Is Bolero A Good Buy?

bullboy · 20th May 2008, 23:17

Is it wise to buy a bolero as it is a cheaper suv/muv? or is there any alternative?
any suggetions?

BMW77 · 21st May 2008, 03:05

Very less data is provided for members to suggest anything.
Can you describe your usage, city/highway driving, Self/driver driven and so on.

4x4addict · 21st May 2008, 08:36

What will you be using it for? You may also want to check out the Sumo Victa in a simlar price range or even the Sumo Grande which is about a lakh more.

The Sumo victa is probably much better for driving and passenger comfort. Again both these vehicles should be purchased only if you don't want to spend more for a Scorpio/Safari.

shankar.balan · 21st May 2008, 08:53

Bolero is a first class vehicle - I used one for 3 years and absolutely enjoyed it.
My driving was of course predominantly in the city but with regular long distance/ hill trips and a bit of light off road too.
You could read the Bolero general review Ive written on this site.
Personally I would certainly recommend it if you cannot afford a higher end SUV/Jeep type vehicle.

However, as I understand it, Bolero with the Scorpio Crde engine is currently under testing - it may be reasonably soon that they will launch the Bolero with this Scorp Crde engine -2.6. This will increase its BHP from the current 68 to 100! The indications as far as I know are that this vehicle will arrive in the market around September 08.

Suggest you hang in there for a bit because Mahindra doesnt generally publicize much about what its plans are - they just happily make plans and launch new things whenever they feel like - the public are allowed to be pleasantly surprised at times! Like for example they ve just launched a less expensive MHAWK called VLE - which costs about 10.95lacs (BLR) as against the regular MHAWK VLX which costs 11.6 lacs (BLR).

Even a month ago when I bought my Scorp no one had any idea that this VLE would be launched - irritating, but true.

Ram · 21st May 2008, 09:22

Don't go by looks alone.

Suggest you take a test drive on a used (not new) vehicle and decide for yourself.

A typical passenger car can be comfortable at speeds above 90-100 km/h.
Under that shiny sheet metal, the Bolero is a jeep. Like all jeep universals, it was never meant to be driven fast. If the driving (dis)comfort does not bother you, and the levels of NVH are bearable, it is a good low priced truck and will take on the roughest terrain you throw at it.

Boleros are easy to maintain and well supported by Mahindra.
And if you must have it, you can also opt for the 4x4 version.

Rotorhead · 21st May 2008, 09:42

Kindly eloborate more on your requirements so that members will be able to give you more specific inputs for your choice of vehicle. Is it that you are looking only for a cheaper muv or is there more that you expect from you vehicle in terms of comfort, handling, safety, and importantly what kind of driving do you day on a daily basis, is it city driving or involves rugged terrains etc. etc.

dadu · 21st May 2008, 09:49

The new balero looks good and if this is true, go for it, once its launched.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

However, as I understand it, Bolero with the Scorpio Crde engine is currently under testing - it may be reasonably soon that they will launch the Bolero with this Scorp Crde engine -2.6. This will increase its BHP from the current 68 to 100! The indications as far as I know are that this vehicle will arrive in the market around September 08.

Autocop · 21st May 2008, 12:02

@Shankar, Even I am considering a BOLERO as one of the options, but I want to know more about it maintanability/reliability/FE. How would you rate BOLERO with respect to these factors?

Quote:

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Bolero is a first class vehicle - I used one for 3 years and absolutely enjoyed it.
My driving was of course predominantly in the city but with regular long distance/ hill trips and a bit of light off road too.
You could read the Bolero general review Ive written on this site.
Personally I would certainly recommend it if you cannot afford a higher end SUV/Jeep type vehicle.

However, as I understand it, Bolero with the Scorpio Crde engine is currently under testing - it may be reasonably soon that they will launch the Bolero with this Scorp Crde engine -2.6. This will increase its BHP from the current 68 to 100! The indications as far as I know are that this vehicle will arrive in the market around September 08.

Suggest you hang in there for a bit because Mahindra doesnt generally publicize much about what its plans are - they just happily make plans and launch new things whenever they feel like - the public are allowed to be pleasantly surprised at times! Like for example they ve just launched a less expensive MHAWK called VLE - which costs about 10.95lacs (BLR) as against the regular MHAWK VLX which costs 11.6 lacs (BLR).

Even a month ago when I bought my Scorp no one had any idea that this VLE would be launched - irritating, but true.

GTO · 21st May 2008, 12:37

Hi Bullboy,

It would be great if you could outline your needs more clearly. In the meanwhile, do visit the following threads. They will be of immense help to you:

1. Bolero

2. Bolero 2

3. Bolero - Offroading

4. Old review.

chandras1 · 21st May 2008, 13:32

Even I am considering buying one, here's my dilemma...

I own a Baleno currently. Brilliant drivers car. More so if you like to drive fast. But with two kids, speed is no longer my primary concern as it was earlier. Also lately I have developed this liking for traveling out of the city to remote places. Two issues I face here

1. Low GC of Baleno. I love my Baleno and my heart bleeds whenever the car's bottom scrapes on bad roads.

2. Concerns about petrol quality in remote areas.

So what I would ideally like to have

1. Sturdy car with comforts (A/c, PS, Power Windows etc) that can take a family of five to any part of India,
2. Good fuel economy
3. Excellent reliability
4. Good ergonomics.

I have been reading about Bolero for sometime and going by what the owners have reported, I am reasonably convinced about the first 3. In fact I am assuming that the DI turbo in the Bolero can take a lot of abuse with respect to adulterated fuel.

What I would like to know is

1. How good is it to travel in a Bolero (say compared to a Sedan, Baleno) for the passengers ?
2. Is it easy to drive, my main worries are the clutch and the gear box. Are
they really hard ? I am planning a test drive but would like inputs from the owners. Given that I will use this for my office commute and other drives within the city, hard clutch/gearbox means I wont buy this.
3. Given that the same engine does duty in the Scorpio M2DI as well, what would it take to get the Bolero spec's similar to the M2DI ?

4x4addict · 21st May 2008, 14:51

One thing to keep in mind is that reviews posted by GTO above are for the earlier GLX which used to come with the Peugot XD3P engine which could rev upto about 4500 rpm. The current version come with the same engine as in the Mahindra major which is derived from the original International Tractor engine and doesn't in anyway feel like the old GLX or the Sumo Victa Turbo engine. It makes very good low end torque and hence lugging power, but forget about 0-60 timings. You will have enough time to make your breakfast before it hits 60 kmph.

phamilyman · 21st May 2008, 17:43

4x4 bhai,

What about the SLX 4wd? That seems to come with the XD3PU engine. Is that the same one? It makes much less torque tho!

suman · 21st May 2008, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Bolero with the Scorpio Crde engine is currently under testing - it may be reasonably soon that they will launch the Bolero with this Scorp Crde engine -2.6. This will increase its BHP from the current 68 to 100!

I may be speaking too soon but I think they will detune it to churn out a lower bhp.

bullboy · 21st May 2008, 18:05

Initially i was looking for a car ( read first vehicle) .but i prefer some space inside the vehicle and i could not afford safari . so looking for some cheaper alternatives . the vehicle should not be heavy on maintenance also cheaper to run.

4x4addict · 21st May 2008, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by phamilyman

4x4 bhai,

What about the SLX 4wd? That seems to come with the XD3PU engine. Is that the same one? It makes much less torque tho!

You may want to check with your nearest dealer. When I checked six months back, I was told that they have not made the XD3P BSIII compliant so it couldn't be registered in the cities. He even went as far as to say that Mahindra is not taking orders for it. But unfortunately sometime delears are the ones who know least about the vehicles they sell.

Seeing Shankar's post about the trials of the scropio engine, Mahindra may be plannign to replace the DI engine in the higher variants of the Bolero rather than make the XD3P engine BSIII compliant.

20th May 2008, 23:17	#1
bullboy BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 612 Thanked: 106 Times	Is Bolero A Good Buy? Is it wise to buy a bolero as it is a cheaper suv/muv? or is there any alternative? any suggetions?
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 03:05	#2
BMW77 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: pune Posts: 42 Thanked: 0 Times	Very less data is provided for members to suggest anything. Can you describe your usage, city/highway driving, Self/driver driven and so on.
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 08:36	#3
4x4addict Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,491 Thanked: 4,567 Times View My Garage	What will you be using it for? You may also want to check out the Sumo Victa in a simlar price range or even the Sumo Grande which is about a lakh more. The Sumo victa is probably much better for driving and passenger comfort. Again both these vehicles should be purchased only if you don't want to spend more for a Scorpio/Safari.
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 08:53	#4
shankar.balan Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 11,444 Thanked: 24,061 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/2 (9)	Bolero is a first class vehicle - I used one for 3 years and absolutely enjoyed it. My driving was of course predominantly in the city but with regular long distance/ hill trips and a bit of light off road too. You could read the Bolero general review Ive written on this site. Personally I would certainly recommend it if you cannot afford a higher end SUV/Jeep type vehicle. However, as I understand it, Bolero with the Scorpio Crde engine is currently under testing - it may be reasonably soon that they will launch the Bolero with this Scorp Crde engine -2.6. This will increase its BHP from the current 68 to 100! The indications as far as I know are that this vehicle will arrive in the market around September 08. Suggest you hang in there for a bit because Mahindra doesnt generally publicize much about what its plans are - they just happily make plans and launch new things whenever they feel like - the public are allowed to be pleasantly surprised at times! Like for example they ve just launched a less expensive MHAWK called VLE - which costs about 10.95lacs (BLR) as against the regular MHAWK VLX which costs 11.6 lacs (BLR). Even a month ago when I bought my Scorp no one had any idea that this VLE would be launched - irritating, but true.
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 09:22	#5
Ram Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Singapore, Mumbai, Nagpur Posts: 2,166 Thanked: 221 Times View My Garage	Don't go by looks alone. Suggest you take a test drive on a used (not new) vehicle and decide for yourself. A typical passenger car can be comfortable at speeds above 90-100 km/h. Under that shiny sheet metal, the Bolero is a jeep. Like all jeep universals, it was never meant to be driven fast. If the driving (dis)comfort does not bother you, and the levels of NVH are bearable, it is a good low priced truck and will take on the roughest terrain you throw at it. Boleros are easy to maintain and well supported by Mahindra. And if you must have it, you can also opt for the 4x4 version.
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 09:42	#6
Rotorhead BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 939 Thanked: 29 Times	Kindly eloborate more on your requirements so that members will be able to give you more specific inputs for your choice of vehicle. Is it that you are looking only for a cheaper muv or is there more that you expect from you vehicle in terms of comfort, handling, safety, and importantly what kind of driving do you day on a daily basis, is it city driving or involves rugged terrains etc. etc.
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 12:37	#9
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 71,730 Thanked: 311,420 Times View My Garage	Hi Bullboy, It would be great if you could outline your needs more clearly. In the meanwhile, do visit the following threads. They will be of immense help to you: 1. Bolero 2. Bolero 2 3. Bolero - Offroading 4. Old review.
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 13:32	#10
chandras1 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 201 Thanked: 209 Times	Even I am considering buying one, here's my dilemma... I own a Baleno currently. Brilliant drivers car. More so if you like to drive fast. But with two kids, speed is no longer my primary concern as it was earlier. Also lately I have developed this liking for traveling out of the city to remote places. Two issues I face here 1. Low GC of Baleno. I love my Baleno and my heart bleeds whenever the car's bottom scrapes on bad roads. 2. Concerns about petrol quality in remote areas. So what I would ideally like to have 1. Sturdy car with comforts (A/c, PS, Power Windows etc) that can take a family of five to any part of India, 2. Good fuel economy 3. Excellent reliability 4. Good ergonomics. I have been reading about Bolero for sometime and going by what the owners have reported, I am reasonably convinced about the first 3. In fact I am assuming that the DI turbo in the Bolero can take a lot of abuse with respect to adulterated fuel. What I would like to know is 1. How good is it to travel in a Bolero (say compared to a Sedan, Baleno) for the passengers ? 2. Is it easy to drive, my main worries are the clutch and the gear box. Are they really hard ? I am planning a test drive but would like inputs from the owners. Given that I will use this for my office commute and other drives within the city, hard clutch/gearbox means I wont buy this. 3. Given that the same engine does duty in the Scorpio M2DI as well, what would it take to get the Bolero spec's similar to the M2DI ?
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 14:51	#11
4x4addict Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,491 Thanked: 4,567 Times View My Garage	One thing to keep in mind is that reviews posted by GTO above are for the earlier GLX which used to come with the Peugot XD3P engine which could rev upto about 4500 rpm. The current version come with the same engine as in the Mahindra major which is derived from the original International Tractor engine and doesn't in anyway feel like the old GLX or the Sumo Victa Turbo engine. It makes very good low end torque and hence lugging power, but forget about 0-60 timings. You will have enough time to make your breakfast before it hits 60 kmph.
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 17:43	#12
phamilyman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 5,974 Thanked: 4,663 Times	4x4 bhai, What about the SLX 4wd? That seems to come with the XD3PU engine. Is that the same one? It makes much less torque tho!
	() Thanks

21st May 2008, 18:05	#14
bullboy BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 612 Thanked: 106 Times	Initially i was looking for a car ( read first vehicle) .but i prefer some space inside the vehicle and i could not afford safari . so looking for some cheaper alternatives . the vehicle should not be heavy on maintenance also cheaper to run.
	() Thanks

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