The Best Used SUVs

Earning its name – taken from the Indonesian word for tiger – and then some, the Porsche Macan gives you the ruggedness you need for adventurous trips, neatly wrapped up in an elegant body. Thankfully, you’ll still enjoy a smooth driving experience for when the kids want to tag along. A Porsche requires care and might cost you a pretty penny to maintain, but the Macan rewards you with reliability and performance. You’ll love the luxurious interior, even if it doesn’t offer too much legroom in the rear. In terms of executive style, this might just be the best second hand SUV buy out there.

The Range Rover Evoque makes our list as one of the best used SUVs for several reasons, but especially because a second hand model can be as little as a third of the price of a new one. If your pockets heaving a sigh of relief at this news hasn’t already convinced you, there’s even more to like about the Evoque. Its interior is classy and the noise suppression is excellent, while it also drives well and offers the practicality you need in a family car. When buying used, be sure to have a professional check for any issues like fuel leaks or electrical short circuits.

If you’re looking for a classy SUV that you can still use for school runs, the Volvo XC90 neatly fits the bill. This large seven-seater is common in the used market, and comes with standard infotainment and safety kits to ensure your trips are both fun and safe. The XC90 also has minimal body lean and a great driving position, with an exquisite interior and supportive seats. Used models were most likely owned by families, so it’s worth checking their interiors and bodywork to note any potential damage. It may not have quite the same badge appeal as the Porsche, but this one covers all the same bases with serious style.

What it lacks in space, the Lexus RX makes up for with a responsive engine, minimal road noise and a strong emphasis on comfort. The RX makes our list because of these great traits and Lexus’s reputation for reliability. Its fuel economy is comparatively frugal, and though more recent models will be more expensive, the overall running costs stay reasonable. If you’re looking to buy an RX that’s eight years or older, you should inspect the front suspension, rear brake discs, and pads. In general though, it’s a highly reliable choice, making it one of the best used luxury SUVs out there.

The Peugeot 3008 scores big for brilliant styling, its roomy cabin, and a range of punchy engine options. It also has a great safety rating and infotainment system, making it one of the top choices on the list of used family SUVs. Additionally, the 3008 comes with a large boot that can very easily accommodate plenty of luggage. If you’re satisfied with the exterior of a used one, be sure to also check over the interior fabric. Oil leaks can be common with this model, so keep an eye out for that too.

Looking to get first-class comfort, refinement and safety for a relatively low cost? Then you might want to put your money on the Nissan Qashqai. With a luxurious interior and impressive infotainment system, the Qashqui’s running costs can also be pocket-friendly. Opt for the 1.5-litre diesel engine for the best fuel economy. There are a few common problems a used Qashqai might come with, like faults to the parking and exhaust oxygen sensor, but spotting this early can help you find a solution. All in all though, these are built to last.

If the Range Rover Evoque doesn’t provide enough seating options for you, you’ll want to consider the Land Rover Discovery Sport. This seven-seater SUV has a range of engines to choose from, is versatile enough for off-road and urban trips, and has a pleasant interior. It’s also a very capable tow car. Maintenance costs for the Discovery Sport might be higher than some rivals, but it remains one of the best second-hand SUVs available – as long as you inspect properly before purchase. It’s an excellent choice if you’re in the market for an executive option that still gives that rush of adrenaline.

The Dacia Duster bags our award for quality and sophistication on a budget. The Duster drives like its more expensive competitors, so you can get a smooth ride at a more reasonable price. It also has a strong towing capacity and a decent amount of interior space. Dacia has a solid reputation for producing reliable models, and the Duster is no exception. If you’re looking for an eco-conscious SUV, you’ll find the Duster has lower CO2 emissions than its competitors. If buying used, check the bumpers for damage, as not all models come with parking sensors, and look out for rust in earlier models. When it comes to straightforward specs and value for money, this practical SUV is hard to beat.

Falling into the class of crossover SUVs, the Skoda Yeti has proven itself a superb family-friendly hatchback alternative. Harbouring a generous amount of space for passengers, the Yeti proves that practicality is definitely its strong suit. It has minimal body lean, making it handy when taking bends, plus an elevated driving position combined with a large windscreen to give great visibility. The Yeti also costs less to insure than the average SUV. If you’re looking to buy used, excessive engine wear is one issue to keep an eye out for. Most Yeti engines tend to consume a lot of oil too, which can lead to wear. Apart from those small things to keep in mind, this is a great pick for a second hand SUV.

There are plenty of reasons why the Kia Sportage is such a good buy in the used market. It offers great value for money, and the Kia warranty still covers some pre-owned models. If that hasn’t piqued your interest enough, the ample cabin and boot are another big selling point. The Sportage is a reliable companion for long family trips – so make sure to check the interior for any signs of wear and tear from any previous ones it’s been on. It’s also good to inspect the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) where applicable, as it can sometimes get clogged up. Another SUV that’s worth every penny, this model will bring you plenty of fun-filled getaways

Buying a used SUV is a great way to save some money on your next people carrier purchase. To make sure there aren’t any surprises down the line, it’s always worth seeking out the models that have a solid reputation and don’t depreciate too quickly. Check out our Gumtree hub to learn more and hone in on the perfect choice for your needs.