Purchasing a used SUV helps you own a safer and larger vehicle without spending a fortune. But, buying the wrong used SUV could cost you a lot of money over time. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things that you need to keep in mind while shopping.
Check for Flood Damage
If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s important that you check whether the used SUV you’re considering buying has had undeclared flood damage. Usually, flood damage is rather difficult to spot with the naked eye and will only become obvious once you start driving your SUV. Given this, it’s a good idea to get the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic for an unbiased assessment.
Look Out for Odometer Fraud
If the SUV you want to purchase is pretty old but still shows a substantially low number of miles on the odometer, you should be wary. The problem is that a number of car sellers turn back the odometer, so it looks like the vehicle hasn’t been driven around too much.
Work Out the Maintenance Costs
Purchasing a used SUV can help you reduce your monthly loan payments or even purchase the car outright if you have enough savings. While this may seem great, keep in mind that you’ll still need to get the vehicle serviced regularly. And, the older the vehicle is, the more issues it is likely to have. So, it’s important that you work out whether you can afford the maintenance and repairs especially as the vehicle starts to age.
Understand Just how Much Space You Need
When buying a used SUV, it can seem tempting to buy a model that’s really large. But, if you’re going to be driving solo most of the time or just have a couple of kids, you probably don’t need a large 7-seater SUV. Before you start looking for SUVs, make sure to first consider your needs. Although a larger vehicle may seem tempting right now, opt for a smaller one if that’s all you need. You’ll end up saving a lot of money on fuel, and the vehicle is going to be a lot easier to handle and drive.