As SUVs become more popular, the market expands year by year, and the number of options increases. In order to avoid making a mistake when choosing a car, it is important to know the characteristics of SUVs that you should avoid buying. If you choose a car that doesn’t suit you, you may suffer from poor fuel economy and poor usability. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the characteristics of SUVs that you should not buy and the key points to consider when choosing a car to avoid regrets.
Basic points to avoid choosing an SUV you shouldn’t buy
Why some SUVs you shouldn’t buy
There are many different types of SUVs, and each one has its own unique characteristics. However, these characteristics do not necessarily suit all users. For example, if you choose an SUV that specializes in off-road performance even though you plan to use it mainly in the city, you may suffer from poor fuel economy and difficulty in handling.
Characteristics of SUVs you shouldn’t buy
SUVs that should not be purchased are those with extremely poor fuel economy, small interior space, and poor safety features.
Typical examples of failure and how to avoid regrets
People who have chosen an SUV they shouldn’t have often regretted saying things like, “It has poor fuel economy and high maintenance costs ,” ” It’s large and difficult to drive, ” and ” It can’t carry as much luggage as I thought it would .” To avoid regrets like these, it’s important to take a test drive before purchasing to check the actual driving feel and usability.
やっぱりSUVは狭いな〜と考えながら用意して出発したら、財布忘れたことに気が付いたけど引きかえれない所まで来てしまったからこのまま行くしかない😅 pic.twitter.com/WYro2RJOGz
— ベア＠NeXT祭りゆうき (@yf21055) August 3, 2024
Common regrets and why
Here are some of the reasons why many people regret buying an SUV:
1. Poor fuel economy
Because SUVs are large and heavy, they generally tend to have poor fuel economy. Before purchasing, be sure to check not only the catalog fuel economy but also the actual fuel economy and user reviews. In particular, if the SUV is not a hybrid, gasoline costs may be high.
2. Vehicle size
Because SUVs are tall and wide, they can be difficult to maneuver for people who are not used to driving or who live in areas with many narrow roads. They can also have problems such as not being able to fit into multi-story parking garages or home garages.
3. High maintenance costs
SUVs tend to be subject to higher automobile and weight taxes. Maintenance costs, such as tire and oil changes, can also be higher than for regular passenger cars. Take these costs into consideration before purchasing, and choose a car within your budget.
4. Small interior space
Some SUVs prioritize stylish design, resulting in cramped interior space. It’s important to check the legroom in the back seats and the size of the luggage compartment before purchasing.
5. Small payload
SUVs are often thought of as being able to carry a lot of luggage, but depending on the model, the loading capacity may be limited. If you plan to use it for outdoor activities or leisure activities, be sure to check the loading capacity in advance to ensure there is enough space.
6. Uncomfortable ride
Some SUVs place too much emphasis on sporty driving performance, resulting in a stiff ride that can make you feel tired when driving long distances. If ride comfort is a priority for you, we recommend taking a test drive to check it out.
Tips for choosing a car so you don’t regret it
1. Identify your purpose
It is important to clarify the purpose of purchasing an SUV. The type of vehicle you should choose will depend on whether you will use it for everyday purposes such as commuting and shopping, or for hobbies such as outdoor activities and leisure.
2. The disadvantage of SUVs is the uncomfortable ride
An SUV with a poor ride quality can make you feel tired after long drives and can also make your passengers feel uncomfortable. You should be especially careful with SUVs that have stiff suspension and are prone to picking up bumps in the road. Be sure to check the ride quality by taking a test drive.
3. How to identify vehicles with poor fuel efficiency
SUVs with poor fuel efficiency can be expensive to maintain and put a strain on your household budget. It’s important to look at actual fuel economy and user reviews, not just catalog fuel economy figures. Consider hybrids, PHEVs, and other models with excellent fuel economy.
4. Characteristics of SUVs that are expensive to maintain
Calculate maintenance costs by taking into account not only fuel efficiency but also automobile tax, insurance, maintenance costs, etc. Luxury SUVs and imported cars tend to have higher maintenance costs.
5. Don’t jump on a popular car just because it’s popular
Popular SUVs have the advantage of good resale value, but also the disadvantage of being expensive. It’s important to think carefully about whether the features you need are what you’re looking for.
6. Don’t choose based on design alone
Many SUVs have stylish designs, but if you choose one based on design alone, you may end up regretting it later. Make sure to make a comprehensive decision based on factors such as fuel economy, driving performance, and safety.
7. Don’t buy without a test drive
The ride comfort and ease of driving of SUVs vary greatly depending on the model, so be sure to take a test drive to choose the model that suits you best.
8. Compare dealers
Even for the same car model, discount amounts and service contents vary depending on the dealer. Be sure to compare prices from multiple dealers to get the best deal.
8. Determine your budget
SUVs come in a wide price range, so it’s important to decide your budget beforehand and choose a model that fits your budget and has the performance you need.
Comparison of domestic SUVs and imported cars
1. SUVs offer excellent ride comfort and fuel economy
Many domestic SUVs offer excellent ride comfort and fuel economy, and are relatively reasonably priced. On the other hand, imported SUVs have excellent design and brand recognition, but tend to be more expensive and expensive to maintain.
2. How to choose a car without regrets based on the popularity ranking of Japanese SUVs
Find the perfect SUV for you by checking out the rankings of popular Japanese SUVs . The rankings are based on user reviews and expert opinions.
3. Disadvantages and points to note about foreign SUVs
Imported SUVs are not only expensive and expensive to maintain, but repairs can also be expensive if they break down. Before purchasing, be sure to check the dealer’s service system and parts availability.
How to choose an SUV for different purposes
1. Outdoor SUVs and their performance
Source: Land Rover
If you plan to use it for outdoor activities, choose an SUV that has excellent off-road performance and load capacity. Also, make sure it has equipment useful for outdoor activities, such as a 4WD system and roof rails.
2. Features of compact SUVs that are easy to use in urban areas
Toyota Harrier Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
If you plan to use it in urban areas, we recommend a compact SUV that is easy to handle. You should also consider factors such as fuel efficiency and ease of parking.
3. Family-friendly minivan-style SUV
CX-8 Source: Mazda
If you are traveling with your family, we recommend a minivan-type SUV with three rows of seats. Make sure to check the interior space and ease of installing a child seat.
SUVs you shouldn’t buy as a used car
1. Points to look out for: mileage and price
When choosing a used SUV, it’s important to balance mileage and price. Be careful if the price is too high even if the mileage is low. Also, be sure to check whether the car has a history of repairs or accidents.
2. Examples of failure when purchasing a used SUV
When purchasing a used SUV, it is important to choose a reliable dealer and carefully check the contract terms. Be sure to also check the warranty details in case any problems arise after the purchase.
Introducing the ranking of popular SUVs sold in Japan
1. Toyota Harrier 75,211 units
Harrier Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
The Toyota Harrier is popular for its luxurious interior and exterior and comfortable ride. It is a sophisticated, urban SUV that is popular with a wide range of customers. It is a crossover SUV that prioritizes ease of use in urban areas, and is characterized by its elegant interior and advanced safety equipment. It is particularly praised for its quiet ride and smooth driving performance. There is also a hybrid model option, which also offers good fuel economy.
2nd place: Toyota Raize 64,995 units
Toyota Raize Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
Although the Raize is in the compact SUV category, it features a spacious interior and excellent usability. It is particularly praised for its maneuverability in urban areas, allowing for stress-free driving even in tight parking spaces and in areas with heavy traffic. Furthermore, it is equipped with the latest safety equipment and connectivity features, making it useful in a wide range of situations, from everyday use to weekend leisure activities. It also boasts good fuel economy, making it an excellent economical choice.
3rd place: Honda Vezel 59,187 units
VEZEL 2024 Source: Honda
The Vezel is popular with a wide range of people thanks to its stylish design and functionality. Its fuel economy is particularly good, and the hybrid model is popular with environmentally conscious customers. It also comes standard with Honda Sensing, and boasts excellent safety performance. The interior is compact yet spacious, with ample storage space, making it suitable for everyday use and leisure.
4. Toyota Land Cruiser 55,263 units
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 ranked 9th for its impressive off-road capabilities and durability. The Land Cruiser 300 is a model renowned worldwide for its ruggedness and reliability, and is designed specifically for driving in harsh conditions. The new 300 series is packed with the latest safety technology and comfort features, and also combines the qualities of a luxury SUV. Furthermore, its powerful engine and advanced four-wheel drive system ensure stable driving on any terrain.
5. Toyota RAV4 41,018 units
Toyota RAV4 Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
The RAV4 is widely supported for its balanced performance and high reliability, and is popular with a wide range of people, from urban to suburban areas. It is particularly praised for its fuel efficiency and interior comfort, earning it high praise from families and outdoor enthusiasts. Another attractive feature is the wide range of grades available, making it easy to choose a vehicle that suits your needs. Incidentally, in 2023, it is expected to sell over 1 million units (approximately 1,075,000 units) worldwide, making it the best-selling model in Toyota’s SUV lineup.
A word from the editorial department
In this article, we’ve explained the characteristics and precautions of SUVs you shouldn’t buy, based on the latest information for 2024, as well as tips for choosing a car that will help you avoid regrets. When choosing an SUV, it’s important to make a comprehensive decision based not only on design and popularity, but also on ride comfort, fuel efficiency, safety, maintenance costs, and more. Also, if you’re unsure which car to choose, we recommend taking a test drive and actually driving it. Seeing is believing. We hope you’ll use this article as a reference to find the SUV that’s perfect for you.
