710M or 712M

[DerekG]

I'm in the process of looking for a Pinzgauer to purchase for my house in Colorado, possibly this summer. I'm wondering what everyone's opinion is on the 710 vs the 712. While the 710 seems much more nimble, the 712 seems to be more capable. Am I just watching too many youtube videos and completely off base here? Your thoughts and opinions are much appreciated.

Derek

[crcpinz]

I'd like to have a 712, but they are overpriced, plus don't have the space in my tiny country. You will get all sorts of answers due to personal preferences, but ask yourself what you really want to do with it. Good hunting.

[DerekG]

We get a lot of snow and have some of the toughest 4wd trails in the country in our neck of the woods. I guess I don't want to purchase a 710 and then have buyers remorse wishing I had gone ahead and bought a 712.

[westernair]

Having owned both I personally am in favor of the 712. It is still fairly small (smaller then a crewcab ford by a couple feet) carries more, handles tough trailes easer and gets the same gas milage just to name a few things.
Only drawback for me is that when it comes to buying tires you are out an extra $500

[westernair]

Also it is much more stable when driving it at freeway speeds (55mph)
On the other hand the 710 does go a little faster 60mph

[undysworld]

I'm in the process of looking for a Pinzgauer to purchase for my house in Colorado

If you're going to be using it as a house, the 712 would be more roomy... Har, har, har...

Seriously, I can't imagine you'd be too struck by remorse, unless you bought a Ford* or such. This topic has come up repeatedly for others, so do a bit of searching. Either Pinz will do fine on Colorado trails. I've been up Holy Cross with several other 710's, and we all drove out (that's not to say unscathed, however). The 712 obviously holds more, but it's slower. It's also got 50% more axles/wheels/tires/brakes, so figure your fuel, repair, and maintenance costs will be higher.

One other aspect I've never heard anyone else here bring up is this: I've been refused passage a couple small ferries, because they didn't allow 3-axle vehicles on board. ??

I'd think if you bought wisely, and decided to trade up, you could recoup much of your initial investment.

*Substitute the Make of your choosing, such as Jeep, etc.

[DerekG]

I've done Holy Cross myself, would love to see some videos of that treck if they're out there. Speed is not that big of a factor, about the furthest I would drive it would be to Moab. Not too concerned about ferries (yet). Maintenance costs and tires are a valid concern. I haven't built my garage yet so I could tailor it around the 712 as well. Ahh decisions.

[4x4Pinz]

having both and loving each for the differences, if you are spending time at altitude the 710 is a better choice. You put chains on a 710 and it will do most snow covered roads that you should be on. What little difference you will gain in the snow with a 712 over a 710 is not enough to justify the cost/maintenance difference. 712's rule though in most other areas except excitement when driving technical trails.

[westernair]

Moab? I am driving my 712 back from Moab in October. Because of time limitations I have decided to ship it one way. If I had extra time I would probably drive it both ways. I am in Tacoma Washington so a bit farther of a drive then from Colorado

[Jimm391730]

I'd say that most people would agree that if you buy a 710, you will want a 712! So aim for the 712 but because of availability and/or price you may end up with a 710 -- you will still be happy.

I'll second everything that everyone has already said about the differences between them: speed, maintenence, passenger/cargo capacitity, etc. Which is best for you depends on what you really need or want.

Hey, I have both!

[krick3tt]

I have a 710...been in a 712 ...still I will keep my 710. Fits the garage fine, better with stock size tires (245/75/16), 33's are too high. Just a few more revs on the engine to maintain same speeds.
When you are in the front it is really difficult to tell weather there are 3 axels or two. Same engine. Same color. Less cost.

[edzz]

The only common problem with garages is the door height I have 8 foot tall doors and am happy.
Compared to a Chevy suburban my 710k is about a foot narrower and almost five feet shorter heck even a 712m is over 2 feet shorter than a suburban, of course the 712m is only about 6 inches shorter than a Chevy Tahoe.

[stiffler4444]

Buy both and tell us what you prefer... From what I can gather from your intended usage, I'd probably shop for the 712. I have a 710, but do a lot of on road with it, so prefer the "nimble"( ) nature of the 710.

I've never been stuck, but I'm not in Colorodo either.

[berger]

I picked my 710M up in March of last year and there were a couple of reasons why I choose it...and a couple more I learned afterwards. I traded a Bombardier Iltis for the Pinz, plus cash, and the one 712 available was out of my budget. Garage space was another concern. I can park my Pinz and Ural in one of my garage bays (Ural is behind and perpendicular to the Pinz), while my wife takes the other. This was critical if I wanted to continue to sleep in my own home, as my wife's one stipulation when it comes to "my" garage is that she gets to park inside during the winter.

After acquiring my truck, I discovered seal, o-ring and boot problems I thought were addressed before I bought it (My Bad). This would have been more costly on the 712 to repair. I also had to sell the BFG AT tires that came on the truck, as they were too tall for my garage, and pick up a new set. This would have cost $500 more if I had a 712. My truck has also failed me once, requiring a tow home. From what I know now, the issue could have been resolved on the road, but dealing with CAA (AAA) on the side of the road was a nightmare. I had to speak with a Manager, who then had to consult a tech before they would pick me up. They googled the truck and thought it was "too big" for a flatbead tow. After much wrangling and providing them the specs on the truck (my Silverado is longer and heavier), they conceded. This would have not been the case with the 712, as others here will attest too.

All that being said, if I had the cash and space would I have purchased the 712.....yup!

[totaljoint]

Drive one of each, and you'll have your answer. I found they handle very differently and the 712 was much more stable to drive. The head turning factor is slightly better as well.