapest D-Max 4x4 double cab auto. But the rivals have more airbags, more safety tech and a quieter drive. For another cheap option, read our Chinese double cabs guide.
What is it good at?
Work. These are Mahindra South Africa’s brochure figures.
| Single cab | Double cab | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1,195 kg (4x2), 1,095 kg (4x4) | 1,095 kg (4x2), 995 kg (4x4) |
| Braked towing | 2,500 kg | 2,500 kg |
| Ground clearance | 210 mm | 210 mm |
| Fuel tank | 80 litres | 80 litres |
| Tyres | 245/75 R16, full-size spare | Same |
Our towing guide compares other bakkies. Plan on 9 to 10 litres per 100 km for an auto double cab. In 2020 CAR called the S11 4x4 auto rugged, dependable and exceptional value.
What goes wrong on a Pik Up?
We found no pattern of the 2.2 engine itself failing, and no South African recall notice. Owners report small niggles, mostly on 2018 to 2021 bakkies and mostly fixed under warranty.
| What owners report | What to check |
|---|---|
| Shocks and shock bushes wearing early | Bounce each corner, listen for clunks |
| Rear leaf springs sagging | Look at the rear ride height, empty and loaded |
| Oil leaks from the engine, gearbox or transfer case | Look underneath, around the gearbox |
| Boost sensor faults causing limp mode | Ask for the fault history and a diagnostic scan |
| Wheel alignment that will not hold | Long test drive on a straight road |
| Wheel bearings taking water after river crossings | Ask if it has been wading, listen for a hum |
| Electrical gremlins (start-stop, radio, gauges) | Test every switch |
| Poor factory tyres | Budget for new all-terrains |
Limp mode is when the engine cuts to low power to protect itself. On a Pik Up it is often a boost sensor, not a dead turbo.
A farming company near Bronkhorstspruit swapped its Toyotas for two S6 Pik Ups. One needed three sets of shocks by 60,000 km. Warranty paid, but the downtime was too much, and both were sold. A Gauteng owner of a 2019 S6 single cab 4x4 had no faults by 47,500 km, towing a boat of about a tonne.
Dealers, parts and warranty
Every Pik Up has a warranty of 4 years or 120,000 km, with roadside assistance. From the S6 up there is a service plan of 5 years or 90,000 km. On the S4 it is optional. The D-Max still wins, with 5 years or 120,000 km of warranty. Keep every service stamp, because owners say claims get harder after a missed service.
Mahindra says it has about 100 dealers. The real issue is dealer luck: some are excellent, others see you back again and again for the same fault. Before you buy, phone the service desk. Ask how soon they can book you in, and how long a set of shocks takes to arrive.
What does a used Pik Up cost?
These are asking prices on live listings, pulled on 8 October 2026. They are what sellers ask, not what bakkies sell for. The typical used Pik Up asks R267,900 with about 78,000 km, across 547 listings.
| Year | Single cab (listings) | Double cab (listings) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | R197,400 (22) | R254,900 (14) |
| 2021 | R182,400 (22) | R259,900 (28) |
| 2022 | R194,900 (48) | R286,400 (74) |
| 2023 | R212,500 (55) | R324,900 (44) |
| 2024 | R257,000 (58) | R329,900 (34) |
| 2025 | R249,900 (74) | R379,800 (37) |
Used Pik Ups, typical asking price by year. Live asking prices, updated daily (last on 5 November 2026).
Too few 2017 to 2019 bakkies are for sale to price fairly. About 128 used Pik Ups ask under R200,000. Most are older single cabs with 130,000 km or more.
| Model | Listings | Asks about | Typical km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cab S4 4x2 | 138 | R229,900 | 52,600 |
| Single cab S6 4x2 | 155 | R243,900 | 74,900 |
| Double cab S6 4x4 manual | 35 | R274,900 | 112,600 |
| Double cab S10 4x4 manual | 28 | R259,900 | 102,000 |
| Double cab S11 4x2 auto | 44 | R319,900 | 76,700 |
| Double cab S11 4x4 auto | 83 | R390,500 | 53,000 |
Used Pik Ups. The model is read from the advert title. Live asking prices, updated daily (last on 5 November 2026).
Every used S11 is an auto, from 2020 on. In our first three weeks of tracking, 157 of the 547 came down in price, usually by about R6,000.
Gauteng has over half of all Pik Ups for sale: 545 of 983. Start with bakkies for sale in Gauteng, and see the trends on the Pik Up market page.
Does a Pik Up hold its value?
| 2022 double cab | Asks about | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Pik Up | R286,400 | 74 |
| Isuzu D-Max | R379,900 | 127 |
| Ford Ranger | R400,000 | 381 |
| Toyota Hilux | R541,400 | 128 |
Used 2022 double cabs. Live asking prices, updated daily (last on 5 November 2026).
A 2022 Pik Up double cab asks about R90,000 less than a 2022 D-Max. It asks about R220,000 less than a 2022 Hilux. It loses value about as fast as a D-Max, but starts so much cheaper that you lose fewer rands.
The risk is the new model, due in India by April 2027 with no South African date yet. Old shapes usually take a knock when the new one lands, so think twice about a new Karoo. Our resale guide compares all the bakkies.
Which Pik Up should you buy?
- New S4 single cab. About R300,000 for a proper diesel work bakkie. It is bare: ABS, stability control and airbags are listed only from the S6 up, so ask.
- New S6 4x4 manual or S11 4x4 auto. The value picks. Bargain hard on dealer stock.
- 2022 to 2024 used double cab. The sweet spot. A 2022 or 2023 asks about R300,000 to R320,000, with the same engine and chassis as a new one.
- 2020 or older. The cheapest way into a diesel 4x4 with low range. Expect 130,000 km or more.
- Skip a new Karoo. You can fit the bars and tyres yourself for less.
Many single cabs come off fleets, so read our ex-fleet bakkie checklist too.
Who should walk away?
It suits farmers, builders and small fleets who care more about price than badge. Our single cab vs double cab guide helps with that choice.
We found no independent crash rating for the South African Pik Up, and it has only two airbags. Walk away if you want that safety, quiet highway cruising or the best resale. If you live far from a good Mahindra dealer, think hard.
The verdict
The Pik Up is a good bakkie if you judge it as a work tool at its price. Buy it for the engine and the warranty, and budget for the niggles. Pick the dealer before you pick the bakkie. Then browse every bakkie for sale.
Questions people ask
Is the Mahindra Pik Up a good bakkie?
Yes, if you judge it as a work bakkie at its price. Owners rate the 2.2 diesel and six-speed manual. Expect rattles, leaks and suspension niggles, and pick a good dealer.
How much is a new Mahindra Pik Up in South Africa?
In October 2026 it starts at R303,549 for an S4 single cab 4x2. A double cab starts at R413,849, and the Karoo editions run to R672,699.
What problems do Mahindra Pik Ups have?
Mostly small faults: worn shocks and bushes, sagging rear springs, oil leaks, sensor faults that cause limp mode and alignment that will not hold. We found no pattern of engine failure and no South African recall notice.
What warranty does the Mahindra Pik Up have?
Every Pik Up has a 4 year or 120,000 km warranty and roadside assistance. From the S6 up there is a 5 year or 90,000 km service plan. On the S4 it is optional.
Is a Mahindra Pik Up better than a Toyota Hilux?
No, but it costs much less. The cheapest 4x4 double cab auto is about R261,000 cheaper than the cheapest 4x4 Hilux one. The Hilux has more safety kit and better resale.
How much is a used Mahindra Pik Up?
In October 2026, 547 used Pik Ups on live listings asked a typical R267,900 at about 78,000 km. These are asking prices, not selling prices.
Figures are seller asking prices aggregated from South African listing platforms and dealers, not final selling prices. Most vehicles transact below asking. Updated continuously.
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