Hello everyone,

I’m planning to buy a car soon and I’m a bit torn between a few options. I do a lot of long-distance driving (inter-city and highway trips) and I care about maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and overall safety on Indian roads. My current shortlist is:

1. Mercedes CLA (2018– onwards, second-hand)


2. Mahindra XUV700 (brand new, 7-seater)


3. Any other reliable second-hand luxury sedan/SUV in a similar price range



A bit about my requirements:

Long-Distance Comfort: I typically drive 200–300 km trips on weekends and occasional 1,000 km+ road journeys.

Maintenance/Running Costs: I’d like something that won’t burn a hole in my pocket for servicing, spares, or repairs.

Fuel Efficiency: Mileage is important since I cover a lot of kilometers. Diesel vs petrol considerations, etc.

Safety & Build Quality: Given Indian road conditions and occasional rough patches, I want a car with good crash ratings, solid build, and comfortable ride quality on highways and rural roads.

Seating/Space: I normally travel solo or with one passenger, but occasionally need space for family or friends.


Questions for the community:

Mercedes CLA (2018–19, used):

How reliable is it in terms of engine/electrical issues post-2018?

Approximate maintenance costs (service intervals, typical part replacements, insurance premiums)?

Real-world fuel economy on highways and city traffic?

Any known issues specific to Indian conditions (suspension, ground clearance, after-sales support)?


Mahindra XUV700 (new):

Real-world mileage (diesel vs petrol)?

Maintenance & service network reputation—any surprises over the first 2–3 years?

How does it handle long highway runs in terms of comfort, NVH (noise/vibration/harshness), and stability?

Safety features & build quality—do you feel confident at 100+ km/h?


Other Second-Hand Luxury Options:

Are there other used luxury cars (e.g., BMW 3/5 Series, Audi A4/A6, Volvo S60/S90, Lexus ES, etc.) in a similar budget that might be better for long-distance driving and maintenance in India?

Which brands/models are known to balance reasonable running costs with comfort and safety?

Any specific model years I should look for or avoid?



I’m aiming for a budget of around ₹25–35 lakhs (negotiable if the long-term value is really good). I want honest feedback—from owners or people who’ve driven these cars extensively on Indian roads. Thanks in advance for your suggestions and insights!

Looking forward to your advice!


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Edit: I’m based in Mumbai but travel frequently on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, NH48, and occasionally to Goa, Bangalore, and Gujarat, Delhi. Any region-specific tips (ground clearance for potholes, service center availability, etc.) would be super helpful.



Need Advice: Second-Hand Mercedes CLA (2018-19) vs New XUV700 (7-Seater) vs Any Other Used Luxury for Long-Distance Driving