Expert Advice for Buying a Reliable SUV

The thrill of the open road is really hard to beat. Owning a reliable SUV is key to taking the open road experience to the next level. Multiple models exist for great driving, including the Chevy Tahoe, a classic example of this vehicle type. 

Before you jump into calculating the Chevy Tahoe insurance cost, it's time to take a broader look at the best advice for buying a reliable SUV. 

How Your Driving Affects SUV Selection

Driving is a great adventure, but everyone faces different road conditions depending on where they live. If you live in a place that gets a lot of snow, you might feel like you have to get something that has four-wheel drive. 

On the other hand, if you live in a very warm area, there are other features that are important to you. 

Think about how you drive, and use the information to pick the right SUV. Going on long drives? If that's the case, a fully electric SUV is most likely off the table unless you know you have a lot of charging stations between your home and the destination you travel to the most. 

Check Recall Reports

No one wants to buy anything that is bound to break down, but it's hard to track every single thing that can go wrong in an SUV. Sometimes certain models just go bad. Whether you want to buy new or used, it's important to check recall reports before signing on the dotted line. 

Even new vehicles may have glitches that have to be addressed through the recall process. The silver lining of the recall system is if you do find there's an issue that affects the year and model of your vehicle, the recall repairs are free. You simply go to the dealership and they take care of the rest. 

Consider the Number of Rows

Roominess and reliability don't seem connected, but they are. A compact SUV can move in and out of tight places compared to its larger siblings, but a larger vehicle takes up more weight, which can mean stability and is less likely to rollover. That's one way to keep the interior nice, right? 

Most people who have families will opt for a three-row SUV, which will give the ability to enjoy the open road and carry cargo. Two-row SUVs are also available, but they will naturally not be able to seat as many people. 

Examine Fuel Economy and Consider a Hybrid

One of the most controversial aspects of an SUV would have to be fuel economy. SUVs have certainly come a long way, but they aren't always going to be the most fuel-efficient vehicles.

The rise of hybrid SUVs is changing this slowly. A hybrid refers to the fact that SUVs in this category can run off of both gas and electric power. If you're going to go with a hybrid, be sure you have a way to plug in the SUV to maximize the charging factor. 

Don't Overlook Towing Capacity

Thinking about lazy days on the lake or the open road? Towing tends to be overlooked in favor of the actual activity, but giving towing more thought is important. If you know what you're towing ahead of time, you can get an SUV that makes sense.

For example, a fifth wheel and an SUV just don't work well together. The SUV will not have the same towing capacity as a solid 1-ton pickup. 

When you find an SUV you like, be sure to look up the towing capacity numbers and line them up against the weight of what you're trying to tow in the future. A pop-up trailer will have a different weight than a much larger camper. 

Keep in mind that anything you tow will change your fuel economy as well as the strain on the suspension and engine. There's simply more weight involved, including the passengers and cargo inside the SUV. A family trip can easily end in disaster if these points aren't considered carefully. 

(Photo : Expert Advice for Buying a Reliable SUV)

Don't Forget to Update Your Insurance

One of the easiest things to forget when you have car insurance is to go ahead and let the insurance company know you purchased a vehicle. Every insurance contract is different, but you still have a limited time to add the newly purchased vehicle to your policy. 

While you're looking at adding the new vehicle, be sure that the added vehicle has the insurance coverages you want. For example, it is common to have liability-only coverage on older vehicles or to take off rental coverage. Be sure you are not just adding the vehicle blindly, but also making sure you have the coverages you want. 

Classic coverage that often gets overlooked includes medical payments, comprehensive coverage, rental coverage, and collision. Having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, when available, is also important. 

Should you add roadside assistance?

Adding roadside assistance after buying a reliable SUV is often a question of necessity. In other words, should you consider getting roadside coverage, even if you think you won't need it? 

Some people feel it's a waste of money when they can just call on friends and family to make the gap. On the other hand, what if you travel to a location where your friends and family can't reach you quickly? 

That's where roadside assistance can really kick in. You don't have to be super stranded either. They can help with flat tires, provide gas when you're empty, or otherwise help with minor roadside issues. Towing assistance is always worth looking into.

The Road Ahead

You don't have to have every single type of coverage available through your insurance carrier. However, making sure you have specific coverage to protect your SUV is just as important as getting a reliable SUV in the first place. 

The two issues go hand in hand: once you find the right SUV, it's important to add it to your insurance policy. The safety features within the vehicle work together to provide a safer experience, which in turn can lead to a lower premium for you. 

Luke Williams writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, QuoteInspector.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and SUV education.