What You Need to Know About SUV's

Sport Utility VehiclesIt is no surprise that SUVs are among the most popular cars in the United States. SUVs provide amble room, and can handle adverse driving conditions and surfaces. They are the perfect vehicle for the busy family on the go. There are a number of problems with SUVs, however, that need to be kept in mind while purchasing any new vehicle in order to ensure that you can purchase the very best SUV for you and your family.Potential problems with SUVsFuel economy is always a concern when buying a new SUV. The average SUV is 33 per cent less fuel efficient that the average passenger car; with rising fuel prices, that can translate into an expensive drive. For instance, if you drive 15,000 miles a year with gas prices at $1.15 a gallon, you will end up spending an extra $420 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 far heavier than normal care and ride higher - on average, 8 inches higher than passenger cars. This has likely led to higher levels of fatal accidents in SUV crashes than passenger car crashes. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that rollovers accounted for 37 per cent of all fatal SUV crashes, as compared to only 15 per cent for passenger cars.SUVs also usually result in higher insurance bills, thanks to the increased safety risk, higher maintenance costs, and the overall popularity of SUVs. On survey showed that SUV owners would pay between 5 and 19 per cent more for their car insurance because they own a SUV.Which SUV is best for you and your family?How do you pick the best SUV from the over 80 different SUV models available for sale in the United States? The first step is to identify whether you want a small or full-sized SUV, and whether you will he 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 your pocket book is comfortable with as it is finding a vehicle that you are comfortable driving.As with buying any type of car, the most important step in buying a SUV is research. You need to arrive at the car lot prepared, or the salespersons will be able to sell you something you do not really need or want. When you get your research done before you start looking at cars, you will be able to figure out what extras and options you actually need. So, read consumer magazines, look through message boards by current drivers, ask friends and family. It is only once you have done your research and have a general idea what you are looking for, you can start looking at cars.You have to be sure you are absolutely comfortable with the SUV - there are a lot of models available for you as a consumer, so you do not have to content yourself car you are not truly excited about owning. Take your time, and ask a lot of questions about its safety features and fuel economy. If the salesperson does not have the answers you like or need, go somewhere else.Of course, before signing any deal to pay for the SUV, be sure to take it for a spin. If you plan to take the SUV off-road, get the salesperson to take you somewhere where you can test this functionality. If you are buying the SUV to make the bumpy trip down your cottage laneway, you are not going to fully experience what that drive will be like by taking a smooth and straight drive down the freeway.