Mahindra XUV500 W10 AWD Petrol - Do You Have Any Comments/Experience around This 7 Seater?

Dr-StrangeLove on 17/10/2019 - 11:56
Last edited 17/10/2019 - 11:58

I don't have a lot of technical knowledge around cars as I have been a motorcycle guy from a long time and recently started driving a car. All I know are some cool features and looks. I love Tesla Model 3 or an Audi Q5 just for the sheer looks of it (Model 3 for a little more reasons) but I have given up on this for now due to financial constraints. May be in future but for now my eyes are on the Mahindra XUV500

Here is my current situation - I am considering buying a 7 seater brand new SUV for my family of 3 and strongly thinking on going ahead with the Indian origin Mahindra XUV500 for the features it currently offers with the price. This model also has got pretty good reviews in India and still very new in Australian market. I tried getting some reviews online around this vehicle and it's pretty mixed. I wanted to know what the folks at Ozbargain think about this SUV as I value their comments a lot in other discussions and deals.
Are there any Ozbargainers here who own this or similar model? What's your feedback like? Also, are there any others who have done a R&D around this model who may be in a similar situation or rejected the idea of buying it?

Cheers,

Automotive

Comments

  • Stewardo on 17/10/2019 - 12:12

    What about a Mitsubishi Outlander in this price range?

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 17/10/2019 - 14:50

      The features I was looking for are only available in high end Mitsubishi Excess comes around 45k

      • Stewardo on 17/10/2019 - 18:00

        Interior trim features?

  • jimbobaus on 17/10/2019 - 12:24
    +14

    As someone who works in the mechanic industry
    you might want to avoid these lesser known brands (Great Wall, Haval, Mahindra etc) the parts are super expensive, most are not stocked in Australia so have huge wait times for repairs (even at a dealer service department) and they are cheap for a reason.
    If you plan on keeping the car long term you will eventually encounter a problem needing a part (Fuel Pump, Glow Plugs, etc etc) and waits or 2-3 weeks is not uncommon, there is also almost no after market parts for these cars as the volumes sold are so low the major after market companies simply do not bother to make parts for them which means costly servicing and repairs (outside of any offers you may get for the first couple of years)

    I would honestly look into better known brands.
    There is plenty of decent 7 seater's around

    • spackbace on 17/10/2019 - 12:51
      +6

      Agree with the above

      Also as with any lesser-known and lesser-purchased brand, there's every chance the brand will close up shop in the space of time you own the vehicle, meaning resale will take a nose-dive (more-so than it already will due to lack of desirability).

      Look around at others, or to a 1-2yo car with a better brand heritage

      • justaperson on 17/10/2019 - 13:15
        +1

        Great advice from both^ The Mahindra is a terrible choice especially when considering you can buy a brand new Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition with seven seats and leather/suede interior for right around the same price as the auto Mahindra. Sure the Mitsubishi may not be the fastest nor the most technologically advanced with its 2.4l motor with CVT, but it will be reliable and you'll get a warranty which will actually still likely be valid, since Mitsubishi is pretty established in Australia, not to mention its a much better built car.

        https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2019-mitsubishi-out…

        • Dr-StrangeLove on 17/10/2019 - 13:57

          Outlander seems to be a really nice car in my budget but doesn't come with the electric sunroof which I was hoping to get if it's not too much to ask for the price.

          • justaperson on 17/10/2019 - 14:29
            +7

            @Dr-StrangeLove: I'd be prioritising reliability and build quality over having a sunroof in your budget. I'd still pick the Mitsubishi without a sunroof over the Mahindra with a sunroof. After all, what good is a sunroof when the rest of the car is decidedly rubbish.

    • pegaxs on 17/10/2019 - 14:22

      What Jimbo says. Came here say nearly the same thing.

      While Mahindra are quite a large company, they are yet to get any real foothold in the Australian market. This leads them to not stock a lot of parts based on that they just give up and pull out of the market here.

      While I don't really have much bad to say about these brands (had a Great Wall v200 as a company car at one stage that was flawless and never gave up), I think for the little bit extra you pay for a more established brand name to give more support and better quality.

  • brad1-8tsi on 17/10/2019 - 15:05

    Every owner review I read about the Indian & Chinese made, new to the Australian market vehicles is either best car ever or worst car ever. This leads me to think that quality is extremely variable.

    As others have stated, I'd be concerned about the extent and stability of the dealer network (I own a Skoda and the dealers came and went like the tides in their first 5-8 years in Australia), parts availability and technical training of the workshop staff.

    I also think you'd have to buy with the intention of keeping it until it dies as the depreciation will probably be horrendous (refer Skoda).

    Personally, I'd let someone else take the depreciation hit and buy something 2-3 years old although looking at prices an XUV500 demo for $20,000 does look compelling.

    Also, having owned 4 people movers and 4 (or 6?) 7 seat SUVs, the people movers are far more comfortable in the 3rd row and handle better. Our last one was the latest Honda Odyssey Luxury and it was a great car and much cheaper than you'd expect

    • spackbace on 17/10/2019 - 15:16
      +1

      I own a Skoda

      Jees what's with the main commenters in our Automotive forums owning weird cars?! You have a Skoda, Pegaxs has a Fiat, I'm willing to bet Burnertoasty owns something obscure.

      • jimbobaus on 17/10/2019 - 17:13
        +1

        Some of us have “normal” cars I think 😂😂😂

      • brendanm on 17/10/2019 - 17:59
        +3

        Burnertoasty is a Tesla owner. Pegaxs is the worst, fiat, yuck 🤮

        • pegaxs on 18/10/2019 - 10:02

          Damn my sick fetish for Italian cars and bikes. I didn't have enough to do at work, so I thought I would buy something so I could carry on at home…

      • brad1-8tsi on 18/10/2019 - 08:18

        I wanted a Mk5 Golf GT diesel but there was a 6 month wait and I needed a car in a hurry. I knew the Octavia had the same under-pinnings and went to buy a diesel. The price was a bit high and the sales person suggested I test drive the 1.8 turbo manual as they were last years build and VW were offering EOFY bonuses on manual hatches with last years plates. I liked it and she made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

        I've also owned:
        Golf Mk3.5 Cabrio
        Lancia Beta sedan
        24/80 Wolseley
        VW bug
        Other fun things.

        If you include all of the company cars (that I drove) my ex had then I've had 40+ cars in the driveway.

    • Euphemistic on 17/10/2019 - 20:25

      This leads me to think that quality is extremely variable.

      Or possibly that there are two types of people buying these ‘cheap and cheerful’ vehicles. They either expect Toyota service and quality for much less money and whinge and complain when it’s not there the other type recognise that they have purchased a cheap vehicle and are willing to live with its shortcomings knowing it has saved them heaps.

      I remember being at a dealer service centre when Great Wall was relatively new and a woman came in with her near new X240 SUV and a list of about 15 things needing attention. That was when Great Wall was very new to the market.

      • brad1-8tsi on 18/10/2019 - 08:08

        I think repeated breakdowns and tech staff not being able to rectify faults aren't acceptable shortcomings no matter how cheap the car is. The reviews I've read focused on this rather than poor panel fit and low grade interior trim.

        I once replace all the interior plastics on an SV21 camry wagon as the owner found blemishes in the plastic. And we did it a 2nd time when he found more blemishes. 3rd time round the Service Manager had to explain to him what acceptable quality for price meant as the flaws were barely visible to the naked eye.

        • Euphemistic on 18/10/2019 - 13:11

          I think repeated breakdowns and tech staff not being able to rectify faults aren't acceptable shortcomings no matter how cheap the car is. The reviews I've read focused on this rather than poor panel fit and low grade interior trim.

          Absolutely, then you need to consider that online reviews tend to be biased to the extremes. People who either love it or hate r will make reviews and comments. Those who are getting what they expected aren’t going to bother as much.

  • Daniel Plainview on 17/10/2019 - 15:22

    If you do buy the Mahindra, you'd want to be planning to hold onto it for a long time as it's going to take a huge hit in depreciation once you've bought it.

    That said that you've got a family of 3 (so just one child) I would question the need for a 7 seater. Perhaps you meant to imply that you had 3 children or have no TV at your place and so feel a 7 seater will be needed soon enough. ;-)

    FWIW I've found the emerging brands tend to be good in knowing what features to highlight to consumers but their overall package and Quality control is well off the established segment leaders. I've not looked into that brand and think it's silly to rule it out without due consideration but it'd be a brave move to jump in with very little impartial feedback on the car - so unless it's amazing value or really just appeals to you I'd say there are a load of other options that are low risk as known quantities.

  • mskeggs on 17/10/2019 - 19:06

    If you are buying a car for the fancy features, you will be looking at new models in 3 or 4 years enviously.
    But your Indian built car will be worth very little as a trade in or to other buyers, as it takes a very long time for new brands to be accepted.
    Consider also that your desire for a prestigious car like a Tesla or Audi won’t be satisfied by a vehicle many will view as inferior.
    If you can afford the price with little expectation of retaining much value when the warranty expires, I guess it is a cheap new car.

  • Dr-StrangeLove on 18/10/2019 - 08:02

    Thanks for all your comments, guys. I've decided to not go for the Mahindra XUV500 now.

    I don't know if it sounds crazy but I'm thinking of putting a bit extra to my car budget now. Around $55-$60k. That's the range if I need all the premium features which I really need. I'm thinking of Kia Sorento GT diesel. I don't drive as much as I want to but really need the AWD if I'm paying so much. Please let me know if I'm wrong in anything. Thanks again for your valuable comments. Cheers,

    • justaperson on 19/10/2019 - 20:20
      +4

      It seems incredibly foolish to almost double your budget for a sunroof and a few extra features which aren't strictly a necessity, especially AWD - most of the mid-size AWD systems aren't really capable enough to be useful off road, and consequently don't mean much unless towing frequently or you live in a snowy area or situation which requires the extra traction. If you couldn't afford the 60k before, what makes you think this is a good idea now? Not to mention you may as well stretch the budget and get your dream Tesla Model 3 for $74k. Assuming you have solar, you'll effectively be charging the car for free meaning if you drive 20,000km a year and roughly spend 3k a year on fuel, you'll make the difference back in 5 years.

      • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 08:00

        Sunroof and AWD are my basic requirements. Period. I intend to use it off-road if not regularly at least semi-regularly. So when I need it, I'd miss not being able to go to a place just because I don't have a AWD.

        Re stretching to Tesla. It's a whole different thing. I'd love to but it's just not in my budget to go that far. More over your quote is for a basic model again. The features I need would there stretch close to a 100k. So may be in future I might think about it but now all I'm looking for is a reliable 7 seater, AWD petrol engine car with a 2-2.5 L engine for a decent fuel economy and most importantly having a panaromic sunroof.

        • spackbace on 21/10/2019 - 11:57
          +1

          I intend to use it off-road if not regularly at least semi-regularly. So when I need it, I'd miss not being able to go to a place just because I don't have a AWD.

          AWD will only get you so far, 4x4 is considered 'off-road'. Go too far down an off-road track in an AWD and find a ditch too small, or a clearance too high for your SUV, and you'll wish you had a proper 4x4.

          What are you driving now? What AWD do you take off-road now?

          • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 12:08

            @spackbace: Thought AWD was nothing but 4x4. By off-road driving, I meant more like going camping to few places which say that they can only be accessed by AWDs.

            I drive a 2015 Nissan Micra now. Haven't used any AWD to drive off-road now. Just wanted to have that option

            • spackbace on 21/10/2019 - 12:11
              +1

              @Dr-StrangeLove: AWD is not 4x4. 4x4 is generally denoted by having a low-range and a locking diff. Some AWDs have a diff-lock, but lack the low-range to get out of sticky situations.

              If you want to go places, and check out remote beaches etc then I'd suggest a 4x4. But it depends where you prioritise - either the fact that you want to go off the beaten path and not get stuck or break down, or have a panoramic sunroof which will be closed 99% of the time.

              • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 12:43

                @spackbace: thanks for that info @Spackbace. Looks like most of the 4x4 come only in diesel variant which is not really what I am looking for.

                I am not a hardcore off-roader but wish to have the option of AWD which could come in handy when driving in snow without snowchains and some regular camping not too off-roady if that makes any sense. I am considering going for the Skoda Kodiaq which seems to tick all the boxes.

                • spackbace on 21/10/2019 - 12:46

                  @Dr-StrangeLove:

                  Looks like most of the 4x4 come only in diesel variant which is not really what I am looking for.

                  But you said:

                  I'm thinking of Kia Sorento GT diesel.

                  Wut?!

                  • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 12:50

                    @spackbace: Oh yeah changed my mind on that and didn't update here. I really liked that car though. I am not sure how true this is but seems legit to me where I heard that with diesel the vehicle needs to run at least 40 mins on a motorway every fortnight in order to maintain the it's overall health which I want to do but may not happen with my current situation. Also, totally I drive about 12k-15k a year tops. So dropped Sorento plan. Liked the petrol variant in that but fuel economy was a no-no for me in that as it comes only in 3.5L v6 engine.

        • justaperson on 21/10/2019 - 14:05

          Well then you're going to have to step up to a proper 4x4 body on frame SUV like the Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X. Mid-size SUVs like the Kia Sorrento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Kluger, Mitsubishi Outlander etc as I said simply do not cut it as proper off-road vehicles even with AWD, so if you're intending to go off-road regularly or even occasionally then those mid-size SUVs shouldn't even be on the list.

          • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 14:19
            -1

            @justaperson: Then what is the point of having AWD in the mid-sized SUVs?

            • spackbace on 21/10/2019 - 14:27
              +1

              @Dr-StrangeLove: Added grip in wet weather, no torque steer (when comparing FWD to AWD).
              Read any review on the AWD mid-size SUV market and you'll see they're all "ok" at going off the beaten track, nothing like a proper 4x4

              Not that a 7-seater is really a mid-size anyway, unless you don't actually want room for 7 people.

              Speaking of, for a family of 5 why do you want a 7-seater?

              • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 14:38

                @spackbace:

                Read any review on the AWD mid-size SUV market and you'll see they're all "ok" at going off the beaten track, nothing like a proper 4x4

                will do, thanks

                Why 7-seater for a family of 5?
                There are rare occasions where we would need to drive 6 folks. I thought I'd use a 7 seater as a 5 seater mostly except for those rare times.

                • spackbace on 21/10/2019 - 14:39

                  @Dr-StrangeLove: You've seen how much room is in the 3rd row on these 7-seaters yes? And how much room is left once the 3rd row seat is up?

                  • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 14:52

                    @spackbace: Yes, I have. Happy to adjust with the small leg and head room.

                    • spackbace on 21/10/2019 - 14:54

                      @Dr-StrangeLove: That's because you're not the one sitting in the 3rd row are you…?

                      Sigh honestly your priorities seem totally messed up. AWD and Panoramic Sunroof for a car which you hope to go camping in. 7 seater for a car which may seat 6 people along with bags. A few L/100km difference for a car which might cost more in servicing, suffer more in resale and might not be big enough or suit the purpose it's really needed for.

                      We'll see you in 12 months when you realise your choices were really sub-par and you start your topic with "I wish I listened".

                      • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 15:10

                        @spackbace:

                        That's because you're not the one sitting in the 3rd row are you

                        No, I'll be sitting as well on a lot of occasions

                        Re messed up priorities - I am in a very initial state for my new car purchase and very open to all the options. Panaromic sunroof is something I have got to have for the comfort. AWD - I was wrong in it's understanding but if it comes as part of the car I am looking for which at the moment it is, I'll take it. 7 seater may not be useful for me a 90% of the time and I am open to compromise on that fact. So I think my priorities are quite clear now. Anyway this seem to be another thread topic. I did test drive the Mahindra XUV recently and it's a total shit vehicle. Definitely not going for that.

                        • spackbace on 21/10/2019 - 15:13
                          +1

                          @Dr-StrangeLove:

                          Panaromic sunroof is something I have got to have for the comfort.

                          How on earth does that make it more comfortable? It lowers the roof which can affect taller passengers, and won't be open any time during the day on at least 6 months of the year due to the heat and UV.

                          • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 15:19

                            @spackbace: More light/view for all passengers. Less claustrophobic feeling and more air.

                            won't be open any time during the day on at least 6 months of the year due to the heat and UV

                            glad you said "day time" there. Can be used when using it in the evening and early morning during the hot 6 months.

  • obiwanmy on 21/10/2019 - 15:30

    I notice you change your mind alot - maybe best if you take a test drive of all the various vehicles and see what best suits you as i dont think anyone in this forum is able to give you a good advice on what you need. In my view, car is a very personal thing (for me the sunroof is a big waste of money, since it heats up your car during summer meaning you need more $$$ to cool it down, and lets talk about bird dropping!), you might ask if you found a bargain, but whether a car suits you that is best to do your own.

    • Dr-StrangeLove on 21/10/2019 - 15:32

      Hey thanks, yes. I am doing that now. Have a lot of options lined up. Bird dropping might be very annoying but I guess I can live with cleaning that up occasionally. Which car do you own if you don't mind me asking? Cheers

  • Darayus on 15/06/2021 - 10:29

    Hello Dr Love can you tell us finally did you went with Mahindra and if YES then can you update with your experience of owning this car as first hand user instead of people who read passive feed back.

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