Americans love getting a great deal on a rugged ride, which is why so many of us shop for used SUVs. Our buying guide takes a look at everything you need to know about the market. If you’re wondering about the difference between crossovers and SUVs, we’re here to help. We’ll also discuss all-wheel drive versus four-wheel drive to help you better navigate your used buying options.
Used Crossovers vs Used SUVs
What’s the difference between a crossover and an SUV? You may have heard people use these terms interchangeably, but crossovers and SUVs actually offer pretty different driving experiences.
Modern crossovers have a unibody design. This design makes crossovers uniquely agile. It’s why crossovers are easy to handle in a tight spot, like a parallel parking space. And it’s why crossovers make a great choice for drivers who spend a lot of time in city grids.
Traditional SUVs, with their body-on-frame construction, are more rigid, like trucks, so you’ll need to go into crowded parking garages with a little more caution. But this stiffness has its benefits, because the stronger chassis helps traditional SUVs tow bigger trailers and haul heavier loads.
All-Wheel Drive vs Four-Wheel Drive
Both drivetrain options are designed to improve traction. All-wheel drive is typically a part-time technology. Crossovers with optional all-wheel drive typically send power to the front wheels until they sense slippage in the rear wheels. When this happens, the powertrain will automatically send power to the rear wheels as needed.
All-wheel drive comes in handy on an icy road, keeping you from losing your grip on the pavement. You can also use all-wheel drive on light trails, but this performance gear is not designed to take you very deep into off-road terrain.
You’ll typically find optional four-wheel-drive technology on traditional, truck-based SUVs. This performance gear is very trail-friendly, sending power to all four wheels for maximum precision on soft surfaces.
How to Shop for Your Used SUV
Know What You Want
Before you start test-driving used SUVs, consider what you actually want from one. For example, does your ideal daily driver have two or three rows of seating? Do your family adventures require four-wheel drive, or will all-wheel drive do the trick?
Research Used SUVs
Once you have all your requirements in mind, do your research. Look into which models offer the features you want. Each used SUV is available as a variety of trim levels, which offer various levels of comfort, tech, safety, and performance features.
You should also consider warranty coverage. Many automakers automatically transfer warranty coverage to subsequent owners. Coverage varies from brand to brand, so you should look into how many years or miles each warranty lasts.
Shop at a Reputable Dealership
Next, think about where you’re going to shop for used SUVs. Choosing a reputable seller will help ensure a reliable performance. Car dealerships, like Idaho Falls Cars and Trucks, are an exceptionally great place to shop for used SUVs.
Why? The reason is two-fold. Drivers who buy new cars at the dealership will usually trade in their old models. And dealerships can give each used model a thorough inspection. Because they get first dibs, dealers choose only the best used models to sell on their own lots.
Dealers also offer a range of certified used SUVs. Because certified used models meet or exceed a high inspection bar, they come standard with extended warranty coverage.
Give Your Used SUV the Once-Over
To narrow down your options, do your own inspection. You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot every red flag. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Rust: Check the wheel wells, rocker panels, and paint for rust damage.
- Damaged glass: Ensure windows, headlights, and taillight surfaces are smooth and pockmark-free.
- Worn suspension: You can check the suspension by bouncing each corner of the vehicle. If the suspension rebounds more than once, there may be an issue.
- Worn tires: Check for excessive or uneven tread wear and the telltale cracks of dry rot.
- Interior odor: A musty smell can indicate a mold problem. And the lingering smell of smoke could be difficult to neutralize.
- Worn upholstery: Make sure the seats are in good condition. If the upholstery is on the verge of cracking, you don’t want to be stuck with a costly repair bill.
- Pedal and steering feel: During your test drive, make sure the steering feels secure, not loose. Pedals should feel properly pressurized, not soft or spongy.
- Water damage: Inspect the cabin roof and cargo hold for signs of leakage, such as waterlines.
Visit a Trusted Mechanic
Once you’ve found a used SUV that passes your own inspection, bring it to your favorite mechanic. An experienced mechanic will be able to spot any underlying issues that might cost you down the line. Once you know everything there is to know about a used SUV, you can choose to drive it home or keep shopping around.