Sport utility vehicles
It’s no wonder SUVs are among the most popular cars in America. SUVs provide room to walk and can handle adverse driving conditions and surfaces. They are the perfect vehicle for the busy family on the go. However, there are a number of SUV issues that need to be considered when purchasing any new vehicle to ensure that you are able to purchase the best SUV for you and your family.
Possible problems with SUVs
Fuel economy is always a concern when buying a new SUV. The average SUV is 33 percent less fuel efficient than the average passenger car; With rising fuel prices, that can translate into an expensive trip. For example, if you drive 15,000 miles a year with gas prices at $ 1.15 a gallon, you will end up spending $ 420 more a year on gas.
SUVs also have an unfortunate tendency to roll over during accidents. SUVs are more likely to roll over because they are much heavier than regular-care ones and ride higher, on average, 8 inches taller than passenger cars. This has likely led to higher levels of fatal crashes in SUV crashes than passenger car crashes. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that rollovers accounted for 37 percent of all fatal SUV crashes, compared to just 15 percent for passenger cars.
SUVs also tend to generate higher insurance bills, thanks to higher safety risk, higher maintenance costs, and the general popularity of SUVs. A survey showed that SUV owners would pay 5 to 19 percent more for their car insurance because they own an SUV.
Which SUV is best for you and your family?
How do you choose the best SUV from the more than 80 different SUV models available for sale in the United States? The first step is to identify whether you want a small or full-size SUV, and whether you will be content with a basic model or if you want to go all out for a luxury model. Finding the perfect SUV is as much about finding a vehicle that your pocketbook is comfortable with as it is about finding a vehicle that you are comfortable driving with.
As with buying any type of car, the most important step in buying an SUV is research. You need to come to the car park prepared, or the salespeople will be able to sell you something you don’t really need or want. When you finish your research before you start looking for cars, you can find out what extras and options you really need. So, read consumer magazines, search current drivers’ message boards, ask friends and family. It’s only once you’ve done your research and have a general idea of what you’re looking for that you can start looking at cars.
You must make sure that you are absolutely comfortable with the SUV; there are many models available to you as a consumer so you don’t have to be content because you are not really excited about owning. Take your time and ask lots of questions about its fuel economy and safety features. If the salesperson doesn’t have the answers you like or need, go elsewhere.
Of course, before you sign any agreement to pay for the SUV, be sure to give it a try. If you plan to take the SUV off-road, ask the salesperson to take you somewhere where you can test this functionality. If you’re buying the SUV to take the bumpy ride down your cabin driveway, you’re not going to fully experience what that ride will be like by taking a smooth, straight road down the highway.