A used car expert has suggested that one type of car is a better and cheaper option than an SUV. In the past two decades, the number of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) has skyrocketed as manufacturers have responded to public demand.
However, whilst the number of SUVs available has gone up, the prices of those new cars have also risen. This means that if people want an SUV, or indeed a reasonably new car at a reasonable price, they have to go on the used car market.
The used car market offers more variety than just SUVs, and this is where car expert George Armitage says people should consider something different.
George has said that instead of opting for a high-riding, heavy, and less interesting SUV, people should instead buy a used executive saloon car. An executive saloon car is effectively a posher saloon car.
Explaining his logic in AutoExpress, George said that whilst these saloons had less space than SUVs, they made up for it by being more fuel-efficient and better to drive.
He said: “Executive cars are built with more focus on long-distance comfort and the driving experience. Buying one means you gain in refinement and handling composure as well as getting cabin quality beyond that of a base-spec mid-size SUV.
“If you come around to my way of thinking, remember that these are used cars, so check everything carefully.
“Be patient, do your research and buy smart. Get it right and you’ll end up with a car that drives better, feels better and looks better than the SUVs everyone else is buying – all for less cash.”
George isn’t the first car expert to suggest that SUVs may not be the way forward. Earlier this year, car mechanic James Goodhand suggested that people should buy estates over SUVs. These cars have similar, if not superior, levels of practicality without the dynamic downsides.
He told ReachPLC: “Largely personal prejudice here, but I always advise buying an estate car rather than the equivalent SUV. Who needs the extra height?
“Take Volvo's big car offering for example – you can buy an XC90 SUV or a V90 estate. The V90 is a good 25% cheaper used, it's got more room inside, it's faster, handles better, uses less fuel, and you're far more likely to be let out of side turnings in one!”
Whilst several car experts are critical of the proliferation of SUVs, others, such as Steve Walker, say people shouldn’t be criticised for following the herd.
He told AutoExpress: “Buyers want cars that are easy and affordable to live with. Legislators (in Europe at least) demand cars that are packed with safety tech and use electrified powertrains to lower emissions.
“Car makers want to turn a profit. The SUV is just what the compromise between these conflicting demands looks like in 2025.”
