8 Things to Consider When Buying a SUV

                                                                               

I recently rented a car and was given a SUV.  It drove decent but there was nothing special about it to incline me to buy a SUV.  I spent a lot of money in gas and didn’t really need the extra room.  The cost of gas has financially hurt many Americans. For SUVs owners getting gas can be a nightmare.  Some SUV drivers have to fill up multiples times a week and costs can range from $400 - $600 a month.  That is the same amount of money some Americans pay on their monthly car payment. 

SUVs require more maintenance than as compared to cars. Many insurance companies charge higher rates for SUVs than cars.  Auto manufacturers spent more money to build SUVs because of their weight, construction and size which means a higher sales price for consumers.   To help ease the burden when getting gas for your SUV follow these 5 tips:

1. Future.  If you don’t need the space now or in the future for a SUV don’t buy one. You will just be paying for extra space and features that you will not use and it will be a waste of money.
2. Keep your trunk empty.  Remove heavy and unnecessary items from your trunk, cargo bed and the inside of your SUV.  Traveling with a lighter load helps improve your gas mileage.
3. Maintain a constant speed.  Maintaining a constant speed reduces the amount of gas needed to rev up the engine to go faster, is better for the economy and will keep you from filling up more often.
4. Ditch the fancy tires.  When your fancy tires wear out buy the standard tires that were on the SUV when you purchased it.  This will improve gas mileage and save you money when buying new tires.  The standard tires also provide a better ride especially on the highway, save the fancy tires for short trips.
5. Carpool.  If gas prices are hurting your pocket, start carpooling.  Offer to pick up co-workers or friends who work near your job. Make sure you charge enough money to cover the increasing costs of gas and inform your carpool riders that the price may increase as gas costs increase. 
6. Regular maintenance and repairs. Perform regular maintenance on your SUV at the scheduled intervals, make sure you get regular tune-ups, oil changes, check tire pressure, air filters, and check your tires for wear.  This will improve gas mileage and save you money in the future.
7. Downsize. Trade your SUV in for a smaller fuel efficient or eco-friendly car within the first 3 years of ownership. You will save on gas, car payments and maintenance.  Also consider trading in your SUV for a hybrid.
8. Other costs to consider.  Factor in other costs when purchasing a SUV such as depreciation, insurance rates, registration, parking and tolls.