SUVs are a popular choice for many people because they can handle different types of terrain and weather conditions. While this is true, there are still other factors to consider before making the jump from your sedan to an SUV (if that’s the case as it stands).
But if you’re in the market to buy your first SUV, there are a lot of things to consider. There is more than just gas mileage and price point that goes into buying an SUV. We want to help you find the perfect vehicle for you by giving some tips on what questions to ask before making your purchase!
5 Factors to Consider When Buying an SUV
1. Price
This is the primary factor that should be considered before purchasing an SUV. Do not just look at one price tag and decide to buy it without knowing what you are getting into.
In many cases, a used car may have more value for your money since buying new comes with additional costs such as taxes and registration fees. On top of this, new cars depreciate quickly as soon as you purchase them.
So, if you are looking for a car that will not lose its value over time and is of good quality then used cars can be the best option. However, this is entirely subjective to your preference and budget.
2. MPG (Miles Per Gallon) Rating
Driving your daily commute with an SUV that gets less than 18/26 mpg can be very expensive. You are burning more money on fuel compared to a sedan or even a few other SUVs in its class. Also, some of the higher-end SUVs are not that much more expensive than other vehicles in their class.
Ensure you highly consider the MPG rating of the SUV and if your wallet can handle it without feeling inconvenienced.
3. Handling/Performance
Suv’s have a high center of gravity so it is important to consider how well the vehicle handles on-road, off-road and while driving through rough conditions.
The size of the SUV also needs to be considered because larger SUVs will typically have a more powerful engine and in turn, will be able to tow larger trailers. If you are looking for an SUV that can go off-roading often then consider one with higher ground clearance.
4. Interior Cargo Space/Seating Capacity
When it comes to SUVs the two most important factors are interior space and seating capacity. An SUV with a good amount of cargo space and seating capacity, especially in the second row, will be able to accommodate your passengers for road trips.
The back rows are usually always cramped so it is important to consider how many people you typically have riding along before buying an SUV.
5. Safety
Safety should be one of the key factors to consider when purchasing an SUV. Some of the top safety features you should look for are:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – This feature helps drivers maintain control over their vehicles during accidental maneuvers by braking at individual wheels to prevent skidding and keep your vehicle on track.
- Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) – This feature prevents the wheels from locking while braking under hard or emergency conditions.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – This system alerts you when your tire pressure is low, which could be dangerous if not fixed quickly.
- Traction Control System (TCS) – This feature helps drivers maintain traction to the road by controlling the torque delivered to individual wheels.
At the end of the day, you should purchase an SUV that best suits your needs.
