The New Hampshire Weekend Warrior: Finding the Right Used SUV for Local Adventures

January 29, 2026

If you live around Salem, you know that our weekends usually involve a lot of gear. Maybe you are packing up the kids for a day at Canobie Lake Park, heading over to the Mall at Rockingham Park for a shopping haul, or making the long drive up to the White Mountains for a hiking trip. Whatever the destination, the family sedan usually feels a little cramped by the time you get the cooler and the strollers loaded up. That is where a solid, reliable used SUV comes into play.

At Aleksa Auto, we do not just sell cars; we live here. We know the exact kind of stress a trip up Route 93 puts on a vehicle during a summer heatwave or a January blizzard. When we hand-pick our SUV inventory, we are looking for vehicles that can handle the unique demands of life in the Merrimack Valley.

Why One Size Does Not Fit All

A lot of people come onto our lot on South Broadway asking for "the best SUV." The truth is, that depends on your Saturday morning. If your weekend involves navigating the tight parking lots at Tuscan Village, you probably want something nimble like a certified used crossover. These give you the elevated seating position you want without feeling like you are driving a bus through downtown Salem.

On the other hand, if you are towing a boat over to Lake Winnipesaukee, you need a body-on-frame SUV with real towing capacity. This is where our master technicians really shine. They dig into the suspension and cooling systems of every truck-based SUV we sell to make sure it is actually ready to pull a trailer up a mountain pass without breaking a sweat.

Safety Beyond the Paperwork

It is easy for a big corporate dealership to show you a generic vehicle history report and call it a day. We think that is the bare minimum. Because we have our own 12-bay service facility right here in Salem, our "certification" is personal. Our technicians are looking for the things that matter to New Englanders: Is the battery strong enough for a sub-zero morning? Are the tires high-quality enough to handle a slushy commute on Route 28? Is the AWD system engaging exactly as it should?

We believe that when you buy a family vehicle, you should have total confidence when you pull out of the driveway. Whether you are headed to a soccer game at the local fields or a weekend getaway in the North Country, your car should be the last thing on your mind.

Join the Aleksa Auto Family

We have been part of this community for over thirty years. We have watched Salem grow, and we have helped generations of local drivers find the right ride. If you are tired of the high-pressure environment of the big city lots, come visit us for a different kind of experience. We will grab a coffee, talk about what you actually need in a vehicle, and find something that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

Ready to upgrade your weekend adventures? Come see our latest selection of hand-picked used SUVs or schedule a test drive today. Let’s find you a vehicle that is as ready for New Hampshire as you are.