Our Top SUV Picks for Your Son or Daughter

As a parent, you want to ensure that your kid’s first vehicle is a good one. Safety is especially important for new drivers. You will also want to consider utility. Will they have enough room for passengers or pack their stuff to take to college? Gas is more expensive than it used to be, so fuel economy should be somewhere on your list of priorities when SUV shopping—-you might even consider a hybrid. AWD or 4-wheel drive is nice for snow, though not always necessary. 

This Major World article is chock full of good recommendations for parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who are choosing a solid vehicle for a young person in their life.

Why a Used SUV or Car Makes More Sense for Your Kid

New vehicle prices have risen by over 30% since 2015. In addition to that, some new car dealers are adding sizable market adjustments as high as $10,000 or more to especially popular vehicles. When you add the effects of inflation, it’s easy to see why more people than ever are seeing the value in going with a pre-owned vehicle. We all know that cars and SUVs are depreciating assets—why not make that work in your favor? A massive chunk of that drop in value happens within the first 2-3 years, making buying a used car exceptional. 

Small SUVs We Recommend for First-Time Buyers

Small SUVs and crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 are among the most popular vehicles in the country. Parents looking to buy a first vehicle for a son or daughter like the idea of a safe vehicle with AWD that gets reasonable gas mileage. Most young people also like small SUVs since they’re nimble and fun to drive, easy to park, and get gas mileage similar to an economy car. Kids tend to drive a lot, especially if they are away at college, so MPG is a critical metric to consider. 

Small SUVs Under $10,000 We Recommend

• 2012-2016 Honda CR-V

• 2010-2015 Toyota RAV4

• 2012-2018 Jeep Compass

• 2014-2018 Chevy Trax

Small SUVs Under $20,000 We Recommend

• 2018-2022 Chevy Trax

• 2014-2020 Honda CR-V

• 2016-2022 Hyundai Tucson

• 2020-2023 Hyundai Venue

Mid-Sized SUVs We Recommend for First-Time Buyers

The Mid-sized SUV is the most popular vehicle segment in America. Mid-sizers like the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe don’t stay on our lot for long. They make a solid option as a first car for a kid in high school or one heading off to college. They offer more practical cargo room than the small SUVs and are more comfortable for longer drives, i.e., to and from college. Mid-sized SUVs are also safer in an accident, providing a nice balance between being easy to drive and good on gas without sacrificing safety. 

Mid-Sized SUVs Under $10,000 We Recommend

• 2010-2015 Chevy Traverse

• 2008-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• 2008-2012 Toyota Highlander

• 2010-2014 Ford Explorer

Mid-Sized SUVs Under $20,000 We Recommend

• 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• 2014-2020 Dodge Durango

• 2012-2018 Honda Pilot 

• 2014-2020 Ford Explorer

Large SUVs and Bigger Vehicles for a Daughter or Son

If your kids are over 6 feet tall and play team sports, then you know how important it is to have enough head and leg room as well as cargo space for sports equipment. Large SUVs are impossible to beat when it comes to moving big people and big stuff around. Their gas mileage suffers some for all the extra mass, but they more than make up for it in utility when you really need the space. They’re also among the safest vehicles in an accident, which provides welcome peace of mind for parents of high schoolers or college-bound kids. A few large SUVs are available as hybrids, too, though they are uncommon. 

Large SUVs Under $10,000 We Recommend

• 2008-2012 Chevy Tahoe  

• 2008-2012 Chevy Suburban

• 2005-2010 Toyota Sequoia

• 2008-2012 Ford Expedition

Large SUVs Under $20,000 We Recommend

• 2014-2018 Nissan Armada

• 2010-2018 Chevy Tahoe  

• 2012-2018 Chevy Suburban

• 2008-2014 Cadillac Escalade

Tips for Saving Money When You Buy a Used SUV for Daughter or Son 

Helping your child buy a vehicle is a big decision, and you want to ensure you not only end up with solid, safe, and dependable transportation for them—-you also need to be sure you get good value for money. Not only does that make a difference for your own bottom line, but it’s also a good way to teach your kids fiscal responsibility by example.

Here are a few pro tips for saving money when buying a used SUV:

• Look for low-mileage SUVs with 2WD. AWD and 4-wheel drive is great to have, but the truth is, if you don’t off-road, most people don’t need 4WD unless they have to drive through unplowed snow. 2WD models are often thousands less and get better gas mileage to boot. 
• Consider going down a size. If you’re looking at full-size SUVs, check out what the same money will get you in a mid-sized option. If mid-sized SUVs with low mileage are a little out of budget, look at some small SUVs. The small SUVs are a lot roomier inside than they were 10 years ago, you might be surprised. 
• Put down a bigger downpayment if you can. The less the vehicle cost is financed, the less interest you pay, and the lower the total price ends up being.
• If you can, buy a newer used SUV that is still within its original powertrain warranty. In the unlikely event something goes wrong, it could save you thousands of dollars. 
• Consider selling your trade-in privately. While Major World pays top dollar for trade-ins, we still need to leave enough room for us to turn a profit on your trade. Selling it privately can be a pain in the butt, but it might just net you a few thousand more you can apply to the used SUV you’re buying with your kid. 

Major World: Where Queens Buys SUVs for Their Families

For more than 20 years, Queens residents have trusted Major World for their used SUV and car purchases. Our reviews speak for themselves, but we’re not too modest to say that we’re proud of our role in the community. Queens is a city within a city and we stick together. If you’re ready to buy an SUV for your loved one, we’d be honored for the chance to earn your business. 

You can even shop online for SUVs using our online search portal before your visit. 

Major World’s no-nonsense financing process is the best in the business. You can even pre-qualify yourself right now to save time, and it won’t harm your credit. 

Don’t settle for less than the top-shelf selection of low-mileage used SUVs in Queens. You deserve the Major World standard of customer care. Give us a call now at (866) 614-2884.