The Ultimate SUV Buying Guide

One of the most popular types of cars today are SUVs or sports utility vehicles. These types of vehicles are favored by many buyers because of their size, height, built, improved road ability, and many other convincing reasons. While generally more expensive than a sedan, an SUV is a great choice particularly for bigger families who need to have all that available space.

Because SUVs are big with potential car owners, many car brands are regularly coming up with new models almost every year. This means that as soon as you actively start your search for one, you’re going to find SUVs in lots of colors, with varying features and prices. So, if you don’t know what it is you’re specifically looking for in an SUV, you may just wind up feeling even more confused as to which vehicle to go for.

For that reason, it pays to strengthen your knowledge first on SUVs and what it takes to buy one, so you’re prepared to finally close that deal. Before heading out to start your search for an SUV, go through this guide and equip yourself with all the right information.

Always Look Around The Showroom

Say, you’ve already planned out a car to buy. No matter how keen you are on purchasing that SUV, take the time to look around the showroom first from dealers like Lum’s Auto Center. You may find other possible SUV models that you may have never considered buying, but now actually grabs your fancy.

There are so many different SUV models such as GS3 Power out on the market these days that you shouldn’t constrain yourself to only one model. Give yourself at least three to five options, so you’ll be certain that the car you’re choosing is, in fact, the best one for your needs and preferences.

Check Through The Drivability

If you’re used to driving a sedan, then you should be prepared with the different feel of driving an SUV. Compared to a sedan, you could expect the drive to be quite ponderous, given the SUV’s larger proportions and higher ride. The difference is easily something you’ll definitely get used to, but at least do a test drive to see how smooth the SUV goes.

Moreover, when assessing the drivability, be sure to check for the squat or dive ability under strong braking and acceleration, together with its safety rating. The SUV you’ll choose should have a fast response ability, all road circumstances considered.

Make Sure You’ll Get To Enjoy The Benefits Of An SUV

The SUV is growing to be one of the most popular car types in the world because of the many benefits that owning one comes with. So, before making the final decision and closing that deal, make sure that you’ll be buying an SUV that’ll let you enjoy the advantages it promises to deliver

Some of the top benefits you can enjoy by having an SUV are:

  • Ride height. When you do your test drive, assess the drive height to verify that it’s taller than a sedan. Being inside an SUV should enable you to see more of the road.
  • All-weather grip. Many modern and new SUVs today also have front-wheel drive (FWD) in their base configuration, on top of the all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive option. The presence of this FWD configuration should be another advantage, as it’ll significantly improve your car’s wet weather and cold configuration.
  • Cargo space. Compared to a sedan, an SUV also has more cargo space. This is undeniably one of the most favored benefits of owning an SUV. However, not all SUVs are the same, as there are those with even more cargo space than others. Your chosen cargo space size should only be relative to your need. Don’t feel too pressured to get the biggest one out there, especially if you know you won’t be able to make good use of it. Remember that extremely huge SUVs also come with cons, such as that innate difficulty to park.

If you have a big family and you’re the type to travel or go on outings very frequently, that’s when you’ll definitely need to have a big cargo space to accommodate everything     you’ll be bringing with you.

Compare From Among The Different Types OF SUVs

Modern SUVs today come in different types, usually classified because of their size. These include:

Subcompact SUV

This is one of the fastest growing SUV types, and which is usually slightly taller compared to other similarly sized subcompact cars. Because they’re smaller SUVs, subcompact SUVs are easier to park and drive around as they eat up less space.

With subcompact SUVs, however, you have to be more realistic with your expectations. Such types don’t usually have a serious off-road capability and have a smaller cargo volume.

Small SUV

These SUVs are even smaller than the subcompact ones close in size to the sedan, although slightly bigger. If you’re concerned about fuel efficiency, most of these types also have electric options and other fuel-efficient features.

Midsized SUV

A midsized SUV is usually referred to as the perfect family car. This type of SUV offers the best balance of good and roomy interior space, safety ratings, and enough cargo space. Many midsized SUVs also come with three rows, which turns out to be an even bigger advantage for families.

Large SUV

As its name implies, this is the bigger SUV type. It’s big and bulky, and can also be fuel-thirsty. However, it also comes with a lot of interior space, towing capacity, and lots of power, too.

Double-Check The Visibility

Yes, you’re obviously going to see more of the road when you’re driving an SUV, compared to smaller vehicles. The commanding view of the road is definitely a major plus. But, don’t get too caught up with road visibility to the point of forgetting everything that’s around your vehicle.

For instance, some SUV styles may have windows that could obstruct your vision of tiny vehicles on the side, or certain parts of the road, especially in tight spaces. Most SUVs, however, also come with a sophisticated 360-degree camera view to compensate for that obstructed view. Be very prudent with your choice such that your car’s style won’t get in the way of its function.

Remember That Oversized Vehicles Also Mean Extra Money

The expense of buying an SUV isn’t just upon the initial sticker or purchase price itself. This would also include the cost of maintenance or replacement. Thus, before being set out on buying an SUV, be very certain that an SUV really is something you can afford to buy and maintain. It shouldn’t take a toll on your budget or savings.

Keep the extra costs in mind, so you won’t fall into a pothole of financial woes. If you’re certain that an SUV is something you and your family can afford, then that’s when you should be feeling utterly confident about getting an SUV.

Style Matters Only If It’s Important To You

SUVs come in a huge variety of styles. Your final choice, however, should boil down to your personal preference. Many SUV buyers go the practical route of choosing one based on its function. But, there are also those who let their heart and emotions decide that they select according to style.

There are boxier SUVs, if that’s what you’re after. Likewise, there are also curvy, sportier ones, if such is what you fancy instead.

Be Keen About Seating Capacity

Seating capacity matters only to those buyers who are looking for an SUV as their family car. If you’ve already decided on your second child as your last child, then you’ll do fine with a smaller SUV with a five-seater capacity. The cargo space would also then be enough for your needs.

However, if a growing family is in the books and you’re thinking of at least three children, then the seven- to eight-seater SUV would be the better choice. Do note that the cargo space can then become limited when you use the third-row seats, so you have to be aware of this difference.

Cabin Comfort Matters As Well

The last thing you’d want is to eventually itch to re-sell your SUV simply because you realize it’s not as comfortable as you initially thought it would be. Cabin comfort matters a lot, especially for those longer road trips.

Try the seats in every row before buying. Better yet, bring along your family with you as well. See how easy it is to get in and out of every row, or how far you can stretch your legs, for example, without feeling too cramped.

Final Thoughts

If shopping for a new SUV is in the books, you should be very prepared for it before closing that deal. While SUVs are already a specific vehicle type in itself, this isn’t to say that you won’t have so many different options to look through. A well-founded preparation and research process can help ensure you’re making the best choice. The guide above should be a good enough starting point for your fact-gathering process. When it’s time to finally walk in the first dealership you may be shopping from, you’d now have that new-found confidence that’ll help you get an SUV that fits your requirements to a T.