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How to Buy the Best Used SUV

Info_lover | Jun 17, 2010 |

1 Comments | Rating: 1

As most automakers try to promote leased vehicles to consumers, the pool of quality used cars continues to grow. It can be quite economical and prudent to buy the best used SUV, but only if you do the necessary research and choose a SUV that is right for you.

1. Step 1

First of all, you must research the different types of SUVs. You should decide what suits your needs. More importantly, you have to look at factors such as performance, size, utility and ability. You can also consult one of those online SUV review websites to see consumer reviews on the best used SUVs that are worth buying. This will help you to find the best rated used SUV on the market.

2. Step 2

You should choose either a truck-based or car-based SUV. Most models are generally based on one of these two types of platforms. The car-based platform tends to be more luxurious, have better handling and is able to provide a more comfortable ride. Car-based SUVs can sometimes come in four-wheel drive, but they are not designed for the more challenging off-road situations. The truck-based platform is typically designed with more towing capacity and, in a 4-wheel drive model, can easily handle the more challenging off-road situations. That said, the handling and ride is a lot more cumbersome than that of the car-based platform.

3. Step 3

The next step will be to evaluate the transmission, engine and performance capability of the SUV. Most SUVs usually offer six-cylinder transmissions, along with a V8 capacity if required. You will also have to make a pick between a two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Depending on how you will use the vehicle, your fuel economy needs and your desired towing capacity, you should choose the engine type and power that you deem necessary.

4. Step 4

Next, you need to evaluate your space and size needs. Do you wish to buy the best used small SUV or the best used luxury SUV? Cargo capacity, seating capacity and accessibility are all important factors when choosing your SUV. When you are trying to evaluate the different SUV models, you must make sure you try to enter and exit all the seats, and attempt to fold down the seats to check on the difficulty of adjusting them. Some models may offer a split design which allows you to have one seat folded down while others may only handle one passenger.

5. Step 5

You will have to check out the safety features and track record of the SUV model that you're interested in buying. There are many SUVs which are prone to higher rollover rates than cars. Due to the size of the vehicle, many drivers tend to encounter greater difficulty in maneuvering an SUV as compared to maneuvering a car. You should check on all available features such as stability control, child latch systems, air bags, alert systems to help in parking and any other standard monitoring features which are offered.

6. Step 6

Finally, you must analyze the history of the SUV. To do this, you can purchase a Carfax report to ensure that the car hasn't been salvaged or totaled.