The SUV used to be the rarest automotive type on the road – a large, boxy creature touted for off-road adventures in the mud and muck. But they’ve now taken the place of sedans as one of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads and has been one of Australia’s fastest expanding sectors.
People are drawn to their high riding posture, can-do attitude, and affordable engine options.
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, an SUV is most likely at the top of your wish list. Consider the following seven key factors before making a hasty decision and purchasing the first SUV type that catches your eye:
1. Have a Talk with Your Pocket
As with any major purchase, you must choose how much you are willing to invest in a completely new SUV. Your wallet will decide not only which SUV version you choose but also how much you can invest in extras such as additional safety features, design modifications, and technological improvements.
While you may believe that SUVs are more expensive than sedans, this is not necessarily the case. SUV prices vary based on the vehicle’s driving system and engine size. Keeping this in mind, do your homework and look for SUVs that will provide you with the most bang for your buck. Small SUVs are a common pick since they are less expensive and efficient for the long term than their bigger counterparts.
If you are not thinking of purchasing a car completely, check for dealers who provide competitive comparative rates and flexible payment options.
There are sellers, for instance, that have a selection accessible with weekly installments that are less expensive than you could imagine.
The cherry on top would be that you may be eligible for a long-term warranty. If you cannot pay for the car in full, search for dealers who have low-interest rates – no more than 5% – and sensible payment options.
2. Compare the Fuel-Efficiency of Various SUVs
Some SUVs use gasoline at a rate faster than the speed of light. Therefore, it is critical to select an SUV that will be fuel-efficient, does not harm the environment, and does not cost a fortune to refuel.
New models, like the Hyundai Tucson, are designed with fuel-saving technology, gadgets, and cutting-edge engineering that are not only better for the environment but also save you money.
Understanding new engine language may be difficult, so always check your car seller and the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide, which allows you to evaluate various vehicles’ yearly fuel expenses and emissions Of carbon dioxide and helps you pick a fuel-efficient car like the Hyundai Tucson. If you want to dig deeper, you can read more about Tucson here.
3. Decide What Cabin Size You Need
When you think of owning an SUV, it is common to believe that larger is better. However, this isn’t always the case. If you don’t intend to take frequent long drives or even load the car with numerous stuff (or passengers), you would probably pass on acquiring a huge, seven-seater SUV. In the end, it will cost you more and might be a waste of money and space.
That is not to imply you should not buy an SUV; think about your lifestyle requirements before choosing a size. Several smaller SUVs in the industry perform similarly to the bigger ones. You can consider looking for SUV crossovers with roomy, family-friendly cabins that are spacious and comfortable, with above-the-road visibility.
You might also be travelling with your family or friends, so you should also consider the size of your SUV accordingly. We suggest you do not just check the comfort level of the driver’s seat but also the other seats to make sure the people accompanying you will also be enjoying the ride.
You may also check the other available comfort options for other seaters, such as USB ports, cup holders, AC vents, and other features that might help keep your passengers comfortable and safe.
4. Learn About the Offered Safety Features
Increased safety is likely among the most critical factors to check when choosing an SUV. Although there are criteria to guarantee that all models satisfy the legally mandated safety requirements, always bear in mind safety add-ons that you believe would help you and your family and make you feel secure when travelling.
Although all cars do not need a reverse camera, we suggest you buy an SUV that offers this feature, especially if you have children travelling with you. Furthermore, if you live in or travel across a crowded area, pedestrian crash-tested SUVs, smark breaks, and navigation cameras are a few safety features that should be on your list.
It’s critical that you feel safe while driving your new SUV, which means taking the time to search around for the features and size of the car that’s right for you.
5. Think About the Advanced Features
Whether it’s a sedan or an SUV, the contemporary car’s extra benefit is all of its smart technological capabilities; who doesn’t appreciate Bluetooth connectivity and a smart touchscreen?
When looking for an SUV, search for one with a standard colour touch screen, Android and Apple connection, and built-in cameras to help with things like reverse parking.
By selecting a vehicle that includes these amenities as standard, you will save thousands of dollars on extras, and your car travels will be ten times more enjoyable!
6. Take a Test Drive
Driving an SUV will feel very different if you’re used to driving a sedan or any car with low altitude. Your SUV’s greater dimensions and elevated ride may cause you some difficulty handling it. It’s nothing you won’t get accustomed to, but don’t expect an SUV to drive like a car all of the time.
We suggest you look for an SUV that gives you the best anti-squat and anti-dive experience so that your ride goes smoothly.
You could be interested in an SUV because of the higher seating posture. While you’re enjoying this dominating perspective of the road ahead, ensure you can see around the car.
The window line can conceal low-riding automobiles or restrict sight while navigating in tight areas, depending on the design of the SUV and the size of its windows.
Talking about the storage and space requirements, consider what things you need to keep inside your SUV. Is it luggage or a stroller? Whatever it is, bring it with you on your test drive to confirm the interior space is good enough to hold your stuff easily.
7. Your Parking Style and Space
If you are going to buy your very first SUV, then you should definitely think about managing this huge and boxy car’s parking style and space. You will have to think about where and how you will park it. What if it is too wide or too tall to fit in your space or parallel park? We suggest you take measurements of the car and your space to see if it will fit perfectly.
Conclusion
We hope the features mentioned above will give you a clear idea of which SUV would be right for you, so you do not waste your money or time with the wrong one. Good luck!