Match the SUV to the life
Three rows, car seats, Pax River to the soccer field: Explorer and Expedition are the Southern Maryland defaults, and the pre-owned lot usually has several. Trade-ins bring in Highlanders, Pilots, Telurides, and Traverses too. Commuter for 235 or 301: Escape, Bronco Sport, Edge, and the hybrids. Weekend toy that still does groceries: Bronco. Ask me about the ones that came in on trade with the right options.
What I check on a used SUV
- Third-row and cargo wear. Family SUVs get used hard. I send photos of the back rows, not just the front seats.
- All-wheel-drive service. Fluid changes on the rear differential and transfer unit are the maintenance items people skip.
- Tires. A set of four on an Expedition is real money. I tell you the tread depth up front so it is not a surprise.
- Tow rating, if you pull a small boat or a camper. Many SUVs can; not all are optioned for it.
Family buyers, read this
If you are replacing a minivan or stepping up from a sedan, tell me how many car seats and how much gear. I will send you two or three SUVs that fit and skip the ones that do not. Text me what you need and I will do the legwork.