What to check on a used SUV before you buy

An SUV carries more weight than a sedan and works its suspension and brakes harder for it. Start underneath: look for uneven tyre wear, weeping shock absorbers, and corrosion on the subframe where road salt collects.

Ask for the service history and match it against the odometer. Regular oil changes at sensible intervals tell you more about how a vehicle was treated than the mileage figure on its own.