Cheap SUVs: 6 Steps for a Better Deal

Cheap SUVs

: 6 Steps for a Better Deal

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Finding cheap SUVs can be an adventure. SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) have captured a large part of the automobile market over the past twenty years. Since their inclusion in the automobile industry, SUVs have advanced greatly in terms of handling, capability (both on and off-road), safety ratings and performance. If you are in the market for a used SUV, following these steps may help you make the right decision when searching for an SUV at a good price.

  1. Do some brainstorming: Figure out what purpose you want your SUV to serve (carrying passengers, cargo, etc.) and then determine the general size vehicle that you think you will need. There are compact-SUVs (e.g. Honda CR-V), midsize-SUVs (e.g. Ford Explorer) and full-size-SUVs (e.g. Chevrolet Suburban) available. Most SUV's are available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models, so determine whether or not you need the extra capability of a four-wheel-drive system.

  2. Research different brands: If you have had a good experience with a certain previous brand, first check out what other models they have to offer. If you are in the market for a new brand, choose and compare three or four similar models from different manufacturers.

  3. Go to a dealership and set up test drives: After having chosen a few different models that interest you, locate a new or used car dealership and test drive each of your choices to get more acclimated with them. After you have driven all of your possible selections, make a list of what you did and did not like about each of the vehicles.

  4. Compare prices: Once you have found the SUV that best suits your needs, visit a few different dealerships and compare the advertised prices on each vehicle. Keep in mind that sometimes new car dealerships tend to price their used vehicles higher than used car dealerships.

  5. Before you buy: It's always smart to check out a vehicle's history, and can be done so through a variety of different methods (i.e., a CARFAX report) to ensure the SUV has a clean title. Major repairable damage such as water damage, fire damage or an accident will show up on such a report.

  6. Buy with confidence: Most dealerships will offer some sort of warranty that covers the vehicle's drivetrain for the first few months or few thousand miles once you purchase the SUV. Even if this service is offered, it's always a good idea to visually inspect the car thoroughly with a representative or salesperson from the dealer before signing the final paperwork.

Buying a used SUV is a great way to get on (or off) the road, and if you follow these steps you'll have a much more successful and pleasant buying experience.

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