Least Satisfying Used SUVs Worth Avoiding, What to Buy Instead
Finding a good deal on any used car isn’t easy right now, but there are a lot of used SUVs that aren’t worth the headache, even if it is a reasonable price. Check out some of the least satisfying used SUVs on the market and a more reliable SUV option.
This Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a used SUV worth avoiding
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a lot of positives. However, U.S. News says it is costly to own and repair. The G-Class has one of the highest ownership costs of any vehicle in its class, including repairs, gas, maintenance, and insurance. It also isn’t the most comfortable SUV for daily driving. If you need the G-Class luxury, try to find a newer version.
Reliability Score: 3.5/5
What to buy instead: 2018 Porsche Cayenne
If you need a reliable used SUV, the 2016 Jeep Patriot isn’t it
One of the most significant drawbacks of the 2016 Jeep Patriot is the low-reliability ratings. The Patriot SUV has a low-quality interior, a slow engine, and a rough ride. Plus, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a variety of owner complaints about engine and transmission issues. Jeep discontinued the Patriot in 2017 and never revived it.
Reliability Score: 2.5/5
What to buy instead: 2016 Honda CR-V
A used truck worth avoiding is the 2015 Nissan Titan
The 2015 Nissan Titan is one of the only trucks on this list. While Nissan has a generally positive repertoire with the public, why is the 2015 Titan worth avoiding? The interior is cold and plastic, while the fuel economy is a low 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. It still has a solid V8 engine and can handle well, though.
Reliability Score: 3.5/5
What to buy instead: 2015 Toyota Tundra
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross might sound like a good deal, but it will cost you
The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross isn’t a small coupe like the nameplate might suggest. It is a four-door SUV. The Cross has enough safety features and good fuel economy, but it lacks everywhere else. For the price, there are more reliable SUVs out there.
Predicted Reliability Score: 2.5/5
What to buy instead: 2019 Mazda CX-5
Overlook the 2019 Dodge Journey if you need a reliable used SUV
Another used SUV option worth avoiding is the 2019 Dodge Journey. After more than a decade in production, Dodge recently killed off the Journey. It was the least-expensive vehicle in the lineup, and the car itself reflected that. The interior felt cheap, and the third row wasn’t very roomy, even for children. The 2019 Dodge Journey also lacks driver assistance and safety features, which is odd for a relatively new vehicle.
Predicted Reliability Score: 2/5
What to buy instead: 2019 Honda Odyssey
The Fiat 500L didn’t last very long in the U.S.
The 2019 Fiat 500L never really hit it big in the U.S. The 500L, especially, didn’t make much of a splash in this market. While it had four doors and more room than the standard option, it had too much plastic for people. The dual-clutch transmission also wasn’t loved by people, and Fiat replaced it with an automatic the following year. These didn’t sell well, and Fiat discontinued the 500L in 2020.
Predicted Reliability Score: 2/5
What to buy instead: 2019 Toyota Corolla
For those who need a lot of room, the GMC Yukon sounds like a good used SUV
The 2019 GMC Yukon isn’t a bad SUV; there are just better three-row SUV options out there for the price. Compared to the less expensive Chevy Tahoe, it just falls short in some areas. The third row isn’t very big, and the transmission could use an upgrade. Plus, owners report a lot of reliability issues. Previous years had problems with the air conditioning, which is a major drawback.
Predicted Reliability Score: 2/5
What to buy instead: 2019 Chevrolet Suburban
Keep looking if you find the Land Rover LR2 SUV
While the 2015 Land Rover LR2 might seem like an affordable used SUV option, it has more drawbacks than advantages. It offers below-average reliability, and when it needs repairs, the brand is famous for expensive bills. U.S. News says that the ride is uncomfortable and rocky, making it worth leaving in 2015.
Reliability Score: 2.5/5
What to buy instead: 2015 Lexus NX
