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13 mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV

13 mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV

Buyers often find it challenging to select an SUV, given the host of options. However, when buying the best SUV, there are some common pitfalls that many individuals may unknowingly stumble upon. One can confidently navigate the SUV market by conducting research, prioritizing practicality, and staying focused on individual needs. There are also some common mistakes buyers should steer clear of when purchasing an SUV. These are mentioned below:

1. Neglecting research on fuel efficiency
One of the classic oversights when buying an SUV is neglecting to check its fuel efficiency. SUVs, known for their versatility and spacious interiors, can vary significantly in fuel consumption. Buyers must consider the balance between power and fuel economy, ensuring that the chosen SUV doesn’t become a gas-guzzler, causing unexpected budget strains down the road.

2. Overlooking size and maneuverability
The allure of a spacious SUV can sometimes cloud judgment when it comes to practicality. One common mistake is overlooking the size and maneuverability of the SUV in various settings, especially urban environments. A huge SUV might be challenging to park and navigate through tight spaces, making it crucial for buyers to assess their daily commuting needs and ensure the chosen vehicle fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.

3. Ignoring long-term ownership costs
An SUV’s price tag doesn’t tell the whole story. Many buyers make the mistake of solely focusing on the upfront cost and overlooking long-term ownership expenses. Maintenance, insurance, and potential repairs can significantly impact the overall SUV cost. Buyers should factor in these long-term costs to make a more informed decision about the financial commitment associated with their chosen vehicle.

4. Falling for unnecessary features
SUVs often come with an array of enticing features, from high-tech infotainment systems to advanced driver-assistance technologies. However, falling for unnecessary features that may never be used can lead to overspending. Buyers should prioritize features that align with their actual needs and daily activities, steering clear of the temptation to opt for extravagant add-ons that might inflate the price without enhancing the driving experience.

5. Neglecting test drives
In the digital age, online research provides a wealth of information, but nothing substitutes the hands-on experience of a test drive. Neglecting this crucial step is a common mistake. Test drives allow buyers to evaluate the SUV’s handling, comfort, and overall feel, ensuring that the chosen vehicle aligns with their driving preferences. Taking the time for a test drive is an investment that pays dividends in terms of long-term satisfaction.

6. Disregarding safety ratings
Safety should be paramount when purchasing any vehicle, yet some buyers need to pay more attention to safety ratings. SUVs vary in terms of safety features and crash test performance. Researching and prioritizing safety ratings can help buyers choose an SUV equipped with the necessary features to protect themselves and their passengers on the road.

7. Focusing solely on brand reputation
While brand reputation is essential, relying solely on it can lead to overlooking other suitable options. Each manufacturer produces a range of SUV models with distinct characteristics. Buyers should broaden their research and consider individual models rather than solely relying on the reputation of a particular brand. This ensures a more tailored selection based on specific preferences and needs.

8. Forgetting about resale value
The resale value of an SUV is a factor that often slips through the cracks during the excitement of a purchase. Some buyers neglect to consider how well the vehicle retains its value over time. Assessing resale value is crucial for those who plan to upgrade or switch vehicles in the future, as it directly impacts the return on their investment.

9. Underestimating storage needs
SUVs are renowned for their cargo space, but underestimating one’s storage needs is a common pitfall. Buyers should consider their lifestyle and the items they frequently transport. A vehicle with ample storage capacity ensures that the SUV meets practical needs, whether hauling sports equipment, luggage, or other sizable items.

10. Succumbing to pressure at the dealership
The dealership environment can sometimes induce pressure on buyers to make hasty decisions. Succumbing to this pressure is a mistake. Buyers should take their time, thoroughly examine the terms, and negotiate when necessary. Being informed and patient in the buying process ensures that the final decision is aligned with their preferences and financial considerations.

11. Ignoring off-road capabilities
Not all SUVs are created equal when it comes to off-road capabilities. Some buyers mistakenly assume that all SUVs can handle off-road adventures with ease. It’s crucial to evaluate the vehicle’s intended use and choose an SUV with the appropriate off-road features, such as four-wheel drive, advanced suspension systems, and underbody protection. Ignoring this consideration may disappoint those seeking an SUV for rugged outdoor pursuits.

12. Overlooking insurance costs
Insurance costs vary significantly between SUV models, depending on the vehicle’s safety features, theft rates, and repair costs. Some buyers make the mistake of overlooking insurance considerations until after the purchase. Obtaining insurance quotes for potential SUV choices is advisable during the decision-making process. This proactive approach ensures that the chosen SUV aligns with the buyer’s budget for ongoing ownership costs.

13. Dismissing maintenance and repair accessibility
The accessibility of maintenance and repair services for a particular SUV model is a factor that buyers sometimes underestimate. Some models may have limited service centers or specialized parts, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs and longer downtime during repairs. Evaluating the availability of service centers and the cost of spare parts in the buyer’s location is crucial to avoid inconvenient surprises and ensure a smoother ownership experience.

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Safest SUVs of 2023 and Their Exciting Features

Owing to their versatility and utility for multiple purposes, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have become popular in recent years. SUVs are known for their increased interior space, improved towing capacity, and off-road capabilities compared to traditional cars. However, along with the surging demand for such vehicles, their safety attributes have become a decisive factor among automobile enthusiasts looking for a purchase. Read further to know some of the safest SUVs and their safety features. Importance of safety in SUVs Like any purchase, automobile buyers must be mindful of the safety features of the SUV they plan to bring home. Such vehicles are bigger, taller, and heavier than regular cars. They also come with a higher COG (center of gravity) and are more prone to rollovers. Safe SUVs to check out Dodge Durango The Dodge Durango has several safety features to protect the passengers, including electronic stability control, a backup camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Other perks of the SUV include rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane departure warnings, advance brake assist, and more. If you want to buy a Dodge Durango and benefit from its safety features, visit the nearby local Dodge dealer, who can provide detailed information on the safety systems and other attributes. Jeep Grand Cherokee The Jeep Grand Cherokee is built to offer a safe and secure driving experience. The SUV has several standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and a rearview camera. In addition, the Grand Cherokee is equipped with advanced airbag systems and electronic stability control to protect passengers in the event of an accident. Visit the Jeep Grand Cherokee dealership near you to learn more about the safety features of the SUV. Solterra EV The Solterra EV promises to be a safe and reliable electric SUV for drivers seeking a sustainable transportation option. The model promises advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Besides, the Solterra EV will feature Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to provide drivers with extra safety. For more information on the Solterra EV CUV prices and availability, visit your local dealership. Besides these models, one can also check out brands like Volvo. The carmaker's certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle inventory comprises some fascinating models. A CPO vehicle is a pre-owned automobile that is properly inspected and backed by the manufacturer's or dealer's warranty. Besides these SUVs, one can also check out the pickup trucks mentioned below due to their exceptional safety attributes. Ram 1500 The new Ram 1500 has various safety features focusing on passenger protection. They include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. To experience the safety features of the new Ram 1500, visit the Ram dealership near you and find Ram 1500 models available for test drives. You can also shop for new Ram 1500 build options and explore the various safety packages for the SUV. The automobile has other promising features, including six airbags, a high-strength steel frame, and pedestrian emergency braking.  Toyota Tacoma The truck has various safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. This vehicle also has various airbags throughout the cabin, including side-curtain airbags, to protect passengers during a collision. To learn more about the safety features of the Toyota Tacoma, visit the dealership near you. Toyota Hilux The Toyota Hilux has several advanced safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Hilux includes a range of airbags throughout the cabin, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect passengers during a collision. These advanced safety features make the Toyota Hilux popular for drivers seeking a dependable and safe pickup truck. Things to consider while choosing the safest SUVs Crash test ratings Many organizations, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), provide safety ratings based on crash tests and other safety assessments. One can look for SUVs that score higher with the standards set by these agencies.  Design The SUV’s structural design is another critical factor when purchasing the vehicle. Usually, larger and heavier SUVs are safer than smaller ones in case of an accident. However, they can be challenging to handle in narrow passages. Features like reinforced frames, crumple zones, and airbags can significantly reduce the risk of injury in an accident or event of a crash. Reliability You must choose an SUV with a good reliability track record to ensure the vehicle is not prone to mechanical failures. Driver assistance systems Some SUVs have driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Hence, if you are considering buying an SUV, go for the one to reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents. Safety features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, are becoming increasingly common in SUVs. These features can help prevent accidents and reduce collisions. Visibility SUVs tend to have larger blind spots than other vehicles. Choosing an SUV with excellent visibility features such as large windows, rearview cameras, and parking sensors can help reduce the risk of accidents. Child safety ratings If you have children, look for SUVs with good child safety ratings from reputed organizations. Features such as easy-to-use child seat anchors, rear door child locks, and rear seatbelt reminders can help ensure children's safety. The factors mentioned above explain why choosing an SUV with top-rated safety features, and ratings can ensure passenger safety and well-being. Safety is a crucial aspect to consider while purchasing a new SUV. Automobile models like the ones highlighted above are among the most reliable and safe options. Whether you're looking for a midsize luxury SUV or a compact crossover, choosing a vehicle that meets the required safety standards is important. Research and compare different SUV options to ensure you get the right automobile that meets your needs while keeping you safe.

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7 common mistakes to avoid when buying a car

Purchasing a car is a significant investment that requires a lot of research. First-time buyers may not know the best ways to select the right car or what questions to ask to make an informed decision. In such cases, speaking to an auto expert or enthusiast is advised to understand better. Besides, one can avoid buying mistakes to make the buying process seamless and fruitful. Some of the common ones are: Buying the wrong vehicle Making a decision based on the price and rebates available on the car will not fulfill the need for the right car. Therefore, one must thoroughly research the kind of vehicle needed and for what needs. Consider the lifestyle choices, requirements, budget, and other necessary details before deciding on a car. Making an impulsive purchase Buying a car should never be an impulsive decision. The design may be excellent, and having an expensive, vintage car in the garage might be the ideal vision - but will it serve the purpose of a utility vehicle? These are some of the questions that must be asked and thought through before purchasing a car. Mixing emotions with a big purchase like this may only lead to regret, so one must think about the choice and only go ahead. Consumers can also consider buying a gently used car of the same model, which fulfills their needs and can also help save some costs. Choosing a fixed dealership Earning loyalty points while purchasing a car is always a good idea. However, it's important to note that a person may not buy cars frequently enough to benefit from the points. In many cases, sticking to the nearest dealership may not be the most cost-effective option. This is because the price of a car can vary depending on the location from which it is purchased. Even if looking for a specific model and trim, one can find it at a lower price elsewhere with some research. While the nearest dealership may be convenient, it's worth exploring other options to save money. This extra money can even be used to add accessories and customize the car. Not taking a companion along Being a negotiator helps when purchasing a new car. This can help get great discounts and deals not just for the model being purchased but even for other services or upgrades for the car. One can take a friend or a partner along to help with this discussion, and if anyone is uncomfortable with these types of negotiations, then hire an auto broker who can do the job. Some car-buying services help people through this nervous browsing of cars during the purchase. They also help close the deal at the best price possible. Some also suggest that getting a negotiation script from an AI bot may be helpful in these discussions. Saying yes at the sticker price deal A good rule is not to say yes to the sticker price. Always negotiate on that price because that number is never the final deal. Customers can also do a first-level comparison by checking the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the same model and trim and then the sticker price at the dealership. If there is any difference, the customer can be assured there is room to negotiate and bring the price down. However, this price is just a guideline and not the final price. In fact, in some cases, the final price becomes higher than the MSRP because some costs are suggested, some fees were not calculated before, and other small charges could add up to the cost. Also, many dealerships may only advertise the cost of the basic trim to the customer but show them models with more features, which are bound to add to the cost of the car. Ignoring paperwork After deciding on the car, the next step is to deal with the paperwork. During this process, dealers may offer additional features or add-ons, such as extended warranties or interior protection, which can be expensive. Therefore, there is usually room for negotiation, and paying attention to the details added to the paperwork is important. This includes insurance charges, interest rates, and any other fees that may be included. It is crucial to carefully review all the details and negotiate with the dealer to ensure no surprises when the bill arrives later. One must stay vigilant about the numbers added to the file and how to negotiate with these add-ons. Not knowing when to walk away It is important to remember that multiple car dealerships are available in the market, and it is unlikely that only one dealership will sell the car at one's desired price point. One of the most common mistakes buyers make is becoming too emotionally attached to a particular vehicle and refusing to walk away if it does not fulfill their requirements. This rookie mistake can be costly for the customer as it shows their eagerness to the dealer, who will likely take advantage of the situation and squeeze out the maximum amount of money from the customer's pocket. To avoid this, it is advisable to maintain a carefree and unattached attitude towards the purchase and celebrate only after securing a good deal.

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