Purchasing a Used Luxury SUVs vehicle is an excellent approach to experiencing the elegance and dignity of a high-end car without going over budget. Yet, it is crucial to remain cautious and avoid making typical mistakes that might cause disappointment or financial loss.
For less than the price of a new vehicle, and even for less than some new mainstream SUVs, you can get the luxury, technology, and safety features in a deluxe package with a used luxury SUV.
But, be careful not to choose the incorrect model as you can have a very unluxury-like experience, including an uncomfortable ride, frustrating controls, a small cabin, and costly out-of-warranty repairs. You just have to choose the one that won’t frustrate you; there’s no need to give up on your dream of owning a luxury SUV.
The vehicle experts from Consumer Reports can help with that. These models have been through their road-test analyses, so they know their performance. Also, they gather information from CR members in their Annual Car Surveys, allowing them to tell you how many issues a particular model has had compared to the average problem rate for all cars from the same model year.
It enables them to showcase well-liked models within their respective categories yet are poor investments. Then, they offer two options:
A better option: A different vehicle with greater availability, reliability, and owner satisfaction ratings.
An “under-the-radar” option: A model that didn’t sell as well but is nonetheless dependable and satisfying in case you aren’t concerned with following the crowd.
Vehicles that Consumer Reports recommends being those that performed well in their road tests when they were new have good reliability, and are available with important advanced safety features like forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and blind spot warning (BSW), and scored well in crash tests. These vehicles also represent better options and under-the-radar options.
Read Also: How to Reduce Interior Noise Levels in Your Car
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Buying A Pre-owned Luxury Car
Not Doing Enough Research: Not performing enough research is among the most frequent errors consumers make when purchasing a pre-owned luxury vehicle. You must thoroughly examine the history, reliability, and common problems of the car’s make and model that interests you. You can use this information to make an informed choice and steer clear of potential issues in the future.
Skipping the Inspection: The inspection is often skipped, another problem. It is essential to have a reliable technician evaluate the car before you purchase a used luxury vehicle to make sure it is in good shape and clear of any potential issues. It might provide you peace of mind when purchasing and ultimately save money and hassles.
Neglecting the Car’s History Report: Neglecting the historical record of the vehicle is another error to avoid. The history report on a vehicle can offer valuable details about its past, including information about accidents, maintenance, and ownership history. Before making a purchase, it is essential to get a historical record and carefully analyze it.
Underestimating the Cost of Maintenance: Another error to avoid is overestimating maintenance costs. Pre-owned luxury vehicles can be an affordable way to experience the luxury and elegance of a high-end vehicle, but maintenance costs can add up quickly. When making a purchase, it is essential to investigate the cost of maintenance for the make and model you are considering and include that in your budget.
Not Reading the Contract Carefully: Not correctly reading the contract is another basic mistake. It is essential to carefully read the contract and understand the terms and conditions of the sale before you sign any documents. It can assist you in preventing any future problems or misconceptions.
THE WORST CHEAP LUXURY CAR LIST
Popular SUV to Avoid #1
| 2014 BMW X3 |
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| Price Range: $11,650 – $13,975 Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg |
| The Better Choice |
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| 2014 Acura RDX Price Range: $14,025 – $15,075 Owner Reported Mpg: 23 mpg |
| The Under-the-Radar Alternative |
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| 2015 Lincoln MKC Price Range: $13,100 – $15,950 Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg |
Popular SUV to Avoid #2
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus |
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| Price Range: $24,925 – $37,100 Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg |
| The Better Choice |
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| 2019 Cadillac XT5 Price Range: $23,925 – $34,575 Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg |
| The Under-the-Radar Alternative |
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| 2016 Lexus RX Price Range: $23,750 – $30,925 Owner Reported MPG: 21 mpg |
Popular SUV to Avoid #3
| 2019 Cadillac XT4 |
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| Price Range: $23,525 – $27,575 Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg |
| The Better Choice |
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| 2017 Lexus NX Price Range: $23,750 – $26,350 Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg |
| The Under-the-Radar Alternative |
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| 2017 Buick Envision Price Range: $16,200 – $20,325 Owner Reported MPG: 24 mpg |
Popular SUV to Avoid #4
| 2017 Volvo XC90 |
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| Price Range: $20,450 – $35,700 Owner Reported MPG: 23 mpg |
| The Better Choice |
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| 2015 Acura MDX Price Range: $16,775 – $18,675 Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg |
| The Under-the-Radar Alternative |
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| 2015 Lexus GX Price Range: $25,300 – $26,675 Owner Reported Mpg: 18 mpg |
FAQ’s
Some used luxury SUVs to avoid purchasing include the 2003-2007 BMW X5, the 2011-2013 Ford Explorer, the 2010-2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and the 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
In addition to reliability and repair costs, you should consider factors such as fuel economy, performance, safety features, and overall value for your budget. It may be helpful to research each model thoroughly, read consumer reviews, and have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before making a purchase.