SUVs under €20,000

Under €20,000, you'll find recent compact SUVs or larger models that are already a few years old. It's a good compromise if you want a high driving position and a practical boot without paying new-car prices.

Don't go on looks alone. Many SUVs at this price only have two-wheel drive: they're built for the road, not for dirt tracks. If all-wheel drive matters to you, check it on the spec sheet.

What to check before you buy

• The Euro standard. On a diesel SUV a few years old, it's decisive: in Brussels, diesels rated Euro 5 or older are banned from the LEZ. Antwerp and Ghent have their own rules.
• The Car-Pass. Under two months old, checked with the QR code, with a consistent mileage history.
• Tyres and brakes. An SUV is heavier than a saloon, so they wear faster and cost more.
• The suspension. Listen for noises over cobblestones and speed bumps.

Get an insurance quote before you buy, and look up the taxes in your region. Do the test drive with a cold engine, for at least 20 minutes. A dealer gives you one to two years of warranty. Between private parties, you're only covered against serious hidden defects.