With SUVs taking over such a huge chunk of the car market, you'd think it should be easy to find a somewhat decent used vehicle. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case, as even manufacturers who have a reputation for reliability and quality seem to struggle with making an SUV that actually works the way it's supposed to.
Updated February 2022: Used car prices have skyrocketed since Covid struck. If you're looking to purchase a used SUV, you'll be happy to know we've updated this article with more reasons for you to stay away from these particular models.
In some cases, the problems are due to all the features and technology we've come to expect from our cars these days. But there are some much more worrying problems with SUVs as well. Several of them have gotten a reputation for rolling over, and others are known to shed parts all over the road when involved in an accident. Here are 15 of the luxury SUVs you should never buy used.
15 Buick Enclave
Nobody should buy a Buick Enclave, new or used. This SUV is nothing but a huge disappointment as a luxury SUV. We can live with the fact that certain features are only available on the top trim versions, but what's totally unacceptable are all the interior issues and mechanical problems. Things are actually so bad that Consumer Reports put it on its list of the least reliable vehicles.
14 Land Rover Discovery Sport
If you happen to be an English farmer or soccer player, you might seriously be considering one of these. But you really shouldn't buy a used one. It's one of the least reliable vehicles from the British brand - which says it all, really, seeing as they're not renown for their reliability in the first place. In addition, it's not very good on actual roads, with its poor ride quality and spongy handling.
13 Tesla Model X
The only good things about the Model X is the whole futuristic gimmick and the fancy rear doors - when they actually work. Only the most obsessed Tesla fanboys would consider buying one after all the negative things that have emerged regarding the pricey Model X. It costs a whole lot of money, and for that cash, you'll get an SUV with the build quality of a 90s Korean car, not exactly what we're looking for in a ridiculously expensive luxury SUV.
12 Lincoln MKT
First off, the Lincoln MKT does have a lot of cargo space, unfortunately, that's pretty much the only nice thing we have to say about it. We've never met anyone who likes the SUV's design, perhaps that's why the resale value is so low? The MKT depreciates more than 66% within five years, which means a lot of money has gone out the window just by owning it. At least that means that those who don't mind driving this pile of hideousness can get their hands on a bargain.
11 Volvo XC90
Volvo, a company that's given us safe cars for decades, also gave us the XC90... which suffered some major brake problems. Seeing as the Volvo XC90 is heavy, powerful, and fast, that's rather unfortunate and their reputation took a serious hit. Another thing Volvo has been known for is reliability, but the XC90 is riddled with various issues, most of which are electrical gremlins.
10 Jeep Wrangler
Credit where credit is due, the Jeep Wrangler is a true off-road icon! If that's all you need from your SUV, then go for it. If you want a vehicle that's actually any good when it's being used as a regular car, you're probably better off looking elsewhere.
There's the infamous Jeep death wobble, handling is unpredictable, the ride quality is rough... Some say the Wrangler is downright unsafe on the road.
9 Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban certainly doesn't lack space for neither cargo nor passengers. The cabin is one of the better ones in its class, and it's packed with features. However, it's the size of a ferry, and maneuvers like one as well - great if you've always wanted to be a captain but get seasick easily. Some of its rivals that can tow more, and the Suburban also has a below-average reliability rating.
8 GMC Yukon
For some reason, the full-size truck-based GMC Yukon ranks lower than the Chevy Suburban - which is essentially its twin - when it comes to reliability. The Yukon also has this nasty problem with rolling over. Still want one? Ok, what if we told you that it's one of the worst SUVs regarding depreciation? That's right, the Yukon loses almost 65% of its value in just five years. Sure, there's a potential to save some money when buying a used model, but those reliability issues could soon offset any savings.
7 Cadillac Escalade
Once upon a time, the Escalade was the status symbol of choice for every wannabe gangsta out there. These days, Consumer Reports wants to revoke the Escalade's luxury status due to its poor ride quality, awful handling, terrible brakes, and its lack of reliability. These are some major flaws, and we don't think anyone should buy this old has-been.
6 Ford Explorer
While there is a new Explorer on the market now, we're gonna focus on the old model since this is about used SUVs. The previous Explorer model tied for the lowest score in its class when it came to reliability. If that's not bad enough for you to keep your distance, it also had one of the highest starting prices and "entry-level" models that offered few features and unimpressive cabin quality.
5 GMC Acadia
A few years back, GM introduced its new Acadia, but soon after, they kinda forgot to give it any proper updates. That's actually fair enough, as a lot of people don't care about such things anyway and just want a reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, the reliability, or lack thereof, is another reason to look elsewhere. The Acadia has a rough powertrain, and its electrics are known to malfunction - such as the rearview camera and navigation that only works when it wants to.
4 Mazda CX-9
Mazda is usually known for making reliable, quality vehicles, but they messed up big time with the CX-9. It's one thing that owners have reported multiple issues with the electrical and braking systems, but it's more than a little scary that the CX-9 suffers a major body integrity problem – that's a huge safety concern. Apparently, the CX-9 will shed its body parts all over the road if involved in an accident over 45 mph.
3 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice for those who enjoy off-roading on a regular basis. But just like most Jeeps, the Grand Cherokee is less than impressive on the road. There's something else to consider if you plan on going on longer off-road adventures as well - it has a below-average cargo area. You'll have to get creative if you're gonna stay out in the wilderness for extended periods.
2 Acura MDX
There are so many nice things to say about the Acura MDX. It has great handling, There are plenty of safety features as standard, it's very comfortable, and also one of the cheapest cars in its class. Unfortunately, the MDX is not very reliable, and the dual-screen infotainment system will make you pull out your hair while you scream at it.
1 Mercedes-Benz GLA
At first glance, the M-B GLA is actually an appealing compact luxury SUV - especially so if you happen to be looking at the sporty AMG version. But, of course, there are some problems with it. Owners have ranked the GLA as the least reliable model in its class, with most of the complaints being various mechanical issues, lack of durability, and lack of interior features.
Sources: Motor1, U.S. News, Consumer Reports, Business Insider