Be careful when buying a used luxury SUV

You can pick up a seven-year-old premium SUV with all the bells and whistles for a third of what it cost when it was new.

Just look at these vehicles currently on offer on one of SA’s most popular online used car platforms:
* 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6 CRD LTD – was R760 0000, now only R269 000.
* 2014 Land Rover Discovery 4 SCV6 HSE – was R936 000 now R295 000.
* 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 250 BlueTec – was R826 930, now R289 000.

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In all three cases, the vehicles now cost a fraction of their new prices and are basically in the same price range as today’s lower-end passenger cars.

But how much risk is involved when purchasing a high-end SUV which is six or seven years old?

Here are some things to consider and to look at:

Warranties
When buying any used high-end crossover or SUV, one of the first things you want to do is confirm warranty coverage.
If the vehicle’s seller has skipped or extended one or more maintenance intervals, or modified the vehicle using non-factory parts or engine management software, they’ve likely compromised or voided what might be left of the vehicle’s warranty.
Check all service items as listed in the owner’s manual against receipts and documentation, proving each was performed on time.
This can prevent unpleasant surprises in the event a warranty claim is needed in the future.

Independent check
Request to have the vehicle inspected by an independent, qualified technician.
He can take the SUV for a drive and also run a diagnostic test which can reveal past problems, as well as current and possible future issues.
Most privately owned car repair outlets offer this service at a relatively small fee.
They know what to look for and can give you advice which might save you a fortune.

Test fancy features
Premium SUV, even those from 10 years ago, came with complicated electronic features which are costly to repair should they not work properly.
Smart features such as electronic tailgates should be tested several times in succession to make sure they operate as they should.
Also, check that automatic headlights can still tell the difference between light and dark, that LED brows are functional, rain-sensing wipers come on when water drops fall on the windscreen and that tyre sensors still know what a flat is.
While not crucial to operate the SUV, these smart features cost an arm and a leg to repair.

Fluid leaks
A puddle on a showroom floor is a sign of trouble, especially if it’s oil.
A leaking engine, differential or transmission is never a good sign and should you notice any oil, get an expert’s opinion.
If there’s water dripping on the floor, it can be from the air-conditioning unit, but make absolutely sure it’s not from the radiator.
Brake fluid leaks are also worth looking out for and special attention must be paid to the calipers inside the wheels.

AWD
Most of these premium SUVs are all-wheel drive with various modes.
Test the system properly, in all modes, to make sure all is well in that crucial department.
SUVs such as a Toyota Land Cruiser with part-time or selectable 4×4 which works through a transfer gearbox and offer low range gearing, should be driven in low range on suitable terrain to check if the system engages properly.

Resources
Nowadays, the internet is also a valuable tool for the high-end SUV shopper, and a search for the specific make and model you are looking to buy will tell you what this specific vehicle’s weak points are and what to look out for.
So, whatever you are thinking of buying, do your research properly and it will minimise the risk of buying a lemon.
There’s really a vast amount of older premium SUVs on sale out there and many are good value for money because you get fancy equipment and top-class safety features for a very reasonable price. Just do your homework properly, know what to watch out for and always try to buy from a trusted dealer.
Also, look at buying an extended maintenance plan because, when something goes wrong in the premium segment, no matter how small, it’s almost never cheap to fix.

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