As a Pinzgauer driver, I beg to differ
chet said:
ya a fellow in our club had a pinz as well and it spent alot of time on its side!!
They look cool but fail for North American markets in things like top speed, comfort and parts availability
Hrmph. I've owned a 710M for about eight years. I've never been on my side; I prefer to balance on diagonal wheels. Though I do hear stories of tipovers, most of which include tipping it back and driving on.
They do look cool. They're also extremely practical, as the forward control gives great visibility and huge passenger space. 10 people no problem. Top speed is around 60, though 55 is more comfortable; better than a 404-series Unimog and a hell of a lot better gas mileage, around 15mpg.
http://www.obtainium.org/gallery/pinz_original
I find mine a lot more comfortable than my ex's Sami, especially offroad; about equal to series Land Rovers. The military seats are an "acquired taste" but I find I can ride all day in them and be comfortable. And then after being on the trail all day I can climb into the back and sleep on a full-sized futon, without bothering with a tent. I've taken mine to Burning Man several times - 700 miles each way - besides not having a/c the comfort was fine.
http://www.obtainium.org/gallery/bm99
I've never had any problem with parts availability, or getting it serviced; there are about a dozen places in the country where they do Pinz service and/or can get parts, and parts once replaced last forever. It's built better than a series Land Rover (IMO) and about on par with a Hummer, but better ergonomically, especially for its age.
And the price was right; around $10000 with no modifications necessary other than tires - center, rear and front locking diffs standard, ground clearance from portal axles standard, etc. Where they really fail for "North American Markets" as well as everywhere else is price new, around $80,000 and up for the turbodiesels. Very affordable if you're a government, I suppose; isn't that around what AMG charges for the milspec Hummers?
P.S. I also own the Pinz' "little brother" the Haflinger. And a DII that's my daily/freeway driver.
