A second-hand luxury SUV or executive saloon can be very tempting proposition for second-hand car buyers.
While these vehicles would have been exceptionally expensive new, depreciation over subsequent years means they often become affordable used options.
Even models up to three years old can be snapped up at a fraction of their original price. As such, motorists can have the kudos and bravado of driving around in a plush premium motor without breaking the bank to buy one.
But purchasing a high-end vehicle comes with a high risk of steep repair bills, according to the latest report from used car warranty provider, Warrantywise.
It has exclusively shared with This is Money the lowest performing models in its Reliability Index over the last three years. And the ten with the most dismal scores are luxe cars that commonly suffer problems that are costly and time consuming to fix.
And the data suggests extravagant large models tend to become a headache for their owners when the cars reach around six to seven years of age and have covered 70,000 miles.
Purchasing a high-end vehicle comes with a high risk of steep repair bills, according to an exclusive report shared with us from used car warranty provider, Warrantywise
The average repair cost across the 10 lowest-scored vehicles – all of them luxury cars – is £2,051.63.
This ‘reflects the level of investment often associated with premium models,’ the policy provider said.
The data shows that emissions-related issues are the most regular repair request across these vehicles. However, electrical gremlins and suspension-related issues are also a common trait.
To put the worst performers into context, the lowest score in this year’s index is 17.2 out of 100. This compares to an 89.2 rating for the most reliable model, the Toyota Yaris.
Warrantywise uses 1.6million proprietary repair data points collated over the last three years to give an overall reliability score – ranked out of 100 – to popular cars.
Only models between three and 15 years of age are included in the report. And to score cars, at least 250 must have warranty plans in place.
Scores are based on repair frequency, average vehicle age, mileage and labour time. But while repair costs are not part of the calculation, they are provided to give motorists an idea of the burden these cars could put on their bank balances.
Antony Diggins, managing director of Warrantywise, said: ‘Many of the lowest-scoring vehicles sit in premium segments, yet they remain highly desirable for a reason.
‘The key is balancing that appeal with the reality of potential repair costs. Our data shows that price doesn’t always equal reliability, and because our Index is based purely on customer repair data, not cost, it offers a data-led view of what owners can expect.’
Here’s a countdown of the cars you might want to avoid…
The Land Rover Defender has become a sales hit for the British car maker (which is now owned by India’s Tata). However, a 28.0/100 reliability score puts it at among the worst performers
10. Land Rover Defender 110 – 28.0/100
Since the new-generation Defender launched in 2020, it has become Land Rover’s best-selling product. But it can be problematic.
Warrantywise data scored the five-door 110 variant 28.0 out of 100 based on its reliability record, saying the average costly repairs comes when the car reaches five years old and has 52,839 miles on the odometer.
While the average repair bill associated to used claims submitted over the last three years is £2,082, the highest-priced instance was £22,911.
The X7 is BMW’s biggest and most luxurious SUV. But this pricey luxury car can be expensive to keep on the road
9. BMW X7 – 26.5/100
The X7 is BMW’s biggest model to date. The enormous SUV has been the brand’s pinnacle for luxury, technology and comfort since it debuted in 2019. But it can be problematic, as suggested by its 26.5 out of 100 Warrantywise score.
Customers on average made claims on their Beemers when they reached 7.3 years old and 67,372 miles, and the average repair cost over the last three years was £1,993.
However, the biggest repair request came in at £15,935.
Land Rover’s smallest – and most affordable – model ranked eighth bottom overall in the Warrantywise Reliability Index with a score of just 24.1 out of 100
8. Land Rover Discovery Sport – 24.1/100
Half of the cars in this list are Land Rover products, which will make tough reading for the British brand, which is now owned by Indian giant Tata.
The Discovery Sport is its least expensive model. Yet older examples are suffering the same fate as its more luxurious siblings.
Costly problems tend to occur when the Disco Sport reaches 7.3 years of age and 73,368 miles. Average repair requests via warranty claims over the last three years have been £2,002, with the biggest of all ringing in at an eye-watering £44,401.
Warrantywise data collated over the last three years shows that one customer made a repair claim for a BMW X5 that was worth over £30k
7. BMW X5 – 23.6/100
The X5 is BMW’s longest-serving SUV model, having arrived over a quarter of a century ago and is now in its fourth generation. But the premium large family car doesn’t bode well for reliability, according to used warranty date.
Average repair claims are submitted when X5s reach 7.1 years old and the clocks tick to 74,646 miles, with the cost to put them right typically ringing in at £1,848.
The most expensive repair claim made in the last three years was £30,675.
Another Land Rover model to score poorly for reliability in the Warrantywise Index is the Range Rover Sport
6. Range Rover Sport – 21.1/100
The Range Rover Sport is another Land Rover model that is typically expensive to keep running once cars start to get a little longer in the tooth.
Warrantywise’s algorithm gives the SUV a reliability score of just 21.1 out of 100, putting it sixth overall in terms of the least dependable used motors.
The average repair claim from owners come when their Range Rover Sport reaches 7.1 years old and has covered 67,706 miles. Receipts to put them right work out on average at £2,003, though the biggest submitted in the last three years was for £24,708.
While the Range Rover Velar packs plenty of style, a 19.7 out of 100 reliability score from Warrantywise suggests older examples might be problematic
5. Range Rover Velar – 19.7/100
While the Range Rover Velar is an incredible svelte and stylish large premium SUV, owners of models outside of Land Rover’s new warranty period who have a used policy have been making repair claims over the last three years.
Based on repair frequency, average age (6 years), mileage (58,936) and labour time, the Velar received a lowly 19.7 reliability score from Warrantywise.
And while repair costs are not calculated into the rating, the average claim bill was for £2,218 – though the biggest in the last three years was £22,852.
As far as handsome saloon cars go, the Audi A7 is up there among the best lookers. But buy a used one at your peril, if the 19.2 out of 100 reliability index rating here is to be believed
=3. Audi A7 – 19.2/100
For those wanting a sportier look from their executive saloon car, the A7 is the elegant alternative to the more conventional A6, especially it’s swooping roofline.
But owners of models over three years old are having to turn to their used warranties to cover the cost of repairs, with the average claim for £1,862 (the largest in the last three years ringing in at £7,464).
Warrantywise’s records suggest that the stylish Audi tends to encounter problems when they reach 7.3 years and 76,760 miles on average.
The Mercedes S-Class is widely considered the pinnacle of German luxury engineering. But with tech and gadgets comes an increased potential for faults
=3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class – 19.2/100
Plenty of drivers consider the S-Class the pinnacle of German luxury. The Mercedes saloon is a popular choice for premium chauffeur firms and the long-wheel-base variants are often put to use as limos.
But with so much technology and gadgetry onboard, there is a risk of things going wrong. And a 19.2 reliability score from Warrantywise suggests this is the case for older examples.
The average repair claim is made on S-Class cars at 6.9 years of age and 73,919 miles. That said, the typical claim bill for repairs came to a relatively modest £1,971. That said, one owner in the last three years said their S-Class would cost £16,642 to put right.
An 18.7 out of 100 rating for the BMW 7 Series is another prime example of a luxury car ranking lowly for reliability
2. BMW 7 Series – 18.7/100
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ biggest competition is arguably the 7 Series BMW – an equally elite executive saloon that’s often used for limousine services.
Like its rival, generations have led the way for new technology. But expensive components and lots of gizmos mean repairs can be costly and time consuming.
Owners of used examples typically make a claim on their extended warranties at 7.1 years old and 74,162 miles. While not informing the reliability score, repair bills are on average £2,467. Though one owner since January 2023 make a claim for £17,343 to have their 7 Series fixed.
According to Warrantywise’s 2026 Reliability Index, the worst preforming used car is the Land Rover Discovery
1. Land Rover Discovery – 17.2/100
The Land Rover Discovery is one of the most capable luxury off-roaders on the market. But a Warrantywise Reliability Index score of 17.2 out of 100 is the worst of all models analysed.
Warranty claims typically come in when a Disco reaches 6.8 years of age and has covered 70,544 miles. The average bill is £2,050, though the biggest single case rang in at £25,695.
Diggins said: ‘These findings do not mean that all vehicles from any one manufacturer will experience problems. Regular servicing, preventative maintenance and appropriate use remain key factors in long-term reliability, particularly for larger, more technologically advanced vehicles.’
We also contacted JLR for comment. A spokesperson told us: ‘Quality across the entire client ownership experience is a priority for JLR. Independent data shows that our overall vehicle quality is its strongest to date, and we continue to drive further improvements.
‘JLR is committed to delivering the highest standards of quality and we work with a network of partners to deliver support and services reflective of our brands. In doing so, our clients are fully supported with warranties and service plans that protect them throughout ownership.
‘Any clients with questions or concerns about their vehicle should contact their retailer or authorised repairer for support.’