Any suggestions and advice on buying a SUV (insurance, vehicle, credit)
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1. I never had a SUV before.. With the recent family expansion, I am interested in buying a used SUV within a range of $ 15 K - $17K.. Any suggestions on which make and model to consider keeping in veiw the fact about a good RESALE market of the vehicle, for the future. I am not planning to put too many miles on it. Approx 6000 - 7000 miles a year as it will be driven by my wife.
2. Is it smart to buy a vehicle on CASH or its considered a bad investment. I have no problem in purchasing it on CREDIT cos there is nothing wrong with my credit, but cycologicaly I just feel a little stressed out with having monthly payments in the current economy.
There are a good number of very dependable SUV's on the market , used and new...I would recommend a Toyota 4runner; haven't had any problems with mine and I ensure it receives regular maintenance as required by the manual. If you already have good credit and have the available cash, I would go the cash route. Not sure about your state, but in mine if you purchase a vehicle on credit you are required to have full coverage insurance; for which is protection for the bank that has hold on your title; and ofcourse paying cash ; liability is normally the basic insurance required, again based on your city/state minimum requirements. The other advantage of cash is you receive the title in a few weeks , you own it free and clear one less monthly payment with possible interest being a used vehicle... With that said, good luck either way you go, just gave my life experience on purchasing vehicles. I own 3 late model vehicles and own all 3 totally...
Try and get a warranty for your used SUV to protect you and your family
Is this SUV really just an alternative to a minivan? Or do you need offroad capability?
Most SUVs driven today are pretenders. They are family haulers and typically 2WD. Nothing wrong with that.
If you will drive on pavement, get 2WD and buy one based on a car platform instead of a truck platform. It will ride and handle much better. Many call these CUVs now (crossovers).
If you are buying used in the $15K range then I suggest you ignore resale. Resale value is a good thing to consider buying a new vehicle. But buying used means you are already taking advantage of the drop in value and the difference in resale a few years down the road may only be $1000.
Had an older Pathfinder and loved it. Tranny went at 75,000 miles, and where we lived at the time, there wasn't anyplace that could get it right afterward, so I sold it for scrap; sad day. Right now I have a Crossover Ford Freestyle (Taurus-X now) and LOVE it. Better than the Pathfinder in the snow, and it will seat 7, but they better not be big people or it drops down to 6 comfortably. Better mileage as well on the road and smoother ride. Towing capacity isn't enough to pull the hat off your head if that is a consideration.
You should test drive some first. They generally have a top heavy feel compared to a sedan. You might prefer a "crossover" vehicle, sort of a wagon/SUV mix.
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