Find the Features You Need and Want In a Pre-Owned SUV

Mick Jagger once famously sang, "You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well, you might find, you get what you need." We're guessing Mick never found himself looking for used SUVs for sale. If you look at many used SUV models, you will find they have the features you want, often at a significantly lower price than buying the same newer model. This is because most vehicles lose up to half their value in the first three years of ownership due to depreciation.

This results in savings for you. It also means you can better afford the features you want on your SUV, as many optional features do not come standard on most models. With the increased purchase power associated with buying a used SUV, you will be in the driver's seat, able to get the features you want at a price you can afford. When shopping used, getting what you want and need is easy, and you can do so for an affordable price tag that won't hurt your wallet.

We carry an extensive inventory of used SUVs at Anderson Nissan. While we are an authorized Nissan dealer, we also carry used models from many other top brands like Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Kia, and Jeep. This allows you to find the used SUV in the size you need and with the features you want. While shopping for an SUV can often be overwhelming, with so many features, brands, sizes, and options, we have found that if you start by looking for the ones with the must-have features you want, getting what you need will follow. Some of these features are safety-related, while others affect the comfort and handling of the vehicle.

The Safety Features You Need

Most automakers have taken major steps to improve the passenger safety of their vehicles. Features like airbags, three-point restraints, backup cameras, and ABS brakes are now standard on all makes and models, resulting in better safety ratings for most used SUVs. Nevertheless, some automakers have gone the next step and added advanced driver assistance technology to many of their SUV models. Using cameras, radar, sonar, and computers, these features act like a second set of eyes, alerting you to potential hazards long before they can become a threat to you and your passengers.

Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking have become two of the most common driver assistance technology features on SUVs. Almost every SUV rolling into dealerships today comes equipped with this feature. For those unfamiliar, when the system detects a potential front-end collision, it will sound an alarm while also engaging the emergency brakes to prevent an impact; this also involves assisting you as you step on the brakes yourself.

In most cases, it will help you avoid a collision; if a crash is unavoidable, it will reduce the impact. Some automakers have taken a further step, creating a Front Pedestrian Braking system. This engages at slower speeds and has set the detection system to spot pedestrians and cyclists who may inadvertently move in front of your vehicle. This is often an option on SUVs, but if you look for it, you can find this on many higher trims of used SUVs. This is a key safety feature that will reduce the likelihood of you striking a pedestrian. For most recent Nissan vehicles, these innovative tools are included as part of the standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite.

One of the most common causes of highway accidents occurs when a driver changes lanes. Unfortunately, even with the best side and rear view mirrors, you are going to have a blind spot on each side of your vehicle. As a result, you may signal and look before making a move, only to accidentally collide with the vehicle next to you. Fortunately, many brands have come up with Blind Spot Monitors that will let you know if there is another vehicle next to you before you go to change lanes.

Some use flashing lights on the side mirrors, while others may add a sound. The key is to let you know that your path is unclear before you change lanes. Few SUV models have this as standard gear; however, thanks to the aforementioned suite, a Blind Spot Warning comes standard on many of Nissan's more recent SUV models, which you can easily take advantage of when shopping our pre-owned inventory.

When driving at night, you may come upon a patch of road that is dimly lit. At this point, you will have to turn on your SUV's high beams to improve your vision. But have you ever forgotten to turn them off, only to have another irate motorist give you an unpleasant gesture because you have temporarily blinded them? Automatic High Beam headlights are designed to turn on when you get to a poorly lit area and then automatically turn off when you get to better lighting or if the system detects another motorist. Just like the other advanced safety features, this is not always a standard feature and is something you should consider when shopping for your used SUV. You will, however, find High Beam Assist part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite.

Finally, cruise control is one of those features that combine safety and comfort. When you are on a long haul from Chicago north to Milwaukee, you may want to engage your cruise control to reduce fatigue and ensure you stay within the local speed limit. Unfortunately, there are many traffic snarls on this route, as well as local drivers, who may cause you to adjust your speed. This can be a real hassle with a regular cruise control system. This is why some SUVs feature Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts your SUV's speed if there is slower traffic in front or you get caught in a traffic jam. As traffic picks up, Adaptive Cruise Control will adjust your SUV's speed to your original setting. Some systems even have a Traffic Sign Recognition feature, allowing the Adaptive Cruise Control to adjust your speed so you can avoid a traffic ticket.

When buying a used SUV, you should also check out the vehicle ratings put out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) each year. You can go on their websites and search the specific SUV and model year to make sure you are getting a safe vehicle, as both the IIHS and NHTSA test most passenger vehicles for passenger safety.

The Comfort and Convenience Features You Want

Many of the top trim levels of SUVs have comfort and convenience features, making riding them more enjoyable for you and your passengers. However, enhancements like leather seats and advanced audio systems are often out of reach for most drivers on a budget. This is why buying a used SUV might be right for you. This allows you to afford these systems that make riding in an SUV more fun than ever. For example, many brands feature specialized audio systems from companies like Bose and Bang & Olufsen, which are the leaders in stereo equipment. Many high-end trim Nissan SUVs come with a Bose Premium Audio System, perfect for those wanting superior sound quality during their daily drive.

Some comfort systems also provide assistance in other ways. For example, we get more than our fair share of cold weather here in Illinois. Convenience items like heated side mirrors and heated seats will come in handy if you choose these on a used SUV. On a cold morning, you may find your side mirrors iced over. Since these hang off the side of the SUV, they are more susceptible to freezing. Having a heating element that will allow you to defrost them without getting out of your car is a real convenience game-changer. At the same time, you and your passengers can stay nice and toasty inside your used SUV without having to spend time outside clearing your mirrors with your trusty scraper.

Performance Features to Consider

Another key thing to consider is performance. Many automakers offer different engines and drivetrains on their SUVs, with the best performance requiring you to pay for a higher trim level. This is especially true when it comes to all-wheel and four-wheel drive. Unless you are buying a Subaru, Jeep, or Ford Bronco, you will have to pay extra to get the improved traction that comes with these types of drivetrains. For example, the Nissan Rogue and Murano come with front-wheel drive on base models. While paying extra for all-wheel drive is certainly not uncommon in the SUV segment, shopping used will give you access to this feature for a fraction of the price while allowing you to choose from notable Nissan models like the Pathfinder and Armada.

You Don’t Have to Compromise When Searching for a Great Pre-Owned SUV

There are many good reasons to buy a used SUV, including the ability to get all the features you want and need. Deciding on these features beforehand will allow you to narrow down your options, so you can find the exact used SUV model that is right for you. Stop in today to Anderson Nissan, and let our sales team help you find the perfect used SUV with everything you truly want in a great pre-owned SUV, not just what you need!