Buying a used SUV

Buying a used SUV

Choosing your used SUV: determining your needs

SUVs are fairly recent vehicles, which means the second-hand market usually has models that are in a good condition. On the other hand, being recent has a direct influence on prices: finding a cheap second-hand SUV can be difficult.

Things to consider when looking to purchase a used SUV:

• Vehicle size: We all know that SUVs are bulky. They're generally 4 to 5 metres long. This is something to consider when it comes to parking and everyday usage.
• The number of seats: with 4 to 7 seats, SUVs are fully modular. So you'll find prices vary according to the number of seats. You should also check the size of the boot.
• What equipment do you need? As with all recent vehicles, SUVs feature a range of practical tech, such as GPS, a radar, a reversing camera, assisted parking... With a bit of research, you'll find a second-hand model with a full range of tech on offer.
• 2 or 4-wheel drive? Two-wheel drive is fine for everyday use. For occasional outings in a forest or a weekend break in the mountains, you're best buying an SUV with Advanced Grip Control for better grip in difficult conditions, for example as found on a used Peugeot 3008 SUV. Opt for a 4-wheel drive, for greater safety and better handling if you live in a mountainous area.

The different categories of used SUVs 

Urban SUVs like the Renault Captur, the Citroën C3Aircross, and the Opel Mokka are perfect for city use. But don't worry, these vehicles are also designed for long journeys and are ideal for going on holiday.

Large families can comfortably fit into a Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Tiguan or the Kia Sportage, all of which are available in 7-seater versions.

As for those of you who prefer weekend adventures, opt instead for a used Mitsubishi Pajero 4 × 4, or a used Toyota Land Cruiser: both 4 × 4 SUVs at heart, designed for off-road action.

Used plug-in hybrid SUVs

The imposing size of SUVs means higher fuel consumption. To compensate for this, many manufacturers now equip their models with hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology. Hybrids are equipped with an electric motor in addition to their combustion engine, which significantly reduces the amount of fuel consumed per 100 kilometres.

The most popular hybrid SUV models include:

• The Peugeot 3008 HYBRID: this is a powerful 300 HP vehicle with an all-electric range of 59 km meaning you can take short trips around town without consuming a drop of fuel;
• The Citroën C5 AIRCROSS HYBRID: this SUV stands out thanks to its all-electric range of 55 km, coupled with a combustion engine with moderate consumption when it operates alone (less than 1.5 gallons per 60 miles);
• The DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE: a high-end SUV available in a 4-wheel drive version;
• The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: this was one of the first hybrid SUVs marketed in Europe, hitting showrooms in 2014 and with a 40km all-electric range;
• The Ford Kuga Powersplit PHEV eCVT: this SUV has a cumulative power of 225 HP combined with sporty lines and a range of 50 kilometres in all-electric mode.

Used electric SUVs

Electric SUVs have seen a boom in recent years, driven by rising fuel prices and falling battery prices. Although they're not as yet as versatile as their combustion engine equivalents, electric SUVs have plenty to offer and boast a growing number of fans. The most popular models include:

• The DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE, with a range of 320 km on normal road conditions and, above all, the high-end specs you'd expect from the DS Automobiles brand;
• The Peugeot e-2008, with a comparable autonomy and a power of 136 HP;
• The Volkswagen ID.4 which for the PRO PERFORMANCE version offers up to 520 km of autonomy (WLTP) thanks to a 77 kWh battery;
• The Kia e-Niro, with up to 204 HP and a theoretical range of over 400 km;
• The electric Hyundai Kona ;
• The Ford Mustang Mach-E ;
• The Audi Q 4 e-tron.

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How do I estimate the value of my used SUV?

The value of a used SUV depends on many factors: the general condition of the vehicle, its range, the mileage accumulated, its date of entry into service, and the asking price can all vary significantly.

Do you want to resell a used SUV like the Citroën C5Aircross, Toyota C-HR or Dacia Duster, but have no idea of its second-hand sale price? SPOTICAR is a specialist in the used vehicle market and has an online vehicle valuation tool. Enter the car's make and registration number: based on some very basic information, we can then estimate the trade-in value of your SUV.

This estimate is for information only - all you have to do is go to one of our dealers to obtain a firm trade-in offer.

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