SUV - Is it the Right Vehicle For You?

Not many vehicles on the road today command thecould mean more maintenance and repair costs apart
same respect as the muscular and sturdy Sportsfrom the huge investment needed to purchase the
Utility Vehicles (SUVs) do. These mean machinesvehicle itself.
leave on-lookers in awe wherever they tread. TheThe large size of this vehicle also poses more
sheer presence of an SUV is captivating enough toquestions than it answers. You must also take into
make you yearn for one. Nowadays, these dreamaccount the kind of roads you will be traveling on a
machines usually come loaded with high-end featuresdaily basis. If you live in the countryside with wide
and functions that make your drive comfortable yethighways, hilly remote areas and long stretches of
dominating at the same time.roads or in cities marked with a decent network of
There is no doubt that SUVs are high performancewide multi-lane roads, then this vehicle will suit you
vehicles famous for their huge intimidating frames,like a charm. However, if you live in regions
powerful engines and capacity to adapt to extremecharacterized by congested lanes and narrow streets,
roads and driving conditions. These qualities arethe big size of this vehicle could prove to be a
probably the USP of all Sports Utility Vehicles. Thesehindrance.
vehicles are usually built on light truck chassis andThe omnipresent fuel crisis and frequent fuel
they combine the towing capacity of a pickup truckprice-hikes can be another deterrent to the SUV
with the cabin space of a station wagon.owner. These vehicles are not meant to be fuel
Most SUVs are equipped with technological featuresefficient. The term "Gas Guzzler" is quite synonymous
like four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, traction control,with these vehicles unless you happen to drive a
Anti-Lock Brakes, Locking Differentials etc makingHybrid SUV.
them suitable for off-road use. These powerfulAlthough SUVs come with advanced features that
machines are capable of carrying more number ofaid effective driving, it is still considered a challenge to
passengers compared to a normal car whiledrive such enormous vehicles on the streets
maintaining the same comfort levels.everyday. Most people switching from a normal car
But is that all one looks for in a vehicle?to SUV take a bit of time trying to adjust to the
In case you are interested in buying a Sports Utilityincreased power and reduced maneuverability of this
Vehicle, it may be worthwhile to ascertain yourvehicle.
needs and expectations from a vehicle of such caliberWith such vehicles, city-driving at peak hours of the
before actually taking the step.day can be quite a pain. You need a vehicle that can
There have been many instances where people haveslither through the traffic. Also, the shortage of
spent fortunes on such a vehicle but never found itparking spaces in cities adds to the woes and it could
useful for their commuting needs. An SUV is a vehiclebe hard work nestling such big vehicles in narrow
type designed specifically for the needs of a specificspaces. In this case, a hatchback is the best available
segment in the automobile market and even if youroption.
love for this vehicle may compel you to buy it, youA Sports Utility Vehicle is sheer driving pleasure no to
could end up regretting your decision later.be missed by taking the back seat. If you prefer to
So what factors determine whether a Sports Utilitybe driven around by a chauffeur, then this is
Vehicle suits your needs?definitely not the right vehicle for you. You might be
If you own a few other types of vehicles too andbetter off in a Sedan or a Saloon.
need an SUV only to add to your collection then ITo conclude, a good decision is always one taken
would say "Go for it, it is worth all the money youafter careful thought. By carrying out a simple
will invest", but in case you want to use it as yourassessment of your driving needs, you can select a
only vehicle for all purposes, you might want tovehicle that suits you the best. Although a Sports
consider these factors.Utility Vehicle may be packed with features and have
You should consider the fact that an SUV has moreits own advantages, it may not necessarily be the
moving parts and technological features and gadgetrybest option available.
than your average car. In due course of time, this