The Ashok Leyland Dost CNG LS is touted to be the best for small business owners.

Question

The Dost CNG LS by Ashok Leyland Dost is marketed mainly as a commercial vehicle for small businesses. Nevertheless, due to its small size and front cabin like a car, some owners have been tempted to use it as a personal vehicle or for family trips on weekends. This could be a great value for money dual use approach, especially to small business owners who want to maximize their investment. But is it really practical? Is it comfortable to use as a family? Are there safety concerns? Is there a social stigma of using a commercial vehicle for personal use? Now let’s take a look at the experiences of Dost CNG LS owners who have travelled beyond the intended commercial use of this mini truck and find out if this truck really can wear two hats.

@priyanka-k · Accepted Answer

Customization is a mixed bag. Easy things like racks and storage solutions are simple. Unless you want to void your warranty, anything involving the engine or fuel system is a no go.

@bhawesh-ku · Answer

It's doable, but not ideal. The main disadvantage for family use is the lack of rear seats. I tried with a bench in the back, this is not very safe nor comfortable for long trips.

@bhawesh-ku · Answer

It's incredibly customizable! I have put a refrigeration unit on mine for my dairy business. Surprisingly, Ashok Leyland was supportive and even helped with some of the modifications.

@abhinav-gu · Answer

In fact, it’s not that bad for short trips. The cargo area is perfect for bringing coolers and gear to picnics sometimes. You won't get luxury car comfort.

@kanishk-go · Answer

I wouldn't recommend it. The ride quality and features are all commercial vehicle at heart. Rather, save up for a proper family car.

@ashish-kum · Answer

It has been a great dual purpose vehicle. For business on weekdays, family outings on weekends. All that’s left to do is to add some cushions in the back and you’re good to go!

@sachin-sha · Answer

Most needs can be accommodated with it. For my electronics delivery business I added a hydraulic lift. Be prepared to research and even do some trial and error.

@deepak-kum · Answer

I’ve driven through some pretty nasty monsoon conditions and the Dost CNG LS has held its ground. The only problem I have encountered is water splashing from trucks in front onto the windshield so the wipers sometimes can't keep up.

@shantanu-s · Answer

I once tried it and my wife vetoed any future attempts. Longer drives are not comfortable enough for family use.

@bhramita-r · Answer

It's a mixed bag. Stability is good but the defrosting is not so good. In humid conditions, I often have to wipe the inside of the windshield manually.

@charu-jain · Answer

I like the fact that it is so customizable! Mine has been converted into a mobile coffee shop. The compact size and the work it took to make it was all worth it to squeeze into busy market areas.

@chandan-ku · Answer

Absolutely! I use my Dost CNG LS all the time for weekend trips. The kids love to ride in the back (when safely parked, of course), and the front seats are surprisingly comfortable.

@manish-sah · Answer

It’s flexible but don’t overdo it. I’ve seen some Dosts so heavily modified that they looked unsafe. Practical mods that don’t compromise the integrity of the vehicle are all you should stick to.

@shashank-s · Answer

It’s fine in light rain but I wouldn’t press it in severe conditions. Even though I know the CNG tank is supposed to be sealed, I am a bit nervous with the CNG tank location in deep water.

@chandan-ku · Answer

I've done it a few times, and now it is a little bit fun kind of way. This serves as a great conversation starter at picnic spots! Honestly, I wouldn’t do that regularly.

@awadhesh-n · Answer

Surprisingly well! At first, I was skeptical but the Dost CNG LS has good traction even on wet roads. Don’t expect it to be a monster truck in deep water, though.

@kunal-vikr · Answer

Fair, only I wish it had better waterproofing round the doors. During particularly heavy downpours, water has seeped in. Nothing major, but it's annoying.

@rana-arun · Answer

Expectations have to do with your family. It can be a blast if they're adventurous and don't mind roughing it a bit. On the other hand, if they are used to car comfort they may not enjoy it.

@deepak-kum · Answer

I’ve seen some crazy customizations, like mobile kitchens, library vans and even a mobile pet grooming service! With the flat bed design it is a great base for creative businesses.

@vibhu-goel · Answer

Not great, to be honest. It has a bit low ground clearance to take serious waterlogging. Other vehicles have plowed through so I have had to turn back a few times.

@anju-rani · Answer

It is not ideal, but it is better than having no family vehicle. Some of our Dost trips have been memorable. In fact, the kids like this better than our old hatchback!

@shashank-s · Answer

I've been pleasantly surprised. It seems to have good weight distribution and is stable in strong crosswinds. Make sure your tires are serviceable as well.

@saurabh-ka · Answer

It's okay, but nothing spectacular. I did have a few scary moments with hydroplaning, and the wipers could be better. Heavy downpours should be extra cautious.

@varun-khan · Answer

I attempted to modify mine for my flower delivery business but it was difficult. With the CNG tank location, there are some modification options limited if you need a lot of rear storage.

@preeti-yad · Answer

I believe it is better at handling monsoons than some of the larger vehicles I have driven. It is compact in size which helps navigate flooded streets. However, just make sure to have the ground clearance in mind.

@nimish-rai · Answer

It's a commercial vehicle, period. I feel weird about using it for family outings and feel it’s not safe. For that I’d like to rent a proper car for weekend trips.

@preeti-yad · Answer

There is hype for a reason and for the right use case. It is perfect for my intra-city delivery business. I wouldn’t suggest it for businesses that require carrying large weights or working in hilly areas.

@kuldeep-te · Answer

No big issues so far, but I’m always extra cautious with CNG system during heavy rains. During monsoon season, I take care to check all the connections and valves.

@md-shafi-i · Answer

If you are patient, then it is definitely worth it. It takes time to accumulate savings, but they do accumulate. I am definitely seeing the benefits after two years. However, you should expect a long term commitment.

@raj-kiran · Answer

I regret buying it. I also feel the power is not enough for my needs and I am forced to make a second trip instead of one. It's time consuming in my business, and it's actually costing me more in the end.

@abhay-sing · Answer

My courier service has been revolutionized with it. It has allowed me to offer more competitive prices and win more contracts due to the low running costs. As long as you ensure that you have CNG stations on your regular routes.

@bhramita-r · Answer

I love it as an eco conscious business owner. It’s become part of my brand image and my customers appreciate that I’m using a greener vehicle. And the savings are pretty good as well!

@akshat-vij · Answer

I'd say it's overhyped. In many areas, the CNG infrastructure is still lacking, and I have had a couple of close calls running out of fuel. Folks, the range anxiety is real.

@sakshi-gup · Answer

It’s a godsend for city deliveries. However, if your business involves a lot of highway runs or is in hilly areas, you may find the power to be lacking. When fully loaded it has difficulty climbing inclines.

@agha-saqui · Answer

It's a mixed bag, honestly. They have lower running costs, just higher initial investment. It took me about 18 months to make a profit. This will depend on your usage, you will have to do the math.

@gazal-sing · Answer

Absolutely worth it! Last year, I switched from a diesel pickup to the Dost CNG LS and my fuel costs have literally halved. With rising diesel prices, the savings are insane.

The Ashok Leyland Dost CNG LS is touted to be the best for small business owners.

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