Za Rulem names seven used SUVs under 2 million rubles considered the most durable

Seven models focused on durability

The magazine Za Rulem (Behind the Wheel) has published a roundup of seven all-wheel-drive vehicles with mileage up to 250,000 km that can be bought on the secondary market for no more than 2 million rubles. The selection criteria were a spacious interior, off-road capability, and an affordable price. The list includes the BMW X5 (E70), Honda Pilot, Kia Mohave, Land Rover Discovery, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander (XU40), and Volkswagen Touareg.

Prices and specifics of each model

The BMW X5 (E70) is offered from 1.8 million rubles with mileage under 200,000 km; the main drawback is expensive upkeep: replacing two suspension arms is estimated at 350,000 rubles. The preferred engine is the 3.0 N57 diesel (245 hp), which needs EGR and particulate filter cleaning every 100,000 km, and timing chain replacement by 200,000 km. The Honda Pilot costs 1.5–2 million rubles with mileage of 200,000–250,000 km: the naturally aspirated 3.5 V6 (249 hp) is rated for 300,000 km, the PN3A automatic works flawlessly, but owners usually deactivate the VCM cylinder-deactivation system, and the suspension requires attention along with expensive parts. The body-on-frame Kia Mohave with the 3.0 diesel (250 hp) is available from 1.7 million rubles with mileage up to 200,000 km; the A8TR1 automatic lasts up to 300,000 km, but the weak point is corrosion of the frame, hood, and windshield frame, so underbody anti-corrosion treatment is needed.

The Brits, the Japanese, and the roundup's 'benchmark'

The Land Rover Discovery with a diesel and mileage of about 150,000 km costs 1.5–1.8 million rubles: it has permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range gearbox and good anti-corrosion protection, but the 2.7 and 3.0 diesels are prone to bearing shell wear with the risk of crankshaft failure; leaks, finicky fuel systems, and expensive drive belts are also possible. The Nissan Pathfinder can be had for up to 1.5 million rubles with mileage of about 150,000 km: it is a body-on-frame SUV with 2.5 (190 hp) and 3.0 (231 hp) diesels rated for 350,000–400,000 km; with frequent oil changes the Jatco automatics last 300,000–350,000 km, but ball joints need replacement every 50,000 km, and the electrics become glitchy with age. The Toyota Highlander (XU40) for 1.6–1.8 million rubles with mileage of 150,000–200,000 km is offered only with the 3.5 gasoline V6 (273 hp), which lasts over 350,000 km; the U151F automatic is described as 'indestructible,' the suspension has no weak points, and in Za Rulem's opinion it is the reliability benchmark of the roundup. Rounding out the list is the Volkswagen Touareg: nearly half of the listings fall within 2 million rubles, and for 1.5 million you can find cars with mileage up to 150,000 km; the 3.6 engine (249 hp) and the 3.0 diesels (204/245 hp) are reliable provided the injectors and EGR are cleaned, and the AL1000 automatic lasts 350,000 km.

What this gives the buyer

The value of the roundup lies not in the list of models itself but in its tie-in to specific mileages, prices, and typical expenses: for each vehicle it states what service life the engine and gearbox are designed for and which components will require investment. Thus, with a similar budget, the difference between the models is significant: for the Highlander and Touareg the problem areas mainly relate to EGR and injector maintenance, for the Mohave to corrosion, for the Discovery and Pathfinder to the risk of spun bearing shells, while for the X5 even minor suspension repairs run into hundreds of thousands of rubles. The article relies on the assessments of a single publication and is not an independent verification of the condition of specific vehicles: the actual condition of a used car always depends on its service history. Earlier, Za Rulem also published a roundup of the best budget sedans with mileage.