SUVs are great for adventuring, tackling tough terrain, and bringing all your gear with you on every trip. Used SUVs combine all those features with the benefits of low cost, making them ideal for the financially-savvy driver. If you're looking to buy a used midsize SUV this year, choosing a model that's known for quality, durability, and reliability can help you get the most from your money. Here's everything you need to know about the best used mid-sized SUVs to buy in 2023.
Why Buy a Used Midsize SUV?
Image by Mateusz Bajdak is licensed with Unsplash License
Buying a brand-new car can be exciting, but it often comes with a high price tag that many people can't afford, or don't want to fit into their budget. These are some of the benefits you may experience when you go for a used SUV:
- Better for the environment: If you care about keeping the earth green, buying a used SUV can help you do that. Getting more use out of a vehicle helps to extend its life and get more from the materials used to create it, which makes it more environmentally friendly.
- Less for insurance: Older cars often cost less to insure because the insurance company won't have to pay as much if you file a claim. This can help you save money long-term.
- No initial loss on investment: When you purchase a new vehicle, it often loses a lot of its value as soon as you drive it off the lot. When you buy a used car, someone else has already absorbed that loss, making the used vehicle a better investment.
Ford Explorer
The first Ford Explorer came out in 1991, and Ford has used the time since then to improve upon the model, crafting it into a great blend of adventure and family-friendly fun. If you want a midsize SUV with some power, an Explorer with a V-6 propulsion engine has a towing capacity of up to 5,600 lbs, which should be enough for any family outing.
Some of the newer Explorer models come with terrain management technology that allow you to alter the driving style based on the road you're tackling. This can make off-roading more enjoyable for those who want to see how far the Explorer can go. An Explorer that's at least three years old has a major repair probability of 5% and may cost around $453 to maintain.
Dodge Durango
You can easily recognize a Durango from its aggressive stance and signature grille. Durangos are known for being tough and reliable, which makes them a great choice for a used SUV. When it comes to towing capacity, Durangos are some of the best, as a model with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine and towing package can manage up to 8,700 lbs.
Though the Durango isn't explicitly an off-roading vehicle, it does still have a capable terrain system, with available all-wheel drive and some trims, like the SRT 392, that work best when you're tackling tough terrain. Dodge Durangos also have some of the nicest interior options on this list, with a roomy cabin and elegant features. A Durango that's at least three years old has a major repair probability of 6.0% and may cost $513 to maintain.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic SUV with plenty of spirit and attitude. It's one of the most reliable SUVs that just gets more rugged and has more character the more you use it, so buying one of these pre-owned is a great option. Many of the models released between 2018 and 2022 have powerful powertrains and good off-roading capability.
If you can find a model with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, you can score up to 2,000 lbs of towing capacity to help with all your adventures. With a convertible soft top, you can easily traverse from the beach to the mountains while always being in style. A Jeep Wrangler that's at least three years old has a major repair probability of 5.98% and may cost $514 to maintain.
Chevy Equinox
One place Chevy excels is safety. Some of the newer Equinoxes come with full safety suites that can help you feel more at ease when driving. The Equinox also comes standard with wireless mobile phone connection so you can eliminate wires and keep a tidy cabin. Like the Durango, the Equinox is pretty roomy, so you can stretch out your legs and relax, whether you're sitting in the front or back.
Many used models also come with superior cargo space for groceries, vacations, and sports. One potential disadvantage for the Equinox may be the limited engine options that make it less exciting that the other SUVs on this list. A Chevy Equinox that's at least three years old has a major repair probability of 5.0% and may cost around $422 to maintain.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross from Mitsubishi is a simple yet powerful SUV with a refined profile. It's a great choice for those who want a smooth and peaceful drive, as many of the older models have well-insulated cabins that keep out highway noise. Like the Equinox, the Eclipse Cross has great cargo space, with enough room for luggage, strollers, and bags, all without putting the seats down. Many of the newer used options for the Eclipse Cross come with high-quality infotainment systems that make it easy to control music and navigation.
A Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross that's at least three years old has a major repair probability of 4.0% and may cost around $353 to maintain. That makes the Eclipse Cross the most affordable on this list when it comes to making repairs. It also has good fuel economy, as the 2022 Eclipse Cross gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. If you want a used SUV that's affordable and less expensive to maintain, an Eclipse Cross might be the right choice for you.
We hope this guide has been helpful if you're trying to determine which SUV is best for you to buy this year. The Eclipse Cross offers a variety of features that can make your adventures safer and simpler. Check out our used inventory to find the perfect pre-owned SUV for you. For more information or to schedule a test drive, please call us at (888) 891-9049 or reach out to one of our dedicated experts online today. Find us on Facebook at TheBoardmanMitsubishi.