10 Used Premium SUVs That Are Shockingly Cheap to Maintain

10 Used Premium SUVs That Are Shockingly Cheap to Maintain

Guessing Headlights

Sun, December 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM UTC

Acura MDX (Second Generation, 2007–2013) — Image Credit:Acura.

The term premium SUV usually conjures up images of complex engineering, specialty parts, and exorbitant dealership service bills. For this article, a premium SUV is defined as a vehicle that offered near-luxury or high-end features and styling when new.

When we say one is "shockingly cheap to maintain," we mean its ownership costs are higher than those of a mainstream economy vehicle but are significantly lower than those of its European or exotic competitors.

Finding the right used premium SUV means knowing which models offer strong value without the punishing repair bills. These ten options are known for delivering accessible maintenance and reliable performance.

Lexus RX 350 (Third Generation, 2010–2015)

The RX 350 is the gold standard for blending luxury features with renowned dependability. It offers a smooth ride and upscale cabin without relying on overly complex, specialized systems that inflate repair costs. Used models are widely available, with clean examples often listing in the low-teens to high-teens depending on mileage, condition, and region.

The reason for its low cost is its engineering: the V6 engine and automatic transmission are shared with many mainstream Toyota products, meaning parts are readily available and mechanical work can be handled by almost any trusted mechanic, not just a specialized dealer.

Acura MDX (Second Generation, 2007–2013)

When new, the MDX offered excellent performance and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that rivaled German competitors. It features Honda's strong 3.7L V6 engine, which is well-regarded for its durability when maintained, though any high-mileage example can develop wear- and age-related issues. This generation is often found in the low- to mid-teens depending on mileage and condition.

Routine maintenance is moderate for a vehicle of this size, but major repairs are infrequent. The simple fact that it shares engineering DNA with the Honda Pilot keeps the cost of replacement parts down, preventing the massive bills associated with bespoke European engineering.

Infiniti FX35 / QX70 (2009–2017)

This crossover, later renamed the QX70, stood out for its unique, sporty styling and driver engagement. It uses Nissan’s widely used VQ-series V6 (VQ35HR in FX35 years), a well-proven design found across Nissan’s lineup for years, which significantly simplifies maintenance. This model has developed a strong following among enthusiasts for its distinctive design and proven powertrain.

Its mechanical durability means that even high-mileage versions can be found at relatively accessible prices for a premium crossover, yet the VQ engine is generally dependable, but age/maintenance history still matters. This makes maintenance costs higher than those of mainstream cars but nowhere near exotic-car territory.

Porsche Cayenne (First Generation, V8 Models)

The first-generation Porsche Cayenne V8 models offer performance and prestige without the extreme ownership costs often associated with high-end German SUVs, provided buyers go in with realistic expectations. While maintenance is more involved than with Japanese rivals, much of the routine service centers on standard wear items such as ignition coils, spark plugs, and suspension components rather than exotic or one-off parts. Early V8 models are known for issues with plastic coolant pipes that can fail with age, but updated metal replacements permanently address the problem.

Once these known weak points are sorted, the V8 Cayenne engines themselves are generally robust and capable of high mileage. For shoppers willing to use a knowledgeable independent specialist instead of relying solely on dealership service, the Cayenne can deliver genuine Porsche performance and all-weather usability at a maintenance cost that is reasonable for its class, rather than prohibitively expensive.

Lexus GX 470 / GX 460 (GX 470, 2003–2009)

The GX 470 is based on Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado (J120) architecture, closely related to the 4Runner of the same era, which underpins its outstanding long-term reliability. Its 4.7L V8 engine is known for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles with just basic care, a primary factor in its low running costs. This generational model has maintained a strong market value and generally commands higher prices than many rivals, with clean examples often listing well into the teens.

Owners should budget for periodic timing-belt service, commonly performed around 90,000 miles, which is a significant job but nowhere near the cost of a catastrophic engine failure seen in some complex European rivals.

Lincoln Navigator (Third Generation, 2007–2014)

The Navigator offers massive comfort and luxury, using readily available, affordable truck components for repair. It uses Ford’s 5.4L three-valve Triton V8, which is widely supported but has known issues such as cam-phaser noise and spark-plug service complications.

This generation launched steadily and is perceived today as a highly competent, value-focused alternative to high-end European full-size SUVs. Used pricing is very attractive, with many versions often trading at very accessible prices for a full-size luxury SUV.

Volvo XC90 (First Generation, 2003–2014)

The first-generation XC90 was an initial sales hit that later declined, but it has developed a cult following for its safety and functional design. The common five-cylinder and six-cylinder engines can be durable, but ownership costs vary widely by year, engine choice, and maintenance history. Used examples offer great value, with with pricing that can be very affordable depending on condition and year.

It is important to note that the uncommon V8 model and early six-cylinder engines with internal oil issues require more scrutiny. Sticking to well-maintained examples and avoiding known problem years helps keep service costs more predictable, though transmission issues are well documented on first-generation models.

Cadillac Escalade (Third Generation, 2007–2014)

The Escalade stands out as a well-known high-end ride, based on GM’s tough full-size truck frame. It needs average upkeep for something this big - thanks to using the same V8 motor and most key parts found in the Silverado and Tahoe. While the interior feels luxurious, the underlying mechanicals are shared with GM’s full-size truck lineup.

The optional Magnetic Ride Control system adds expense because the electronically controlled dampers are costly to replace, yet the engine setup stays basic and tough. Prices on the used market change a lot; cars with more miles can go for just over ten grand, while better-kept ones sell for more.

Mercedes-Benz ML 350 (Second Generation, W164)

Though fixing a Mercedes isn't usually cheap, the W164 ML 350 from 2006 to 2011 tends to be more wallet-friendly. The M272 V6 can be durable over time, but buyers should be aware of known issues such as oil leaks and early balance-shaft or idler-gear wear on certain engines.

Performance-wise, it keeps pace with other European models while being less tech-heavy than newer luxury SUVs, though still more complex than most Japanese rivals. Because it avoids some newer complexity, repairs can be more manageable than on later Mercedes models. You’ll typically find used ones priced anywhere from $8,000 up to $16,000.

Still, drivers should know about possible oil cooler gasket drips - an expected problem needing careful fixes, yet nothing deadly. Tackling small glitches early keeps the car from facing big, pricey breakdowns down the road.

Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series, 2008-2015)

The Toyota Land Cruiser occupies a unique space in the premium SUV world, offering genuine luxury alongside legendary durability. While it was expensive when new, its reputation for reliability and overbuilt engineering makes it surprisingly reasonable to maintain compared to similarly sized European luxury SUVs. Under the hood is Toyotas 5.7-liter V8, a naturally aspirated engine known for longevity rather than cutting-edge complexity.

Despite its premium interior and advanced four-wheel-drive system, the Land Cruiser relies on proven mechanical components shared across Toyotas global truck lineup. This means parts availability is excellent and long-term ownership costs are far more predictable than those of rival luxury off-roaders. Routine maintenance and suspension wear are the primary expenses, not catastrophic drivetrain failures.

On the used market, early 200-series examples often represent strong value considering their original price and capability. For buyers who want true luxury, serious off-road competence, and a platform designed to last hundreds of thousands of miles, the Land Cruiser delivers a level of dependability that few premium SUVsat any pricecan realistically match.

Smart Money on the Used Market

2013 Lexus RX 350F — Image Credit:Lexus.

These SUVs can offer a premium driving experience without the worst-case ownership costs—especially when they share widely available parts, have predictable service schedules, and have known weak points that can be inspected upfront. Even the ‘cheaper to maintain’ options here aren’t economy vehicles, so the smartest buys are those with documented maintenance histories and proof that major issues have already been addressed.

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