Buying a Used Vehicle: Cars vs SUVs

If you have been looking at used cars for sale, but you’re torn between choosing a used car vs a used SUV, our experts at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth are here to help. 

Purchasing a “new to you” used vehicle can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to take into consideration. However, the first step in deciding is to figure out what kind of vehicle you need. Do you need a car, or will an SUV be more sufficient for your lifestyle? Let’s walk through some of the basics to help you make up your mind once and for all.

Size Matters

When choosing between a used car vs a used SUV, you should first think about what you need your vehicle for. Ask yourself realistic questions. 

Do you live alone and commute to work every day?

Are you a parent of three with tons of extracurricular activities to attend?

Do you have a dog?

In these cases, size is a very important factor. Singles, couples, and small families can get away with purchasing a used car. Compact, mid-size, and full-size sedans can seat up to five passengers. The maximum trunk space available on an average mid-size sedan is just under 16 cubic feet. The size of the trunk can vary depending on the used car model and whether or not its a hybrid. Hybrids tend to have smaller trunks due to the added battery pack, which takes up quite a bit of space.

On the flip side, a used SUV offers much more room for both passengers and cargo. If you have small children, a car will be fine. However, if you have teenagers, you may want to invest in an SUV for the extra space. Compact SUVs can seat five passengers, but they offer much more cargo room. For example, the 2017 GMC Terrain offers 31.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row. If you fold the rear seats down, you can gain access to 63.9 cubic feet. On the larger side of the SUV class, the GMC Acadia can carry 7 passengers with 12.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet of room behind the second row, and a whopping 79 cubic feet with both back rows folded down. 

Also, a used SUV could work well for a single person who owns a large canine and loves to travel. The acronym “SUV” is short for sport-utility vehicle. This means that these models have been optimized for travel and heading off on adventures. A used SUV will provide a dog-owner with ample space for their four-legged friend with remaining room for luggage and equipment. Similarly, artists who need plenty of cargo room to load up their creations to take to nationwide festivals, galleries, and markets may also find that a used SUV is optimal.  

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

Now that you’ve learned about the key issue of space, let’s discuss performance and gas mileage. 

Used cars have smaller engines because they don’t need extra power to haul excessive cargo or venture into the wild outdoors. For this reason, used cars will typically get much better gas mileage. Many are outfitted with engines that are specifically designed to be more fuel-efficient. Take the 2017 Ford Fusion, for example. Available as a gasoline or hybrid model, this used car is great on gas. The SE trim level comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that generates 181 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it has an impressive fuel economy set at 27 mpg combined (23 city/34 highway).

On the opposite end, we have SUVs with more power and capabilities when with comes to towing. A stronger engine is necessary on these models even if it does cut the fuel efficiency down. The GMC Yukon is a great example of brute strength. It can carry 9 passengers and has a massive 5.3L V8 engine that pumps out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This means that it only gets 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway). While that might seem low, keep in mind that this beast can haul up to 8,500 pounds without breaking a sweat. So, you can load up the entire family, bring all of your camping gear, and even tow a trailer full of jet skis, 4-wheelers, or snowmobiles. Do you have a boat? Hook it up to the used Yukon!

It’s important to remember that with great power comes great sacrifice. While that may seem a bit dramatic, it’s true for vehicles as well. Sedans, unless you opt for a muscle or sports car, typically come with a 4-cylinder engine. This is because larger motors are unnecessary for the needs of sedan drivers. Used SUVs, on the other hand, tend to be equipped with robust V6 or V8 engines that can handle heavier loads. It’s up to you to weigh your options and decide which type of vehicle you need.

Interior Features and Safety

When it comes to interiors, the only difference between the used car and the used SUV is the size. Depending on what trim level you get, interior features and safety systems will be very similar. 

Base trim levels tend to offer cloth-covered cabins with basic infotainment options like Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and seamless music streaming (depending on the year). The premium, top-tier trims typically boast leather seats with heating and cooling functions. They also usually have an upgraded infotainment interface that is displayed on a larger touchscreen and have navigation capabilities and a better stereo system. Older used models may have cassette or CD players. They may or may not have an auxiliary jack. 

As for safety, every vehicle nowadays is equipped with airbags. If it doesn’t have airbags, it’s not legal to drive. Other safety features really depend on the model year. Most cars and SUVs from 2014 and up have rearview cameras to assist with parallel street parking and backing out of tight spaces. Some may have other safety systems like blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Again, this varies depending on the make and model year. 

Pricing Used Cars vs Used SUVs

Another important factor to consider is your budget. Used cars tend to be more affordable than used SUVs. This mainly because they are smaller, and SUVs hold their value a little while longer. However, if you want an affordable SUV, you can certainly find one. 

Used Cars vs Used SUVs: Exterior Styling

After you have considered all of the aforementioned categories, the last thing you need to think about is the exterior look of the vehicle. Purchasing a vehicle is a big deal. You don’t want to be strapped with one that you don’t like.  Many used cars and SUVs are decked out in chrome or have some kind of special appearance package included. For example, the 2017 GMC Yukon sparkles with its lustrous chrome grille. Look at the paint colors. Black vehicles tend to get hotter in the summer, but white vehicles get dirtier faster. It may have cool features, but do you really want that bubblegum pink car? Your car makes an impression, and it’s up to you to decide what kind of impression you want that to be. 

Once you’ve considered all the factors and have decided on a car or SUV, come visit us in Duluth, GA, not too far from Atlanta, and browse our inventory. Maybe you already know the make and model of your chosen body style and are ready to check out financing options. Regardless, we have friendly and knowledgable sales staff ready to help.