SUV's are popular and more and more used car buyers are looking towards the used sports utility vehicle. There are many reasons drivers prefer this vehicle
type: roominess, control and the power. SUVs offer great versatility, from an everyday commuter, to a family vehicle, to a heavy duty work
vehicle. They also provide weekend fun for those who like an adventure and off-road experience. They come in many shapes and sizes,
and used SUV prices have a wide range.
Before Purchasing a Used SUV, Do some Research
Online is a great place to start. There are many sites that have reviews, both from professionals and owners. If there have been
any significant problems with the model and make of SUV you are looking at, you will find plenty of evidence online.
A Certified, Pre-Owned SUV is a Great Option
The certification means that the used SUV has had a multi-point inspection, and any problems have been corrected before the vehicle
appears on the lot. It is very important to view the certification qualifications to see what is covered, as they vary greatly.
Get a Used SUV that Still Has its Warranty
Find a used SUV that still has a remainder of its original warranty left, this means less than three years old in most cases. Also, make
sure the warranty is transferable to a new owner.
Run a CARFAX Report
Once you are looking at a specific vehicle, run a CARFAX report on the VIN, which is easily located at the base of the windshield on a stamped
piece of metal. A report costs around $25 and provides thorough history of the used SUV. It would include any past accidents,
recalls, or flood damage, and is well worth the money.
Independent Evaluate Used Car
Before you sign any paperwork, have the vehicle evaluated by an independent mechanic. These professionals will notice problems that are not
apparent to others. If the dealer refuses to allow you to have an off-site appraisal, go elsewhere, as this is proof of an untrustworthy
dealership.
Request to Look at the Service Records
A well maintained used SUV will have paperwork outlining maintenance, if it is not provided, this
is a red flag.
The Best Used SUVs
There are many sizes and options for used sports utility vehicles. The following models consistently rank well and score high in
performance tests.
Subaru Forester
This fits in the "small" SUV category. The Forester comes with Subaru's typical All
Wheel Drive and offers a lower center of balance than
bigger SUVs. This feature makes for great road handling, but limits off-road use. There is a turbocharged 230 horsepower 2.5 Liter
four-cylinder engin option. This version is more than capable of handling a small off-road adventure. The Forester is a great option
for those looking for safety and variety in a used SUV.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is a used SUV that has been able to offer a great balance between on- and off-road performance. It is
available in 2- and 4-wheel drive models, and it features a standard 4.0 Liter V-6 that produces 270 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of
torque. The means the Pathfinder has decent towing abilities, and makes for, not only an everyday vehicle, but also a workhorse for weekend
projects and adventures. The interior is comfortable, with plenty of head and legroom. It also has great storage compartments and
amenities.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4 Runner is a classic SUV crossover, and makes the perfect used car, as it has been in production for over twenty years. The
4 Runner gives off the typical Toyota rugged dependability. It excels in both on and off road, and has a low depreciation rate in its value
– a better chance at getting your worth at trade-in time. The 4Runner will have no problem towing something as big as a camper, with a 4.7
Liter V-8 engine, 260 horsepower, and 306 pound-feet of torque. A quick note though, if you are looking for extra passenger and cargo
space, the 4 Runner does lag slightly in this category, but this is about all that can be said about the downsides of the Toyota 4
Runner.
Honda Pilot
The Pilot SUV follows its Honda name with their traditional reliability. This is one used SUV that leads in fuel efficiency. The
reason for this is that it comes with a unique technology called the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system. This allows the used
SUV to automatically alternate the 3.5-liter V-6 engine between 6- and 3-cylinder modes. The pilots also consistently gets excellent reviews from
owners and industry assessors and retains a high value years down the road.
Final Thoughts
There are so many SUVs manufacturers and models on the market, that there is a swath of used SUVs available. Theses models excell as used vehicles and are worth checking out.