Which of these 3 used luxury SUVs is your best bet?

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After just a few years of use, many modern big-dollar sport-utes can be had for reasonable second-hand money. Countless factors affect the rate at which a used vehicle’s value depreciates over time, and in some cases, that puts a number of posh luxury SUVs, at just a few years old, within reach of many shoppers.

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Below, we’ll look at three popular luxury SUVs from BMW, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz, along with some tips and pointers to help ensure the unit you’re considering isn’t concealing any pricey issues you’ll need to address.

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Which of these 3 used luxury SUVs is your best bet? Back to video

2014+ Range Rover Sport

With its swanky styling and supercharged powerplants, the second-generation Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a capable off-roader that does double-duty as a luxurious and agile cruiser. Select models offer over 500 horsepower , while a more modest supercharged V6 generates output in the mid-300 range. Diesel power was also available .

Key draws to this model include its performance-oriented drivelines, luxurious appointments, and feature content including high-end audio systems, excellent lighting , and both a powerful heater and electric windshield defroster that help add comfort to frigid winter drives. And with a height-adjustable suspension and an electronic off-road toolkit accessible via the centre console, the Range Rover Sport is a highly capable SUV that’s distinctively styled and easy to spot.

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When new, mainstream Range Rover Sport models came with a starting price between about $75,000 and $93,000, depending on the year and model selected. Optional equipment and packages could easily drive prices up by thousands. Today, earlier six-cylinder units from this generation can be had with reasonable mileage from under $40,000, typically with odometer readings that haven’t yet pushed into six-figure territory. Expand your budget a little, and you’ll find V8-powered units with reasonable miles for under $45,000. Shoppers after lower-mileage units can do well between about $45,000 and $55,000 on three-to-four-year-old units with under 50,000 kilometres of use.

For maximum peace of mind, don’t buy a used Range Rover Sport before it’s been fully inspected by a dealer technician and cleared of any possible trouble. A used vehicle’s reliability is largely a factor how regularly and properly it’s been serviced, inspected, and cared for by past owners. For this reason, buying from a dealer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program is recommended by many owners. Consider adding any additional warranty coverage available, if applicable.

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Proceed with caution, though. Have the used Range Rover Sport inspected for signs of damaged caused by careless off-roading, signs of oil or coolant leaks, and signs of trouble with the air suspension system. On your test drive, be sure to work the air suspension system through its paces, being on the lookout for any warning messages or lights that appear as you switch between positions. To protect your investment and maintain its appearance and resale value, consider budgeting for a professional paint coating treatment, leather cleaning treatment, and a full, pre-emptive fluid change if the service history of the vehicle is unclear.

A final note: remember that modifications to the engine, or software that controls it, can cause expensive damage that’s not covered by remaining factory warranty.

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2014-2018 BMW X5

The previous-generation BMW X5 hit the road in 2013 with new looks, new feature content, and little less than the market’s latest and greatest safety and connectivity tech of the day. As one of the luxury SUV segment’s pioneers, the BMW X5 has long been one of the most popular machines in this ballpark and remains a popular choice.

Look for various engines, trim levels, and special variants to satisfy any need or taste. Mainstream X5s from this era shipped with a variety of turbocharged engines, including six- and eight-cylinder gasoline options, and available diesel power. Premium feature content included goodies like a panoramic roof, a heads-up display, premium leather appointments, adaptive cruise control, and an advanced parking camera system.

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When new, mainstream versions of this generation X5 had a starting ask ranging from about $63,000 to $77,000. As with the Range Rover Sport, customization and equipment bundles could add thousands to the price. Today, shoppers with a budget around $40,000 can easily access an X5 between three- and four-years-old from the mid $30,000 mark, typically with six-cylinder power and less than 50,000 kilometres on the odometer. A slightly higher budget opens the door on low-mileage units, with plenty of sub-$50,000 X5s available with under 35,000 kilometres. Many of these X5s haven’t even seen their third oil change.

Before you buy, carefully check all wheels and tires for signs of damage to wheel surfaces and tire sidewalls. Confirm that the unit you’re considering is wearing a quality set of tires from a reputable manufacturer, and that those tires are in good condition.

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Next, work with a dealer service department to ensure that all applicable software updates have been applied to the specific unit you’re considering, as these can help correct or prevent a multitude of issues.

The owner’s community suggests the gasoline inline-six-cylinder engine is the safest bet, since owners of V8 models tend to report more serious issues compared to the six. Note that the statistical majority of X5 owners don’t report engine trouble, but ensuring your second-hand X5 is inspected by a BMW technician ahead of your purchase is a great way to enhance peace of mind.

On your test drive, be sure to listen carefully for unwanted rattles or buzzing, which have been reported around the dash and instrument panel areas. Some X5 owners have reported weather seal issues that can allow wind noise into the cabin, too, but most haven’t.

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Finally, confirm that the used X5 you’re considering has never been given any warranty-voiding engine or software modifications, and remember that a full electronics system scan in a dealer setting can reveal a plethora of potential issues that may not otherwise be apparent on your test drive.

2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes GLE has been on the market for about five years and recently entered its second generation , featuring both four-door SUV and ‘coupe’ body configurations. With selection as a priority, the previous-generation GLE featured various powertrains, packages, and variants, along with its two body styles.

A striking cabin flaunted gorgeous detailing and no shortage of signature Mercedes styling elements. Feature content included air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, climate-controlled seating with massage functionality, advanced adaptive cruise control and parking assists, and more. The popular GLE found favour with many Canadians after a capable and upscale driving experience. As with the Range Rover Sport and X5, look for turbocharged six- or eight-cylinder gasoline engines, or a turbodiesel V6 that offered plenty of torque and thrifty mileage, under the hood. A plug-in hybrid was also available.

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When new, the GLE commanded a starting price between about $63,000 and $81,000, depending on the model selected. Owners could drive the price even higher by way of numerous add-ons. Today, with mileage landing well below 100,000 kilometres, second-hand GLEs can be had from the mid-$30,000 range all day long, and there’s strong availability of diesel-powered models for shoppers after solid fuel economy and torque figures.

Look carefully in the low-to-mid $40,000 range, and you’ll find some strong deals on lower-mileage units. It seems as though GLE drivers tend to enjoy their machines as often as possible — during my search, it was easier to find lower-mileage copies of the Range Rover Sport and X5, rather than the GLE.

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On your test drive, you’ll want to pay close attention to a few fairly specific things. Confirm the electronic parking brake works without issue, several times, over the course of your test drive. Specifically, park the vehicle, engage the parking brake, then shift the vehicle back into DRIVE, and set off.  The parking brake should release itself automatically and immediately. If the vehicle sets off with a lurch or a slam, the parking brake needs some attention and recalibration before you buy.

Run the climate control system at all available temperatures, and be on the lookout for unpleasant odors. If you notice a musty smell, perhaps like soggy old towels or a dirty hockey bag, the climate control system may need to be cleaned and/or reprogrammed by a dealer technician. And as with all second-hand vehicles running air suspension, including the Range Rover Sport and X5, buying without a professional inspection of the system is not advised.

Finally, be sure to quiet the GLE’s cabin and drive the vehicle down a rough road surface, several times. Listen closely for popping or smashing sounds from beneath the vehicle. Most owners haven’t, but some have reported issues with improperly torqued cross-member bolts and premature suspension component wear, which could result in such noises.

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