My Ambhaari: Mahindra XUV500 Buying & Ownership Experience

[onlymanoj]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

@manuman
Awesome pics..
Seems had driven almost all type terrain in this stretch.! Highway, muddy, city...
Did you go to tadiyandmola betta, talakaveri?

 

[manuman]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

@onlymanoj - no mate, could not go out anywhere else because it was a short 2 days trip and office work took up all the time; it was an official outing and my boss wants maximum bang for the buck. I could only go for a job in the morning to enjoy the scenic route and weather, leaving behind my car.

One thing I forgot to write about the trip is how good is the brakes. At least on 2 to 3 occasions, some morrons came on the right side of the road (in ghat section); one was very close when a milk tanker suddenly pushed me to the right curb. If not for ABS and good brakes, definitely there would have ben some damage to the car.

Having said that, there is that sense of uncertainty with the brakes in this car. I am not saying it's bad, but you got to tune your driving style, braking style, with this car. Though I am well versed with ABS/EBD, I had to re-adapt to this in Indian driving conditions.

@onlymanoj: You are right - went thru all sorts of road, and came back with flying colors. It's not just the road conditions which the car tackled well, but the rest too - shocks were damn good, noise levels remained low, seat belts worked as expected.

The road condition has worsened in Bangalore due to heavy rains. It's a breeze for the car but it really hurts to see the car go through this pain. I am a guy who, as a kid, carried my bicycle if I find puddle on my way (ah, those school days)! But getting more pragmatic, this is why one buys a SUV in India - to tackle typical road / driving conditions. Whilst everyone is trying to avoid the 'craters' on the road, XUV can sail thru with minimal caution.

 

[suhas]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Manuman - thanks for sharing about your long drive. Coorg is considered to be very pleasant and can completely detach oneself from the world. In your case you still managed to mix that up with your work. While talking about Coorg - recently I have been to Nelliampathy in Kerala along with my friends, off course I did not own XUV that time. There is true off-roading was involved but I don't think XUV can do that We went up to the reserve forest by Mahindra jeeps. It was an awesome experience to ourselves completely disconnect from routine for 24 hours. BTW, Coorg is next in my list, if happen to drive Bengalore.

I am told that on your way to Coorg there is a very narrow stretch, you need to completely halt to let the upward vehicles to clear. Is that cumbersome?

What is the best time to plan a trip?

 

[mukeshus]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

I am told that on your way to Coorg there is a very narrow stretch, you need to completely halt to let the upward vehicles to clear. Is that cumbersome?

What is the best time to plan a trip?

Hi Suhas, roads leading to Coorg are in good condition.

From Mysore-Hunsur-till Virajpet is a good 4 way lane.

The roads are not the way that have been depicted by you.

Will post a few pics for you.

 

[manuman]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

@Suhas: Thanx. As mukeshus stated, the road to coorg via Mysore is quite good. Depending on from where you are starting, there are several routes to reach different places within Coorg. Coorg is a district, Kodagu in Kannada, just in case you did not know There are many remote locations which can be reached only by a 4X4. In fact, last time I took the scenic Siddapura route to Madikeri (or Mercara, the district HQ). So depending on which route you take, and the season, you may find an adventurous stretch.

Except when it rains (South-West monsoon), any other time is good. Whilst you have expensive and luxury options to stay, I would always go for a Home Stay - to experience the essence of the local community. Try it out; I can suggest you some based on my experience in case you need help.

 

[onlymanoj]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Oh it was an official tour.. official tours cant be that flexible to add sightsseeing.
Yes home stays are better in experiencing the local touch in hospitality.
Had a great time there in my college days near tadiyandmola betta home stay.
BTW thanx for the sharing

 

[RagMax]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Hi manuman,
Its been a while since you updated your post. How is your car doing now.

 

[manuman]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Doing very well @RagMax.

The mileage seems to be improving. I get an average 12 KMs per litre now. This is as per the infotainment system and the XUV 5OO app I have on my iphone; 11.8 KM to be precise.

I start my day early, much before the traffic snarls Bangalore city. What I love is the calmness inside my car. No honking on the road, whilst I enjoy my music. I have muted the audio system to check the noise levels emanating from engine and any rattling noise - I am delighted with the quietness inside the cabin. I was afraid that after few thousand KMs the car might develop rattling noise and / or the engine noise, but none. It is not bad during peak hour in the evening either - when there is good amount of traffic noise. I have received unsolicited compliments on this from friends/colleagues who have taken the ride with me in the car. The noise levels are very low, unlike a typical Indian diesel car. Keeping fingers crossed.

Is it the soft shocks? Is it the softer tire (Bridgestone)? Is it engineering of the car? What the heck, I simply love the low noise levels.

I am planning a road trip for few days this December holidays; my family is longing for this drive for quite sometime. I need help some help in driving~road conditions (not much with driving directions though - 'coz GPS comes in handy with XUV and I have driven on most of these roads). Will start a new thread and may be even a travelogue.

Probably I'll have more to write after my long drive in December.

 

[manuman]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

It's been exactly 11 months and 10,000 KM. Got the 2nd service done today. Experience so far - one word - smooth.

Though I have not been carpooling, I don't enjoy driving in Bangalore roads every day (~50 KM to & fro). And just couple of long drives. Hence 10,000 KM even after 11 months. Should plan for couple of long trips and add some mileage.

Took a trip to Pondicherry, 2 weeks ago (http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/travel-itinerary/15158-bangalore-pondicherry-road-condition-route.html). The drive on the trip was absolutely smooth, and faced no issues whatsoever. Timed the service immediately after the trip.

Had no major / specific complaints to fix it during the service. Note to RM -
1. The windscreen nozzle was partially clogged.
2. Once during last 6 months, the AC was blowing hot air (similar to the one posted earlier) - which was fixed once I rebooted the car .
3. Some lipstick mark on the body due to some kisses with two wheelers. And a some cladding piece missing on the front right wheel. Forgot to take a picture of the same.

Dropped off the car at 9AM at Mahadevapura India Garage workshop. The RM Umesh promised to return it by 3.30PM which perfectly suited me. The RM suggested Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing (in addition to fixing the niggles I highlighted). These are the usual 'add on / upsell' the service center does to increase the revenue and profit as we all know. I suggested only wheel alignment since it was 10,000KM. Ideally, I should have got both wheel balancing and alignment done outside, but gave in and asked him to carry out Wheel Alignment to make the guy happy. The estimation was Rs. 2000/- including top ups.

The vehicle was ready when I reached by 4PM. My attention was immediately drawn to the front and rear bumper where there were stain marks due to the incidents with two wheelers. Refer the picture. Pretty neat job - the marks at disappeared; RM Umesh explained me that they did a simple 'rubbing' with some solution. I don't know what it is but I was happy it was not a paint job. The cladding piece costed Rs. 150. The RM also mentioned that the AC gas had to be topped up which costed Rs. 100. And as always great wash service.

As per estimation the final bill came to Rs. 2025.

Before signoff, I asked RM if I need to visit again before the 3rd service which is at 20,000KM. I was concerned because, going by my average miles, this might be in another 9~10 months! Pretty long gap between the service. Whilst I trust the car, do not want to take any chance. RM advised me to visit when it is 15,000KM and do a general checkup. I intend to do the same for my satisfaction.

Apart from service, the trip to Pondy proved that this is a great car. I was averaging 120 on the Krishnagiri~Arcot stretch and the car was stable and solid as a rock on the tarmac. The newly asphalted 6 lane helped me overtake and cross-cross at pretty good speed; there was no wobbling whatsoever (unlike my Scorpio did even at 80KM speed). No engine shuddering. AC was ON throughout, and had no impact on the speed or pick-up. As expected, the brakes behaved well when came across some cattle / morrons crossing the road. Average mileage of 14KM btw, despite my decent speed and going through some town (long story...).

The stretch between Tindivanam and Pondy was superb - though 4 lane, the straight flat road gave me great visibility. For a short stretch I was cruising at 150KM, and had to slow down when I heard some warning beeps / chimes (the one similar in cabs, where upper speed limit is set). Has anyone come across this? I did not test this again, but shall do when I find an opportunity. Glad with the feature, if it is truly a feature; keen to know how to program it.

Call me happy-go-lucky guy. I am pretty happy with the car and loving it everytime I take it for a ride. Hope it remains the same.

 

[bhvm]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Hello again,
Interesting update!

1. FE of 14 is very good. have you confirmed this using tank method? There seems a deficit of 1kmpl in real Efficiency and Info display. I've never had real FE above 12.5 that way.

2.brakes of XUV are absolutely Fantastic. I have tested them from 170- Zero on Ahmedabad Highway. if I had been riding another car, it would have banged up somwhere

3.The warning beep (Ting Ting Ting) goes off at 150 and always brings a smile. If The india has saner public and lack of Cattle , this machine would be doing Continious 140~150. Thats a testament to stability and peformance!

May I invite you to check out new updates and mods on my thread-
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...detailed-review-decals-audio-led-mods-10.html

 

[manuman]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Rats again!

Don't know how and where, but the tobacco leaves did not help much I guess. Or probably the rats entered when I had parked elsewhere. Anyway, the same symptoms (noise when you turn on the AC; noise increases when you increase the fan speed) but unlike the stink last time.

Took it to IG service station immediately. The RM Umesh was attentive as always. When he opened up, found no rat (sigh…), but pieces of paper. The mechanic used a blower to flush out pieces of paper (blower through below-the-glove-box-compartment). The paper pieces was from toll-both ticket, and foot mat tag! Which means the rat had crawled around inside the car. Asked the mechanic to thoroughly check interiors for any more pieces/clues of rat bite. Found none.

Decided to go with the mesh, which cost me Rs. 2809 inclusive of all. I thought about going in for other ultrasonic rat repellent but did not seems to be the popular option.

Here are some pictures.

The car is still doing great though – no problems whatsoever.

 

[bhvm]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

XUV Owners and Experts,
May I ask your Inputs about a Minor Mishap with my XUV Thunderbolt here-

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...view-decals-audio-led-mods-12.html#post375433

(Mods- I hope its OK to invite Others Like this,please pardon)

 

[manuman]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

For past few days I hear some beep in my XUV - somewhere close to the dashboard (near odo, I think). It's feeble sound. Beeps few times within 5 seconds, and then stops for next few minutes. Then starts the beep again. No warning / hazard sign. Vehicle is running absolutely smooth, no hitches whatsoever.

Tried switching off the A/C. Switch off the Audio. Hear beep though I am driving <40 speed; it beeps even when am stalled. Door locked. Fuel is above half-tank-level.

Called RM, but he has no idea. Doesn't seem to be a known problem. RM asked me to get the vehicle for checkup. Got to get this checked before my road trip to Goa.

Wondering if rat has cut some wire or caused some damage. My car has history with rats as you may know. But since everything seems to be functioning smooth, I doubt it is rat. It is not rat squeak btw.

Any idea anyone?

 

[manuman]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Completed a road trip to Goa (Bangalore ~ Goa ~ Bangalore). Read the review on the same - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...271-bangalore-goa-road-trip-2.html#post384421

Met the RM at IG for the beep issue, twice; whenever I visited the workshop, the beep just stopped! Murphy's law I guess. Decided to take the risk and go on the road trip anyway.

When I started in the early morning, I heard the beep quite well. But the beep sound turned very feeble day by day and I can't hear it now. I guess it is still beeping but it is so low that I can't hear any more.

During the trip, I had switched off the AC early morning because it was cool enough. When I turned on the AC after a whilst, the AC vents started emitting smoke (or cool air)! I panicked thinking some major issue and looked for warning bells on the dashboard. There was none of course; the smoke did not smell either.

Suddenly I realized this was not the first time. I don't recall in which car but I had experienced this earlier and remember reading about it in the blog. I believe it is water vapor.

The ~1400KM trip proved again that this car amazing. Though I was on superb roads most of the time, it is great to see consistent performance from the car. Be it smooth ride (even at ~140KM speed at times), road grip, maneuverability in ghat section, AC functioning on humid condition, almost non-stop drive (9 hours and just one break), so on.

I am falling in love with this car. This car is a keeper! Very likely, I'll retain this car even after lease expires.

 

[bhvm]

Re: My, Yet To Be Named, XUV5OO - Buying and Ownership Experience

Completed a road trip to Goa (Bangalore ~ Goa ~ Bangalore). Read the review on the same - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...271-bangalore-goa-road-trip-2.html#post384421

Met the RM at IG for the beep issue, twice; whenever I visited the workshop, the beep just stopped! Murphy's law I guess. Decided to take the risk and go on the road trip anyway.

When I started in the early morning, I heard the beep quite well. But the beep sound turned very feeble day by day and I can't hear it now. I guess it is still beeping but it is so low that I can't hear any more.

During the trip, I had switched off the AC early morning because it was cool enough. When I turned on the AC after a whilst, the AC vents started emitting smoke (or cool air)! I panicked thinking some major issue and looked for warning bells on the dashboard. There was none of course; the smoke did not smell either.

Suddenly I realized this was not the first time. I don't recall in which car but I had experienced this earlier and remember reading about it in the blog. I believe it is water vapor.

The ~1400KM trip proved again that this car amazing. Though I was on superb roads most of the time, it is great to see consistent performance from the car. Be it smooth ride (even at ~140KM speed at times), road grip, maneuverability in ghat section, AC functioning on humid condition, almost non-stop drive (9 hours and just one break), so on.

I am falling in love with this car. This car is a keeper! Very likely, I'll retain this car even after lease expires.

that smoke is actually fog, happens due to humidity. my safari used to do that a lot esp in mornings.

xuv will fetch millions in antique market I feel. even I'm not letting go of this beast even after 50 years.