May 2011: Best deals on used SUVs

May 18, 2011 10:30 AM

New or used, SUVs remain a white-hot vehicle segment, offering the functionality, versatility, and all-weather traction many families crave. Many buyers are moving away from large truck-based models to car-based SUVs, and likewise many car owners with growing families are stepping up from their small cars. For those budget-conscious shoppers, buying used can be a great way to get the right vehicle for less money. And to make the task easier, we have identified some of the best used SUV deals on the market.

Buying a used car has many benefits. Chief among them 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, by looking at a recent model, you can find reliable used cars that have the latest safety equipment (such as curtain air bags and stability control) and are still affordable. Given the troubled economy, it is no wonder that respondents to a recent Consumer Reports survey revealed a growing interest in buying a used car--especially a late-model one--as an alternative to a new car.

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. 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 small and midsized SUVs from the 2006-2008 model years. We placed the vehicles in order of the cheapest price you might be able to get when buying from the dealer. The models listed below are between 24- and 53-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.

See our complete list of used-car deals across a variety of vehicle categories.

Make & model	Mileage	MSRP when new	Selling to dealer avg price	Buying from dealer avg price	Drop in private sale vs. MSRP	Drop in retail value vs. MSRP
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Auto FWD 6 Cyl	75,000	$21,695	$8,350	$10,175	62%	53%
2006 Hyundai Tucson GL Auto FWD 4 Cyl	75,000	18,745	8,470	10,325	55%	45%
2006 Honda CR-V LX Auto FWD	75,000	20,395	10,080	12,075	51%	41%
2006 Subaru Forester X Auto AWD	75,000	22,595	10,485	12,525	54%	45%
2006 Honda Pilot LX FWD	75,000	26,995	11,215	13,400	58%	50%
2008 Kia Sportage LX Auto FWD 4 Cyl	36,000	19,045	11,450	13,425	40%	30%
2007 Honda CR-V LX Auto FWD 4 Cyl	47,000	20,600	12,265	14,300	40%	31%
2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport Auto FWD 6 Cyl	75,000	23,790	12,445	14,475	48%	39%
2008 Nissan Rogue S Auto FWD	36,000	19,250	12,725	14,700	34%	24%
2007 Honda Pilot LX FWD	47,000	27,095	13,150	15,300	51%	44%
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Auto FWD 4 Cyl	36,000	23,330	13,650	15,750	41%	32%
2007 Subaru Forester X w/Prem Auto AWD	47,000	24,495	13,855	15,925	43%	35%
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Auto FWD 6 Cyl	36,000	24,495	14,875	17,050	39%	30%
2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport Auto 4WD 6 Cyl	47,000	25,840	15,175	17,200	41%	33%
2007 Toyota Highlander FWD 6 Cyl	47,000	28,965	15,500	17,525	46%	39%
2008 Honda Pilot VP 2WD	36,000	27,595	15,650	17,825	43%	35%
2006 Toyota Highlander Ltd Hybrid FWD	47,000	37,890	15,820	18,100	58%	52%
2007 Lexus RX 400h FWD	47,000	41,180	23,715	26,475	42%	36%
2008 Acura MDX w/RES AWD	36,000	47,995	29,125	32,150	39%	33%

To get detailed pricing on a used car or for vehicle comparisons, subscribe to our Used car price report, used car buying kits, and used car price reports. Also, see our used car buying guide and our list of most reliable used cars.

—Liza Barth