| You know you want an SUV, but with dozens of | | | | store. |
| models in all shapes and sizes, choosing one can be a | | | | Cost |
| daunting task. The best way to go about the decision | | | | There are many factors, which affect the price of |
| process is to make a list of what features your new | | | | SUV's. The primary factor determining the cost is the |
| SUV should have, what type of driving you'll be doing | | | | level of luxury the vehicle provides. Also playing a large |
| most, and of course, the price range that you plan to | | | | role in cost is the size of the vehicle. Generally, larger |
| be shopping in. Are you more concerned with safety | | | | SUV's cost more than smaller ones. Some brands, due |
| and stature, or is maneuverability and fuel economy | | | | to their prestige and level of fit and finish, will cost you |
| more important? Do you really need four-wheel drive? | | | | more, but in this case you can expect to get what you |
| How about cargo space? Is it just you and a friend | | | | pay for. The lower cost vehicles will have a more |
| heading to the hills to do some hiking, or will you be | | | | basic feel to them, which isn't necessarily a bad thing if |
| hauling the whole clan, with your boat, down to the lake | | | | you really plan to use your SUV as a "utility vehicle". |
| to spend the day water skiing? The point here is to | | | | Some want the stability and rugged capability of an |
| think about all the different ways you plan to use your | | | | SUV, but prefer a level of luxury previously only found |
| SUV, why you want an SUV, and what features you | | | | in up- market sedans such as those from Mercedes, |
| simply can't live without. | | | | BMW, or Lexus. There's no need to compromise |
| Following are some of the major factors you'll want to | | | | between luxury and utility now that these automakers |
| consider when making your list: | | | | are all producing excellent luxury SUV's. |
| Fuel Economy | | | | Handling and Maneuverability |
| This is a tough one. The cost of gas has receded as | | | | This is mainly a function of size. Do you commute on a |
| of late, but for many people one the main things they | | | | twisty mountain road, but you're not planning to carry a |
| like about SUV's are their sheer size, regardless of the | | | | lot of passengers? Then you should probably be |
| cost of fuel. Although, the environment is also a | | | | looking at compact and midsize SUV's. The smaller |
| consideration. The ability to haul a week's groceries | | | | SUV's are generally built on platforms very similar to |
| and a family of five, while perched comfortably above | | | | passenger cars, and their handling will reflect this. |
| the surrounding traffic is quite attractive. However, | | | | If you're mainly driving around town and on the |
| those same features will cost you, with the largest | | | | freeway, and you need lots of hauling capacity, then |
| SUV's getting mileage figures that range in the mid | | | | you should only be considering the larger vehicles such |
| teens. | | | | as the Chevy Suburban or the Ford Excursion. While |
| 2 Wheel Drive or 4 Wheel Drive | | | | these larger SUV's are built more like pickup trucks, |
| If you can be honest with yourself and admit you're | | | | with the handling to match, this is what gives them the |
| not really going to drive your new pride and joy | | | | heavy cargo and towing capacities. |
| off-road, then you can save yourself some money | | | | Once you've got your list you'll want make another list |
| and look at two wheel drive SUV's. Two wheel drives | | | | of potential candidates that match up with the features |
| cost less than their all wheel drive counterparts, and | | | | from your first list. Now go down your new list of |
| are cheaper to maintain since the powertrain is only | | | | SUV's and examine each one more closely. Cross off |
| driving two wheels, so there are fewer moving parts | | | | any that you feel have "deal breakers". For example, a |
| to worry about. | | | | particular brand's base model fits in your price range, |
| On the other hand, if you like to get away from it all | | | | but you want the larger engine and towing package of |
| and explore the wilds, or if you know you'll be driving in | | | | the mid-range model which pushes it out of your price |
| the snow then a four wheel drive SUV is going to be | | | | range - cross it off the list. Go all the way through your |
| the way to go. The extra expense of maintaining the | | | | list of candidates. Now comes the fun part; test-drives. |
| four-wheel drive system is well worth it when the | | | | Make sure you drive all the vehicles remaining on your |
| going gets tough. | | | | list. Otherwise you might be tempted to buy the first |
| Passenger and Cargo Capacity | | | | one you drive. Test drives can be quite seductive, for |
| This one is fairly self-explanatory. If you're going to be | | | | sure, but if you don't drive them all, how will you know |
| hauling more than four people, then you'll probably want | | | | if you missed the perfect one? Once you've driven all |
| to rule out the compact SUV's. The same holds true | | | | the SUV's from your list, take some quiet time away |
| of pulling trailers. Compact SUV's can pull small trailers, | | | | from the dealers to sit down with your list and cross |
| but it's not really their forte. If you're going to be towing | | | | off any that you're sure you don't like. You should now |
| anything but the smallest trailers you'll want to pay | | | | be left with just a few to choose between. This |
| close attention to the towing capacity, torque, and | | | | method of choosing a vehicle may sound time |
| horsepower ratings. Cargo space is also a concern, | | | | consuming, but the result of not making a snap decision |
| especially if you expect to be transporting heavy or | | | | is purchasing a vehicle that you'll be happy with long |
| bulky items such as furniture, appliances, or the bounty | | | | term, and the peace of mind that comes from not |
| from the latest excursion to your favorite wholesale | | | | wondering if maybe there's something better out there. |