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 Used-car shopping gets easier when you stop looking for “the best car” and start looking for the right tradeoff. Price, mileage, age, drivetrain, and how you’ll actually use the vehicle all matter. On the AW Auto lot in Lodi this week, a few active listings are worth comparing because they answer different needs instead of all chasing the same buyer.

Here are four practical picks for Route 46 and Bergen County shoppers: a budget AWD SUV, a commuter sedan, a 4x4 pickup, and an older premium 4WD SUV. None of these should be treated the same. That’s the point.

budget AWD: 2017 Buick Encore AWD Preferred

The 2017 Buick Encore AWD Preferred is listed at $4,997 with 172,211 miles. The mileage is high, and it should be part of the conversation from the start. The reason this Encore still earns a look is simple: it gives budget-focused shoppers an AWD SUV option under $5,000.

For someone shopping from Lodi, Passaic, or Hackensack who wants a small SUV and AWD without stretching the budget, this is the kind of listing that makes sense to inspect in person. At this price and mileage, the smart move is to look closely, ask questions, and compare condition against the number on the odometer. It is not a low-mileage SUV. It is a low-price AWD SUV.

commuter value: 2014 Ford Fusion SE FWD

The 2014 Ford Fusion SE FWD is listed at $7,997 with 89,335 miles. That mileage is the reason it stands out in this group. If you mainly need basic transportation for local commuting, school runs, work, or Route 46 driving, a sedan can still be the better buy than chasing an SUV just because SUVs are popular.

This Fusion is the plain practical choice here. FWD, under 90,000 miles, and priced below many newer compact SUVs. For a buyer who does not need AWD or 4WD, it may be worth looking at the sedan first and keeping the extra budget in their pocket. The tradeoff is simple: less utility than an SUV, but a more straightforward daily-driver lane.

truck usefulness: 2018 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Quad Cab

The 2018 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Quad Cab is listed at $15,997 with 129,458 miles. For truck shoppers, the number that matters first is not just the price. It is the combination of full-size pickup body, 4WD, and a price under $16,000.

This is the one for someone who wants a truck for workdays, weekend projects, or bad-weather confidence without jumping into newer-truck pricing. The mileage is not low, but it is clearly shown. If you are comparing older trucks in Bergen County, this Ram belongs on the list because the use case is obvious: you want truck capability and 4x4, but you are watching the payment.

inspection-first premium SUV: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE 4WD

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE 4WD is listed at $5,999 with 155,931 miles. This is the vehicle where buyers need to be the most honest with themselves. The badge and price will get attention. The age and mileage should get just as much attention.

For the right shopper, an older premium 4WD SUV at this price can be interesting. But it should be approached differently than a simple commuter car. Bring an inspection-first mindset. Look at the vehicle carefully, ask what matters to you, and make sure the price, age, and mileage all make sense together. This is not the “safe because it’s cheap” pick. It is the “worth a closer look if you understand the tradeoff” pick.

how to choose

If AWD at the lowest price is the priority, start with the Buick Encore. If mileage under 90,000 matters more than AWD, look at the Ford Fusion. If you need a 4x4 pickup and want to stay below $16,000, the Ram 1500 is the clear truck option. If you are drawn to an older premium SUV, the Range Rover Sport is the one to inspect carefully before making any decision.

AW Auto & Truck Wholesalers is at 23 US-46 West in Lodi, NJ. Call (551) 345-8100 to verify availability before stopping by. Sale price does not include State Tax, Registration or Documentation Fee of 995.