Features/Opinions

SUVs are more popular now than ever, and with good reason. No vehicle gives you the same versatility that an SUV has to offer, and no car provides you with the benefits you can get with an SUV. Essentially, an SUV combines the towing capacity of a pickup truck with the roominess and cargo space of a minivan and the handling and riding luxury of a car. If you are looking to buy an SUV or any other car, you can opt for Buy Here Pay Here Car Dealers to make a satisfactory car deal for yourself. By learning the terms and language that a car salesman is slinging around, you will better understand what each model you look at has to offer.

Full-size, Mid-size, or Compact SUV – What’s the Difference?

When shopping for an SUV, you will find different market segments and sizes. SUVs are typically classified into three other size groups: full-size, mid-size, and compact. Although the vehicles within each group can vary widely, they are all similar except for their size, the number of people that they can haul, and their towing abilities. Moreover, a compact SUV will be much less pricey than a full-size or mid-size. You may also hear the word “crossover” being used about an SUV. This term describes an SUV that is more like a car than a truck.

Car or Truck-Based SUV, Which is Better?

A car-based SUV or crossover SUV, as mentioned above, is an SUV that is a lot like a car. This type of SUV handles more sharply, gets better gas mileage, is quieter, is more comfortable, and has a lot of room in its interior. On the other hand, Truck-based SUVs are heavier, sturdier, can tow more, and have enhanced mobility when off-road.

Pricing – How Much Will You Pay?

When it comes to affordability, compact SUVs offer the most bang for your buck, with some models starting at less than $20K. The base price on a mid-size or full-size SUV can vary widely, with most basic models starting around $25K and going up, up, up to the mid $40Ks. A luxury SUV, by contrast, can run as much as $100K, although some can be had in the lower $30Ks.

Fuel Economy – Getting the Most at the Pump

Another consideration for you as a driver interested in purchasing an SUV is how much fuel economy you will get. This is especially true if you must commute to work or if you like to go on road trips. The compact SUV can usually be found with a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, your choice. The mid-size SUV usually has a six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine, while nearly all full-size models are equipped with a V-8 engine. It is not uncommon for a compact SUV with a four-cylinder engine to get twenty or more miles to the gallon. Full-size SUVs may get anywhere from twelve to twenty miles to the gallon.

Safety Features to Consider

When shopping for an SUV, be sure to consider the safety features available on the SUV that you are considering purchasing. Nowadays, parking sensors, rearview camera equipment, knee airbags, and more are standard fare. Premiums brands that use high-tech electronics to warn of an impending collision and blind-spot intrusion are also excellent features to consider. Crash-test ratings are also an important thing to look at, too. These ratings can help you determine how well the SUV will be able to handle a crash.

Convenience and Luxury Add-ons

From heated seats to iPod interfaces and automatic climate control, there are a ton of different add-ons that you can get to turn your SUV into a luxury vehicle on wheels. Navigation systems, blue-tooth capabilities, and keyless start systems are just a few of the convenient and luxurious offerings that you will find at your local dealership.

Interior Space and Cabin Capacity

Most SUVs are made to carry five passengers or more. A compact SUV generally has legroom in the rear for adults, and most can be adjusted to either extend the space for carrying passengers or to cargo more cargo. Most full-size and some mid-size SUVs have the option to allow for a third-row seat.

Four-Wheel, Two Wheel, or All Wheel Drive?

Choosing a two-wheel, four-wheel, or all-wheel drive SUV is another consideration. A two-wheel drive or 2WD features a system that allows for just the front or rear wheels to provide the vehicle with power. A four-wheel drive or 4WD enable the driver to choose between either four-wheel drive with all four wheels giving control or two wheels of power when driving. An all-wheel-drive or AWD will adjust itself to automatically distribute the needed power to best suit road and driving conditions.

Operating Costs

Keep in mind that the compact SUV is smaller and lighter and has a less complex 4WD system, and therefore, fuel costs and maintenance are typically lower. Larger SUVs mean larger engines and lessened fuel economy. From an insurability standpoint, the more expensive and exotic the SUV, the more it will usually cost you to maintain insurance on the vehicle. A bigger engine does equal a bigger insurance premium.

Best Time to Buy an SUV

While some people say that there is a particular time of the year that is better than other times when it comes to buying an SUV, the truth is that there is no real difference in when you buy. If there is any truth to this old belief at all, current model year SUVs will drop in price when the newest model year is released. There is usually a big push by dealers to clear some of their existing inventory before the end of the calendar year, too, which makes the month of December a historically good time to purchase an SUV at a possible discount.

There you have it – the most important things to know before buying an SUV. Keep these things in mind when you head out shopping for your SUV, and you’re bound to get the best one for your needs!