There is a ton of benefit in buying used, and while there is plenty of appeal to a new car, it is hard to refute the hard facts. Buying a used car is easier, simpler, and often cheaper, particularly when it is a Chevy. Chevrolet is a brand that has been contributing to the auto industry for decades now, spearheading some of the latest and greatest in auto trends. The Chevy family lineup is incredibly diverse nowadays, with vehicles ranging from compact cars to beefy pickups that tip the scales in terms of power. However, if you have plans to buy a used Chevrolet like a used Chevy Cruze or used Chevy Silverado 1500, there are a few things you should know to make the process easier. While buying a used car comes with plenty of benefits, there are some pitfalls as well; however, these issues are easy to avoid with the right guidance by your side.
Finding a Dealer That you Can Trust
There are plenty of a used dealerships out there, some good, some bad, but finding the right used Chevy dealer can make all the difference in your overall buying experience. A less than trustworthy dealership can guide you in the wrong direction, and push you to make a purchase that may not be in your best interest. Alternatively, when you visit a used Chevy dealer that is committed to your complete and utter satisfaction, you can end up with a used vehicle that marks off every one of your automotive needs.
That’s not to mention that buying a used car can feel like a minefield. Whether you’re buying a vehicle that has been certified by the manufacturer or not, when you purchase used, you’re betting on the fact that the previous owner took good care of the vehicle. Far too often, buyers can find themselves stuck with a vehicle that is riddled with mechanical issues, which in the long run can hinder the financial benefits of buying used in the first place.
Fortunately, with a dealer that you can trust, you can rest easy knowing that the vehicle you’re getting has a better chance of holding up over a longer period. Things like car history reports and guaranteed warranties can all be provided by a great dealership and will go a long way in giving you peace of mind when you roll that used car off of their lot.
The Vehicle Type Matters
Whether you’re buying a new or used Chevy, the body type of the car you buy can really make the difference in how you feel about the car years down the line. There are a variety of car body types out there, particularly in the Chevy family lineup. No matter how you look at it, a pickup truck is going to be very different from a compact car; likewise, an SUV is going to be very different from a pickup. The kind of used Chevy vehicle you buy should reflect your lifestyle and be able to live up to the day to day demands.
So, what does each body type mean for your driving experience? Well, within the Chevy family lineup, you’ll find sedans, sports cars, SUVs, and trucks, and each variety caters to a certain kind of lifestyle. A sports car, for instance, like the Chevy Corvette, is a high-end vehicle that specializes in sheer performance and style. Not meant for lugging around cargo or any more than a few passengers, the Chevy Corvette is a true speed demon and is a great fit for anyone looking to splurge on their purchase.
Alternatively, an SUV, like the Chevy Suburban, is a solid fit for families, and anyone who prioritizes carting cargo and passengers around. The same can be said of the pickup truck, much like the Chevy Silverado 1500. While pickup trucks do focus more on cargo and utility than an SUV, larger cabs can leave more room for passengers, making it so the SUV and the pickup offer a similar level of appeal.
Also existing in the Chevy family lineup are compact cars like the Chevy Cruze. These vehicles tend to be smaller, cheaper, and offer far greater fuel economy than their larger counterparts. As a result, compact vehicles serve as a great fit for the regular commuter, someone who appreciates saving money at the pump and spends a good chunk of their day in the car.
Highlights of the Chevy Family Lineup
There is a wide range of vehicles in the Chevy family lineup, and when buying used, you’ll have the pick of the litter. So, to help make the purchase process easier, we’ll give you a quick overview of a few models in the Chevy lineup.
The Chevy Cruze
For the commuters and gas-savers, we’d recommend the Chevy Cruze. The 2019 model is available as a sedan or hatchback and features the L, LS, LT, and Premier trims. It comes standard with a 1.4-liter Turbo ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine that is rated for 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This small but punchy engine still does a decent job of conserving fuel too, as the Chevy Cruze is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. A turbo-diesel variety is also offered in the 2019 model, which utilizes a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine to earn a remarkable 31 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway.
The Chevy Silverado 1500
Another top recommendation is the ever-classic and ever-powerful Chevy Silverado 1500. Here is a pickup truck that refuses to be anything less than a workhorse. Base models of the 2019 model come with a roaring 4.3-liter V6 engine that gets up to 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. But that degree of power is only the beginning as the Chevy Silverado can be upgraded to sport a beefy 6.2-liter V8 engine that has a top towing capacity of 12,200 pounds. So, yes, if you decide to purchase a used Chevy Silverado 1500, you’ll find a vehicle that is up for almost any task.
The Chevy Suburban
If you are the parent of a big family, or simply like to have a vehicle that has no issue storing cargo, the Chevy Suburban might be a good fit for you. This is a beefy SUV that has existed in the Chevy lineup as far back as 1933. While Chevy’s flagship SUV has changed a lot over the decades, what exists remains true to what drivers have come to expect of the Chevy Suburban. For instance, the 2019 Chevy Suburban can transport up to 9 passengers, and if you want to transport cargo, you’ll have about 122 cubic feet to take full advantage of.
The Chevy Corvette Stingray
If speed is what you’re after, you’ll certainly find it in the 2019 Chevy Corvette Stingray. This sleek sports car offers a power rating that outpaces even large pickups like the Chevy Silverado 1500. At the start, the Chevy Corvette utilizes a 6.2-liter V8 that roars off of the starting line at a rate of 460 horsepower. As a result, the Chevy Corvette can launch from 0-60 in as little as 3.7 seconds.
Buying a Used Chevy
Buying a used car can be intimidating, as there are so many things to consider before making a purchase. That said, you can make a good start by picking a trusted automaker like Chevy. The Chevy family lineup is incredibly diverse, and if you’re in the market for a used vehicle, the Chevy brand is certain to have whatever you’re after.
