2020 Maruti Suzuki XL6 AT Review: A loyal Maruti fan since 1996

Maruti’s biggest USP is ease of service. There seems to be a slippage in OEM part quality. But 5 – 10 days wait time in getting parts (that too in Bangalore, for a well selling car like XL6/Ertiga) is entering into imported car territory timelines.

BHPian Sober_Motorhead recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Had Zen’s and the Esteem 1.3 in the 1996 – 2004 periods.

Currently use an XL6 automatic, from the Maruti stable.

What’s not changed much in 20 years:

1. Largely retains fun to drive characteristics.
2. Felt fragile then. Feels fragile now.
3. Rattle prone (improved from the Zen though).
4. High road noise.
5. On bad roads, feels like it will fall apart - but never does.
6. Won’t leave you stranded on roads due to breakdowns.

Refraining from safety related comments.

What’s changed for the better:

1. Nexa service center lounge’s.
2. Service center coverage.

The XL6 AT was a COVID lockdown time purchase. We needed readily available and easily serviceable cars as we were in a village in Kerala. The car was purchased new in July 2020, and has now covered 40,000 kms, primarily used in Bangalore.

Highlights:

1. The XL6 is a great city car. Effortless.
2. Forced sedate driving elsewhere on flat roads.
3. Really unsuited for hills in its 4 speed AT guise.

Unexpected repairs:

1. ISG replacement (proactive recall)
2. Wheel bearings (rear) replaced @ 20k kms (Under warranty)
3. Engine mounting (RH) replacement at 34k kms (Under extended warranty)
4. Rear right shock absorbers needs replacement @ 39k kms (extended warranty does not cover)

I treat the car with respect and drive carefully. So not sure if above unexpected repairs can be termed as normal for Japanese car’s known for reliability.

But I would like to share serious service related issues:

1. 1. It takes 2 days for Maruti to approve warranty claims. (as per service center)
2. 2. There is a subsequent inordinate delay in getting the parts sourced:
1. The car was stuck at the service center for c. 10 days for the engine mounting change.
2. The service center needs min 5 days to procure shock absorbers.

The service center is Suraksha Nexa in Electronic City, Bangalore.

Maruti’s biggest USP is ease of service. There seems to be a slippage in OEM part quality. But 5 – 10 days wait time in getting parts (that too in Bangalore, for a well selling car like XL6/Ertiga) is entering into imported car territory timelines. If any of you do have access to Maruti’s seniors – please do let them know, so they will improve - on what is perhaps their biggest competitive advantage.

Was considering the Jimny as a possible replacement to my aging Duster AWD and old Thar. Remain hopeful Maruti will fix spare parts availability issues.

Thanks

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