XUV500 had lots of storage space in front which is non existent in XUV700.

BHPian Joy73US recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

In 2011, I was among the first few XUV500 customers of Ghaziabad, UP. I graduated from Santro to XUV but it was a smooth transition and within a few days, I was moving it across all streets and across states. During that period, I enjoyed the celebrity status when people use to drive crazy and honk just to request us for a look at the vehicle and we duly obliged them, most of the time.

The XUV500 had its own share of niggles but we really enjoyed every drive. Didn't feel tired even after driving more than 1000 kms. in a day.

Then came the dreaded NGT order and I had to sell it off in December 2021. Since I had the experience of dealing with Mahindra, I was confident about the mechanical part but electrical/electronics, doesn’t want to take risks, even after 10 years of ownership. Finally, I booked my XUV700 AX5 on the very 1st day of the launch.

The long wait for delivery and the challenges to live without any personal vehicle. Thankfully I used to do cycling and I kept on using it to visit nearby areas. In March’2022 I started getting updates on my vehicle and realize it could be delivered in April.

In April 2022, I got the call from the dealer that my vehicle is on its way and I should arrange for funds. Unfortunately the same day I got diagnosed with cancer, again ☹. All joy of getting a new vehicle went kaput and priorities of life changed instantly.

I apprised Mahindra and the dealer about my health conditions and requested that my booking can be put on hold. For the next 4 months, I was in bed barely speaking a few words and contemplating how unpredictable this life is. Gradually started getting my strength back and decided to re-live our life….again.

In December 2022, with the exorbitant cost of treatment and medicines, we were indecisive about whether to still continue with our XUV700 booking or look at other alternatives. Visited many showrooms to check small to medium size vehicles but none of them impressed any of the family members. Finally, XUV700 was our unanimous choice.

Being in NCR, we also had to make a choice, to go for either Petrol or Diesel, but since we decided to re-live our life and to cover the entire North, Central, South and Western India, Diesel became the defacto choice.

Based on these discussions, requested Mahindra to reallocate my vehicle. A few reminders and I got a confirmation from the dealer that a vehicle has been allotted to me but unfortunately it was allotted at the current price, not the introductory price.

Few email exchanges, meeting with the dealer sales team and I got the assurance from the sales team that they will do everything possible to get me an introductory price.

A couple of months passed and in April’2023, I got the much-awaited call, sir your preferred color Silver isn’t available but if you agree shall we offer you Everest White with an introductory price. What else I would have said…I gladly accepted the offer.

Now the decision was to be made if I should go with UP14 or BH registration. Did some calculations as UP14 registration gets calculated on the current ex-showroom price while BH registration cost is calculated on what you have actually paid. Completed the necessary documentation and applied for BH registration.

Finally, the day arrive to take the delivery. We got our Everest White XUV700 AX5 DSL AT 7STR, in May 2023.

Standard accessories installed from the dealer – 1) Side Steps, 2) Reverse Camera 3) Door Visors 4) Film on MID screen 5) Mud Flap, 6) Illuminated Scuff plates. 7) I bought Pharaoh 3D floor mats online.

My observations of driving AX5 AT vs XUV500 W6 MT are:

Pros:

• Suspensions are much better.
• Fit and finish of interior and exterior is much better
• Comparatively better audio / MID system
• More features and kids love their first sunroof vehicle
• Very efficient AC
• Headlights looks more effective, yet to check on highway

Cons:

• No Auto Climate Control in AX5
• Auto Stop Hybrid system is a pain and you can’t disable it permanently
• Every time you start the vehicle AC is powered ON
• No 12V or any other power source at the front row. Only 1 USB port available to charge mobiles
• Cabin lights aren’t that effective
• No ambient light

• Since I drove Manual XUV500 W6, I hardly required to move to 1st gear..Even in the slow traffic it was 2nd or 3rd gear. Now it is auto gear , at slow speed engine grunt is audible but once at the highway it is almost silent.
• No user manual book hence have to download it in ‘With you Hamesha’ app
• TPMS could be installed as default (Requested dealer to order and install it at the earliest, hopefully, will get it in 1-2 weeks)
• XUV500 had lots of storage space in front which is non existent in XUV700.
• XUV500 used to have a cooled compartment below driver's armrest, to keep cold drinks and chocolate's cool. Now it is just a storage box with no cooling options.

I never thought of living 17 months without any vehicle but after driving this vehicle, it was worth waiting. On top of it getting an introductory price was the Cherry on the cake. Overall, I am really happy that Mahindra and Shiva Automobile, Sahibabad considered my request and offered the Introductory price even 12 months after I requested to hold the delivery. Thank You Mahindra and Shiva Automobile, Sahibabad.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

My ever-reliable XUV 500 AWD aka McQueen has already clocked 1,23,350 kms.

BHPian lovecars21 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Here we are again with another travelogue of our May 2023 Mountain trip. I understand our travelogues have reduced in numbers owing to our limited trips. We now have a 4.5-year little champ whose busy schedule needs to be well-assessed before planning any trip.

My last road trip to North India was in 2017 when I drove to Spiti in Figo and since then all my trips have been mainly to the North-Eastern part of India post the little champ was born to get him acclimatised to road journeys and mountains. Now that he is hitting 5 in a few months, we decided to broaden our ambition and plan a North India trip. We have been eyeing Shinkula for quite some time now and so we finally decided on the same as our destination.

Some Introductory Photos

Initially, I planned to keep it light with places like Dharmshala, Dalhousie, Haridwar, and Rishikesh but then one day suddenly while hovering over Gmaps something within me told me why not add Sach Pass and Killar Keylong route. Immediately I started working out the plan and shared it with my wife and friends.

Day 1 plan was to drive directly to Noida and stay at my brother-in-law's place and relax for a day or two then drive to Dalhousie, and stay for a night. Beyond Dalhousie, our stays would be in Bairagarh and then Keylong. From Keylong, the plan was to drive to Baralacha La and return via Manali.

Plan A:

• 19th May 2023: Asansol to Kolkata
• 20th May: Morning Kolkata to Asansol. Rest till 7 pm and then leave for Noida
• 21st May: Take a 3-hour break at Lucknow and reach Noida by 9 pm
• 22nd May: Relax at Noida and enjoy family time.
• 23rd May: Noida to Dalhousie
• 24th May: Dalhousie to Bairagarh
• 25th May: Bairagarh to Keylong via Sach Pass
• 26th May: Keylong to Sissu with a visit to Baralacha La
• 27th May: Sissu to Mandi
• 28th May: Mandi to Noida
• 29th May: Start from Noida in the evening and reach Asansol on 30th May
• 31st May: Asansol to Kolkata

The plan was finalised and bookings were done. Called my brother-in-law Sabyasachi and he was happy to know that we were planning for North India this time. Our last visit to their place was during his Son's rice ceremony back in December last year. We planned to stay at his place so that Ishaan could enjoy himself with his Mama, Mami and their 1.5 yrs old son Neil. So now as the dates were finalised my wife, Sudeshna applied for her leave and it was approved. I also started planning my work schedule so that during the trip I can enjoy and relax with my family. Since the inception of the plan, I had started following the Facebook page of Lahaul Spiti Police and also contacted DC Office Control Room. They alerted me and informed me about the bad weather forecast during my week of travel.

By then Sunil Kumar had contacted me and confirmed that he wishes to go for the drive along with his family. I travelled with Sunil da to Arunachal Pradesh last year and he is a gem of a person and a seasoned driver. Gave him the detailed plan and told him there is a 10% chance that Sach Pass will be open. He was ok with it and booked his stays.

My plan was to drive to Kolkata from Asansol on the 19th of May and on the 20th morning drive back to Asansol with Sudeshna and Ishaan then take a 3 to 4 hours rest at my hometown and start our overnight drive to Noida. Sunil da was to start from Asansol on the 20th Morning and drive up to Lucknow on the 21st to reach Noida. Sunil da preferred day driving while I preferred night so we were to meet at Noida and then drive along.

Prepared my ever-reliable XUV 500 AWD aka McQueen which had already clocked 1,23,350 kms. The Service Advisor at Rudra Mahindra advised me to get the front disc pads changed and to get my battery checked at Amaron Pit Stop. To date, I had been using only OEM spares but this time planned to do some further research and shortlisted Bosch Performance Disc Pads. They are four times cheaper than OEM ones and the review over the internet was quite good. Ordered the pads through Boodmo and within a week they were delivered. Got them fitted and drove around 400 kms to be confident about the pads. The Himalayas and especially the Sach Pass-Killar-Udaipur road is unforgiving.

Next was to get the battery checked. It was then 4.4 years old and had never given any issue but due to the age it was best to get it tested. Bought a battery tester from Amazon as our Pit Stop did not have the device to test the battery thoroughly and mere voltage testing was not sufficient. I have shared the link below and would suggest everyone to have such a device, it helps in getting an idea about the State of Health of the battery.

The battery was tested and it came out with 80% SOH after a full charge. So, the battery passed the test but still to avoid any unprecedented situation at high altitude borrowed the 70mai Jumper Starter battery from Bhpian Arindam Chakraborty (travel tax).

The other few accessories that were added to McQueen since last year's Arunachal Trip are as follows:

1. Luggage Carrier from Rouf Rails

Luggage Carrier Top View

2. Battery Monitor from Amazon which included a 100a shunt.

This is how I connected the 100amp Shunt

3. Car seat fan from Flipkart

4. AC vent rotating fan from Amazon

5. Front and Underbody camera with a toggle switch

This is how the cockpit looks

As the weather forecast deteriorated in the Lahaul region so made a Plan B which was to drive to Zanskar via Shinkula Pass hoping the pass would be open. When compared to Sach Pass Shinkula and other main passes of Ladakh open before Sach for Army commuting.

On May 15th informed Sunil da that Plan A is called off and we will follow Plan B. Our Bookings were cancelled and for Plan B we decided to book on the go.

Plan B:

• 19th May 2023: Asansol to Kolkata
• 20th May: Morning Kolkata to Asansol. Rest till 7 pm and then leave for Noida
• 21st May: Take a 3 hours break at Lucknow and reach Noida by 9 pm
• 22nd May: Relax at Noida and enjoy family time.
• 23rd May: Noida to Chandigarh
• 24th May: Shangarh to Jispa
• 25th May: Jispa to Padum via Shinkula
• 26th May: Local site-seeing at Padum
• 27th May: Padum to Sissu
• 28th May: Sissu to Mandi
• 29th May: Mandi to Noida
• 30th May: Start from Noida in the evening and reach Asansol on 31st May
• 1st June: Asansol to Kolkata

Everything was set and packing was done but the weather predictions were getting worse with severe snowfall predicted in Lahaul, Sunil da called me one evening and informed me that he would rather go later than get stuck mid-way. Now it was time to decide whether to go ahead or change dates. Discussed with Sudeshna and she said her leaves are approved and it's too late to change dates. So, we decided to go ahead and in case Darcha-Padum road is closed we will enjoy ourselves at Jispa and Sissu and return. So, with a 10% chance of the road being open, we moved ahead with the plan.

The essential items like medicines, an oxygen cylinder, a portable stove, and some ready-to-cook packed food were loaded. Sharing the list of medicines for fellow travellers who wish to travel with kids.

Sudeshna suggested I travel by bus from Asansol to Kolkata and drive back with them to Asansol in her Aspire aka Musty. Due to six planning works between Dankuni and Panagarh, there are numerous diversions and bottleneck areas. The current travel time between the two cities has become 5.5 hrs. Loaded my luggage, and essential items and kept McQueen ready for the drive.

DAY 1: Asansol to Kolkata: 240 kms, Travel Time: 6.5 hrs by Bus

On the 19th Morning took a bus to Kolkata and as predicted the road between Panagarh to Galsi was red with stand-still traffic. The Volvo bus driver took a detour via Guskara. The route passes through some narrow winding roads surrounded by lush green trees. It was fun. By bus it took 6.5 hrs to reach Kolkata that day, thanks to Sudeshna for her suggestion else would have surely stressed me out.

DAY 2 and 3: Kolkata to Asansol, 240 kms, Travel Time: 3.5 hrs. Asansol to Lucknow 800 kms Travel Time, 13 hrs. Lucknow to Noida 550 kms Travel Time 6 hrs including breaks:

On the 20th Morning got their luggage loaded in Aspire and drove to Asansol. To our good luck traffic was smooth that day and we reached Asansol in 3.5 hrs. Lunch was made ready by Mom and after a heavy lunch took a short power nap while Ishaan played with his grandmom all afternoon. As it was unbearably hot in Asansol that day so loading of luggage was delayed and we started our drive one hour late.

Our plan was to reach Topchanchi by 9 pm and have dinner there but as we were late to start we had to take a dinner stop just after crossing into Jharkhand.

After dinner at Hotel Sumandeep I prepared Ishaan's bed so that he could sleep well all night. We started off from Beliyad at 10 pm and drove start to Aurangabad.

From Aurangabad took the Buxar road to connect to Purvanchal Expressway.

My plan was to cover this stretch during the wee hours so that there would be a minimum human and cattle population on the road. This road passes through numerous densely populated villages so driving through this stretch during day time would add to undue stress.

As planned we touch Purvanchal Expressway at 4:45 am and took a tea break. The next plan was to drive to Lucknow and stay at Jalsa Resort which I had booked through Oyo for only 750/-. Well, the price was fine considering we would stay for 3 to 4 hours. We reached Lucknow at 9 am and checked into the hotel. Ordered a heavy Breakfast and took a shower to freshen up.

After having breakfast took a power nap and left Lucknow at 1:30 pm.

Next ahead were two more Expressways before we reach Noida and the Sun was over our heads with burning temperatures outside, the car's cabin was kept chilled with the newly added fans.

Took the Lucknow Agra Expressway and then Yamuna Expressway and reached Noida at 8 pm.

Unloaded the luggage and cleared the luggage carrier as we were to travel through Punjab. The third row was folded and the Luggage was all put inside.

Enjoyed the evening with a surprise birthday party organised by Sabyasachi and his wife Sudeshna. After a late night adda we retired for the day. Tomorrow was a day to relax.

Continue reading BHPian lovecars21's travelogue for more insights and information.

The Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV is expected to debut in October 2025.

Mahindra showcased five new electric SUV concepts in August last year. Among them was the BE.05, featuring a radical new design. Now, a pre-production prototype of this EV has been spotted on public roads for the first time.

The Mahindra BE.05 is part of the brand's 'Born Electric' range of pure-electric products based on the INGLO platform. The test mule looks similar to the concept showcased almost a year back. It has the striking new LED light signature up front, while the massively flared wheel arches appear to have been toned down. The rearview cameras have been replaced with conventional ORVMs.

The BE.05 is expected to come with semi-active suspension and brake-by-wire. Other features include a frunk and trunk storage, drive modes and ADAS with L2+ autonomous capability.

Mahindra's 'Born Electric' range of electric SUVs will be offered in single-motor and dual-motor configurations, with an overall output rated at 228-282 BHP and 335-389 BHP, respectively. The carmaker claims the SUVs would be capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 5-6 seconds.

Mahindra will offer multiple battery options ranging from 60-80 kWh. The batteries will be able to charge up to 80% in 30 minutes using a 175 kW fast charger.

The Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV is expected to debut in October 2025.

Source: Rushlane

The XUV500 is expected to make a return sometime next year to compete against the Creta, Harrier, Seltos and Grand Vitara.

Mahindra’s Chief Design Officer Pratap Bose, has shared a teaser of an upcoming SUV on his social handles. While he hasn’t divulged any details, it’s been speculated that it might be the 5-seater XUV500.

Mahindra had discontinued the XUV500 following the launch of the XUV700. However, this was supposed to be a temporary pause and the model was reportedly set to make a comeback to fill the gap in the brand’s product line-up.

The teaser image showcases a large SUV hidden under a cover. All you can see are some of the sharp feature lines. You also get a hint of the SUV’s flared wheel arches.

The Mahindra XUV500 is expected to make a return sometime next year. It will compete in the models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, the VW Group’s Taigun and Kushaq as well as the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

I wanted to get some sense as to what could be the probable cause/s of this glitch so that I can have a better idea.

BHPian Dr.Ambrish recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi everyone, need some advice on an issue that's cropped up in the last 7-10 days in my 2016 XUV 500 W 10 AT FWD (ODO 91950). sometimes while driving especially when we decelerate (due to maybe stalled traffic or something) and when trying to accelerate again the pedal press does not translate to throttle response immediately (within 0.5 sec or so as was usual previously) it takes a leisurely Rs 3-5 sec before the vehicle pulls ahead.

Once it does respond then it accelerates normally until it happens again randomly. It doesn't happen every time but frequently enough to raise a concern.

I will take it to the dealership in a day or two but before I do I wanted to get some sense as to what could be the probable cause/s of this glitch so that I can have a better idea and be in a position better cross-question them or direct their efforts in case they can't figure it out or try and push some stopgap measure to save their efforts.

Any and all insights and ideas are welcome!

Update: I did visit the service centre and after the test drive the SA was of the opinion that the air filter might be the reason but since the car went in for the routine 90k service just a month ago shouldn't the air filter have been assessed then? He, however, did assure that the throttle cleaning would also be done so lest hope the issue resolves.

Here's what Sran had to say on the matter:

Your car most probably needs a throttle body cleaning. In the worst-case scenario, there might be some controller problem i.e. delay in the signal transfer which can be rectified by checking error codes.

Here's what BHPian vinjosep had to say on the matter:

Our XUV500, manual 2015, had a similar behaviour a year or so back. The service centre replaced the "vacuum modulator" (that's what they called it). From the way they were so sure that this was the culprit, I felt it was a common problem with the 500. The cost was ~2500 IIRC. Yes, it did bring back the mojo.

Here's what BHPian Gypsian had to say on the matter:

Check the air filter for dust, if no issues are found get an OBD scanning done in private, probably might cost you around 1000 INR. The vacuum modulator may be the culprit, but it makes a buzzing noise if gone kaput.

Scanning your car before heading to the service centre is advised. Keep us posted once it's diagnosed.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

This unit has picture-in-picture as well. So you can listen and watch a song while your maps are up.

BHPian triedeverything recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So mine is a 9 year old XUV 500. One thing I've hated about most manufacturers is the backward compatibility of new features. I watched with envy as newer models came out with better head units. And I'm stuck with this puny head unit because of 'dependencies'

Enter the Canbus. This is a small piece of hardware that they install between the head unit and every other connection. This seems to ensure that functionality isn't lost.

My head unit was stock for so many years. The GPS conked out and stopped working at least 5 years ago. Since their stock maps were pathetic and I always had Google Maps on my mobile, I didn't miss much.

The car's done 93K km so far. No issues note mentioning. And the wait for the 700 is now almost 2 years!

So what do we do in the meantime?

How about looking up upgrades to the head unit and so my search started. I came across one vendor who seemed to have good reviews. I was always worried about lost functionality - since climate control, etc are all displayed on the screen. Plus I didn't want to lose the steering controls.

A few years back I had changed the speakers (Mahindra provides pathetic speakers for a premium car) and also added an Amp and a Sub with an inbuilt Amp. I faced the dreaded disturbance in sound and lived with it for a couple of years by keeping gain to the minimum.

The idiot who installed it didn't really know how to do the job. And a few weeks back, the amp blew.

That was the sign I was waiting for: to get it rewired and pimped up.

This particular vendor that I went to next - did a great job with the upgrade. (After the initial irritation at long wait times) I spent almost an entire day undoing the damage and wiping the slate clean. In the process of connecting my rear cam to the new head unit, the rear tail light has developed a huge crack.

I've not lost much functionality. From what I figured, it's only Tyre Tronics. And I still need to figure out where to access the fuel average. Otherwise, steering controls, climate control, everything else is seen and controlled on screen and in satisfying working condition.

This unit has picture-in-picture as well. So you can listen and watch a song while your maps are up. It has a slot for a sim - so it can have its own connection to the internet. If that's too much of a hassle, you can pair it with the hotspot and use the device like any other android touch screen. Download apps from the android store, etc.

Total damage - about Rs 37k.

Does not include the new amp. And the high-low converter (which I think can sort the dreaded hiss that many older XUVs have reported)

Cons so far:

• Unit goes off for a short while (not as much as the OE unit turning off) while restarting the car.
• No user manual. So it's mostly learn by trial and error.
• Very high install time, but that's a one off.
• Wasn't a thorough job - had to go back again to get the camera connected.
• They don't test everything before letting you go
• Don't expect undivided attention

Here's a short video.

Just been a week since install. So that's as much experience as I have with the unit. Need to go on a long drive to test it. Not sure about sharing vendor details here, so ping me and I'll be happy to share the phone number, etc. This dealer has a tie-up with vendors in other states as well. I've asked for Mumbai. Also know another vendor who has several YouTube videos for those in Hyderabad. But this particular vendor is in Bangalore.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The SUV offers fuel efficiency of around 12 km/l on the highway.

BHPian avijayr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I had originally thought of posting my buying and post-buying experience. But, became hesitant with the excellent write-ups provided by @Mudhalaipatti and some of the others.

I can try to jot down specific points though:

Remember that I am coming from a 2014 W8 Diesel which was 155 BHP to a 200 BHP AX7 Manual Petrol.

What's great about the Mahindra XUV700:

1. Road presence
2. Torque (it's amazing)
3. Ride quality (vibrations) - again, beats the diesel hands down
4. Motorized driver seat adjustment with memory

What's good about the Mahindra XUV700:

1. Tech features (though this is a mixed bag due to the number of glitches)
2. I am 50-50 on the door handles
3. Braking bite is good/sudden - needed to get used to it a bit

What's bad about the Mahindra XUV700:

1. Middle row reclining has been removed
2. Middle row headrest notches went from 4 to 2
3. No vanity mirror light
4. No trunk light
5. Only 1 cup holder in the front
6. Lost 2 storage compartments on the front dashboard compared to the 2014 W8
7. Lost the interior ambient light (the current one isn't useful at all!)

Fuel Efficiency

• City: 8-9 kmpl
• Highway: 12.5-13 km/l (driving very conscientiously at 80-90 km/h)

Buying Experience:

I would follow @Mudhalaipatti's thread - it's awesome! I used that to make the dealership match my insurance quote (took it down from Rs 1.27 lakhs to Rs 67k for the 3-year combo plan that the RTO demands new vehicles). I also did some searching and ensured that they did not charge me any "incidental charges" nor the "mandatory" accessories.

One Mistake I did:

I paid the full OTR price (even before the PDI) and then negotiated on the insurance, etc. This resulted in them having to give me a refund of Rs 70k approx - which I had to escalate to the dealership's GM - and only received it yesterday in fact - approximately 22 days AFTER taking delivery of the vehicle. For new buyers, I would advise that you please insist on PDI, negotiate on insurance and other incidentals/accessories, and only then pay the final amount.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The best fuel efficiency I've had is 16+ km/l, while the worst has been between 8-9 km/l.

BHPian abirnale recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

As I wind up things, here are a few things to sum up the ownership expenses and spending:

I never glanced at the average FEs but the app continued to track - the City vs Highway demarcation is not appropriate in the data though. The best I have had was 16+ km/l when I drove on the Cruise Control and did not exceed 120 ever on that drive. The worst probably is about 8-9 km/l when the pedal stayed floored for the entire trip

The sharp drop one time - was when the Car was used by someone and they topped up the diesel, so my cost is Zero. That was the only few kilometres someone drove my car. Out of 152K km, I think only for about 1000 km cumulative all-inclusive I must have sat in the second row or passenger seat!

The car was almost once a month washed at the friendly washing centre nearby - nothing extraordinary - just shampoo and jet water spray. Raise it up on the lift and wash the underbody, cleaning the dirt from every place the eye could see. Once a year, my dear friend @SunnyBoi gave it a TLC in terms of wax, wash and polish.

None of the routine services was ever skipped! Not a single unattended niggle/ issue was left open for more than 3 days. Ideally, the visit to the service station should have been once every 10K km or a year typically - this might be double of the routine norm but nothing worrisome - Chrome motors folks took care of it well.

What a beautiful ride this was! The paper transfer is taking place - I had to obtain the Clearance Certificate/ CC or NOC in order for the buyer to register the car in his place/ RTO jurisdiction.

Here is one picture the new owner sent me last week when the Orange cheetah was headed to the new den:

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Completely trouble-free ownership with the SUV for 6+ years.

BHPian abirnale recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The hardest part is here...

The last look:

The final rolling out:

This time, I am not inside, I am outside. She probably doesn't know that I am bidding an adieu, emotions run high - It's a mixed emotion. Kanyakumari to the Himalayas, completely trouble-free ride for 6+ years. A little short of a 152k km mark today. The farthest it could take me and my family, the best ownership experience to date and mechanically perfect even today. A few battle-scars on the body proudly show the experience and leave behind tons of memories.

I am lucky that the Orange Cheetah found a new home with a young and enthusiastic chap from within Namma Karnataka. Although moves towards the coast, I hope to catch up with him and the car sometime in future.

Orange Cheetah leaves behind a void, not sure how it will be filled in. But then the show must go on. As I hear more from the new owner in the coming days, I will update the details here but I guess this is pretty much a cold thread going forward.

To summarise the ownership: we complemented each other the best.

Orange Cheetah will be missed, goodbye for now. Signing off today as an ex-owner.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

My current car (Ford Explorer) is due for a replacement and I was thinking of owning the XUV500.

BHPian theflyingguy recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am working in the Middle East and have driven/ owned many cars (mainly SUVs). I have some aspirational cars but most of them are out of my reach except for Mahindra.

While I was in India, I had my eyes set on the XUV500. I never purchased one though.

My current car (Ford Explorer) is due for a replacement and I was thinking of owning the XUV500. But I am not sure if it's a good idea.

We are a family of 4 and travel with at least 2 small bags and 1 pram so a 7 seater car fits the need for storage. I have driven the XUV500 in India and like it's high riding position and overall feel.

However, I am not sure if this would a good idea to own it here primarily because:

• It's not a well recognized brand so it's resale value would be lower.
• Finding an FNG for a manufacturer who has only 2 models on sale is going to be a Herculean task.
• I am not sure how good would be the availability of spares.
• I could not find reliability data on XUV in middle eastern climate (most of the manufacturers have middle east specific models which manage heat and sand better than say their European counterparts).

Having said this, it's not a costly car to purchase compared to its Japanese rivals and is a well rounded product.

Has anyone owned or knows anyone who owned Mahindra in Middle East? Is it a good idea or it's better to stick to the Japanese for reliability?

Here's what BHPian TorqueMonster had to say on the matter:

The XUV500 is certainly a very good car, but since you belong to arguably a country with a wide selection of cars to offer, I would personally suggest sticking to other car brands, especially those which you will not be able to enjoy in India. You will have the benefit of owning an international model, which you cannot have while in India. You can always drive or own an XUV500 when in India, but just because of the wide selection of cars that you can buy, of all shapes and sizes, I would suggest you try out other brands.

Personally, after being in Dubai for a few days (I don't know how much the car scene has changed in 4years time), I saw a lot of cars that were sold in India too, such as that of the Sunny, the Fluence, and even a solitary Dzire. But one thing which caught my eye was the sheer no of international brands present, be it Germans, Italians, Swedish, Japanese or Korean, there were all kinds of cars. If your heart says for the XUV, you should get one, but if you are ready to have an open mind, I would suggest you try different cars and come to a conclusion.

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

Not a good idea. Do not compromise on safety owing to the speeds involved on those roads. The 500 wasn't designed keeping that in mind since its an old car so IMO please get something safe (like your Explorer).

Also Mahindra's USP of coverage and economy doesn't apply there since its a foreign brand. On resale you cannot match Toyota and Nissan in UAE.

May I also recommend 2-3 year old Germans since generally the maintenance is good.

Since you are in AD do check out Eurostar Car Rentals used cars section, they're owned by Ali and Sons, the local VAG group dealer and their cars are well maintained. Outside of that you know better than me.

Here's what BHPian DicKy had to say on the matter:

• Resale value in GCC? Strictly Japanese.
• You won't be able to repair the car anywhere like you would a Nissan or Toyota. You would find it easier to find an FNG for Japanese and American cars.

If the XUV500 is a purchase instead of a Figo, Dzire or Sunny. Ofcourse take the chance. You are getting more car. But to replace an Explorer? You will feel shortchanged. You might have loved the XUV500 in India, but the sheen will wear off on UAE roads.

My advice. You can always buy an XUV500 or XUV700 when you return to India for good and feel like a rockstar, instead of owning it in UAE and feeling underwhelmed. Buy the XUV500 only if you get it for dirt cheap price and you can afford to forget about resale value. Chinese and Indian cars are mostly bought as fleet purchases by companies whose sole criteria is 'Brand new vehicle for two years usage'. For them it is easier to buy and dispose the cheapest cars available in the market, than go for long term reliability and maintenance.

Here's what BHPian Shiali had to say on the matter:

Hi, I am working in Saudi Arabia. Actually I got an XUV500 last week. As it's a company provided car, I am not so worried about the service. But my company already owns few Scorpio pick ups which are doing well till now. Only issue for each and every part or services you will have to go to the authorized agent. Because you won't find Mahindra parts suppliers other than them.

Coming to the vehicle. Its a good car. I drove around 1000 kms till now. For me the way it drives and picks up the speed is like that of a Fortuner (I used that too here). Its got space, better driving position, gearbox is smooth. Sometimes you feel the push back to the seats whenever the turbo kicks in. It's a good value for money car here. I'm also not sure how it behaves in extreme summer. As per the dealer, they have sold many in the last 2 years and didn't face any issues till day.

I have the W6 variant, which comes with most needed features. I'm happy with the car.

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