How to Pick an SUV

Larger SUVs can hold more cargo and people, but they also cost more.

You shouldn't take your potential SUV purchase lightly. Buying a vehicle costs a lot of money, and you need to make sure you choose one that best fits your needs. An SUV is often ideal if you have a family or if you want a vehicle that can haul cargo or handle adverse driving conditions. SUVs are popular among car buyers, and manufactures have capitalized on this by offering several different SUV models, so you'll have a variety of vehicles to choose from.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want a small SUV or a large SUV. If you have a very large family with over five people, then you're going to need a larger SUV. If your family size is less than five, then you can probably settle with a smaller SUV, which means you won't spend as much on the initial purchase cost and the vehicle will typically get better gas mileage. Smaller SUVs typically cost less to insure than larger SUVs as well.

2. Look at hybrid SUVs. A hybrid SUV is better for the environment than a gasoline- or diesel-powered powered SUV, and you'll save on gas mileage too.

3. Visit safecar.gov to look at the government's crash test ratings for the SUV you're considering purchasing. Your safety while on the road is important to consider regardless of what vehicle you're purchasing, but it's especially important when choosing an SUV due to an SUV's tendency to roll. The government's crash test ratings range from one star to five stars, with five being the best. Each SUV is graded on front, side and rollover crash ratings.

4. Decide if you want to buy new or used. Used SUVs are obviously going to cost less, but the vehicle may need replacement parts and will come with wear and tear that a new SUV doesn't have. Newer SUVs generally have better gas mileage as well, but if money is on your mind, then you may want to consider skipping the new technology and features and settle with an older model.

5. Consider the power you need and want. Most SUVs come standard with a six-cylinder engine, which is usually perfect for day-to-day driving. If you need more power for towing boats and campers, then you're probably going to want to buy an SUV with a V8 engine. The V8 engine provides better acceleration and more power but reduces the vehicle's gas mileage.

6. Look at whether the SUV comes equipped with four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or real-wheel drive. Real-wheel-drive SUVs are at a considerable disadvantage when it comes to their four-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive counterparts. Real-wheel drive does not perform well in bad weather and is absolutely not useful for an off-road vehicle. Four-wheel drive will perform better in off-road conditions than all-wheel drive but otherwise will perform similar to all-wheel drive in bad driving conditions, such as snow and heavy rain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you buy from a private seller, always ensure that the SUV is in good shape by taking it to your mechanic before buying it.

• Look at several dealerships before making a final decision. Two dealerships may offer the same SUV, but the first dealerships may have the vehicle marked down by an additional $2,000.

References

• Cars: Things to Consider When Choosing an SUV
• Buying Advice: How to Choose the Right SUV
• Edmunds: What You Should Know Before Buying an SUV

Resources

• Safe Car: Safety Ratings