Are you thinking about buying your first car? Now is the perfect time to make that big decision, and that comes with a lot of smaller—but no less crucial—choices. Which vehicle will you buy? Which features do you need? Which ones do you want? How are you going to finance it?
Yeah, the process can seem intimidating at the onset… That’s where the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer comes into play. This SUV is a spotlight stealer, and it’s more affordable than a lot of its competition. Strap yourself in as we go through the ins and outs of the 2024 Trailblazer and why you ought to make it your first set of wheels.
What Can You Expect From the 2024 Trailblazer?
With its numerous standard features and an affordable base price, this subcompact SUV is rapidly gaining popularity among first-time buyers as well as those who’ve owned many vehicles.
Key attributes of the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer include its eye-catching exterior design. More youthful buyers will find its sporty and modern aesthetic appealing. This SUV’s bold front grille and cutting lines make it a real head-turner on the road. For those who navigate the concrete jungle, the Trailblazer’s compact size is ideal, as it allows you to maneuver in and out of tight spaces and down narrow roads.
Just don’t get it twisted: the Trailblazer’s cabin does not feel small whatsoever. You’ll find you have plenty of space for your passengers and your cargo. No one will feel cramped on long road trips or short daily commutes. You’ll also enjoy always being connected, thanks to Chevy’s user-friendly infotainment system; utilize Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to sync your fave smartphone apps and keep yourself informed and entertained.
Technology isn’t just about having a good time—it’s about staying safe. Chevy equips the Trailblazer with a suite of advanced driver assistance features (such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking) to help keep you and others safe on the road. They also work to make driving feel more intuitive.
Fuel economy is probably at the forefront of your mind, as it is for many folks these days, and you can expect excellent numbers from the 2024 Trailblazer! With FWD equipped, you get an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined (for 29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway). Compared to other vehicles in this segment, you will be saving a lot of money on fuel in the long run.
On top of that, the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer has an affordable starting price that is ideal for first-time buyers on a tight budget. Pricing can vary depending on where you live and the trim level you select, but you can expect a base model to start between $19k and $21k; this is an attractive option if you’re a buyer who wants to go easy on your bank account.
Financing Your 2024 Chevy Trailblazer
Now that you get the gist of what makes the 2024 Trailblazer so appealing, it’s time to explore financing options that can help you drive this chic little number home and call it yours. Many buyers take out traditional auto loans, which require you to make a down payment of somewhere between 10% to 20% of the vehicle’s asking price; thus, for the base Trailblazer, you might have to put down $1,900 to $4,200.
You will need to consider your loan term, too. Typically, auto loans come in terms of 36, 48, 60, or 72 months; you’ll need to choose one that fits your budget, bearing in mind that longer terms can cost more in interest accrued over time despite their lower monthly payments. These interest rates vary based on multiple factors, including the lender and your credit score; the higher your credit score, the more likely it is that you’ll secure a lower interest rate.
If a traditional loan doesn’t work for you, you might want to consider leasing the Trailblazer. A lease means you essentially “rent” the Trailblazer for a certain amount of time—usually 36 months. You might have a down payment as low as $0; generally, down payments on leases are considerably low.
Monthly payments on leases are typically lower than on loans since you’re only paying for the SUV’s depreciation during the lease term. There are some mileage limits, however, and going over these can lead to extra fees. When the lease ends, you have the flexibility to buy the Trailblazer at a pre-established cost or return it to the dealer and lease a brand-new model.
Finally, there is manufacturer financing to consider. Chevy sometimes offers its own financing deals that give you low or possibly 0% APR if you’re a qualified buyer. These promotions can greatly lessen the cost of financing your Trailblazer, so keep your eyes peeled for these special offers from local Chevy dealerships!
Budgeting Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
Before we conclude, we have some budgeting tips for those of you buying a car for the first time. Some of us old-timers have learned the hard way about financing vehicles, which is why imparting this wisdom to you is crucial.
First and foremost, determine your budget well in advance. What’s your financial situation like? Calculate your monthly income versus expenses to figure out how much money you can direct toward car-related expenses; these should include your monthly loan/lease payments, expected fuel costs, insurance, and annual maintenance.
You’ll also want to make sure your credit is in good standing. Having a higher credit score opens better financing opportunities. You could potentially save thousands of dollars over the course of the loan you take out. Always paying bills on time, avoiding opening new lines of credit, and lessening credit card debt are important prior to applying for an auto loan.
Set as much money aside as possible for a down payment. Even if a financing option says you don’t have to put anything down, do it anyway because a significant upfront payment vastly reduces your monthly payments, thereby enhancing your loan terms.
Don’t forget that owning a car involves more than just a monthly payment. There will be other costs to consider while assessing your budget. You will also want to shop around for insurance, as insurance premiums can vary greatly from one provider to another. Spend time getting quotes from numerous companies to find the most affordable coverage option.
Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Haggle the price of the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer down as much as you can, remaining within reason when speaking with the dealer. Research the Trailblazer’s current market value and mentally brace yourself to walk away if the dealer isn’t willing to budge.
Final Thoughts on Buying the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer
The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer is a superb choice for first-time buyers looking for an affordable, dependable, and stylish ride. If you’re shopping on a restricted budget, then the Trailblazer might just be the right fit for you. There are multiple trims to choose from, ways to customize, and plenty of standard tech gadgets. What’s more, this crossover is downright good-looking.
Just bear in mind that you should carefully explore all your financing options and how you’re going to approach your budget. Look for unbeatable deals at your local Chevy dealership—and don’t be afraid to haggle that price tag down! You might be surprised how willing some dealers are to work with you.
With the proper preparation and knowledge, you can confidently make your decision to buy the Trailblazer. Rest assured that you are making a smart decision and enjoy your car shopping experience!
