Used SUV - Most reliable

[wyson]

Nissan Qashqai’s are basically Renault Kadjar’s underneath. I’d be scared to own one out of warranty. Most European Nissans are versions of Renault’s.

Juke = Captur etc.

They won’t exhibit typical Japanese reliability.

Edited by wyson on Thursday 4th May 13:51

[QJumper]

If reliability is the main criteria then a Lexus RX 450h, which is warrantied for 10yrs/100k miles, if serviced by Lexus, with the option to extend to 15 yrs/150k miles.

You'll also get the luxury/high spec element with one of those.

[Spy]

Thanks for all the suggestions, makes interesting reading seeing everyone's suggestions.

It seems that my view of the Nissan QQ is backed by some of your experiences.

I did not consider the CR-v and Rav 4 because they would be looking at older or higher mileage examples such as 2012-2014 compared to newer 2017 models of some of the others.

The VAG 1.5 petrol needs an expensive belt change at 5 years and I am still not convinced regarding their auto boxes. Again, they would also probably be older cars.

Lexus RX is probably a tad too large for them to drive town in. The NX would be better but likely to be quite old and beyond the 10 year warranty for their budget. I am not aware of Lexus allowing a warranty extension beyond 10 years.

Thanks for the advice on the Mazda CX-30. Sounds like the Kamiq and probably the Niro in terms of height and size.
Sometimes my mother will sit in the back when I chauffer them around which they prefer and enjoy and she finds the space and door opening in the back of smaller SUVs quite tight to get in and out of.

The shortlist sounds like the Kia Sportage and Suzuki.

With the Suzuki, it is not the most luxurious SUV but it has reliability, height and space. In SZ-5 trim, it comes with all the toys but still may not be as nice as the Sportage. They are also a bit tinny !

Any other thoughts ?

Edited by Spy on Thursday 4th May 15:11

[DodgyGeezer]

Have they considered Dacia? At their budget you're looking at a new (or very nearly) model?

[ZX10R NIN]

Hyundai Kona Premium GT 180:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301313...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304226...

Mokka X Elite Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304236...

Jeep Compass:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303115...

[Spy]

Not sure about the Jeep or Vauxhall from a reputation / reliability perspective. Also, I don't like the old shape Mokka.

The Kona is interesting. Those look good and more affordable but not sure of size. The Kia Stonic might be a better option from a warranty perspective but need to consider rear space.

I think Dacias are actually good. A decent Duster seems to be out of budget though, only leaving the underpowered Sandero Stepway.

Edited by Spy on Thursday 4th May 18:47

[ZX10R NIN]

Spy said:

Not sure about the Jeep or Vauxhall from a reputation / reliability perspective. Also, I don't like the old shape Mokka.

The Kona is interesting. Those look good and more affordable but not sure of size. The Kia Stonic might be a better option from a warranty perspective but need to consider rear space.

I think Dacias are actually good. A decent Duster seems to be out of budget though, only leaving the underpowered Sandero Stepway.

Edited by Spy on Thursday 4th May 18:47

Reliability wise both the Jeep & Vauxhall are good options, what they don't have is a fashionable badge.

The Stonic will be a harder to find within budget.

[Theoldguard]

How about a Yaris Cross, if serviced correctly can get up to 10 years of warranty, decent enough size and economy with small hybrid battery.

Something like this may work out better new

[Monkeylegend]

Spy said:

I think Dacias are actually good. A decent Duster seems to be out of budget though, only leaving the underpowered Sandero Stepway.

Edited by Spy on Thursday 4th May 18:47

Check the classifieds and you will find loads of Dusters available for £18k or less.

One of our neighbours has just bought 20' plate for under your budget with the 1.3l engine, well worth a look.

[MrGTI6]

Can you get the Renault Captur hybrid within budget?

Never driven one, but was seriously impressed with the new-shape Clio hybrid I drove recently. The 1.6 petrol engine is a well-proven, chain-driven, naturally-aspirated Nissan unit. And it's a conventional hybrid which means no plugging-in nonsense. And there's no DSG/Powershift-style dual-clutch transmission either, just a CVT which is actually seemed very effective when used in conjunction with the electric motor.

I'm not keen on modern cars or hybrids, but was blown away by the Clio hybrid I drove. From what I can tell, the Captur is basically a Clio on stilts.

[rosejem]

Have a look at a cx5 , plenty of room in the back & if they are used to a Mercedes the cx5 is a well made car .
As mentioned before proven 2.0 petrol engine & six speed torque converter gearbox. You may be able to get a 2018 car within budget.

[Lexicos]

Or a Subaru Outback? Lots of bells and whistles on the SE Premium (which most are); reliable, spacious but not too wide for city streets, surprisingly nippy in town, great for potholed roads!

[FamousPheasant]

The Vitara is really not getting any love in this thread. I think if you can live with the low rent interior it would make a lot of sense. Simple and reliable.

I've been very impressed with my Suzuki dealer (for a swift). They seem to attract a lot of repeat custom from a elderly clientele, which is no bad thing.

[ADJimbo]

A bit left field granted but what about a SsangYong Tivoli? For example;

https://usedcars.ssangyonggb.co.uk/used/ssangyong/...

I have a couple in the business. Seven year warranty. Competent cars and never given us any issues whatsoever.

[Donkey44]

FamousPheasant said:

The Vitara is really not getting any love in this thread. I think if you can live with the low rent interior it would make a lot of sense. Simple and reliable.

I've been very impressed with my Suzuki dealer (for a swift). They seem to attract a lot of repeat custom from a elderly clientele, which is no bad thing.

I may have imagined this, but I was under the impression some of the Vitara engines have a ridiculously short servicing schedule- every 9 months or something? Is there any truth in that, and is it limited only to a particular engine?

Separately, does the low rent interior mean road noise as there doesn't seem to be much insulation in them?

[stevemcs]

ADJimbo said:

A bit left field granted but what about a SsangYong Tivoli? For example;

https://usedcars.ssangyonggb.co.uk/used/ssangyong/...

I have a couple in the business. Seven year warranty. Competent cars and never given us any issues whatsoever.

Try getting parts for one, we nearly always have to buy genuine and then wait 2-3 days for bits to arrive.

I guess it depends if you want a car or a mode of Transport

You have the Ford Ecosport as an outsider, The Suzuki Vitara would be a great choice, as would the Jimny if they have the budget.

[Spy]

Some good suggestions there.

Yes, the Vitara is well built but lower quality interiors.

Anyone know where Ssangyong get their engines for the Tivoli these days ?

Again, I worry about Renault reliability, especially as they get older.

The Yaris Cross is too new to get one under £18k

As regards Dusters, I did a search and can't find any Auto Petrol ones under £18/19k

Edited by Spy on Friday 5th May 13:43

[Truckosaurus]

FamousPheasant said:

The Vitara is really not getting any love in this thread. I think if you can live with the low rent interior it would make a lot of sense. Simple and reliable.

I've been very impressed with my Suzuki dealer (for a swift). They seem to attract a lot of repeat custom from a elderly clientele, which is no bad thing.

I was going to suggest a Vitara - if you get the 1.6 petrol with the auto box there's little to go wrong and they are not especially big.

The interior might seem low rent, but you'll probably find they are better equipped than a BMW/Audi that the original owner has skimped on to get the PCP payments as low as possible.

[cwis]

Spy said:

I did not consider the CR-v and Rav 4 because they would be looking at older or higher mileage examples such as 2012-2014 compared to newer 2017 models of some of the others.

Think this through for a moment though.

Why do you think these two cars hold their value so well?

You get what you pay for - in these cases far more reliable cars. You pay more for a given age of car for less hassle.

Speaking as an owner of a CRV auto petrol that has just gone through 230000 miles - I've had it 8 years and apart from suspension bushes at MOT time and the occasional seized rear caliper, what's gone wrong?

Nothing.

If they are not number plate snobs I'd highly recommend one...

[Spy]

I used to own a CR-V, great cars but I worry that the budget will mean a car 4 years older, so about 8 years old. Although they are reliable, there will be wear and tear items that will need replacing compared to a 3 year old car.

I am starting to lean a Kia Niro (if the height suits them) or a Sportage.