Used SUVs at Berglund Used Car Super Center

Shopping for a used SUV can be exciting – and a little overwhelming. With so many vehicles and options to choose from, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to start. Whether you’re upgrading from a used car or searching for something bigger for your family, knowing what to look for when buying a used SUV will help you make the right choice at the right price.

At Berglund Used Car Super Center in Roanoke, VA, we’ve helped drivers across Virginia find the perfect pre-owned vehicle for years. Our goal is to make your car-buying experience stress-free and transparent. This ultimate guide offers expert tips on how to evaluate used SUVs, from checking a vehicle history report to taking a thorough test drive – and everything in between.

Let’s dive into what you should know before signing on the dotted line.

Start With a Realistic Budget

Before you start browsing SUVs for sale, it’s important to set a realistic budget. Take into account not just the vehicle’s price but also costs for insurance, maintenance, and fuel economy.

At Berglund Used Car Super Center, you can use tools like our car loan calculator to estimate monthly payments and explore financing options that fit your lifestyle.

When setting your budget, remember to include:

• Sales Tax and Registration Fees
• Insurance Premiums
• Estimated Fuel Costs
• Maintenance and Tire Replacements
• Interest Rates on Your Loan

Your vehicle choice should match both your needs and budget, so you can enjoy your next used SUV without financial stress.

Decide What Size SUV Fits Your Needs

SUVs come in a range of sizes – from compact crossovers to midsize SUVs and full-size family SUVs. The size you choose depends on your lifestyle, family size, and driving habits.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the SUV sizes you’ll find in our wide selection at Berglund Used Car Super Center:

• Compact SUVs: Easy to park, great fuel efficiency, and ideal for commuters. (Think the Honda CR-V or GMC Terrain.)
• Midsize SUVs: Balance between space and maneuverability. Perfect for families who need room but don’t want something bulky.
• Full-Size SUVs: Maximum seating, towing capacity, and cargo space for large families or adventurers. Examples include models like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Jeep Grand Cherokee.

When comparing used SUVs, think about what features and space matter most – passenger capacity, fuel economy, or cargo volume.

Review the Vehicle History Report

One of the most important steps in buying a used SUV is reviewing its vehicle history report. Services like CARFAX or AutoCheck provide essential details about a vehicle’s past, including accidents, service history, title status, and open recalls.

Always verify the vehicle identification number (VIN) to ensure you’re looking at the correct report. A vehicle history report provides a clear picture of how the SUV was maintained and whether it has had any major repairs.

At Berglund Used Car Super Center, we provide CARFAX Vehicle History Reports for every vehicle in our inventory. This transparency helps our customers make confident decisions before purchasing.

When reviewing the report, pay close attention to:

• Number of Previous Owners
• Accident or Damage History
• Maintenance Records
• Odometer Readings
• Open Recalls or Safety Notices from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

A clean vehicle history means a more reliable vehicle – and peace of mind for you.

Inspect the SUV Inside and Out

A thorough inspection is crucial when shopping for any used car, especially SUVs that may have been driven off-road or used for towing.

If you’re not confident in your own inspection skills, bring along a trusted mechanic or request a purchase inspection at our dealership before finalizing your purchase.

Here are some things to look for:

• Exterior: Check for mismatched paint, rust, or uneven panel gaps (which may indicate repairs).
• Tires: Uneven wear can signal alignment issues or suspension problems.
• Engine Bay: Look for leaks, corrosion, or low fluid levels.
• Undercarriage: Check for rust or damage from rough road conditions.
• Interior: Inspect the upholstery, electronics, and climate control systems.

At Berglund Used Car Super Center, our vehicles undergo a thorough inspection by certified technicians before they’re added to our car inventory.

Take a Thorough Test Drive

Never skip the test drive. A thorough test drive tells you more about a used SUV than any report ever could. It’s your chance to feel how the vehicle handles on local streets and highways, how the brakes respond, and how the transmission shifts.

When you visit our car dealership, we encourage you to test vehicles like the GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, or even off-road favorites like the Jeep Wrangler.

During your test drive, pay attention to:

• Braking Response and Smooth Acceleration
• Transmission Shifting and Engine Noise
• Suspension Feel Over Bumps or Rough Roads
• Steering Accuracy and Alignment
• Comfort of the Seats and Cabin Quietness

If anything feels off, mention it to your dealer or mechanic before finalizing your purchase.

Check the Mileage

While low mileage might sound ideal, it doesn’t always guarantee a better used SUV. A well-maintained, higher-mileage vehicle can sometimes be more reliable than a low-mileage car that’s been neglected.

Here’s how to think about mileage when shopping for used SUVs:

• Under 40,000 Miles: Great condition, likely still under warranty for newer modern SUVs.
• 40,000–80,000 Miles: Common for used cars, typically well-maintained and affordable.
• Over 100,000 Miles: Often a nice price option, but requires careful inspection for wear and tear.

Always review maintenance records and Consumer Reports reliability scores for the specific model year you’re considering.

Look for Signs of Reliability

When it comes to reliable vehicles, some brands have earned reputations for dependability and long-term performance. At Berglund Used Car Super Center, we stock used SUVs from brands like Honda, GMC, and Jeep – all known for quality and road capabilities.

Some of our most popular, reliable SUVs include:

• Honda CR-V: A leader in comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
• GMC Terrain: Sleek, capable, and ideal for small families or commuters.
• Jeep Wrangler: It’s perfect for those who crave off-road performance with rugged road capabilities.

Choosing a brand with proven reliability means fewer headaches and lower maintenance costs down the road.

Evaluate Features and Comfort

Modern SUVs come with a wide range of amenities that enhance comfort and convenience for daily drivers and families alike. Whether you’re looking at luxury SUVs or budget-friendly crossovers, make sure the vehicle offers the features that matter most to you.

Popular SUV features to consider include:

• Advanced Safety Systems (Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping, and Blind Spot Alerts)
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Integration
• Heated and Ventilated Seats
• Panoramic Sunroof or Moonroof Options
• Wireless Charging and Multiple USB Ports
• All-Wheel Drive or 4WD Capability for Rough Weather

Comfort isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential if you plan to drive your SUV for years to come.

Verify Open Recalls and Safety Ratings

Before completing your purchase, check for open recalls and verify safety ratings through the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

This simple step ensures that your potential used SUV meets modern safety standards and that any recall repairs have already been performed. At Berglund Used Car Super Center, we check for open recalls and perform required safety checks before listing our SUVs for sale.

Work With a Trusted Dealership

When it comes to buying a used SUV, choosing the right car dealership is just as important as choosing the vehicle itself.

At Berglund Used Car Super Center, our expert guide to pre-owned vehicles ensures you’ll always find reliable vehicles at competitive prices. Our car dealers perform a thorough inspection on every model before listing it for sale, and we offer services like CARFAX reports so you can buy with total confidence.

We also provide convenient financing options, a wide selection of SUVs for sale, and a friendly, transparent sales experience.

Start Your Search at Berglund Used Car Super Center

Ready to find the right SUV for your lifestyle? At Berglund Used Car Super Center in Roanoke, VA, we make happy car shopping easy and rewarding.

Browse our car inventory online to search vehicles by make, model, and price range. From family-friendly crossovers to luxury SUVs, vans, and even trucks, we have something for every budget and lifestyle.

Take your time, schedule a test drive, and let our team answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.