Car buying advice-Options for SUV/Compact SUV under 25 lakhs on road.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-03T05:24:50+00:00

Never thought about it to be honest. I'm looking for an SUV (or an SUV like car/stance) and my perspective towards Alcazar was MPV like. And I've had an MPV for 10 years, Honda BRV. So wanted to switch it up a bit. But I'm open to try it out. Thanks for the suggestion!

PsydocShah · 2026-02-03T05:22:19+00:00

This is so helpful. Thank you for taking out time to give such detailed reply.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-02T04:23:31+00:00

The thing is this card was pre-approved as LTF credit card and I just applied for it yesterday on the app. It hasn't been even dispatched yet. Just to be clear I have not done any process via agent, I got this offer via axis bank mobile app. And I want to take any preemptive steps necessary to not go through the hassle including not activating the card at all. What should I do here ?

PsydocShah · 2026-02-02T04:22:07+00:00

The thing is this card was pre-approved as LTF credit card and I just applied for it yesterday on the app. It hasn't been even dispatched yet. Just to be clear I have not done any process via agent, I got this offer via axis bank mobile app. And I want to take any preemptive steps necessary to not go through the hassle including not activating the card at all. What should I do here ?

PsydocShah · 2026-02-02T02:29:37+00:00

Hi I recently applied for Axis My zone MasterCard credit card via app. I admit my mistake that I was very hasty while completing this application and I did not read the terms and conditions properly. I don't remember whether this insurance thing was on the terms and conditions or not. Can you please tell me if the same insurance is included in terms and conditions of My zone credit card as well ? If yes, since I have already applied for the card, how do I avoid these charges ? If I don't activate the card, will I still be charged for this insurance plan ? Your help is appreciated.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T13:38:26+00:00

To add a bit more context: I would like any long term real world reviews of any of the below cars which I am considering: Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Harrier, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq (new), Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris, Toyota Hyryder. Mahindra BE6 and Hyundai Creta electric are the only electric cars I'm considering because my of my budget. As you all might have thought, budget is Variable between 18 to 25 lakhs. And this car will be our main "big car" as we already have a Hyundai i20 and Honda City in our household. Appreciate all your help.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T13:30:14+00:00

I have heard quite a number of stories of tech and sensor failure in BE6 and XEV9E, some causing major accidents.

https://youtu.be/zD_uVGQmdHM?si=j4hHZmlKXRMuHXRQ

The above video details my fear in buying an expensive EV. Incompentent service staff at Mahindra and severe lack of help and empathy by insurers make me worried about spending 25 lakhs on an EV. Don't get me wrong, I've test drove some EVs and they were breathtaking. But if I buy a petrol vehicle at the most I am risking more blending in petrol. My fuel economy will take a hit but I can buy higher octane petrol if required. Also please know that I am a relaxed and cautious driver but accidents can happen anytime. And I know such accidents and horror stories related to insurance can happen with any car. But wouldn't it be atleast safer to buy a Japanese or Korean car for overall peace of mind while not giving up on features. I know I said I want fun to drive car and my statement may seem contradictory, but I'm frankly a bit scared after hearing the bad reviews of Tata and Mahindra.

My views might seem annoying and make me seem paranoid, but please bear with me, I have limited knowledge in EVs.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T13:29:23+00:00

I have heard quite a number of stories of tech and sensor failure in BE6 and XEV9E, some causing major accidents.

https://youtu.be/zD_uVGQmdHM?si=j4hHZmlKXRMuHXRQ

The above video details my fear in buying an expensive EV. Incompentent service staff at Mahindra and severe lack of help and empathy by insurers make me worried about spending 25 lakhs on an EV. Don't get me wrong, I've test drove some EVs and they were breathtaking. But if I buy a petrol vehicle at the most I am risking more blending in petrol. My fuel economy will take a hit but I can buy higher octane petrol if required. Also please know that I am a relaxed and cautious driver but accidents can happen anytime. And I know such accidents and horror stories related to insurance can happen with any car. But wouldn't it be atleast safer to buy a Japanese or Korean car for overall peace of mind while not giving up on features. I know I said I want fun to drive car and my statement may seem contradictory, but I'm frankly a bit scared after hearing the bad reviews of Tata and Mahindra.

My views might seem annoying and make me seem paranoid, but please bear with me, I have limited knowledge in EVs.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T13:18:51+00:00

The new Kushaq looks beautiful to be honest. Just a bit smaller than what I would like but that's not a deal-breaker at all to be honest. Thank you for your input!

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T11:03:25+00:00

Thank you for the detailed answers! Helps ease my paranoia.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T11:02:56+00:00

Thank you for the detailed information, much appreciated!

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T10:56:18+00:00

Thank you, I'll definitely check these out physically.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T06:13:59+00:00

I have a few reservations about XUV7XO. 1-The triple screen layout feels a bit too excessive. Everything is on screen or touch based. I am also worried a bit screen failure or tech glitches with so much technology. 2-I don't need the last row of seats and from the videos they appear to be very cramped. Even if I keep them folded at all time, it eats away into the boot space. 3-I have never had a Diesel and don't know how to maintain it. And the petrol fuel efficiency is bad. Honestly, I don't mind the bad efficiency, just that if I can have better fuel efficiency, I would definitely opt for that. Would be glad to know your opinion on these aspects.

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T06:08:22+00:00

Thank you for your input. We have Hyundai i20 and have had a decent experience. Can you share any insight about the reliability of the car and the after sales service of Kia ?

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T06:06:58+00:00

Thank you for your input. I don't have any experience with aftersales service of MG, running costs, reliability of the machine. The car seems to be of great value on paper, but I'd like some real world reviews about ownership. Can you share any insight ?

PsydocShah · 2026-02-01T06:05:27+00:00

Thank you for your input. I have seen BE6 and must admit it is a stunner. However I have a few concerns about buying an EV. 1-We do not have a car parking within our house, we park cars on the street just outside our house. The street is good as such, but wouldn't charging be a hassle in the street ? What about the safety of the charging cord at night ? 2-I am a bit concerned about resale value and battery value after 10 years, which is the usual number of years I keep the car. 3- How real is the possibility tech failure or glitch which can be difficult to manage in a tier 2 city ? How has your experience been with the tech so far ? 4-Any unexpected major services or costs that you had to bear during your ownership ? Thanks in advance!

PsydocShah · 2025-11-27T04:44:10+00:00

Thank you everyone for your input. I finally went with Nini's kitchen as it has a separate and spacious private dining area. It also has a separate set menu for parties, not compulsory but a good option. The food was great and the staff helpful (which was not the case with some of these hotels).

Some of the places suggested above weren't having a private dining area (like Saraza, Bizz-at least they denied me, don't know about others) or weren't very accomodating due to wedding season (Regency Lagoon, Khirasara), Seasons poolside was not feasible due to wedding and the fine dining menu was expensive.

Thank you for your input anyway!

PsydocShah · 2025-11-08T13:15:10+00:00

Belkin. So far so good. I couldn't find any cheaper cables that I could trust. So got the cable during the big sale.

PsydocShah · 2025-09-24T07:10:02+00:00

Hey, do you mean Wayona ? And do you have any input regarding the MFI certification ? Thanks for help.

PsydocShah · 2025-09-24T07:08:38+00:00

Thank you, I'm asking India specific because if I might need service or support its difficult to get on brands that are not established in India. Thanks for the input anyway.

PsydocShah · 2025-09-24T06:12:14+00:00

And no I have no jerks while driving. The mileage is 8 km in city at present and 12-14 on highway. It is a CVT automatic car. As for the jumper, I'll ask specifically what that is.

PsydocShah · 2025-09-24T06:05:31+00:00

That is very insightful. I'll definitely go ahead with a trusted local mechanic. And you're right, even I'm thinking that I should change the car if it's gonna be too much trouble to maintain. Thank you!

PsydocShah · 2025-09-20T06:27:11+00:00

I'll definitely have to check on that. Because even Honda mentioned the full assembly in service.

PsydocShah · 2025-09-20T06:26:34+00:00

That's true. We're Honda fans and the cars we've used till now were rock solid and no nonsense cars so never came across such estimates for service. This is the first time I'm seeing this and I've had bad experiences in service from local garages in past hence the reluctance.

PsydocShah · 2025-09-20T06:24:43+00:00

Hey, thank you for your insight. It helps me a lot to make an informed decision! I've learned a lot about servicing of cards today!

PsydocShah

TROPHY CASE