Buy Used SUV - SUV buying guide

Buying a good SUV, especially a used one, requires careful planning and checking. You have to decide ahead of time what characteristics are the most important to you. First - decide what you need in your used SUV: what roads you usually drive on? How many passengers do you normally take? Do you intend to pull a trailer or boat?

The next part, although it's equally as important as what you need - is what you want. This includes the minimum creature comforts you expect, the acceleration, top speed, even the color.

* An SUV should have lots of cargo space. Most of the vehicles in this class can carry at least five people and have adequate cargo space. A third row of seats is standard or optional on some models, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Honda Pilot, Toyota Sequoia, Volvo XC90 and Ford Expedition.

* SUVs are not fuel savers. Most get about 14 to 19 miles-per-gallon in mixed (city and highway) driving. If that is a concern, you might look for one of the more efficient vehicles in this class, like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V

* Less than 5% of SUV owners take their vehicles off-road. If you're driving mostly on highway, pay attention to the vehicle's on-road comfort and performance. In general, SUVs based on passenger car frames, like the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute or Honda CR-V have the most car-like rides.

* If you're considering an SUV to transport your camper or boat, make sure it's up to the task. Large, truck-based SUVs like the Dodge Durango, Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Ford Expedition can tow more than four tons. Car-based SUVs have much lower towing capacities.

Best Used SUV Picks
By SID STETSON, AOL AUTOS

Can Trucks Survive The death of the minivan is upon us as more buyers migrate towards the used sports utility vehicle. And for good reason. Roominess, high profile control and the power to get things done epitomizes the heart of used SUVs. This class of automobiles offers something for everyone looking for versatility and performance from their ride. From soccer moms who need to shuttle carloads of kids to soccer practice, to adventuresome individuals who like off-road excitement, there's a used SUV for everyone in every price range.

If you're thinking about buying a used SUV, here are a few guidelines to ensure your purchase more than delivers on its promises.

1. Look for a used SUV that's still under warranty. In most cases, the warranty on a used SUV is transferable to a new owner, and lasts 36 months or 36,000 miles from the original date of purchase. However, before you sign, make sure that your used SUV is covered by any remaining time on the warranty.

2. Have the vehicle evaluated by a trusted mechanic. A trained eye and ear will notice problems that might not be immediately apparent on a used sports utility vehicle. If the dealer refuses to allow you to have an appraisal off-site, run to the next dealership and consider yourself lucky for having dodged used SUV drama.

3. Do some research online. Type "(your model) lemon" into AOL Search and browse the results. If there have been significant problems with that model of used SUV, these will be people online ranting and raving.

4. Ask to see the service documentation. A well maintained used SUV will have paperwork outlining oil changes and other routine maintenance. If not, it's not a huge red flag for the prospective buyer.

5. Seek out Certified, Pre-Owned used SUVs. CPO certification means that the used SUV has had a good going-over by a mechanic, and any problems have been corrected before the vehicle appears on the lot. Be sure to take a look at the certification qualifications for your used SUV to see what is checked for.

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6. Run a CARFAX report on the VIN. The CARFAX website is meant to help people learn more about the used SUV he or she wants to purchase. The Vehicle Identification Number is easily located at the base of the windshield on a stamped piece of metal. A report costs around $25 and can provide a more thorough history of the used SUV such as past accidents, recalls, etc.