Purchasing an SUV in a market flooded with options can be daunting. Buyers need to research extensively to find the right-sized car model that fulfills all their needs including their lifestyle, budget, and payment methods. Since research takes time, first-time buyers may end up overlooking a few factors. Here are some common mistakes one can avoid in order to not invest in a wrong car or affect their credit rating.

Mistake 1: Not weighing all options
One can find dozens of dealers and innumerable car options in the market. Instead of choosing the nearest dealer, it is advisable to approach multiple dealers and understand their best prices and offers. One can also check the dealer’s reputation, customer experience and reviews, financing choices, and upcoming discounts. A car is a long-term investment and taking the time to research thoroughly both online and offline can help one make a wise decision.

Mistake 2: Assuming the latest model is the best
Another common mistake is to assume that the newest SUV in town is the ideal one. While it may provide attractive features like more towing capacity or more space, not all updates are useful for everyone. So, paying extra for a feature one might never need is a waste of money. Comparing older and newer SUV versions of different automakers is recommended.

Mistake 3: Buying an SUV for the wrong reason
Considering one’s requirements and knowing the utilities of an SUV is important. SUVs are robust, off-road vehicles that offer plenty of cargo and passenger space. These cars are ideal for big families, carpooling, and outings. Hence, they might fail to provide maximum value to individuals commuting solo to work daily in a city amidst traffic. Those who often take road trips, haul luggage or gear like camping equipment, have large families or pets, or need towing options can opt for SUVs.

Mistake 4: Not test-driving the SUV
Narrowing down a car can be a challenge and doing so without test-driving one’s shortlisted models can lead to choosing the wrong SUV. Test driving allows one to determine the ride quality, performance, and cabin noise. Even two similar models can give vastly different driving experiences.

Apart from these mistakes, one must also look for suitable financing options. At times, long-term finance like 72 months can bring lower monthly payments but one ends up paying significantly more for the SUV. Similarly, first-time car buyers may sign up for financing options that are more suitable for the dealer than the buyer. Know that even poor-credit buyers can get decent finance. So, explore finance options before purchasing an SUV.