Used SUVs from 2 to 11 years: the most reliable
15 best used SUVs: report by TÜV
The German TÜV has published an annual report on the reliability and quality of vehicles based on technical inspection of vehicles in Germany. At this time, the company for technical supervision of vehicles in Germany have selected the 15 best used SUVs.
Recall that the TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein – German.) is a holding company, which includes various organizations that have oversight on the safety of manufactured products (vehicles). The most known worldwide division carrying out technical inspection of vehicles. This is based on an extensive database of technical inspections and is TÜV their annual reports and ratings.
So, as we have said, the TÜV has selected 15 of used SUVs and crossovers that had little of all defects during the passage of the mandatory technical inspection in Germany. Yes, of course, directly this report does not indicate the reliability and quality of a car, but nevertheless to listen to him still stands. Although, of course, it all depends on the owner. After all, you know, in a short time can kill any car.
Unfortunately, not all cars are made equal. Well-known fact that some machines in quality and endurance is better than others. Today special attention motorists pay to market SUVs and crossovers in the segment which in recent years has been booming. It is not surprising that this demand for crossovers and SUVs automakers are continually expanding their lineup, releasing one model after another.
Unfortunately, in the pursuit of client money car companies often forget about the reliability and quality of their new vehicles, producing crude model. But what car to choose? What will not disappoint their whims and constant breakdowns? Clearly this question cannot be answered, because even the most reliable and quality vehicles, there are exceptions.
Nevertheless, each of us has a chance to select a reliable car. Including on the used car market. This, of course, need a comprehensive analysis of a particular model, ranging from viewing the thematic forums in the Network, groups and communities where you can read real reviews from car owners.
Additionally, you can find a mechanic that you will also learn that you are interested in the machine, revealing all its pluses and minuses. Don’t ignore the different reliability ratings, which, although often not objective at 100%, but nevertheless glean some information they can. Especially pay attention to the ratings of J. D. Power and TÜV reports.
TÜV publishes annual reports on the reliability and quality of vehicles based on the data of inspections of various cars, in which experts discover the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicles, noting the various defects, breakdowns and malfunctions.
For example, such a report TÜV suggests that even a decade of crossover Volkswagen Tiguan is sometimes more reliable than newer cars. According to experts, these crossovers when tested in the dealer network are often free of defects. Including not spared by the specialists of TÜV crossover Toyota RAV4 (third generation) produced from 2006 to 2013. As stated in the TÜV report, the RAV4 is a very reliable and high quality crossover.
The best used SUVs, according to statistics of the detected defects
Among the best used SUVs in the TÜV report mentioned the Audi Q5. This model, according to German experts, it has proven useful in the process of operation. Especially 4-5 year olds and 6-7-year-old cars. Including are found in good condition even 8-9 year old crossovers. Yes, Audi have its disadvantages. But, according to experts, Q5 reliability stands out among other cars.
Including stated in the report and the small Q3 crossover, which is also rarely upsets their owners, even in 5 or 6 years old with high mileage.
But among SUVs and crossovers losers. Many fans of French and Korean cars now will be surprised that the specialists of TÜV is recognized as the worst crossovers Kia Sportage and Dacia Duster (in our country sold under the brand Renault). According to the report, in both models, the experts noted two times more faults than the average of all cars that participated in the study. In the end, these cars ended up in the bottom of the rankings.
Thus, in particular, it is noted that these cars are unreliable ball joints. Dacia Duster in weak lighting system which often fails. Including in these machines are often found exhaust leak.
Here is the final report on used SUVs in five age groups:
Three of the best SUV in five age groups. The comparison is based on the degree of significant shortcomings in the main study.
The age of cars 2-3 years
Mercedes M-Class / GLE (body W 166)
Period of manufacture: since 2011 to present.
The incidence of breakdowns:3.3 (average 5.9).
Advantages: comfortable cruising crossover, capable to carry trailer up to 3500 pounds.
Frequent problems:under heavy loads increased engine oil consumption. In 2017, due to defective steering has been factory opinion.
Summary: good quality M-Class/GLE. The only negative is that a lot of owners complaining about excessive consumption of engine oil. Especially with frequent loads or when driving in traffic.
Audi Q3
Period of manufacture:from 2011 to date.
The incidence of breakdowns:2.9 (mean value 5.9).
Advantages: agile vehicle capable of driving through the turns at speed without sacrificing comfort. This is a car where comfort suspension depends on the engine.
Frequent problems:recorded few problems. Mostly motorists complain of rapid wear of brake pads and some bulbs, which are easily damaged. Was a factory recall due to the failure of the brake lights when you activate the emergency brake.
The bottom line: the Q3 is a great, reliable SUV crossover. The number of cars without defects is significantly above average, and serious deficiencies are rare.
Mercedes GLK
Period of production: from 2008 to 2015.
The incidence of breakdowns:2.6 (average 5.9).
Benefits:in addition to the good ride comfort it can pull a trailer up to 2.4 tons.
Frequent problems:sometimes there are errors in the transmission. This is especially true after changing the oil in the gearbox. But this is easily solved by flashing the automatic transmission from a dealer.
Summary: Mercedes GLK shows how good can be the SUV. More than 90 percent of GLK are the first two inspection with virtually no defects. Even with average mileage.
The age of 4-5 years:
Honda CR-V (RE6 type)
Period of manufacture: from 2012 to 2018.
The incidence of breakdowns: 5.9 (average 10.3).
Advantages: large, spacious interior.
Frequent problems: the ability to transport the loaded trailer to 1.7 tons (engine i-VTEC with manual transmission). However, with frequent cargo service life of many components is significantly reduced. The car needs more frequent maintenance.
The result:a Honda SUV is a fairly reliable crossover. In chassis, brakes and weight oil loss units, the Japanese set a high standard.
Excellent suspension. Low oil loss. Great brake system.
Opel Mokka
Period of manufacture:from 2012 to date.
The incidence of breakdowns: 5.9 (average 10.3).
Advantages: weight, comfort, dynamic.
Common problems: there are frequent problems with the EGR valve. Cars that were made from 2013 to 2014, had the defect, leading to a sudden loss of all-wheel drive system. A software update solved this problem. The owners also often complain of excessive consumption of engine oil.
The result: 90.5% of five-year Opel Mokka come for inspection in Germany without defects and malfunctions. The only thing that experts advise the owners of 4-5 year old crossover, it’s more likely to check the oil level in the engine.
Audi Q5 (8R)
Period of production: from 2008 to 2016.
The incidence of breakdowns: 5.9 (average 10.3).
Advantages:the perfect vehicle for long journeys on the highway. Low fuel consumption.
Frequent problems: when conducting inspections specialists get few complaints from car owners. The only thing that has 4-5 years of Q5 crossovers there are defects on the drive shafts.
Summary: in General, a good crossover. The only weak point connected with drive shafts that appear most often with 4-year operation of the vehicle. Otherwise the Audi Q5 is almost flawless. However, please note that it all depends on the mileage of the car.
The age of 6-7 years:
Mitsubishi ASX
Period of manufacture: from 2010 to date.
The incidence of breakdowns: 9.3 (mean 16.2).
Advantages:depending on the engine, this crossover can be quite frisky, that will appeal to fans of dynamic drive. Fairly good steering. Good vehicle security systems.
Frequent problems: clogging of the DPF, fuel can mix with engine oil.
Total: inspectors TÜV bored with the ASX crossover. All Japanese cars almost all the time convinced that in the land of the rising sun produces some of the most reliable and durable cars in the world. The only disadvantage of this car is the brake system.
BMW X1 (E84)
Period of manufacture: from 2009 to 2015.
The incidence of breakdowns: 9.0 (mean 16.2).
Advantages:agility, power, excellent steering in turns.
Frequent problems: rattling in the interior (headliner, sunroof). Sometimes on four-wheel drive versions there is a defect of a sudden.
The bottom line: great little premium crossover will not be bored behind the wheel. All its components are hardy enough even in 6-7-year-old cars with average annual mileage. The only thing you should pay close attention whenever the state of the system actuators. There are also complaints about the quality of the optics (often burning lamp).
Audi Q5 (8R)
Period of production: from 2008 to 2016.
The incidence of breakdowns: 8.7 (mean 16.2).
Advantages:the perfect vehicle for long journeys on the highway. Low fuel consumption.
Frequent problems: zhor oil in the engine. However, according to statistics, the increased consumption of oil in the engine there is only one car in a thousand.
Total: In General, a good crossover. The only weak point connected with drive shafts that appear most often with 4-year operation of the vehicle. In the 6-7-year-old vehicles problems with drive shafts even more. Of course, in this age of all cars already have small defects. But unlike many other vehicles, this crossover has less problems compared to the average values frequency of detection of the damage during inspection at technical centres in Germany.
The age of 8-9 years:
Mercedes GLK
Period of production: from 2008 to 2015.
The incidence of breakdowns:15.7 (mean 22.2).
Advantages:besides the fact that this car feels confident in the city, he is well behaved and the off-road.
Frequent problems:in the 8-9-year-old cars most often found excessive consumption of engine oil.
Summary: the Mercedes GLK is sturdy enough and reliable. Even at the age of 8-9 years, 75% of the SUVs do not have significant drawbacks.
Audi Q5 (8R)
Period of production: from 2008 to 2016.
The incidence of breakdowns: 14.8 (mean 22.2).
Advantages:the perfect vehicle for long journeys on the highway. Low fuel consumption.
Frequent problems: leakage of the refrigerant in the air conditioner. Errors in the transmission. Defects steering and braking system.
Total: 78% of vehicles that passed inspection at the age of 8-9 years, they had virtually no information. The only thing is that, despite this, sometimes there are cars with defects in the suspension and the axles.
BMW X1 (E84)
Period of manufacture: from 2009 to 2015.
The incidence of breakdowns: 11.9 (mean 22.2).
Advantages:ample space inside the cabin, the dynamic and legendary steering.
Frequent problems: defects in the suspension and the breaks in the axes.
Total: despite the fact that the X1 is based on a 1-series BMW, crossover is more reliable and qualitative. The only disadvantage of this machine is of the need for more frequent technical inspection of the suspension. In 80,4% of cases in THE 8-9-year-old car is not detected serious defects.
The age of 10-11 years:
Suzuki SX4
Period of production: from 2006 to 2015.
The incidence of breakdowns: 23.7 (mean 28.0).
Advantages:excellent quality and price. There are versions with all-wheel drive AWD.
Common problems: in all-wheel-drive versions have problems with the AWD system and the drives. The DDiS engines are problems with the turbine. Also, quite often there are complaints on the suspension.
The result: despite the fact that this machine has quite a lot of common problems, all of them not really hitting the pocket. In any case, the 10-year-old Suzuki SX4 to serve cheaper than any similar German car.
Toyota RAV4 (3rd generation)
Period of production: from 2006 to 2013.
The frequency ratio of breakage: 22.8 (mean 28.0).
Advantages:this car will easily pull on the trailer 2 tons. Quite spacious. Behaves well on rough terrain. Reliable.
Frequent problem: the stabilizer link.
The bottom line: this car is famous for the fact that he will not break, even if you strongly want it. RAV4 is considered a reliable and durable hardy crossover. In this age group often need to pay attention to the suspension (struts) and exhaust system.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Period of production: from 2007 to 2016.
The incidence of breakdowns: 21.6 (average 28.0).
Advantages: very comfortable, economical and practical car.
Frequent problems: this crossover could be the most reliable and high-quality in this age category. But the frequent defects in the suspension and brake disks are not allowed this car to become the absolute leader.
The bottom line: despite the frequent defects of the suspension, this car has a great ratio of occurrence of failures in the 10-11-year-old cars (below average values).