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Waiting on a Used Model You Wanted New
Not all cars we desire fit our budget. Therefore, one alternative is to wait a few years to pick up a used vehicle of the desired model to take advantage of the substantial vehicle depreciation. Not only will you benefit from the savings, but also enjoy the safety features and higher end modifications and trim that make for a more enjoyable ride.
However, if a desired luxury model becomes available; and in fact, you find multiple models to choose from, you may want to look a little closer at whether this is such a good deal after all and is not the original owner’s problem car.
Related Article: Scam Alert: What Dealerships Don’t Want You to Know About Used Car Inspections
Consumer Reports Used Luxury SUV Warning
Just recently, car experts from Consumer Reports released a list of used luxury SUVs (determined from their customer-supplied Annual Auto Surveys) that are models that with road-tested problems that differ significantly from the average problem rate of similar model cars of the same year.
Related Article: New Car Reliability Will Drop for These Models Reports Think Tank
Their analysis of the surveys revealed that even though popular when new, some models may not be the best used-car choice for car buyers today.
To help consumers make smart buying decisions, CR experts created this latest listing of popular luxury SUVs to avoid used, as well as what models proved to be a better choice along with some under-the-radar alternatives to select from.
Related Article: Vehicles Rated Most Likely to Need Repairs the First 12 Months After Buying
LUXURY SUVS TO AVOID AND WHAT TO BUY INSTEAD
#1. Avoid the 2014 BMW X3
Price Range: $15,900 - $17,875
Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg
According to CR analysts if you buy the X3, you will find that it has supportive seats, easy cabin access, a tasteful but understated interior, and a manageable size. However, when it comes to its reputation as a model to avoid, it turns out that its reliability rating is actually well below average and is not very good on owner satisfaction ratings.
The Better Choice: 2015 Acura RDX
Price Range: $19,600 - $21,575
Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg
Although not a luxury vehicle, the 2013–15 RDX is a more-refined compact crossover SUV with a smooth and powerful V6 with respectable fuel efficiency for its engine. And even though it lacks the higher end comfort and tech features of a luxury SUV, it has proven to be “…competent all-around, was well-equipped for the money, and has excellent reliability,” says Consumer Reports.
Under-the-Radar Alternative: 2016 Mazda CX-5
Price Range: $16,975 - $19,825
Owner Reported Mpg: 26 mpg
Excellent reliability ratings make the 2013-2019 Mazda CX-5 models an attractive alternative with a responsive 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine yielding 25 mpg overall. CR analysts recommend the later models that come standard with modern safety features.
#2. Avoid the 2013 Audi Q5
Price Range: $14,675 - $18,200
Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg
In spite of being a comfortable and attractive ride, the Audi Q5’s reliability ratings place the engine, engine cooling, the fuel system, and the electrical system all at subpar categorization. Used car owners of this model can expect multiple mechanic visits.
The Better Choice: 2016 Volvo XC60
Price Range: $17,300 - $26,700
Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg
With a cabin that is a little closer toward grade, the 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder performed well in CR tests; however, its fuel rating is an anemic 17 mpg overall. CR analyst recommend looking for model versions that offer the optional BSW and the technology package, which included FCW.
Under-the-Radar Alternative: 2012 Lexus RX
Price Range: $16,750 - $17,775
Owner Reported Mpg: 20 mpg
With a reliability rating of 5/5 and owner satisfaction of 4/5, this under-the-radar alternative provides the comfort owners looked for in the Audi recommended to avoid. Aside from engine and overall reliability, riding comfort and cabin size are its strong points.
Related Article: Toyota Mechanic Reveals the Truth About New and Used Lexus Models
#3. Avoid the 2012 Buick Enclave
Price Range: $9,625 - $11,775
Owner Reported Mpg: 18 mpg
A roomy and comfortable vehicle, it loses from both poor fuel economy with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, and consumer data testifying on reliability issues overall as well as the fact it has 6 recalls to its record---leading to CR analysts giving it a well-below-average reliability rating.
The Better Choice: Acura MDX
Price Range: $14,150 - $16,350
Owner Reported Mpg: 18 mpg
Touted as consistently outscoring European luxury SUVs that cost thousands of dollars more, CR analysts liked “…the MDX's refined powertrain, quick acceleration, responsive handling, and controlled ride, but road noise is louder than we'd like. The 3.7-liter V6 belts out plenty of power and, combined with the six-speed automatic, returned 18 mpg overall on premium fuel.”
Be on the lookout for used models of MDX with the optional rearview camera and FCW and BSW safety features.
Under-the-Radar Alternative: 2014 Mazda CX-9
Price Range: $11,275 - $15,000
Owner Reported Mpg: 20 mpg
Praised mostly as a hidden gem by CR analysts due to its ride qualities, the CX-9 has a smooth and refined 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed automatic, but with a relatively low 16 mpg in their road tests. Its reliability rating is a 4/5, but did poorly in a crash test performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2016 model has better fuel economy, is roomier, and did better in crash tests, but is rated at only possessing average reliability.
#4. Avoid the 2017 Volvo XC90
Price Range: $31,025 - $52,175
Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg
A fine car with the exception of its reliability, the XC90 is rated with every model year since 2016 as being either below or well-below average in CR survey analysis…“which means buying a used model is likely to be an expensive proposition…Unless you find one with a lot of time left on an extended warranty, it’s best to pass on the XC90,” states CR experts.
The Better Choice: 2017 BMW X5
Price Range: $32,150 - $56,975
Owner Reported Mpg: 22 mpg
The X5 with its standard six-cylinder engine offers the best combination of performance and fuel economy and is rated well-above average reliability. Look for X5s that came with the optional Premium package and Driver Assistance Package that included FCW, city-speed AEB with pedestrian detection, LDW; and, BSW (with the Driver Assistance Plus package).
Under-the-Radar Alternative: 2016 Lexus GX
Price Range: $36,375 - $38,450
Owner Reported Mpg: 17 mpg
The GX is an SUV possessing a more trucklike ride and handling qualities. Roomy with a powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine, fuel economy is only17 mpg overall; however, the interior fit and finish is impressive. Attractive features include “…Full-time 4WD, a hill-descent feature, and a system that prevents rollback on steep ascents help make it competent off-road.” The 2016 model year is rated above average reliability, while the 2017 and 2019-21 model years achieved an excellent reliability rating.
Related Article: Used Lexus Buying Advice About the Best and Worst Lexus Models
And finally…
For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.
For additional recent news related to Consumer Reports research, check out this article on the “Best New SUV Deals and Worst New Car Deals Recently Revealed by Consumer Reports.” Plus, learn about these Tips, Tricks and Red Flags When Buying a New or Used Car recommended by Toyota experts.
COMING UP NEXT: Amazon Sells Counterfeit Honda Parts Warning
Timothy Boyer is Torque News Tesla and EV reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
Image Source: Pixabay
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