The Common Man's MUV

A user review on Mahindra Bolero. Written by Vs Kartik on 22 November, 2007

Starts at Rs. 4,74,150
Bolero Details | On Road Price

Vs Kartik's Ratings

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Overall
Looks
Performance
Space/Comfort
Fuel Economy
Value For Money

Version Reviewed

SLX 2WD

Purchased As	:
Familiarity	:
Fuel Economy	:	kpl

Good	:	Great Value for money. Simple no-frills vehicle that performs adequately.
Bad	:	External engine noise could be muffled

Full Review

Take an all-terrain suspension, with extra large wheels, add power steering, power windows, boosted A/C and a seven-seater capacity - no other make or model on the Indian roads offers these features at such a moderate price. The fuel efficiency is as good as any other vehicle in the SUV/MUV bracket. Moreover, this vehicle is shorter in length and thinner in width than almost all other competitors - requiring less space in traffic and while parking. Even the ground clearance is on the higher side allowing one to confidently negotiate those potholes found on almost every road.
It is important to view this vehicle for what it is and what it can do rather than descend to unfair comparisons. You cannot pay for a utilitarian vehicle and expect the amenities of high-end premium models.
There are only a few areas that need to be improved:
A. The base lining on the interior cabin floor is a clingy felt-like material that is very difficult to maintain clean and dust-free.
B. The standard issue floor mats are of poor quality.
C. Speakers of the sound system are poorly located (forward speakers are near the leg space of the forward seats).

But all this can be rectified by custom-made fittings at a cost that is a fraction of the amount saved in price-difference when buying this vehicle. In fact with a little thrift and resource-management, plus a careful appraisal of what we want/need against the array of accessories available in the market today - we can easily convert this vehicle into a comfortable haven catering to the particular needs of ourselves and that of our family.

Consider these additional favourable attributes:
1. Cheap repair and spare parts costs.
2. Panel type construction allows ready replacement of large body sections for minimum expense.
3. Metal re-inforced fender forward and behind together with the aluminium running boards all along the sides reduces chances of damage to the car body and affords an all-round protection to the inmates.

There are a few areas of concern:
1. In my city of Chennai, there are very few certified repair stations and not conveniently located.
2. This causes a lot of difficulty for owners for whom the car forms an integral part of their daily life - to send the car for servicing/repair for a whole day requires a whole lot of adjustments to routines/schedules etc.
3. There is a possibility of the repair stations having a backlog of vehicles which may result in your vehicle not being returned on time - easy to visualise what that would mean.
4. Spare parts are not readily available in the retail market which could delay repair works or servicing schedules.
5. After-sales service could definitely improve.

But on the whole a very impressive package for the associated price tag. Though I personally have this trait of changing vehicles once every 3-4 years, I like this one so much that at present I feel that I will dispose of it only if and when I am unable (due whatever reason) to maintain it the way I want to.

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Comments Latest 10 are shown

Puk on 01 Jun, 2011 at 05:19 PM

Ezactly //....ur very correct...............the idea of pouring 2t oil in bolero tank is a dum ass idea....i wish only the one with good knowledge of machine should write on the topic coz they sound like ass hole when they advice silly....

Puk on 01 Jun, 2011 at 05:19 PM

Razk on 19 Dec, 2009 at 07:12 PM

thanks four mahindra i like and yous this car more years i have nowe new modal. milage 15 to 20

Vasudevan Govindarajan on 27 Oct, 2009 at 08:44 AM

I bought Bolero Slk top end model in July 2009. The vechile has clocked 6825 km and went for first service in Chennai, VSK poonamale road, I should add that they were very uncooperative service station and I will not advice anyone to go there. We came to Kodaikanal and the fuel pump light started to ignite, they send the mechanic to the site and he removed the old oil pump to discover that the sleeve which supplies the oil is broken so the car is in madurai for repairs and will post the details

Omprakash Rai on 29 Jun, 2009 at 04:59 PM

I am fully agree with Capt.Kartik. I baught a Bolero SLX in May last year and lost the vehicle from street parking near my residence. Again I baught the same vehcle after one month of loosing the first one. Bolero SLX is the first choice in the list of car thives. It is my sincere advise to all users of SLX to get the Gear Lock fitted with their vehicles because thieves dont even try if they discover that the vehicle is fitted with a gear lock. Wish you a happy driving of your SLX.

Omprakash Rai on 29 Jun, 2009 at 04:54 PM

Prabu on 08 Apr, 2009 at 07:45 AM

I'm 6 feet tall. I initially wanted to go for Tata's Indigo Marina which is almost the same price. But its just a 5 seater unlike the Bolero-SLX which is a 7 seater. Even for the Indigo Marina, I had trouble with the leg room.. But the Bolero is great in terms of leg and head room. Planning to buy it soon !!

Praveen on 28 Sep, 2008 at 10:33 PM

well. hi to all.i am praveen from kerala(calicut). i recently bought a used bolero sportz 2004 model.can some one suggest me what was the normal mileage that model used to give? also plz let me know what is the normal oil change duration for the vehicle But i agree to all of ur views that it is the gem of a vehicle. i really love my bolero

Maheep Singh on 30 Jul, 2008 at 06:08 PM

This is 4 Sanjeev, problem could be worn out clutch plate, get it checked by mechanic, if it is then change the clutch plate and pressure plate as well, as new clutch plate might be damaged by old pressure plate, its a set and should not cost you more than 3000

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