How to Choose a Used Car for Off-Roading

There’s nothing better than that free feeling you get when you’re flying across the trails, but not every model is up to the challenge. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle the trails, then you’ll need to know what to look for first. At Premier Clearance Center, we have plenty of great options for you to explore.

Starting with the Basics

Before you commit to a vehicle, there are a few things that every off-roading model has to have.

• Cargo Capacity: If you’re going to be miles away from the nearest building, you’ll need enough cargo capacity for some basic necessities, like food, water, and camping equipment. If you have a larger family, then you may want to look into models that offer more seating.
• Ground Clearance: Ground clearance is one of the most important things you can have if you plan on taking a vehicle to the trails. When your vehicle is lifted, it greatly reduces the chance of you getting stuck, and you’ll fly over obstacles that might otherwise scratch the underside of your car.
• Four-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: Just about every vehicle focused on off-roading either offers four-wheel or all-wheel drive, and for good reason. While most cars get to roll over paved roads, your off-roading model will be dealing with dirt, dust, and steep inclines.

Other Things to Consider

If you’re ready to start looking for an off-roading model, and you’re near Slidell, Metairie, or Gretna, then you can visit us today at Premier Clearance Center.

• Brand-Specific Features: Some Ford models come with Rock Crawl and Trail Control modes, which give you some added versatility. If you’re looking at trucks in particular, you’ll find that a lot of brands offer outlets for the bed, which can be useful when you’re camping.
• An Easy to Clean Interior: While this isn’t a must-have feature, it’s definitely helpful. You can always equip your model with aftermarket accessories, but you’ll find that some off-roading models are designed with clean-up in mind.
• Versatility: Do you plan on using this model purely for off-roading, or do you need something that can also handle towing or seat up to seven? These are things that you should consider when you’re looking for your next car.

Pointing You in the Right Direction

If you’re trying to narrow down your options, then you should start by figuring out what kind of vehicle you want first.

• Comfortable Trucks: Models like the Tacoma and the Gladiator aren’t as large as some trucks on the market, which can be important if you’re worried about efficiency. Older versions of the Ranger are also pretty nimble, but you may miss out on some important features.
• Large Trucks: Trucks like the Tundra, the F-150, and the RAM 1500 dominate the trails. If you plan on searching for one of these larger trucks, then you should keep an eye out for the off-roading-focused trims. This includes the F-150 Raptor or TREMOR, the RAM 1500 Rebel X, and the Tundra TRD Off-Road.
• Capable SUVs: If you’re gravitating toward a smaller SUV, then models like the Renegade and the Wrangler can be great. For larger options, you can keep an eye out for models like the Suburban and the Grand Cherokee.

If you’re ready to dominate the trails, then you can find your next off-roading model today at Premier Clearance Center.