Yahoo Autos Best winter deals on used SUVs
An SUV can be the perfect vehicle for traveling in challenging winter conditions. With all-wheel-drive and good tires, a modern SUV provides needed traction to negotiate slippery roads, and most have the ground clearance to traverse accumulated snow. They are also great for families or for carrying skis or other winter gear. 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 have identified some of the best used deals on small and midsized SUVs on the market.
Typically the winter months are a slow time for car buying, which is why now might be a perfect time to get a good deal on a used car. Plus, buying a used car has other benefits. Most important is that the original owner takes the initial depreciation hit; new cars lose much more value in the first and second years than those that follow. Also, most recent used SUV have the latest safety equipment (such as curtain air bags and stability control) and are still affordable.
When shopping, look for cars that scored well in Consumer Reports' tests when new, have proven reliability, and perform well in government and insurance industry crash tests. All models listed meet these criteria. And before handing over the cash, have the vehicle inspected by a trained and trusted mechanic to make sure there are no hidden problems.
Check out our top deals for recommended used SUVs from the 2008-2010 model years. We placed the vehicles in order of the average cheapest price you might be able to get when buying from the dealer and all are under $25,000. The models listed below are between 23- and 49-percent less than the retail price when the vehicle was new. Plus, all of the models have at least average reliability according to our latest subscriber survey.
Make & model | Buying from dealer avg price | MSRP (new) | Drop in retail value vs. MSRP | Used-car pricing |
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander | $11,919 | $23,125 | 49% | View detailed pricing |
2008 Nissan Rogue | $13,125 | $20,560 | 36% | View detailed pricing |
2009 Nissan Rogue | $14,838 | $21,615 | 31% | View detailed pricing |
2008 Toyota RAV4 | $14,875 | $25,182 | 41% | View detailed pricing |
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander | $15,921 | $24,313 | 35% | View detailed pricing |
2008 Honda CR-V | $16,217 | $23,650 | 32% | View detailed pricing |
2008 Subaru Forester | $16,513 | $25,262 | 35% | View detailed pricing |
2009 Honda CR-V | $17,229 | $24,195 | 29% | View detailed pricing |
2009 Mazda CX-9 | $17,525 | $29,820 | 41% | View detailed pricing |
2009 Subaru Forester | $17,821 | $25,178 | 29% | View detailed pricing |
2010 Toyota RAV4 | $18,942 | $25,725 | 26% | View detailed pricing |
2008 Honda Pilot | $19,094 | $32,178 | 41% | View detailed pricing |
2010 Mazda CX-9 | $20,388 | $29,505 | 31% | View detailed pricing |
2009 Toyota Highlander | $20,700 | $29,050 | 29% | View detailed pricing |
2009 Toyota Venza | $21,194 | $27,613 | 23% | View detailed pricing |
2008 Toyota Highlander | $21,544 | $32,325 | 33% | View detailed pricing |
2009 Acura RDX | $23,100 | $37,195 | 38% | View detailed pricing |
2008 Acura MDX | $23,870 | $44,715 | 47% | View detailed pricing |
Full used car pricing information is available to Cars Best Deals Plus subscribers on the model overview pages. Consumer Reports also offers individual Used Car Price Reports on vehicles from the 2003 - 2012 model years. Pricing information can be adjusted for vehicle condition, mileage and optional equipment. For advice on buying a used car, see our guide and video.
See our complete list of used-car deals across a variety of vehicle categories.
More from Consumer Reports:
2013 New Car Preview
Best & worst used cars
Complete Ratings for 200 cars and trucks
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission.
