It's 3 years since I have been driving my Xylo. And really looking at the interior or exterior you cant say it is a 3 year old car. I had done a deal with my dealer to give me discount on Stanly leather interiors so the landed price along with roof carrier and front and back bumper was at 10.5 L (also inclusive of the shield extended warranty).
At that price it has been a steal. I have now driven 19000 KM - Done some excellent trips from Bangalore to Goa, Chennai, Wynad, Ooty and Rameshwaram. Kids love to be in the car. The Windows are so big that you feel you are a part of the scene outside.
On our way to Goa we stopped on a sugarcane field and the farmer gave us freshly cut sugarcane. Stopping on the Rameshwaram bridge to get pictures with hair flying.
These are memories and images that can be felt only on a long drive.
And what better vehicle than a Xylo. It's spacious, comfortable, safe and reliable. Never a hitch on a long drive.
The only thing I needed to replace is my battery. I have been regular with maintenance, every 6 months whether mileage requires it or not.
Even driving in and around Bangalore most vehicles will give way to a large Xylo.
And it does climb the pavement when you want to overtake from the side in a traffic jam. With large water puddles and water logging on one side of the road, in Bangalore rains I never fear taking the car on the deep side of the puddle while most vehicles are skirting it.
Maintenance has been low, 2.5 K each service ( all in all 10-15 K in 3 years)
I would sincerely recommend it.
Some people also talk about whether to go for the low end vehicle or the high end. I always recommend the high end. My brother used to work for Telco at the Indica plant he told me that the best parts from the best manufacturers always go to the high end vehicle. So the lower end will get the parts from the most dodgy supplier. Because of a large number of parts required a car company will have a diversified base of suppliers. And all supplier's quality is not the same.
p.s. hav'ent yet changed the speakers yet. (see below)
4 Month Review
--------------------
There are enough reviews so I wont go into the obvious space, interiors etc.
Just my experience.
Interiors (Xylo woners cant avoid this
------------------------------------------------------
I have traveled with 4 adults 4 kids aged - 4 -11 years on a split
mid row (with the handles up, 2 small kids can easily sit on each seat)
on short trips, no cribs from the kids.
Luggage space
----------------------
I was aware of the luggage issue so have fixed up a roof carrier, but
have not had the chance to use it since 3 small( aircraft cabin bags)
can fit at the back and that was enough for the 2 day trip we went for.
Music system
---------------------
The music system is just about OK - cannot compare to the Pioneer
I have on my Maruti Swift that I bought.
My brother who is a music freak told me that I needed to replace
the speakers, but I am avoiding till date.
The USB stick will stall if the music system gets on and off (i.e. on each
engine start of the vehicle). The trick is to switch off the music system
each time before you stop the vehicle. Otherwise pull out the USB stick and put it back.
It always starts from the first song on the stick (and not the one u were listening to)
Gear shift
---------------
Another issue was that the gear gets stuck in the morning but the trick is to pump the clutch a few times after start before putting into gear. But this is Mahindra - they started their vehicles with Tractors
so if u are used to the Hundyei or Maruti swifts gear shifts, better build some muscles :-)
Maintenance
-----------------
Used to have a Scorpio (sold 3 years ago) and the decision to go for the Xylo was the excellent service
as well as the low maintenance and spare parts strategy of Xylo.
I know a lot of cars (like Skoda) where the spare parts are so expensive that the non genuine v/s
genuine part has a 400% difference.
Not so either for both Maruti or Mahindra and that does go a long way in keeping your maintenance bills low.
Mileage
-----------
Normally get 9-10 KM per litre ( Tank full to tank full - past 3000 Kms)
On a long highway trip I was able to get 13 KM per litre.
Safety
---------
No issues with speed or braking ( I have ABS).
Did get some stupid road drivers on the highway so did have to brake hard at 100 KMPH,
no issues.
You do feel safe with the family having the air bags and other safety ging-bang.
I am scared to drive my small car with the family now since it feels so safe
in my elephant :-)
No other issues to report, all systems were working and the only complaint I had
for the first service was the gearshift ( which is now OK with the pumping)
Overall I love the drive and the kids love the interiors, I wish Mahindra gave a roof mounted screen along with a better music system connected to it in the highest end of Xylo.
Cheers
Sanjay
