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 not buy. If you choose a car that does not suit you, you may suffer from poor fuel economy and poor usability. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the characteristics of such “SUVs that you should not buy” and the points to consider when choosing a car so that you do not regret it.
Basic points to avoid choosing an SUV you shouldn’t buy
Why some SUVs are not worth buying
There are many different types of SUVs, and each one has its own unique characteristics. However, those characteristics do not necessarily suit all users. For example, if you choose an SUV that specializes in off-road performance even though you mainly use it in the city, you may suffer from poor fuel economy and difficulty in handling.
Characteristics of SUVs you shouldn’t buy
SUVs that you should not buy have features such as extremely poor fuel economy, small interior space, and poor safety features.
Typical examples of failure and how to avoid regret
People who have chosen an SUV that they shouldn’t have often regretted saying things like, ” It has poor fuel economy and high maintenance costs, ” ” It’s big 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 test drive the car before purchasing it and check the actual driving feel and usability.
Common regrets and why
Here are some of the reasons why many people regret buying an SUV:
1. Poor fuel economy
SUVs are large and heavy, so they generally tend to have poor fuel economy. Before purchasing, check not only the catalog fuel economy but also the actual fuel economy and user reviews. In particular, if you are buying an SUV that is not a hybrid, your gas bill may be high.
2. Vehicle size
Because SUVs are tall and wide, people who are not used to driving or who live in areas with many narrow roads may find them difficult to maneuver. There may also be problems with them not being able to fit into multi-storey parking lots or into your home garage.
3. High maintenance costs
SUVs tend to have higher automobile taxes and weight taxes. Maintenance costs such as tire and oil changes may 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 is especially important to check the legroom in the back seats and the size of the luggage compartment before purchasing.
5. Small payload
Although SUVs are often thought of as being able to carry a lot of luggage, depending on the model, the loading capacity may be limited. If you plan to use it for outdoor activities or leisure, be sure to check the loading capacity in advance to make sure there is enough space.
6. Uncomfortable ride
Some SUVs place too much emphasis on sporty driving performance, resulting in a stiff ride and making you feel tired when driving long distances. If ride comfort is important to you, we recommend that you take 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. Disadvantages of SUVs: Uncomfortable ride
Driving an SUV with poor ride comfort can make you feel tired after a long time and make your passengers feel uncomfortable. You should be especially careful with SUVs that have a stiff suspension and are prone to picking up bumps in the road. Be sure to check the ride comfort 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. Take a look at actual fuel efficiency and user reviews, not just catalog fuel efficiency. Consider hybrid cars and PHEVs, which have excellent fuel efficiency.
4. Characteristics of SUVs that are expensive to maintain
Calculate maintenance costs by taking into account not only fuel efficiency but also automobile taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, etc. Luxury SUVs and imported cars tend to have higher maintenance costs.
5. Don’t jump on a popular model just because it’s popular
Popular SUVs have the advantage of good resale value, but the disadvantage is their high price. It is important to calmly decide whether the performance is really necessary for you.
6. Don’t choose based on design alone
There are many SUVs with excellent design, 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 efficiency, 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 best suits you.
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 foreign cars
1. SUVs excel in terms of ride comfort and fuel economy
Many domestic SUVs offer excellent ride comfort and fuel efficiency, and are relatively reasonably priced. On the other hand, foreign SUVs tend to have excellent design and brand power, but are more expensive and expensive to maintain.
2. How to choose a car that you won’t regret based on the popular rankings of domestic SUVs
Find the SUV that’s right for you by referring to the ranking of popular Japanese SUVs. The ranking is based on user reviews and expert opinions.
3. Disadvantages and points to note about foreign SUVs
Foreign SUVs are not only expensive and expensive to maintain, but the repair costs when they break down can also be expensive. 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 check if it has equipment that is 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. Consider factors such as fuel efficiency and ease of parking.
3. Minivan-type SUV for families
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 spaciousness of the interior and the ease of installing a child seat.
SUVs you shouldn’t buy as used cars
1. Points to look out for in mileage and price
When choosing a used SUV, it is important to balance the mileage and price. Be careful if the price is too high even if the mileage is low. Also, be sure to check whether there is a repair history or accident history.
2. Examples of mistakes when purchasing a used SUV
When purchasing a used SUV, it is important to choose a reliable dealer and carefully check the contract details. Be sure to also check the warranty details in case any trouble occurs after the purchase.
Introducing the ranking of popular SUVs sold in Japan
1st place: 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 supported by a wide range of people as an urban and sophisticated SUV. It is a crossover SUV that emphasizes ease of use in urban areas, and features a refined interior and advanced safety equipment. It is especially praised for its quiet ride and smooth driving performance. There is also a hybrid model option, and it also has good fuel efficiency.
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 you to drive stress-free even in tight parking spaces and in areas with heavy traffic. In addition, it is equipped with the latest safety equipment and connectivity features, making it useful in a wide range of situations, from daily use to weekend leisure. It also has good fuel efficiency, 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 for its stylish design and functionality. In particular, its fuel efficiency is good, and the hybrid model is popular with environmentally conscious users. It also comes standard with Honda Sensing, and has very high safety performance. The interior space is compact yet spacious, and there is plenty of 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 overwhelming off-road performance and durability. The Land Cruiser 300 is a model that is renowned around the world for its ruggedness and reliability, and is designed to be driven in particularly harsh conditions. The new 300 series is equipped with the latest safety technology and comfort features, and also has the aspect of a luxury SUV. In addition, the powerful engine and advanced four-wheel drive system enable 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. In particular, it is highly rated for its fuel efficiency and interior comfort, and is highly rated by families and outdoor enthusiasts. Another attractive feature is that it is easy to choose a car that suits your needs with a wide range of grades. By the way, in 2023, it sold more than 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 have explained the characteristics and precautions of SUVs that you should not buy, based on the latest information in 2024, as well as the key points to consider when choosing a car to avoid regrets. When choosing an SUV, it is important to make a comprehensive judgment based not only on design and popularity, but also on ride comfort, fuel efficiency, safety, maintenance costs, etc. Also, if you are unsure which car model to choose, we recommend taking a test drive and actually driving it. Seeing is believing. Please use this article as a reference to find the SUV that is perfect for you.