Mahindra XUV 500

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Stefanmuller

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I saw this SUV in traffic yesterday and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the Mahindra name on the back. It is a really good looking car which is contrary to the other fugly Mahindra models.

I checked out the dealer website, and for the price you get some amazing bang for your buck. It is a 7 seater SUV with all the luxuries you can think of, including infotainment system with satnav, multimedia, dvd etc. Delivers 104kw in diesel all for about R265000. The AWD goes for just under R300k and entry level is R229k but ditches the infotainment system and fold in mirrors.

Other features include park assist, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, centre console coolerbox to name a few.

I am really considering this versus the Captiva, if only it wasn't a Mahindra. I've read some reviews and all seem to be very positive, even more so than the captiva. The best is what you get for the price.
Any thoughts??
 
I wouldn't buy either~! The Captiva is heavy as hell on fuel on and Mahindra you will be filled with regret after 12 months when things start rattling and breaking. What are you requirements for the car?
 
Brenden_E said:
I wouldn't buy either~! The Captiva is heavy as hell on fuel on and Mahindra you will be filled with regret after 12 months when things start rattling and breaking. What are you requirements for the car?
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I need a big family car, preferably SUV. I dont do offroad but the car should cope if I need to drive a gravel road. I also dont drive a lot - less than 10 000km per year. Power is not an issue, although both have enough. The Mahindra is diesel wich is a fuel benefit and the reviews specifically noted that unlike the other Mahindras the engine noise is actually low. Oh yes, and I dont want to spend R350k or more. My budget is actually under R200k for a used vehicle with less than 100k on the clock, but considering the Mahindras price I might go new or demo.
 
If it's under 200K I suggest to rather buy a normal car over an SUV - you should be able to get a better deal. Most big sedans do just as well on gravel anyway.

For 200K you'll get an SUV that is nearing the end of it's maintenance plan or that's a model nobody wants like the Captiva (and there's good reason no one wants it). If anything breaks there goes your holiday money.

Now take that in contrast to a Cerato for instance: http://www.kia.co.za/Vehicles/Price/Cerato/2
R200K you get a brand new car with service plan for the next couple of years.

And it's almost the same size as the Mahindra. The Mahindra is only 3cm longer and 10cm wider.
 
In India the Mahindra is like the Land Rover, tough as nails and they push them.

I think there they have a bad rep because of cars like Tata. In reality its not even close.
 
So, is mahindrah a bad make compared to Chevrolet? I just dont want to spend a lot on a car because currently I have an old Corolla 1.8 with almost 300k on the clock which costs me R0 in payments. If I do buy a car I want something different. Apart from the make, the Mahindra XUV500 seems a good deal. Check it out.
 
@Stefanmuller

So did you eventually go for the Mahindra? If so, how has it been?
 
Its still on my list, but as our first born is due in a few months there are some uncertain expenses to budget for so just waiting to see what my position will be. I will test drive it closer to that time and maybe that will allow some time for demo and low pre-owned ones to be available. It is a good value car to consider in my opinion.
 
Haven't heard of any complaints in terms of mechanical reliability with the Mahindra - they're apparently pretty tough. What sort of warranty or service plan does the XUV500 come with?
 
Stefanmuller said:
I dont do offroad but the car should cope if I need to drive a gravel road. My budget is actually under R200k for a used vehicle with less than 100k on the clock, but considering the Mahindras price I might go new or demo.
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How about a Subary Outback or Forrester. Outback has more space.
 
Nerfherder said:
In India the Mahindra is like the Land Rover, tough as nails and they push them.

I think there they have a bad rep because of cars like Tata. In reality its not even close.
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This^ I know people that have mahindras and they are seriously tough cars. One guy went through jeeps,landies etc and says his mahindra is the best of the lot.
 
my friend has one. this car/suv is actually pretty damn big inside. the only thing that is off putting is the colour of interior and some iffy bits, however for the price it is actually pretty awesome. his went for his 1st service in Nov, and have had no issues except for an airbag light that kept coming one, but this sorted by the agents.
 
The cars are good. The service from Mahindra SA leaves a lot to be desired. I have a few stories regarding there blatant disregard for their customers. I myself walked away from the Mahindra brand and will never look back.

As I said, awesome vehicles. But be willing to put up with very very bad service from the dealers and no support from MSA if things go wrong.
 
OomD said:
The cars are good. The service from Mahindra SA leaves a lot to be desired. I have a few stories regarding there blatant disregard for their customers. I myself walked away from the Mahindra brand and will never look back.

As I said, awesome vehicles. But be willing to put up with very very bad service from the dealers and no support from MSA if things go wrong.
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These are my concerns: 1) Basically only one outlet in northern subs is Parow (might be the only one in CT area) 2) There is no demo/second hand market yet but maybe because it is still a very recent model 3) Cant seem to find detailed reviews and specs from south african source or anywhere outside of India for that matter 4) That initial car I saw has been the only one I've seen on the road thus far which can be good if you want something unique but can also mean there must be a reason for it.

My other option is a captiva with relatively low kms, but I like the newer shape and those go second hand for more than a new Mahindra or close to it. The same goes for the Forester.
 
Mahindra outlets are independant from Mahindra South Africa. In my experience, MSA ( Mahindra South Africa, a subsidiary of Mahindra India) do not honour promises and statements made by Mahindra dealers and distance themselves from dealer promises and statements.

In short, be wary of any promises and statements made by the dealers on behalf of MSA.

Do some homework. Search the Mahindra thread at the 4x4 community forums.
 
Rocket-Boy said:
http://www.carmag.co.za/driving-impressions/mahindra-xuv500-w8-4x2/
I found a review from car magazine about it.
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There's a full road test in addition to your driving impressions as well.

Personally I'd not touch either the Mahindra or the Captiva with a 10 ft barge pole. The former is an Indian vehicle with way more electronic gadgets than an Indian vehicle should have, with the tackiest interior I've ever had the displeasure of being in. The latter... perhaps a list of places where it is assembled can succinctly convey my distrust:

Kazakhstan: Ust-Kamenogorsk
Russia: Kaliningrad
South Korea: Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
Thailand: Rayong
Uzbekistan: Asaka
Vietnam: Hanoi

It's a built-to-budget Daewoo that I wouldn't want any part of.
 
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