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The only problem with searching for a used Chevy 1500 for sale is choosing between the surplus of available options. There’s a reason these dependable workhorse full-size pickups are snatched up almost as quickly as they hit the market: they’re high-quality, reliable trucks that get the job done. Thanks to a wide range of trims, powertrain options, and capabilities, there’s also something for everyone. This is a trend in the full-size pickup truck category, and the buyer is the big winner. We particularly love the lineup of full-size light-duty Silverado 1500 pickups during its third generation phase. Model years 2014 to 2018 represent a zenith of technology and grit, along with a strong thread of luxury woven throughout the upper-level trims, while still remaining affordable. In the third generation series, Chevy managed to elevate the Silverado from work truck to bona fide upscale family vehicle. Why buy used? New full-size pickup trucks are pricey - a new, fully-loaded 2021 Silverado 1500 High Country can set you back over $70,000. A similarly-equipped three-year-old 1500 is more likely to hover in the mid-$40,000 range. That’s big savings in exchange for sacrificing that new car smell and an excellent option for budget-minded truck buyers. Essentially, the first owner absorbed the loss in value for you, leaving you with the best deal in the industry. The third-generation lineup of Silverado 1500 pickups was launched with a choice of three different engines and evolved over its five-year run with upgrades and enhancements to the powertrain, designed for ever-increasing towing and payload capabilities. Chevy also tweaked tech over the span of that five years, putting the focus on connectivity and seamless smartphone integration. There’s a lot to like about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 lineup throughout each model year of its five-year third-generation production run. There’s a reason it took home the North American International Auto Show’s coveted Truck of the Year award when it was introduced in 2014. Let’s look at the Silverado’s highlights so you can get on with the process of finding yours! Powertrain and Capability The completely redesigned 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 saw the addition of an all-aluminum hood, engine block, and control arms, reducing the truck’s mass and contributing to better fuel economy. A special roll-formed steel bed replaced Chevy’s traditional stamped steel bed, which made the truck even lighter. Over its five year run, the third generation of 1500 pickups saw four different engines, including the use of Chevy’s EcoTec and eAssist technologies. At the time of its launch, the EcoTec lineup of engines used for the third generation 1500 series promised a technology no other truck maker can match - a promise that Chevy delivered on. The 4.3-liter V6, 5.3-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8 engines in the EcoTec3 lineup were designed to deliver low-end torque and horsepower while contributing to better overall fuel efficiency. GM achieved this seeming dichotomy of power and fuel efficiency via an advanced combustion system that operates with a higher 11.0:1 combustion ratio. In short, the engines are more efficient, smaller, and better engineered. The EcoTec3 engines are also capable of seamlessly switching to four-cylinder-only power when additional torque and horsepower aren’t needed. The system essentially deactivates some of the cylinders, a process called Active Fuel Management, in just 20 milliseconds, so the change is imperceptible to the driver. When extra power is needed, the system reactivates the dormant cylinders, again, virtually imperceptibly. While it was only available on the 5.3-liter V8 engine after 2016, Chevy also offered the eAssist mild hybrid system, which supplemented the engine with a small electric motor for additional torque and a 13-percent increase in fuel economy. Interior Features of the Third-Generation Chevrolet first added the upscale High Country trim during the Silverado’s third generation. Popular among luxury-minded buyers, the High Country trim included such plush extras as saddle brown leather seating and navigation. An upgraded Bose audio system, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel were also part of the luxury add-ons. Throughout the third generation production run, Chevy introduced several special edition packages. These packages added special equipment to both the exterior and interior, distinguishing them from the ordinary trim lineup. Possibly the most unique edition was the 2018 Centennial Edition, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of Chevrolet. With special Chevy badging and all the features of the luxurious LTZ trim, this special edition is worth buying if you find one used. The Silverado 1500 was offered in several different cab configurations during its third generation, making it a versatile choice for a large variety of buyers. These included regular cab, double cab, and crew cab body styles, all available with four-wheel drive. Five standard trims - Work Truck (WT), LS, LT, LTZ, and High Country - meant customers could dial in a truck that met their specific budget and equipment needs. One great feature all Silverado 1500 models share is the abundant storage space throughout the interior cabin. The redesigned locking center console is even wide enough to accommodate most laptops. It also includes room for hanging files and integrates five USB ports, a 110-volt outlet, and a special cubby for storing cell phones. Modern Tech in a Used Truck The 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 came with an array of tech features that portended the wave to follow in the next several model year rollouts. Every third generation Silverado 1500 came equipped with OnStar technology, offering drivers an available subscription-based 24/7 concierge and roadside assistance plan. The plan also included a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition, smartphone audio streaming, via a standard USB port, was also included. In 2016, the third generation ushered in the Silverado’s first 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as an available wireless charging pad with certain trims and seating configurations. Bluetooth was standard, as was HD radio, and a series of high-end Bose audio systems were included in equipment packages. For the 2018 model year, Chevy made the available 7-inch screen and rear vision camera standard. Other driver-assist safety technologies include an Enhanced Driver Alert Package, available on the LT and LTZ trims and standard on the High Country. The package includes automatic high beams, Forward Collision Alert, a Lane Keep Assist system with Lane Departure Warning, a very helpful park assist feature that works when pulling in and backing out, and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking. The 2018 Chevy Silverado also has Chevy’s Teen Driver System standard, which monitors the vehicle for speed, the number of times the driver-assist system issues alerts, and more. A High-Value Used Pickup The third generation Silverado 1500 represented a turning point in Chevrolet’s impressive truck heritage. The addition of connected features, along with several design tweaks and engine improvements, means that even today, this 2014-2018 series of Silverado models truly offers something for everyone. With the third generation Silverado series, Chevy demonstrated its understanding of how the pickup truck fits in with today’s buyer, including its relevance for families. Between the Silverado 1500’s impressive capabilities and the potential to equip it with tech and comfort features, the universe of buyers is instantly expanded and redefined. It’s a trend we expect will continue in the segment because the full-size pickup truck has earned a spot in many driveways that were previously occupied by an SUV.

Chevrolet has been making automobiles for a long time. Have you ever typed in the search term, ‘ used Chevy trucks near me’? The list of available Chevy trucks just goes on and on. With a history spanning more than 100 years, there are a lot of options for anybody searching for used Chevy trucks online, and sometimes it can be difficult to sort through all these options. This is particularly the case when you are a classic truck fan and want more than just another used model from the early 2000s. Perhaps some of the most often thought of classic Chevy trucks in this day and time are the Chevrolet 3100, the Chevrolet C/K, and even the Chevrolet El Camino. But how did just three models hold up in popularity for so long? What do these three classic vehicles have that other trucks do not? Why do classic truck fans still drool over these beautiful vehicles, decades later? The Chevy 3100 - A Start of Something New The Chevy 3100 had its run from 1948-1953. This was a very popular truck back in the day, and even now, classic truck lovers still consider this vehicle to be one of the best classic vehicles of all time. When the 3100 first came out, it was highly sought after from the get-go because at this time, Chevrolet was very focused on driver and passenger comforts, and this focus shone through with the 3100. The 3100 finally made it possible for three people to sit in the cab of the truck, rather than just two, which had been the case up to this time. The front bench seat in the Chevrolet 3100 is adjustable, which was also a first for Chevy trucks. Another new feature of the 3100 was the addition of more glass in the cab, thus increasing driver visibility. While the Chevy 3100 rides very low to the ground, the ride itself is comfortable and functional as far as classic trucks go, and if you can find a well-cared-for truck, you are going to own a beautiful piece of history that classic car and truck lovers are sure to be envious of. When the 3100 first came out, there were more available interior color options than ever before. In many ways, this was the start of our current modern trucks, such as the Silverado, as focus on interior comfort and design became a true Chevy truck standard. And as more engine options became available, consumers were able to design a truck that would fit all of their needs and desires. The Chevy C/K - The Ultimate Classic Truck While some might argue that cars as old as the Chevy 3100 are classified as antiques rather than classics, nobody can argue over the fact that the Chevy C/K is the ultimate classic truck. Making its debut in the 1960s, this pickup truck quickly took the world by storm, and in fact, even today, it is not uncommon to see one of these beauties driving down the street. Even with all the fancy bells and whistles that come with today’s modern trucks, many truck enthusiasts still prefer a classic Chevy over anything else. When the C/K was initially introduced, there were plenty of firsts. One new feature that had never been seen before was the drop-center ladder frame, which gave the cab the ability to sit lower within the frame of the truck, thus increasing driver and passenger comfort. Another never before seen feature that was new to the C/K was the independent front suspension, which brought this classic truck straight into the future. Around this time, Chevy did an update with their name and number system from previous truck models. In general, 10, 20, and 30 are the new standards being used, with 10 equalling half-ton, 20 equalling ¾ ton, and 30 equalling 1 ton. The C (for conventional) indicates that this vehicle is a 2-wheel drive, and the K is for 4-wheel drive. This method of labeling the trucks was so revolutionary because, for the first time, consumers were able to customize their trucks based on desired drive function rather than having to buy a different truck for either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive options. While the overall truck model is still known as a C/K, you were able to choose if your specific truck was either a C or a K. The Chevy C/K stepped gracefully into its second generation beginning in 1967. This generation came with upgrades in suspension and transmission options. There were a number of cosmetic changes made through to this generation of the truck, including changes to the grill, reflectors, and side moldings, in addition to two-tone paint becoming a common thing. Finally, Chevy made another step in the direction of passenger comfort and style with the addition of insulation and carpet. This made the cabs comfier and really started to make the truck a viable commuter vehicle and not just a ‘ranch hand’ of sorts. The third generation of the Chevrolet C/K was produced from 1973-1991. This was the first generation where computers and wind tunnels were used in the design process, and aerodynamics were actually on purpose implemented into the design. A lot of modern type technology was added to this era, with an excellent example of this being the move from a 4-wheel drive to an all-wheel drive and then a shift on the fly 4-wheel drive. Crew cabs became a thing, and pickup trucks are now being used as everyday vehicles that work hard. The third generation of the Chevy C/K wraps up the Chevrolet classic truck era. The familiar Silverado name came to be during the third generation of the C/K as a trim option, and the fourth generation of this Chevy pickup truck is more or less an older version of today’s Silverado. A true classic truck. The El Camino - A Classic Truck? A frequent debate amongst classic car enthusiasts is whether or not the Chevy El Camino is considered a classic truck. On the one hand, it looks and behaves quite similarly to a pickup truck, but on the other hand, it is so similar to a typical car that many argue there is no way it could be labeled as a truck. According to Chevrolet themselves, the El Camino was designed to drive and handle like a muscle car or sports car convertible, but also be able to double as a wannabe pickup truck with all the hustle and bustle of a classic workhorse. Is the El Camino actually a classic truck? Only you can decide for sure if you consider this classic vehicle to be a truck. Just know that whatever you decide, when searching for used Chevy trucks or classic Chevy trucks, there is a distinct possibility that the El Camino will come up as a search result. After all, this particular vehicle was marketed as a car-truck, so it stands to reason it can be considered a member of the classic truck family. The More You Know Whether you are looking to buy a classic beauty, you just have a hobby-level interest in classic Chevy trucks, or you are searching for a more modern used Chevy truck, the more you know about the history of the Chevy pickup, the more educated you will be as you search. And with such a wide variety of options from the long history of truck making, you never know what features you are going to stumble upon in a classic truck. When it comes to a company with as much history as Chevrolet, you almost can't go wrong with a used Chevy truck.