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A blue 2020 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is shown driving on a dirt road after leaving a used Chevy truck dealer.

Used Chevy Trucks That Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

With a brand-new year on the horizon, many are looking forward to 2023 with enthusiasm and a sense of optimism and renewal. While there’s no shortage of excitement regarding the new makes and models being announced for the upcoming model year, many consumers are still looking to save some extra pennies by buying a used truck. If you’re in the market for an affordable and reliable pickup truck, then there’s no other brand quite like Chevrolet. As one of the premier American automobile manufacturers with over a century of experience, no other brand has demonstrated the strength and durability of the pickup more than Chevrolet. Finding a previously owned model is as simple as visiting your local used Chevy truck dealer. When it comes to determining which used Chevy truck will be best for you, we’ve gathered some information you’ll find both enticing and informative.

Why Buy Used?

Because of the fact that we live in a consumer-based economy, many of us are raised with the idea that something “used” is something that’s discarded or has outlived its usefulness. However, purchasing a used truck is one of the best ways to save money, both on the initial sticker price and many other costs that come with vehicle ownership. All vehicles, regardless of their make or model, go through the process of depreciation from the moment they’re driven off the dealership lot and parked in someone’s driveway. After just a few short years, you’ll be able to purchase the exact vehicle for a price much lower than the original MSRP. Because monthly insurance premiums are based in part on the value of your vehicle, you have another advantage with purchasing used, potentially providing significant savings every month. It’s a great way to cut costs and put more money aside for a rainy day.

A black 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is shown driving on a dry grassy trail.

Third-Generation Chevy Silverado 1500 (2014-2018)

Debuting at the tail end of the 20th century, the Chevy Silverado 1500 has become one of the country’s most popular pickup trucks. There’s a very good reason for that. Year in and year out, Chevy continuously strives to offer trucks with incredible performance and towing prowess. For those who are looking for a workhorse that’s both affordable and effective, taking advantage of a used third-generation Silverado 1500 is an excellent way to start. This generation of the truck in question is unique for offering more technologically-advanced features while still possessing the proven powertrains required for all jobs, big and small.

There are three distinctive powertrain options available for the third-generation Silverado 1500, each having its own unique advantages for tackling the obstacles that life decides to throw your way. The entire generation benefited from a standard 4.3L V6, which offers 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. While this is the standard offering, it is more than capable of handling itself. The other two offerings are in the form of a 5.3L V8 and a 6.2L V8, which are formulated for larger tasks at hand.

Several available features make for a comfortable and convenient commute, such as Chevy MyLink touchscreen infotainment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added as options for the 2016 model year. For those who put safety as a top priority, a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA speaks to Chevy’s continuing devotion to quality assurance.

Second-Generation Chevy Colorado (2015-2022)

The Chevy Colorado recently entered its third generation for the 2023 model year. This means you may be able to find a newer used model at a lower-than-expected price. We had difficulty narrowing down a single exemplary model year for the Colorado, but 2020 delivered the best results for our liking. Like its predecessor, the Chevy S-10, the Colorado is the perfect example of big things coming in a small package. Competing with several smaller-sized rivals, such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado had an impressive year in 2020.

Chevy has always been known for its ability to craft vehicles that meet a multitude of needs. The 2020 Colorado offers a selection of impressive powertrain options that complement its smaller-than-average size and agile nature. A four-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engine provides a towing prowess of up to 7,700 lbs, making it ideal for hard workers and off-roading enthusiasts alike. For those who are in search of a daily commuter, the base 2.8L four-cylinder engine offers drivers up to 23 MPG combined. Finally, the available 3.6L V6 provides all-around performance with its 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Versatility is the name of the game for the 2020 Chevy Colorado, and taking advantage of a used model can be very cost-effective and advantageous.

A black 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD High Country is shown towing a black trailer on a highway.

Fourth-Generation Chevy Silverado HD (2020-present)

If you have some enormous tasks before you that require a significant amount of heavy lifting, then taking advantage of depreciation can get you the tools you need for a lower price than buying them new. If you search for a used fourth-generation Silverado HD, you might be surprised at how low the cost can be despite its being a relatively recent model. Seeking out a truck that was produced during the third generation will provide you with even greater savings, but the fourth generation model really upped the ante when it comes to raw performance and helpful work-oriented features.

The performance attributes of the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD have garnered praise from workers and critics alike. Two powertrain options are available: a 6.6L gasoline V8 and a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8. Towing capacities range up to 18,500 lbs for the 2020 Silverado 2500 HD and up to an incredible 35,500 lbs for the 2020 Silverado 3500 HD. Given the affordable price of these powerhouses, that’s what we call appreciating depreciation! Chevy trucks are also known for their ability to last hundreds of thousands of miles when properly maintained, so you’ll get years of capability while paying a significant amount less than the original starting price.

More Than a Good Investment

The information we’ve presented here will hopefully help you select the ideal used Chevy truck for your work life and time on the road. Whether you’re in need of a workhorse on the job site, a vehicle that can handle the rigors of off-roading, or a simple method of transportation to get from home to the office, you can rest assured that there’s a used Chevy truck that can accommodate these immediate needs. From the Colorado to the Silverado HD, there is an option that will fill virtually any budget or requirement.

More than that, we wanted to show everyone that just because you’re buying a used vehicle, it doesn’t mean you are sacrificing the quality or versatility that has long been associated with the Chevy brand. Far from it. By utilizing the process of depreciation to your advantage, you’ll be able to acquire a vehicle that costs less, is less expensive to insure, and will deliver on all of the attributes that have made Chevy one of the most trusted brands in pickups for over a century. As we’ve seen today, a used Chevy truck isn’t just a good investment; it’s worth its weight in gold.