A Look at Popular Quality Used Cars – SUVs and Crossovers South Africans Love
It is wise to read vehicle reviews before you buy used cars, as you will get an idea of which cars are affordable, fuel efficient, good performers, reliable, or well-suited for families. To get you started, we look at some of the popular quality SUV and crossover used cars on the market today.
Nissan Qashqai
A Japanese crossover that handles like a car, but offers added ground clearance for dirt roads, the Qashqai doesn’t disappoint. The 1,6 dCi diesel packs an impressive 96 kW, but even the Visia 1,2T petrol offers a useful 85 kW.
Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga has proven very popular in the Tiguan/RAV4 class for its performance, refinement, and comfort. The range is expansive, with many different outputs, petrol and diesel engines, and a choice between FWD and AWD.
Fort EcoSport
One of the best-selling SUVs, it is also a compact crossover. It is one of the top sellers in the Ford product stable, ranking in popularity amongst popular used cars to buy such as the Ford Fiesta and the Ranger. Petrol and diesel engines are offered, but no AWD, as this is more a compact crossover with added ground clearance than an SUV.
Renault Captur
Another crossover SUV, the French vehicle is popular thanks to a long warranty, snazzy appearance, and an impressive multimedia system. Automatic transmissions are offered too.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 as used car is as popular as it was when it was just released. Maybe it has something to do with its trendy design or with Toyota’s reputation for quality and durability. The range covers all bases.
Toyota Fortuner
No surprise here since Toyota is a popular brand in South Africa, mostly because of the manufacturer’s reputation of making highly reliable vehicles. This is the top-selling SUV in South Africa and its smart new appearance is matched by very refined engines and good off-road ability.
Buy a Used Car for Fuel Efficiency
No doubt, South Africans love their SUVs and crossovers, perhaps because of the many potholes, the higher seating position or the perceived status. Certainly, the elevated seating is excellent for game viewing. Whatever the reason, buying a used SUV gives you the opportunity to drive a car that has the space you need, the luxuries you want and the suitability to South Africa’s deteriorating roads. There is only one problem with SUVs and that is fuel efficiency when compared to sedans because of their higher wind resistance and weight.
With fuel prices due to increase every year, South Africans are starting to look at fuel efficiency as an important consideration when they buy used cars. If you are one of them, you could still have your favourite SUV, but consider a diesel-powered model or a small, turbocharged petrol engine for excellent economy.
Want Something Sporty?
The Kia Sportage is a good buy if you are looking for an affordable used car that still has the looks and a proven track record in South Africa. The first Sportage came on the scene back in the early nineties. All the successive generations banked on the model’s strengths of quality, reliability, and value. The very stylish latest generation has just been launched and seems set to continue the success story. It is larger and more luxurious than ever before, but also more expensive, so buying used might be on the cards. However, there is a vast range to choose from, with outputs ranging from 85 to 131 kW in diesel, petrol, manual, automatic, FWD, and AWD. It is covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and therefore ideal for people covering big distances.
Sharing most drivetrains and price points, but offering a different style, is the new Hyundai Tucson. While specification levels and performance are very similar to the Sportage, its warranty is configured somewhat differently, offering 7 years and 200 000 km of coverage on the most important mechanical components. Equipment levels are high and comfort and refinement a far cry from the plucky little first-generation Tucson of fond memory.
With so many choices, it is little wonder that South Africans have fallen in love with crossovers and SUVs. Consider the above choices if you want buy used cars in the SUV class or browse our product stable for other quality second-hand cars.