Best used-car deals on small SUVs

During the holiday season, travel demands are high and money tends to be tight, adding appeal to replacing your dated clunker with a fresher used car. With all the gifts and food needing transport, and threat of foul weather, an SUV is a good choice.

In our latest price analysis, we found that there are plenty of deals on 3- to 4-year-old used small SUVs. These tend to be Goldilocks vehicles, with a just-right balance of fuel economy, room for families and cargo, and available all-wheel-drive. A used SUV allows you to reap these benefits for less money than buying new. To make it easier to find what you’re looking for, we've identified some of the best used deals on small SUVs on the market.

Buying a used car has many benefits. Most important is that the original owner takes the initial depreciation hit, as new cars lose much more value in the first and second years than those that follow. Also, most small SUVs have the latest safety equipment, such as curtain air bags and stability control, and are still affordable.

When shopping, look for models that scored well in Consumer Reports’ tests when new, have proven reliability, and perform well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Before handing over the cash, have the vehicle inspected by a trained and trusted mechanic to make sure there are no hidden problems.