Finding the Perfect Used SUV for Work-Life Balance

Are you one of the many parents with school-age kids who are looking for used SUVs for sale near Schenectady? Used SUVs are often the perfect solution for families constantly on the go and in need of vehicles that can move from school pickups to transporting orders for your small business without a hitch. Think of them like the perfect shoes that can be taken from day to evening outfits without needing to be swapped out.

Understanding the Needs of a Modern Family

Most families don’t need a luxury sedan or a truck that barely fits their kids while also guzzling gas down like it’s going out of style. You want something that you’re not afraid to get dirty, something that can take the punishment your family is going to deal out, and something that you’re not going to worry about breaking down on the way to an important client meeting. A used SUV with plenty of room for your kids, lots of cargo space, and rugged practicality to get dirty should be at the top of your list.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Mess

Balancing work and family life isn’t for the faint of heart, despite so many of us doing it every day. Some of us are strapping in toddlers, while others are wrangling our kids and their friends as we shepherd them to soccer practice. You might have picky eaters throwing cereal around the back seat or lazy teenagers taking off their shoes on long car rides. This means a vehicle with enough seating and room to maneuver your vacuum when spills and smells happen.

Easily Switch Between Roles of Parent and Entrepreneur

If you run a small business like a catering company, sell e-commerce products, haul around cleaning supplies, or market your hand-made goods at craft fairs, you need a reliable vehicle to enable your entrepreneurial aspirations. The same goes for hauling around sets for your kids’ school plays or sports equipment when the season rolls around. Your vehicle needs enough room for your kids, yes, but it also needs some good storage space in the back to fit boxes, supplies, and equipment at the same time.

Safety First for Your Family

Room for your kids and career are only a start. Safety also plays a hugely important role for families searching for a used SUV in the Schenectady area. You don’t want to endanger your family by putting them into a vehicle that isn’t equipped with top-notch safety features. Finding a used SUV with the features your family needs should be at the top of your list. Think airbags, high safety ratings, child-safety locks, and driver assist tools, among other things.

Ford EcoSport

Although the EcoSport has been discontinued by Ford, there are still plenty of these great subcompact SUVs on the road. Ford has pledged to continue servicing them, and many Certified Pre-Owned versions exist. Sold from 2018 to 2023, the EcoSport offers drivers city-friendly size and efficiency in a relatively modern and affordable SUV.

Seating and Comfort: There is seating for up to five passengers, meaning plenty of room for the kids. The EcoSport focuses on maximizing the interior space available, even though this is a subcompact vehicle. Adjustable seats add to the comfort.

Cargo Space: You might not guess it from the outside, but there is a large amount of cargo space in this SUV. You’ll get 20.9 cu.ft. of cargo room behind the second row of seats. If you don’t have passengers and need to transport lots of your stuff, there is a total of 50 cu.ft. of cargo room behind the front row.

Engine Specs and Efficiency: There are two engine options for the EcoSport: a 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers more power. Fuel efficiency varies by year, but the 2021 model gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined with the smaller engine.

Ford Escape

This compact SUV is a favorite among Ford lovers. The latest generation launched in 2020, but the Escape dates all the way back to 2001, so there are plenty of used models available. It’s a compact SUV that offers drivers and their families a balance of performance and comfort and has available hybrid options.

Seating and Comfort: Like the EcoSport, five people can fit comfortably in the Escape. However, the Escape is a larger model that provides additional space for backseat passengers, making it a better fit for most Schenectady families.

Cargo Space: Sliding second-row seats mean that the Escape can haul a lot of cargo. This generation of the Escape has a cargo volume capacity of up to 37.5 cu.ft. behind the second row and 65.4 cu.ft. with the back seats folded down.

Engine Specs and Efficiency: Multiple powertrains are available on used Ford Escapes. You can get a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, opt for a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, or even select a used SUV with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain! Fuel efficiency varies widely depending on the engine chosen. The hybrid will give you the best efficiency, with the 2022 model offering an estimated fuel economy of 41 MPG combined.

Ford Explorer

This midsize SUV continues to fly off the lot. It’s a hugely versatile three-row option that caters to the busy family trying to balance work and home life. This used SUV continues to be a favorite year after year. The most recent generation is the sixth, which began in 2020.

Seating and Comfort: You’ll get more seating in this SUV, with space for up to seven people. This is good when you’ve got your kids and some of their friends or teammates, too. It will certainly make sharing car-pooling duties easier. There are several options to configure the seating so kids will be comfortable on long drives, as well as lots of legroom for growing teens and modern amenities to keep everyone entertained. The high-quality interior materials are stylish and easy to clean.

Cargo Space: If you want substantial cargo space, look no further than a used Ford Explorer. When you fold down the third row of seats, you’ll be presented with a huge, flat area to load even the bulkiest equipment and goods. If you fold down all the seats in the second and third rows, you get a massive 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo space.

Engine Specs and Efficiency: Ford has supplied engine options for days with the Ford Explorer. Depending on the used SUV you’re looking at, it might have a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, or a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine. The sixth-generation Explorer is also equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission! If you go with the most fuel-efficient of these engine options (the hybrid), you’re looking at an estimated 27 MPG combined for the 2022 model.

Find the Perfect SUV for Your Family!

If you’re looking for the best pre-owned SUVs for sale near Schenectady, look no further than DePaula Ford! We always have a rotating stock of great used SUVs from Ford and other brands that will suit even the busiest family’s needs! Let’s talk about how much seating and cargo space you need and weigh fuel efficiency to find you the right vehicle. We look forward to seeing you at our dealership!