Automatic vs. Manual Transmission in Pre-Owned XUV500: Which is the Most Popular?

The Mahindra XUV500 is one of those value-for-money SUVs that has enjoyed reasonable success in both Mahindra showrooms as well as the used car market. It is a large, powerful and tough-looking car that has sold nearly 3 lakh units in India, ensuring there’s a used Mahindra XUV500 in every permutation and combination possible. 

If you’re looking for one and wondering whether you should opt for a manual or automatic transmission, this guide is for you. We're going to break down the driving experience of each transmission type, their fuel efficiency, resale value, and also popularity, to help you understand which is more suitable for you.

A Quick Overview of the XUV500

The Mahindra XUV500 was launched in 2011 and soon became one of India's favourite SUVs. It has been revamped numerous times and has also undergone multiple facelifts. Even though it was discontinued in 2021, you can still find a lot of automatic and manual options for some of the trims (W5, W7, W9, W11, etc.) in the used car market. 

Moreover, available with the diesel engine in the Indian market, XUV 500 also offers the choice between FWD and AWD models in the used car market. But when it comes to the transmission option, most buyers stop and think, especially the ones who have never opted for an automatic.

When Should You Buy the Manual Transmission XUV500?

Here's what you get in the manual transmission:

• A 6-speed manual transmission
• Better control over power delivery
• Better mileage

• Lower price than automatics

   

Why Do Some Buyers Love It?

Manuals are retro in the best possible way. You're more connected to the vehicle, particularly when cruising on the highways. For those who enjoy the "connected-to-the-car" sensation of driving, the manual XUV500 delivers a strong, consistent gearshift and clutch action. Manuals are also generally cheaper to purchase and run with marginally better fuel economy, particularly on long highway rides.

Why Do Some Buyers Avoid It?

Daily bumper-to-bumper city driving in a manual SUV of this size can make you feel fatigued and tired, and make your left leg go numb. The reason we say this is because the clutch on the XUV 500 is really heavy, and constantly shifting through gears in traffic becomes tiring.

When Should You Buy the Automatic Transmission XUV500?

Here's what you get in the automatic transmission of the XUV 500:

• A 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Less jerky town driving
• Less stressful handling in stop-and-go traffic

• Less tiring highway cruising

   

Why Do Some Buyers Love It?

Automatics have dominated the city market. For daily office-goers or city commuters, the convenience of an automatic SUV like the XUV500 is a big advantage. You simply shift to 'D,' and away you go! No gear-shifting to be bothered with. And let's be honest, when you have an SUV that is so roomy and comfy, the one driving deserves to be just as comfortable as the passengers around.

The automatic version of the XUV500 does not compromise mileage too much, particularly in newer cars. Mahindra has also fine-tuned the auto gearbox quite well for Indian driving conditions. It is smooth enough for city use and responsive enough for the occasional long drives on the highway.

Why Do Some Buyers Avoid It?

Automatic cars tend to cost more when you purchase them, and also when you take them for repairs. Some people might notice that the automatic transmission doesn’t have the same engaging feel as a manual. Also, the fuel economy might decrease somewhat, mainly if you drive in the city.

What's More Popular in the Pre-Owned Market?

When it comes to what transmission is more popular in the pre-owned market, there are certain things that you should hear out:

1. City Buyers Prefer Automatics

In metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, automatic XUV500s are more sought after among used cars. In these places, individuals prefer ease, comfort, and hassle-free driving through traffic, and the automatic version provides just that.

2. Tier-2/Tier-3 Markets Still Prefer Manuals

In small towns or semi-urban areas, the manual versions remain the most sought-after option. Why, you ask? Lower maintenance expenses, better mileage delivery, and mechanics familiar with manual transmissions at home.

3. Supply vs. Demand: Automatics are Rare

While automatics have long been gaining popularity, manual XUV500s are the ones that rule the pre-owned car market. Why? Previously, Mahindra used to sell automatics only in upper trims (W9/W11), and most used car buyers previously used to buy the lower-cost manual ones.

So, if you want to purchase a pre-owned automatic XUV500 today, you might not have as much variety, and they might be a bit pricier because of the demand.

Automatic vs Manual XUV 500: Fuel Efficiency

On paper, yes, manual versions of the XUV500 are a bit more fuel-efficient. But the difference in the real world isn't huge.

If you're not covering 1000+ km a month, the slightly better mileage of a manual might not be worth more than the convenience of an automatic.

Automatic vs Manual XUV 500: Maintenance & Reliability

Manual XUV 500s require less maintenance in the long term. One of the biggest maintenance and service costs is the clutch replacement, but it's done only after extensive wear and tear. Automatics have a very strong torque converter setup, but if the previous owner didn't change the transmission oil and maintain it regularly, then you'll have to pay a lot of money to service your car over the long run. 

Nevertheless, Mahindra's service network has improved considerably, and most official outlets are now equipped well enough to service automatic variants.

Automatic vs Manual XUV 500: Resale Value

Surprisingly, automatic XUV 500 models have a much better resale value, particularly in cities. With more and more buyers hunting for automatics these days, sellers are finding faster turnover on these models, even at a slightly premium price.

Automatic vs. Manual Transmission in Pre-Owned XUV500: What to Choose?

Manual XUV500s continue to dominate the used car market when it comes to supply. However, as far as demand from customers is concerned, automatics are gradually closing the gap, particularly in urban enclaves.

Choose the Manual XUV500 if:

1. You reside in a small town or semi-urban location
2. You are comfortable with manual gear-shifting
3. You want improved mileage and lower maintenance

4. You prefer more choices within your budget

    

Choose the Automatic XUV500 if:

• You are residing in a metro city and drive for hours on end through traffic.
• Comfort and convenience should not be sacrificed
• You don't mind a little extra cost
• You don't wish to put up with the inconvenience of constant gear changes

Summary

The choice of pre-owned XUV500 transmission mainly depends on where you live and what matters to you. While manual cars are cheaper and more common, more people in metros are choosing automatics because of how easy they are to use in heavy traffic. Depending on whether you want controlled driving or an easy ride, you can pick the right used XUV500 variant for you.