What You Should Know About Buying a Used XUV500: Pros, Cons, and Common Issues

The Mahindra XUV500 was India’s first monocoque SUV from a domestic brand, and in its own right, went on to redefine what people expected from mid-size SUVs. Big car enthusiasts love it for its aggressive looks, spacious cabin, and somewhat intimidating road presence. For these reasons and many more, a used Mahindra XUV500 is still the best bet for many in the second hand car market.  

However, before you finalise that deal, there is much research to be done. In this article, we'll discuss the advantages, the disadvantages, and the possible deal-breakers about a used XUV500 to help you decide if it can be the car for you in 2025 or not.

What Makes the XUV500 So Popular?

Here are some of the best things that buyers have liked about the Mahindra XUV500:

1. Boss-Like Road Presence

One of the main reasons people opt for the XUV500 is its commanding road presence. The bold front grille, wide stance, and sturdy look command an almost "mini-Fortuner" charm. Even its older models have a very specific and dominating aura.

2. Spacious Cabin = Happy Family

Whether it is the weekend drives to the hills or city drives with a large family, the XUV500 comes across as practical with the spacious interiors and third-row seating. While, the third row is best suited for kids or occasional use, there is ample legroom and headroom for familiesin the first and second rows.

3. Feature-Packed (Even the Older Ones!)

Used XUV500 models like the W8 and W10 variants come loaded with features. You get a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, sunroof, rear AC vents, and even push-button start. That is some serious value proposition in the used car market.

4. Diesel Engine That Pulls Strong

The 2.2L mHawk diesel is a torque-rich and linear, reliable, and frugal engine considering the specs. It's perfect for city and highway driving. Moreover, if you get an AWD version on the used car market, then you'd be in for a treat for off-roading adventures as well.

What Are the Downsides of Buying a Mahindra XUV500?

Even though the Mahindra XUV500 is feature-loaded, practical, and a very value-for-money buy in the used car market, here are some things that you should know about before you buy it:

1. Heavy Car May Not Be for Everyone

While it delivers a great and powerful drive, the XUV500 is a big and heavy SUV. If you're not used to driving big vehicles, you might find it a bit clumsy to handle within city tight spots or parking. Add to that a big turning radius, and you might end up playing a back-and-forth game of tennis with your car while parking.

2. Interior Quality Is Okayish

Mahindra loaded the XUV500 to its limit with features, but overall, the interior quality isn't precisely premium. The plastics are rather hard, and some trims start to show wear and tear sooner than you might expect. You'll specifically notice this in vehicles that have crossed the 70,000 km mark.

3. Low-Speed Ride Quality Can Be Harsh

The XUV500's suspension is tuned more for highway comfort than city potholes. At lower speeds, the ride can feel a bit bouncy or stiff, especially over broken roads.

Common Issues in Used XUV500s (And What to Check)

This is where things get real. If you're planning to buy a used XUV500, then here are some user-reported issues from forums like TeamBHP to keep an eye out for during the inspection:

1. Clutch and Gearbox Problems

Some buyers have complained of premature clutch wear, particularly on the manual models. If the clutch is very stiff and the car jerks during shifting, then avoid that particular model, as you'll have to pay a much higher replacement cost down the line. Early XUV500 models (before 2015) also saw some teething troubles with the gearbox, where users reported very hard shifting or even notchy gear engagement.

2. Electrical Problems

The XUV500 is tech savvy, but not all of the systems age well. Typical issues are:

• Touchscreen freezing
• Faulty auto wipers or non-working headlamps
• Keyless entry/smart start issue
• Check all electronics before purchasing.

3. Suspension Wear

Look for squeals or thuds from the suspension, particularly over bumps. Older XUV500s (particularly those above 80,000 km) get worn-out suspension bushings, ball joints, or shock absorbers.

4. Turbo and EGR-Related Issues

While the mHawk engine is good overall, some second-hand versions develop turbo lag or emit black smoke. This could be symptomatic of EGR valve malfunctions or turbocharger wear, which is not cheap to fix.

5. Rusting on Older Models

There were issues with rusting on the underbody or doorframe in some of the older models (2012–2014). A quick mechanic inspection is always recommended to avoid any hiccups down the line.

What XUV500 Variants Should You Buy?

If you're planning to buy a used XUV500, try to stick with post-2015 models. That's when Mahindra solved many early problems and improved refinement. The W8 and W10 trims offer the best feature-to-price ratio with safety features like ABS, EBD, six airbags, and ESP bundled in. If you prefer not to deal with the manual in urban driving, the later-introduced automatic version is available as well. It's no rapid-shifting vehicle, but it's smooth and hassle-free.

So, Should You Buy a Used XUV500?

Yes, if you can find one in reasonable condition. It provides great value for money in the used SUV segment. After all, you're getting a mid-size SUV with a large diesel engine, robust features, and reasonable highway manners for the cost of a new subcompact crossover. But don't rush into your decision. Take the time out to inspect it thoroughly, get the service history tested, get it professionally inspected, and look at the particular model and variant. Avoid repainted and poorly serviced ones.

Summary

There is tremendous value in a used Mahindra XUV500 because of its strong appearance, generous interior space, and rich features. Be mindful of its heavy handling and average interior quality. It is important to check for problems with the clutch, gearbox, electrical parts, suspension, and rust, mainly in pre-2015 models. For a better and refined experience, go with post-2015 W8 or W10 variants.