Picking a Used Chevrolet

August 9th, 2019 by

A red 2015 Chevy Malibu is driving in the rain.

Chevy has had a renaissance in recent years. With full redesigns on all their models, they’ve found a way to make highly equipped vehicles available at affordable pricing, and they only get better each year. This has caused a huge demand for used Chevrolet-made vehicles, which dealerships have responded to by buying back many recent model years in order to satisfy the need. Many recent models can be found with full entertainment hookups as well as some convenient luxury options all for very attractive pricing. It’s gotten to the point where buying a used Chevrolet in good condition feels very much like buying a brand new car without the brand-new-car price tag. Here’s a look at some of the more popular used models:

Chevy Cruze

The Chevy Cruze has become one of those cars you always see whenever you’re out on the road. Features and affordability of recent models have made it a very popular choice for those looking for all the modern needs of a mid-sized sedan without breaking the bank. Perfect for commuting, recent models of the Cruze can get up 28 miles in the city/38 miles on the highway per gallon. They don’t sacrifice power either, as the 1.4-liter turbocharged engines are able to get up to 153 horsepower with 177 ft-lb of torque. You’ll look good as you’re zipping around as well. The Cruze’s design is closely aligned with that of the Malibu, making it a standout in its price group.

What sets used Chevrolets apart is their available features, as many can be found with full entertainment packages. Bluetooth connectivity has been standard in Chevy vehicles for most of the past decade, and many Cruze’s can be found with that hookup. More recent used Cruze’s take it a step further and have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity standard. Many used Cruze’s can be found with luxury amenities such as heated front seats, keyless entry and start, and even sunroofs. For a vehicle re-selling commonly found under $15K on the used market, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

A blue 2017 Chevy Cruze, a popular used Chevrolet car, is driving down a city street.

Chevy Malibu

The Malibu has been a car long associated with luxury, in addition to the exception of power associated with Chevy’s racing heritage. Luckily for drivers hoping to join the Malibu legacy, Chevy has made buying a used Malibu much more accessible with availability starting under $20K for many used options. The turbocharged 1.5-liter 6-speed engines available in recent models can average a double-take inducing 29 mpg in the city/36 mpg on the highway while producing up to 160 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. You’ll really feel like you’re moving, and you won’t have to worry about wasting too much gas.

Like it’s little brother the Cruze, you can find a Chevy Malibu packed with extras. Bluetooth hookup with MyLink and Apple CarPlay capabilities are common over the last few model years. Malibus are of course designed with style and comfort very much in mind. Leather interiors with heated seating are very common in used models. You’ll also be likely to find other amenities such as heated mirrors, Bose speaker systems in higher models, and remote starters. Being one of the most consistently stunning cars, picking up a used Malibu is an easy way to make a statement while still being fiscally responsible.

Chevy Trax

 

A blue 2015 Chevy Trax is driving on a sunny highway.

Another very popular used Chevy is the Trax, a compact SUV that provides more than a little extra room without sacrificing space in your driveway. Being part of the Chevy SUV family, it’s not uncommon to find a model with all-wheel drive, though front-wheel drive models are quite a bit more common. Recent models can average a 25 mpg in the city/31 mpg on the highway, making them closer to their sedan-sized cousins than other SUVs in terms of fuel efficiency. Recent models also can be found with 1.4-liter turbocharged engines that turn out 138 horsepower and 148 ft-lb of torque. While not necessarily designed with major tow-hauls in mind like some other SUVs, the added space it affords without emptying the tank too dramatically is well worth it.

Like the used Chevrolets we’ve discussed already, there are quite a few available perks to be had on recent model years of the Chevy Trax. Bluetooth capability, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and safety features like the backup camera can all be found in the models of this decade. The styling matches the other models of the same year, but still has a unique quirkiness that sets it apart from the rest of Chevy’s lines. The Trax is perfect for small families and commuters alike, and it’s a great choice for anyone with pricing estimated around $17k and well under for recent model years.

Chevy Silverado 1500

When hardworking people think about what kind of pickup truck they need, Chevy is one of the first brands that comes to mind. Beyond brand, the second thing that comes to mind is how pricey they can get. Luckily, Chevy Silverados are built to last. While still at the higher end of the used car price range for recent models, Silverados from the beginning of the decade can be found for about the same prices as you’ll find some of the slightly newer versions of the vehicles we’ve already talked about. Some used Silverados can be found getting 15 mpg in the city/20 mpg on the highway. This truck is capable of getting 420 horsepower and 460 ft-lb of torque, and all that only gets better the more recent you buy. Best of all, most used Silverados are available with four-wheel drive.

Styling has been very consistent with the Silverado over the years, so no matter what generation you pick up you’re bound to be looking at a great pickup truck. While some of the amenities we’ve discussed in previous vehicles — like Bluetooth and Apple Carplay connectivity — won’t be available in many Chevy’s before 2010, most will still have the proper hookups to plug your phone in to play music over the radio and many will still give you the capabilities to answer calls the same way. Bluetooth starts to get sound more commonly in these vehicles around the 2012 models and of course beyond. Silverados are workhorses built to last, so if you’re in need of an upgrade or replacement and you need a pickup that can take the workload, Silverado is likely the choice for you.

A black 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 is towing a boat near Buford, GA.

Used Chevrolet Cars

There’s no questioning that used Chevrolets are in higher demand now than they ever have before. They’re a reliable option with tons of available amenities at attainable prices. There’s an option for everybody, too. From smaller sedans like the Cruze, to its slightly roomier and more stylish big brother the Malibu, to the compact yet versatile SUV the Trax and the hard working Silverado pickup. What stands out most about Chevy’s used vehicles, especially models from the recent decade, is their attention to economy. There aren’t really any choices you can make that will be detrimental to your gas budget. And the best part is that Chevy has so many more models and styles to choose from than what we’ve covered here, so the best thing to do is contact us at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford, GA, and discuss your driving needs with one of the expert members of our sales team who will help you find the perfect Chevy.

Posted in Used Chevrolet