Just like buying a mobile phone, you need to do your research well before you buy an SUV, unless you are a car enthusiast. You can’t just wake up and go to a car store and pick a car and go home with it. There are many factors to consider, the brand, the body style, engine and of course the cost of the car.
Here are six questions to use as a guide to your next purchase to ensure you find the SUV that’s right for you.
Why an SUV?
The SUV has certain advantages:a higher driving position that helps you to easily see over the traffic ahead, versatile storage space, and easy access whether stepping in and out or loading kids into children’s seats. SUVs are also affordable, with high efficiency and fun dynamics.
Ford offers a full range of SUVs, each one designed for the needs of today’s drivers. Ford’s engineers recognize that SUVs are not one-size-fits-all; they must be fun-to-drive, offer smart technologies, and perhaps most of all, feel like an extension of the person driving behind the wheel.
How much do I want to spend?
This one is entirely up to you. Companies like Ford have responded to a wide range of potential SUV customers with diverse model lineups to meet nearly every conceivable need. No matter what you’re looking for and how much you have to spend, there’s an SUV out there that meets your needs and budget.
How many Seats do you need?
What do you need in terms of seats? You want a vehicle that does all the things you need it to do, but you don’t want to pay for or carry around extra features or seats if you don’t plan to take advantage of them. If you do most of your driving in the city check out a compact SUV like the Ford EcoSport. A compact SUV is easier to park and manoeuvre through rush-hour traffic, but still gives you plenty of storage space for city trips or a weekend road-trip.
Do you need it for off-road ventures?
What do you need the SUV to do? Do you need it to go off road or is that just a dream that you have after watching those extreme desert races? Don’t buy an off road SUV just because you have a fantasy that you will use it off road.
One of the top selling points for SUVs is greater confidence when driving in adverse conditions. But different SUVs have different capabilities, and it’s worth having a think about what capabilities you need.
Are high-tech gadgets part of my life?
If you’re tech-savvy and need an SUV that accommodates family needs, mid-sized SUVs usually offer the latest in technology: interactive touchscreens, Bluetooth connectivity and voice-controlled GPS.
Ford designed the Everest with enough space for families and loads of tech, from parking assistance technology (you can parallel park hands-free) to being able to programme functions like maximum speed limit and audio volume limit with Ford MyKey.
Do I care about fuel economy?
Are you one of those people who want a fuel-efficient vehicle? Get the most out of your car for less. The good news is many modern SUVs are very fuel efficient thanks to smart design and engineering. Make sure that the SUV you’re considering takes a holistic approach to improving fuel economy with advanced engine technologies and an aerodynamic design.