What can you buy today for 1.5 million rubles? If we talk about new cars, the choice will be limited, for example, Lada Iskra. But is it possible to find a premium car for this money, even if it is used?
Among premium cars, there are many options within 1.5 million rubles. But will such a purchase be a wise investment or will it turn into an expensive mistake?
We have selected four of the most interesting models and will tell you what to pay attention to when buying, and which modifications are best avoided.
BMW X1
For 1.5 million rubles, you can find a well-preserved first-generation BMW X1 (E84 body) from 2012–2014. The engine range is wide, but two variants are more common on the market:
- Gasoline N46, two-liter, 150 hp, rear-wheel drive. The main problems are high thermal load, rapid wear of seals and the need for careful monitoring of the cooling system. It is important to check the operation of the Valvetronic system and the absence of leaks.
- Diesel N47, two-liter, with all-wheel drive. The main weakness is the resource of the timing chain, the replacement of which requires removing the engine.
The ZF 6HP gearbox is designed for the entire service life, but to extend the service life, it is recommended to change the oil every 60 thousand km and simultaneously flush or change the filter, which comes with a plastic pan.
Volvo S80
The second-generation sedan (2012-2014) is another option in this price range. The two most common five-cylinder engines are:
- Gasoline T5 – the most reliable, with proper maintenance runs 400-500 thousand km. The weak point is the clutches of the variable valve timing system, which are changed after 200-220 thousand km.
- The D5 diesel with a volume of 2.4 liters is also quite reliable, but requires regular flushing of radiators and high-quality fuel.
The six-speed automatic Aisin is reliable, but sensitive to the cleanliness and cooling of the oil, which should be changed every 60 thousand km.
Lexus RX
Lexus is distinguished by high liquidity, so the RX crossover within 1.5 million rubles will be the second generation (2007-2008). The 3.5-liter gasoline V6 produces 276 hp, which is reflected in the tax.
If you hear a knock when starting the engine, this is a characteristic sound of the VVT-i system clutches, it does not affect the service life. It is important to check the radiator, which does not tolerate cold well and can lose its tightness. The automatic transmission and rear axle coupling are generally reliable, but slight jolts are possible when shifting from second to third gear – this is not a breakdown, but a feature of the setup.
Mercedes-Benz GLK
The GLK will be a little older than the BMW X1 and Volvo S80. For 1.5 million, you can find a restyled 2012 model, more often with a 2.1-liter turbodiesel (OM651). The engine is reliable, but requires attention to the water pump (leaks are possible after 100 thousand km) and is sensitive to the quality of fuel due to piezo injectors.
The seven-speed automatic 7G-Tronic needs diagnostics – there are frequent problems with the control board of the valve block, as well as wear of the bearing of the axle going from the transfer case to the front gearbox.
There are also gasoline versions with a turbo engine M274, for which it is important to check the valve timing adjustment system – the resource of the phase shifters can be exhausted after 100 thousand km.
