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SUVs are exceptional family vehicles, but if your primary use will be to travel around with lots of passengers, you’ve got to look for certain features to ensure you make a good purchase. Things like price, safety, and comfort are priorities, and all SUVs are certainly not equal in these categories. Consider these qualities that make for great SUV s and a few standout options in each category.
Price
Price is a priority for many families, and it should be at the forefront for you when shopping used. After all, you want to get a good deal. A few of the best-used SUVs that come in under $20,000 include:
- 2014 GMC Terrain
- 2014 Honda CR-V
- 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
These SUVs are certainly affordable, but be mindful whenever shopping for something that’s older than roughly 5-7 years. Newer SUVs have lots of exciting active and passive safety technologies, but some older SUVs only had them on certain trims or available through specific packages. This can make it hard to find older vehicles that come with things like a bird’s-eye camera or collision warning systems.
Conversely, if you don’t mind compromising on some of these newer technologies, luxury models will become affordable. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK and 2012 Cadillac SRX, for example, can be purchased for well under $20,000.
Safety
Though cutting-edge technologies like rear cross-traffic alert, rearview cameras, and intelligent cruise control are more common in newer vehicles, you can still find them in many used SUVs. Your best bet is to look at options from 2014-2018. Also, ask about trims above the base level. These come with more standard features. A few of the safest used SUVs include:
- 2014 or newer Acura MDX
- 2013 or newer Buick Enclave
- 2013 or newer Cadillac SRX
Regardless of whether you find something with newer technologies, you should check the less enticing safety features of the vehicle before you buy. Things like a comprehensive air bag system and working Latch connectors are vital for families with young children.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort for families, you’ve got to consider seating materials, interior space, and how quiet of a drive you’re getting on the highway. With these qualities in mind, the best thing you can do is head to a used car lot and take some SUVs out for a drive. Also, like safety features, more recent models are your best options if you want an exceptionally comfortable ride.
A few recent models that have stood out for their interior comfort include:
- 2016 Acura MDX
- 2016 Buick Enclave
- 2016 Ford Flex
- 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Hopefully, you’ll find a quality SUV that delivers in each of these categories. You may have to make some compromises when you buy used, so come prepared with a list of your wants and needs — and don’t skimp on the latter category. Also, let us know what your priorities are. We can recommend the best options currently available on our lot.
Check out the inventory at Rath Auto Resources NWA, and take a few of your favorites out for test drives. You can even bring the family along to help you decide!
Photo by truckhardware | Licsensed under cc BY 2.0
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