Buying a Second Hand XUV500: 10 Things You Should Know

Building on the success of the Bolero and Scorpio, Mahindra further strengthened its claim as India’s original SUV maker with the launch of the XUV500 in 2011. It offered good value among the 7-seaters at the time with its bold styling and impressive road presence. While Mahindra has moved on to the XUV700, second hand Mahindra XUV500 continues to hold its ground in the used cars market.

If you’re planning on buying this Mahindra best seller, you should be aware of what you need to check. In this blog, we decode 10 important things every buyer should keep in mind before finalizing a used XUV500 in 2025.

1. Know What Variant You're Buying

The XUV500 was available in many trims when it was still in production, including W4, W6, W8, W10, and some special editions. Each variant has different features, such as engine tuning and safety features.

• W4/W6: More basic. Fewer features.
• W8: Much improved infotainment system, alloy wheels, and 6 airbags.
• W10: Luxury with sunroof, push start, etc.

• Manual/Auto? AWD/FWD? Be sure you know what you're buying.

   

While a used car’s condition is what ultimately determines the price, a W10 will definitely be costlier than a W6.

2. Diesel Engine Health Is Paramount

The majority of XUV500s come with a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. It is okay to buy if the engine is well maintained, but a history of subpar maintenance is likely to cause much trouble in the long run. Before buying:

• Check for engine knocking or other unfamiliar vibrations.
• Check if the car is emitting too much smoke from the exhaust.
• Always verify service records, as regular oil changes and filter replacements are essential.

• Take it out for a test drive, as you'll understand the whole picture during the test drive itself. It should drive effortlessly and smoothly without jerks or delays.

   

3. Wearing of Clutch and Gearbox in the Manual Models

The XUV500 is a heavy car. That implies the clutch and gearbox will wear out sooner, particularly if the car has been used mostly in the city by the previous owner. When you go for a test drive:

• See if the clutch is too hard or too light.
• See if there are crunching sounds during gear shifting.

• A slipping clutch is a bad sign, as it will take ₹15,000–₹25,000 to replace.

   

If it's an automatic variant, then check for gear jerks or laggy pick-up.

4. Check for Suspension Noises

It's a large SUV, and its ability to withstand rough uneven roads means the suspension may have been overworked by previous owners. So, here's what you must do:

• Take speed breakers and potholed roads on your test drive.

• Look out for clunks, rattles, or creaks at the front or rear.

   

Replacing suspension parts on a used Mahindra XUV500 is not cheap. The repairing costs can be ₹10,000–₹20,000 if needed.

5. Electricals Can Be Unpredictable

Faulty electronics were a major problem with older XUV500 models. Infotainment systems, power windows, reverse cameras, and even instrument clusters can malfunction and not work as required.

Make sure:

• You run through all the buttons within the car.
• Check how well the AC works (front and rear), infotainment, Bluetooth, parking sensors, sunroof, etc.

• Check dashboard warning lights.

   

If you notice something flickering or inoperative, request the seller to have it repaired prior to purchase.

6. Condition of the Tyres and Wheel Alignment

Examine the tyres carefully. If the tread shows uneven wear, this indicates an alignment or suspension problem. Replacement tyres for an XUV500 cost between ₹6,000–₹8,000 each and are definitely not worth the expense.

Also:

• Inspect the spare tyre and toolkit.
• Enquire about when the tyres were last replaced.

• If your steering vibrates at high speeds, then it is highly likely that the car's tyres are worn out unevenly or the wheel balancing is not done.

   

7. Body Panel Alignment and Paintwork

One of the main problems and scams in the pre-owned market is aftermarket repaints and accident-damaged cars. Follow this check:

• Inspect the vehicle from all sides under good lighting.
• Inspect for uneven paint, misaligned body panels, and uneven lines on the bonnet, doors, and bumpers.

• Pass a magnet over the car body (especially in the wheel arch areas) to detect any body filler.

   

Also, find out if the car has ever been involved in an accident, and don't take their word for it. Either get it verified by a skilled mechanic, opt for a pre-delivery inspection, or verify the service history or insurance claim records.

8. Interior Wear and Tear

The XUV500's interior is rather premium-like, but long-term use can wear things down. Before you buy:

• Inspect seat covers, especially on the driver's side.
• Look at the steering wheel and gear knob. Abnormal wear could indicate the vehicle has done more kilometers than the odometer reading.

• Check for weird odours, drooping roof liners, or broken cupholders.

   

9. Check Service History and Ownership Documents

Always request a full-service history. A properly serviced vehicle from an authorised Mahindra dealer is a positive indicator. Also:

• Check the insurance details.
• Match the RC documents to the seller's ID.

• Verify history of ownership through portals like Parivahan or mParivahan.

   

Avoid vehicles that have had more than two owners or ones with missing service records, as they can be quite risky.

10. Know the Right Price and Negotiate!

Prices of second-hand XUV500s vary based on year, variant, condition, and city. Here's an approximate figure:

• 2014–2016 models: ₹5–7.5 lakh
• 2017–2019 models: ₹7.5–10 lakh

• 2020+ models (last batch): ₹10–12 lakh

   

If you're purchasing a car that's loaded, single-owner, and in mint condition, it’s alright to pay more. But don't hesitate to bargain if you notice issues.

Summary

Buying an XUV500 from the pre-owned car market can be a rewarding decision if you're well-informed. With its impressive look, feature-packed cabin, and strong diesel engine, the XUV500 is still regarded highly among pre-owned cars. But the key to getting the right car is to know about its variants, carefully look over the engine, clutch, suspension, and electricals, and review both the service history and the previous owner's records. Keep this guide handy and buy a used XUV500 with confidence and peace of mind.