How To Buy A Used SUV

HOW TO BUY A USED SUV 

Once reserved for a niche audience, SUVs are now accessible to all. Well-suited for both the town and countryside, they are now selling like hotcakes. Their top advantages? A strong silhouette, a driving position which allows you to dominate the road and impressive interior space, the perfect car for travelling as a family or for a holiday getaway.  

HOW TO CHOOSE A USED SUV 

SUVs are fairly new vehicles, which means that the second-hand market generally has lots of models in a good state of repair. On the other hand, as they are so new, this has a direct bearing on the price: finding a used SUV that doesn’t cost a fortune isn’t easy.  

That’s why it’s essential you work out what you’re going to use your future car for. Use the following tips to help you decide:  

• Size 

No surprises here, SUVs are big. They generally measure between 4 and 5 metres. You’ll need to take this into account when it comes to parking.  

• Number of seats 

Ranging from 4 to 7 seaters, SUVs are very adaptable. The price also varies according to the number of seats. If you’ll need storage space, check the boot size too. 

• Equipment 

Like all newer vehicles, SUVs come with several practical options such as Sat Nav, a rear-view radar or camera and park assist. With a little bit of research, you could buy a used model with a full set of equipment.  

• 2- or 4-wheel drive 

2-wheel drives are perfectly sufficient for day-to-day use. For occasional trips to the forest or the country at the weekend, pick an SUV with Advanced Grip Control which ensures better grip in difficult driving conditions, for example, a used Peugeot 3008 SUV. Opt for a 4-wheel drive model for increased safety and better grip on the road if you live in a hilly area. 

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WHICH TYPE OF USED SUV SHOULD I BUY?  

Urban SUVs like the Renault Captur, the Citroën C3 Aircross and even the Vauxhall Mokka are perfect for driving around town. Not to worry though, these vehicles are also designed for long journeys and are ideal for heading off on holiday.  

Large families might prefer a used Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Togan or Kia Sportage, as these are all available as 7-seaters.  

As for Sunday adventurers, a 4X4 used Mitsubishi Pajero or a Toyota Land Cruiser both make great choices: 4X4 SUVs at heart but able to go anywhere.