For many consumers, acquiring a reliable method of transportation is a long and difficult process, and that doesn’t even include the process of shopping around. Perhaps one of the hardest parts of choosing a vehicle comes down to researching what will agree with your budget and circumstances. With a worldwide microchip shortage still impacting the production quotas of several manufacturers, many consumers have turned to shop for used vehicles in hopes of having more variety to choose from and, of course, paying a little bit less than the full price. One of the best SUV options on the market these days is the Chevy Equinox. Many have turned to the SUV as the ideal vehicle for today’s modern family. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the advantages that buying a used Chevy Equinox can bring to the table during these interesting times.
An SUV That Drives Like a Car
According to the Oxford dictionary, the term Equinox refers to a unique time when night and day are of equal length. This occurrence happens twice a year and coincides with the earth’s rotation around the sun. This concept of two opposites coming together and possessing an equal length with one another is quite appropriate when discussing the Chevy Equinox, as the vehicle exhibits the best attributes of two worlds.
What might deter some drivers from owning an SUV is that their size leads to the assumption that they’re lumbering mammoths that are hard to navigate. For those who live in an urban environment and need a maneuverable vehicle, this might be a logical assumption. Reviews of the Equinox that go back to 2017 all attest to the fact that while the Equinox might be an SUV, it handles the same way as a car. This is excellent news for those who might be wary about driving, parking, and getting from point A to point B in a vehicle that’s not a sedan. This is also particularly good news for family-oriented consumers who have a younger driver, as all Chevy models released after the 2016 model year come equipped with the Teen Driver program. This allows oversight regarding the habits of younger drivers and allows you to make sure they’re putting responsible driving habits into practice.
Cost-Effectiveness and the Art of Depreciation
Purchasing a used vehicle usually entails saving money. Purchasing a used Chevy Equinox can help you save in a variety of ways, the first of which is the rate of depreciation. We’ll elaborate slightly for those who might not be familiar with this concept. Every vehicle, regardless of its make or model, decreases in value the day it’s driven off the lot and into someone’s driveway. While this process occurs with every vehicle, some depreciate in value at a faster rate than others. Taking advantage of this process means that you can pay less. When it comes to the Equinox, the depreciation rate isn’t as quick as other vehicles, but you can still take advantage. For instance, after a five-year period, the Equinox retains less than 70% of its original value. This means savings of over $9,000, according to the consumer website Caredge.com.
You’ll also be able to save money in other ways, most notably with fuel costs. While the prevailing trend in SUVs for several years was a large and in-charge mindset, many manufacturers have spent the past few years scaling down their models and equipping them with smaller engines that are more conservative in fuel consumption. The Equinox is no exception, and one from the 2020 model year that’s equipped with FWD and a 1.5L four-cylinder engine nets a combined MPG of 28. This number is determined by the Equinox achieving an estimated 26 MPG while commuting in the city and 31 MPG when it takes to the highway. According to the EPA, this provides drivers with savings of $500 on fuel costs over a five-year period compared to the industry average.
The Benefits of Versatility
The first Chevy Equinox rolled off the assembly line to debut for the 2005 model year. Along with its then-sibling, the Pontiac Torrent, the SUV replaced the Chevy Tracker and S-10 Blazer and has been applauded for its convenience and versatility. With such an established pedigree, it’s more than apparent that any vintage of this vehicle can provide you with quite a few advantages.
One of the biggest advantages of owning an SUV is the space. If you’re someone whose life is family-oriented, then there’s a good chance you’ve got more than a few errands to run throughout your week. Whether you have to transport children to soccer practice, pick up groceries and provisions for the week, or plan that epic road trip, you’ll be able to do all of these activities with ease. The common factor that unites all of these activities is the necessity for storage space. Luckily, the Equinox can accommodate this in spades. With over 63 available cu.ft. of room to be had, you’ll have no trouble packing in the science fair projects and weekend shopping hauls.
Of course, not everyone who uses an SUV is on the family-oriented side; some crave adventure and enjoy taking ATVs and dirt bikes off the pavement and on the road less traveled. For adventures such as these, a decent towing capacity is required, as is AWD capability. Luckily, the Chevy Equinox offers both of these attributes for those who need them. Finding an Equinox with AWD is relatively easy, while its towing capacity of 1,500 lbs is more than enough to bring your favorite toys with you as you embark on your journey.
Safety and Tech
We’ve saved this section for last because safety is the most important aspect of any vehicle you purchase, whether a used Chevy Equinox or otherwise. With standard features in recent years, such as automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, Chevy continues its tradition of putting the safety of its customers at the forefront of its priorities list. As a testament to how safe the Equinox is on the road, the vehicle was awarded a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2020. This collision testing is government-mandated and has complete objectivity and transparency.
2020 was also a year in which the Equinox received praise from Car and Driver magazine for being one of the best-connected vehicles on the road. Compatibility with Apple and Android devices means access to all of your favorite apps from the 7-inch infotainment screen. With a standard Wi-Fi hotspot in many versions, you can rest assured that you won’t get lost on your journeys, nor will your connection.
All the Versatility and Innovation for a Smaller Price Tag
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why the Chevy Equinox has been one of the most favored SUVs on the road. Finding a used version isn’t settling for a vehicle of lesser quality; it’s making an investment in your quality of life. Taking advantage of an Equinox for a lower price and the attributes we’ve discussed here today can be one of the best choices you ever make. When shopping for an Equinox, buying used is anything but a compromise, and its performance and array of innovative features demonstrate that.
