ALT-1 A look at 2008s best Suvs
Looking at 2008's SUVs one thing is clear, there is a lot of parity in this game, and a lot of innovation because of it, making this year's SUV class the best so far.
Who are the top SUV makers? Ford, Nissan, Jeep, Saturn, Buick, Toyota, Lexus, and Hummer.
What are the top SUV models? Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Patriot, Saturn Vue, Nissan Rogue, Toyota 4Runner, Lexus GX 470, Ford Escape, Buick Enclave, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Pathfinder, Hummer H2, and the Lexus LX 570.
When is the best time to buy an SUV? The end and beginning of the year when stock is being overturned.
Where are the best places to buy an SUV? Cars.com, Carmax.com, and if you know something about cars, small locally owned used car dealerships.
Why should you buy an SUV? They are roomy enough to meet the needs of your active lifestyle, and the gas mileage in the smaller SUV is coming closer to being comparable to many midsize cars.
How to pick out the best SUV in 10 easy steps.
Step one. Research which sellers are worth your time before even going out to do your first test drive.
Step two. Research the vehicles before you go to look at them.
Step three. Always go to look at vehicles in the daytime, so that you can see them for what they truly are.
Step four. If it's used, inspect the SUV. Check the tires, the undercarriage, and the frame. Look to see how well the hood, trunk, and door meet the body. If they are uneven with the body, that could be a sign that the vehicle has been in an accident. Check the oil, radiator, fan belts, and the overall cleanliness of the engine.
Step five. Really test drive the SUV. Do all the things you'd do if the vehicle were yours, i.e., parallel park, get on the highway and accelerate into traffic, notice how well or not the brakes work, whether the vehicle drifts when you take your hands off the steering wheel, and whether it rides smoothly.
Step six. Leave the car running after the test drive, and check the engine again. Are there leaks that weren't there before? Do you hear any weird noises? Is it running smoothly? Do you smell any bad odors? Is the exhaust clean and colorless, like it should be?
Step seven. If it's used, have a professional mechanic check the SUV.
Step eight. If you have a trade-in, its price and the price of the SUV you are buying should be negotiated separately.
Step nine. Find out which fees are negotiable and which are not.
Step ten. Keep things simple, and don't feel rushed once negotiating begins. Remain as emotionally detached as possible, and hide any excitement from the dealer, and accept that the dealer deserves some profit.
This year's SUV class is one for the ages, and if you're in the market for a sports utility vehicle, 2008 is truly one of the best times to find what you're looking for in an SUV, and in many cases, more than what you're looking for.
