Tips to Follow While Buying Used SUV in India

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Pre-Owned SUV

Buying a car is among everyone’s purchase list. However, with the rising costs of buying a new car, a lot of people do not find it viable to do so. This is where the used car market comes into play. With the increased number of new cars being launched, a lot of people are readily selling their old cars. These cars may not be always damaged and overused. The used car marker is booming like never before. Owning a pre-owned car does not have to be an outdated affair anymore.

Buying a used car is not much of a hassle anymore. With the used car market progressing to dive into the digital world and more financiers ready to finance used cars for buyers who would like to buy pre-owned cars on installments, the industry is booming with customers and more sellers.

When we talk about SUVs, not everyone can afford a new sporty utility SUV. They are expensive. However, in the used car market, you can find a good condition SUV for a much lesser rate.

How to Choose the Right SUV?

A lot of people are in love with the look and feel of an SUV. Customers are spoilt for choice even in the used car segment when it comes to SUVs. Earlier, when you thought of an SUV, the right and the best ones would boil down to a Mahindra Scorpio and the Tata Safari. However, today there are many more brands and models to choose from. Regardless of the brand and variant, there are other factors you must take into consideration while buying an SUV. Read on to know more.

Age of the car

The age of the car is a crucial factor that must be considered before purchasing an SUV. The depreciation rate for cars is usually high in the initial 2 to 3 years of purchase. The rate of depreciation after the first few years tend to come down. The usual condition of the car is another factor that must play a part in making an informed decision to purchase a used SUV. An SUV that is within the warranty period is always a crucial determining factor since it can reduce the cost of repairs in case of a breakdown after the purchase. The mileage of the SUV can give a rough idea of the usual wear and tear that the SUV has undergone.

Documentation

While purchasing, apart from the general condition of the SUV, checking if the documents of the car are in order is important to avoid any legal liabilities that could arise after buying the same. Car insurance papers, registration certificate, a receipt of the road tax payments, and other important papers must be checked and assessed before making the purchase.

Research about the SUV

It is important to look up for reviews of the SUV while buying a used one. A number of reviews can be found on the internet about the performance and the common concerns faced. Also, getting feedback from users who own or have earlier owned the same SUV model can help give you a clear picture of what you can expect. Furthermore, extensively researching all aspects of the SUV can also aid with negotiating the cost of the SUV.

Fuel type

One necessary decision to make while buying a used SUV is to decide whether you want to opt for a diesel run SUV or a petrol-run SUV. Petrol-powered SUVs usually denote higher expenditure on fuel and a lower mileage when you compare it to a diesel-powered SUV. However, pre-owned, diesel-powered SUVs tend to be more expensive than used petrol-powered SUVs. Also, the choice for affordable petrol-powered SUVs is also a lot wider in range.

Things to Know Before You Own an SUV

Bigger vehicle, bigger costs

If you are going to buy a used SUV, the extra space you crave is also going to come with an extra-large price tag. For example, the wheels of an SUV are usually bigger than those on a sedan or a hatchback. As you go up the trim ladder, those tires can become much wider, and they will cost a lot more money to replace when they wear out or when you get winter tires.

Lower-profile tires with a smaller sidewall are usually used on bigger wheels. These provide a stiffer, rougher ride, as well as an increased risk of expensive wheel damage if you go down a pothole. When looking to buy an SUV, remember these additional expenditures.

The Cargo Area

The extra space you are looking for is not only the seating area. The cargo capacity of an SUV also has an impact on the cost. Check how wide the hatch is, how far the liftgate opens, how high you have to elevate things over the bumper, how simple it is to fold down the rear seats, whether they fold flat, and whether the wheel wells or other components intrude into the luggage or boot space.

Fuel Efficiency

With fuel prices continually on the rise, this is a valid question to ask when buying an SUV. It goes without saying that the more weight a car has to pull, and the more wheels it has, the more fuel it requires to move. Your fuel costs will most certainly go up if you upgrade from a regular sedan to a bigger SUV. Vehicle producers frequently include fuel-saving technology into their new SUVs, but the results can alter.

Many companies, for instance, install little turbocharged engines in big SUVs, claiming that the smaller size is more economical and that the turbocharger provides extra power when required. However, if you drive aggressively or the vehicle is completely laden with passengers and cargo, the turbocharger will kick in more frequently to generate power, consuming more fuel.

Handling

A sport-utility SUV has a larger center of gravity than a car, and you will feel a difference in handling as a result of the increased weight. Expect greater “body roll,” or the propensity for the vehicle to tilt in the opposite direction of a lane change or maneuver. It’s considerably more visible when you are driving violently or need to make a rapid emergency maneuver. Do not make the error of thinking that an AWD sport-Ute is the answer to all your winter worries.

Off-Roading Possibilities

Four-wheel-drive SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevrolet Suburban (4WD) are among the favourites for many. Although AWD and 4WD are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not really. It’s important to recognize the distinctions – as well as the type of 4WD you are contemplating to purchase.

Check the Mechanical Report

The necessity of having a car inspected and getting a mechanical report from a proper mechanic or the seller cannot be overstated. Before you finalize the deal, arrange for the SUV to be inspected by a reputable mechanic or a car expert. If the seller refuses to allow the same, make sure the deal is off.

What are the Best Used SUVs in India?

• Toyota Innova
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
• Renault Duster
• Honda CR-V
• Ford EcoSport

Ending Note

There are a wide variety – types and configurations that you must to know about once you make up your mind to buy a used SUV. You can check online portals like Gaadi Bazaar to understand the rates, variety and browse for SUVs listed in your area or city. The tips for buying used SUVs will ensure that you get the SUV of your dreams – without having to break the bank for it!