Premium Used SUV with Low Running Costs - Does Such Thing Exist?

CheckMateWin on 11/09/2025 - 11:40

It’s time to replace my almost 20-year-old Forester XS with another mid-size SUV. I have a budget of about $40,000, which would let me buy a new base model Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, etc. Or I could spend that on a used premium car (Lexus, BMW, etc.).

I don’t mind used cars, but I’m worried about the higher running costs of premium brands (repairs, insurance, etc.). I really like the Land Rover Discovery Sport, but I’ve heard they’re not very reliable.

A bit about my situation:

  1. Family of three, no plans to expand.
  2. Drive ~10,000 km/year, so an EV or hybrid doesn’t make sense mostly from a fuel-savings perspective.
  3. I tend to keep cars a long time (10+ years).

With that in mind, is it worth looking in the second-hand premium market? If so, any recommendations? Or should I stick with reliable new Japanese cars like Mazda or Toyota?

Automotive Car SUV

Comments

  • spackbace on 11/09/2025 - 11:50
    +3

    Land Rover Discovery Sport

    I tend to keep cars a long time (10+ years).

    Lol

    Does Such Thing Exist?

    No

    • goody on 12/09/2025 - 08:58
      +2

      My regular reminder that 95% of Land Rovers ever built are still on the road right now.

      The other 5% made it home….

    • azero on 13/09/2025 - 13:18

      Does Such Thing Exist? Yes - Lexus

      15 yrs and 200,000k s only repairs were brake pads and shocks.

      • spackbace on 13/09/2025 - 13:34

        Depends if you classify a Toyota as premium

        After all, that's essentially what Lexus is

  • websterp on 11/09/2025 - 11:52
    +15

    If you have your heart set on owning a second hand 'luxury' SUV and wouldn't want to loose sleep over repairs and servicing costs then a Lexus would be the best pick.

    • Dr Phil on 12/09/2025 - 18:06
      -1

      Lexus still charged very expensive repairs when required.

      I have a friend for a 2007 Lexus Hybrid SUV

      The repairs are costing him a fortune!

      As spackbace answered above:

      Does Such Thing Exist?…..No

      • ATTS on 13/09/2025 - 13:06

        Just curious how much was expensive for rrpairs

  • rawm on 11/09/2025 - 11:55
    +2

    I'd then go with a used Lexus RX or Volvo XC60 - running costs here are decent. If you want to think outside that diamond-encrusted square, go CX5, CRV or RAV4.

  • MS Paint on 11/09/2025 - 11:59
    +7

    Land Rover Discovery Sport

    @pegaxs - keep it together man. R U OK?

    • CheckMateWin on 11/09/2025 - 12:01

      What is the context here?

      • MS Paint on 11/09/2025 - 12:02
        +2

        Pegaxs is an ex land rover dealership mechanic and has nothing nice to say about any of their products, especially the sport.

        • CheckMateWin on 11/09/2025 - 12:05

          Gotcha, that's a shame because I really like their look and wouldn't mind to owe one. But reliability is one of my highest priorities.

          • MS Paint on 11/09/2025 - 12:06
            +6

            @CheckMateWin: Just buy new or lightly used Japanese/Korean. Leave the euro SUV ßhitewagens to the enthusiasts who can DIY maintenance and repairs.

          • Ade99 on 12/09/2025 - 09:24

            @CheckMateWin: Go for a 2.2 litre engine with a service history. They are reliable and durable…the 2.0 diesel version was a basket case

        • mapax on 11/09/2025 - 15:35
          +1

          has nothing nice to say about any of their products

          He is wrong though, some of the 80s/90s county/defender/perentie were pretty good. Yeah, the one with the Isuzu motor…

          • pegaxs on 11/09/2025 - 21:30
            +2

            @mapax: About the only Land Rover I would buy would be any Defender with the 300 TDi engine in it, or the Perentie (Aus Army derivative). In a pinch, a 98~99 300TDi Discovery with auto. Pre airbag Rang Rover I would not knock back. Any Range Rover after about 95 it a BIG no no in my books.

      • Baysew on 11/09/2025 - 12:11
        +4

        This is a classic response by pegaxs

  • kolorijo on 11/09/2025 - 12:29
    +3

    Lexus or Genesis

    • mskeggs on 11/09/2025 - 12:49
      +1

      Really only options, none of the Euro cars will be reliable enough, but I feel like the 5yro tech in a secondhand Lexus is what comes as standard in one up from the base model RAV4 or Cx-5 today.
      I’d probably buy new for that reason.

      • SetTheFaqUp on 12/09/2025 - 19:59

        Tech wise, true. Aside from the F Sport gauge, infotainment system is rather outdated.

        Otherwise the car is well made with very comfortable seats (one of the best out there) and some niche items like adaptive suspension not found in a Toyota (personally not a fan, and even Toyota cannot manage a very long lasting adaptive damper).

        Despite running the 2GR on many of the Lexus, tuning is different, with much better sound profile (not the farting sound achieve through forced fuel dump via ECU tune). Drove it past my neighbour today and he's surprised on how good the engine sounded.

    • ChrisLevo on 11/09/2025 - 17:41
      +1

      Genesis - we love our GV70 and it ticks your boxes.

    • CheckMateWin on 12/09/2025 - 07:27

      Not many options for Genesis on Carsales in my price bracket. Probably Lexus is the only option left if I decide to go premium

  • Kategs on 11/09/2025 - 12:41
    +4

    Re the Landrover Discovery Sport, I made the rookie error of buying a demo diesel model in 2020 without realising that it's really not suitable to my driving habits. I've driven around 21,000km in it, over 5 years - almost exclusively city driving (no freeways). While I've loved the interior comforts, the DPF filter is frequently getting clogged (which is inconvenient and stressful as you're not meant to drive until its cleared!). Plus other parts related to the DPF have failed on me (albeit always under warranty). The servicing through Land Rover is insanely expensive, so I'm taking it elsewhere for servicing now that the warranty period is over. I am aware that there is a class action lawsuit (or multiple) against Landrover currently because of the DPF issue. All that said, it's a very comfortable car to drive. If you regularly drive at speeds of 80+km on freeways etc, concerns about the DPF may not be relevant to you. When I replace my car, I won't be buying a diesel.

  • djkelly69 on 11/09/2025 - 12:53

    IMO Foresters are still very good cars, so why not go with what you know and has served you well. I think the new model which was just released is a bit out of your price range, but that might be putting pressure on some older dealer stock or newer used models.

    • CheckMateWin on 12/09/2025 - 07:26

      Yeah, new foresters are a bit out of my budget, hence considering CX5

    • lgacb08 on 12/09/2025 - 17:02
      -1

      new Forrester is overpriced with junk cvt gearbox, engine and transmission sound like it's a chinese made and engineered.

  • 2jzzzz on 11/09/2025 - 14:23
    +1

    Lexus.

  • geekcohen on 11/09/2025 - 14:41
    +1

    Hyundai Tuscon? My wife has one and its does about 20,000kms a year. Great run about and has only cost us servicing (we bought new). Haven't had to do tyres yet or any other issues. Its the 2.0L Diesel version (which isn't available new anymore). Does freeway driving daily and running around town.

  • JDMcarfan on 11/09/2025 - 14:48
    +1

    how much do you make, serious question.
    do you have a home loan?
    EV's are great not just for fuel savings but just for overall financial benefit they give.
    Most novated interest rates are 7-8%. If you're on >135k - 39%, >190k - 47%, net cost is 4-5% on a like-for-like basis to post-tax financing. Add that and the car itself (depreciation), and all other operating costs can be taken pre-tax, whilst leaving $40k in your offset? will save you ~$2-2.5k p/a and it becomes a rapidly worthwhile thing to have.

    • qtr pounder on 11/09/2025 - 23:28
      +3

      This. Just Novate Lease a newish Model Y.

    • CheckMateWin on 12/09/2025 - 07:21

      I'm on >135k with a home loan. I considered NL but decided against it.
      1. My workplace doesn't offer it and I don't want a hassle to go on a private NL.
      2. Model Y (mentioned below and what I actually would consider) is still ~20K more expensive than I'd like to spend. Yes, it's not money that I spend outright and it's coming from pre-tax, but it's still not worth it in my situation IMO.

      • JDMcarfan on 12/09/2025 - 09:39
        +2

        If your workplace doesn't offer it then fair. For other readers, I'll still stand by it.
        but like others here mention, a used TMY is a perfect car to get (unless your family does frequent camping trips etc) and should come in ~$40k. Even if new, whilst being 20k more, its against pre-tax, so that equivalent 65k, does become essentially 40k (I know that's not how it works, but for the sake of simplicity)

  • Euphemistic on 11/09/2025 - 14:57
    +1

    Hold the forester for another 2-3 years. Even if it costs couple of thousand to maintain. Then buy an EV from what will be a bigger range than now.

    Buying a new or near new ICE doesnt make any sense to me unless you have to, and there are no EV alternatives.

    10k per year will be enough to make savings on petrol worth it.

    If you really must buy now, dont buy used euro. Lexus.

    • CheckMateWin on 12/09/2025 - 07:23

      Would happily hold it for a few more years. However it developed a serious oil leak (more than one) and a few mechanics told me that it's not worth to fix it with the consideration of how much the car worth now.

      • Euphemistic on 12/09/2025 - 11:10
        +1

        Its still worth looking at EVs now. Youll save a fair bit on fuel even at 10k per annum.

  • timmof on 11/09/2025 - 15:22
    +1

    Have a scroll through the Redriven website and YouTubes if you havent already.

    • CheckMateWin on 12/09/2025 - 07:24
      +1

      Haven't done yet, but will do. Thanks!

  • brendanm on 11/09/2025 - 16:50
    -3

    The answer to this, and all other questions, is always VW Touareg.

    • Euphemistic on 11/09/2025 - 19:39

      Except not midsized.

      • brendanm on 11/09/2025 - 21:33

        Eh it's not that different to a disco sport, except that the engine won't grenade if you look sideways at it.

  • Randxyz123 on 11/09/2025 - 19:10

    Go with Lexus at least you have the Toyota reliability in there.

    I prefer LandRover as a brand and am a big fan of their cars but unless I know it has been looked after and maintained properly I'd not go near one for $40K.

  • Thinkscape on 12/09/2025 - 07:46
    +2

    Used Model Y. If you have solar then you drive for free, otherwise get off peak night tariff (Will amount to like $0.05/km)
    Maintenance over 10 years includes around 3 sets of tires, maybe control arms, a few wiper blades and washer fluid. You get software updates for life.
    Heaps more real world data on Tesla owner forums.

  • MyOtherOtter on 12/09/2025 - 09:15

    I'm also looking at what to replace my 22 year old Toyota Kluger with, and my answer is really going to be…. another Kluger.

    The top spec Kluger feels fairly lux. Not as nice as a Lexus, and the dash is always slightly behind the times, but the leather trim, electric seats, etc, all make it feel like a very comfortable up-specced vehicle.

    Fuel economy is going to suck, but it's a fun, versatile SUV. The V6 makes it surprisingly powerful and the fold-down 3rd row gives you a ton of boot space. They're like a Tardis when it comes to fitting stuff in there.

    With $40K to spend, you could get a 2018/19 model with decent KMs on the clock.

    Either that or a Tesla Y.

    • fouhay on 12/09/2025 - 09:52
      -1

      I also have one of these - a 2003 Kluger. Is brilliant - apart from timing belts there's nothing major that needs doing.

      But yeah, fuel economy sucks big ones. I had an '05 Hilux with the same engine. Even though it was 5 speed manual it still guzzled (I think the V6 is 3.0 VVT-i)

  • fouhay on 12/09/2025 - 09:50

    I reckon you'd need to ask yourself why you're chasing the second-hand premium SUV. Is it for the luxury, reliability, or street cred?

    From a purely practical perspective, new cars these days come with a minimum 5 (and usually 7) year warranty. That alone is peace of mind - not only is it new but also the comfort of knowing that if anything major goes wrong - you're covered.

    Just because it's a more expensive car doesn't mean it's immune from catastrophic failure.

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