Unreliable Used Luxury SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

Nice-Looking Used SUV Warning

Sure, those used luxury cars from online ads look almost new and appear to have been well taken care by whatever auto enthusiast owned them; however, there’s something previous owners know about their cars that you might not---after 5 years of use and the engine and powertrain warranty have ended, many popular luxury SUVs begin to burden owners with multiple high-cost repair bills due to reliability problems that surface as the car ages.

In fact, according to a recent Consumer Reports analysis of used luxury cars based on reliability data and input from consumers who have owned these vehicles in the past, seeing is not always believing:

“…be careful not to buy the wrong model or you’re likely to deal with a very unluxury-like experience: an uncomfortable ride, maddening controls, a cramped interior, and expensive out-of-warranty repairs,” warns CR analysts.

However, this does not mean that you “…need to give up on your desire to own a luxury SUV; you just need to pick the one that won’t leave you fuming,” states CR analysts. Rather, it’s a matter of knowing which luxury cars have passed the test of time.

Those to Avoid, and Those to Buy

That said, here is a recent list from the good folks at Consumer Reports that points out not just those popular (when new) luxury models to avoid, but those proven as more reliable models to choose from, as well as some under-the-radar alternatives that the majority of car shoppers might have missed that turned out to be exemplary.

Please note that all “to avoid” models listed rate low on reliability; however, there are other factors such as comfort and handling owners had issues with as well. For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the Consumer Reports 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.

Related article: Consumer Reports Says These 10 Vehicles Are the Least Reliable to Own

THE WORST CHEAP LUXURY CAR LIST

Popular SUV to Avoid #1

2014 BMW X3
Price Range: $11,650 - $13,975
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg

The Better Choice
2014 Acura RDX
Price Range: $14,025 - $15,075
Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg

The Under-the-Radar Alternative
2015 Lincoln MKC
Price Range: $13,100 - $15,950
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg

Popular SUV to Avoid #2

2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Price Range: $24,925 - $37,100
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg

The Better Choice
2019 Cadillac XT5
Price Range: $23,925 - $34,575
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg

The Under-the-Radar Alternative
2016 Lexus RX
Price Range: $23,750 - $30,925
Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg

Popular SUV to Avoid #3

2019 Cadillac XT4
Price Range: $23,525 - $27,575
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg

The Better Choice
2017 Lexus NX
Price Range: $23,750 - $26,350
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg

The Under-the-Radar Alternative
2017 Buick Envision
Price Range: $16,200 - $20,325
Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg

Popular SUV to Avoid #4

2017 Volvo XC90
Price Range: $20,450 - $35,700
Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg

The Better Choice
2015 Acura MDX
Price Range: $16,775 - $18,675
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg

The Under-the-Radar Alternative
2015 Lexus GX
Price Range: $25,300 - $26,675
Owner Reported Mpg: 18 mpg

And finally…

For more about used cars both good and bad, here are some related articles for your consideration:

Used Luxury Cars Shoppers Don’t Look For…But Should!

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars You Can Buy Today

Consumer Reports Analysts Reveal the Used Cars Most Likely to Need an Engine Rebuild and What to Buy Instead

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive 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.

COMING UP NEXT: Used Car Prepurchase Inspection Warning

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