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How To Order a Customized Car

2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
Ordering a customized car may seem like an exclusive experience reserved for a select few, but it's more common than you think. More drivers are taking advantage of personalization to create the vehicle of their dreams. This approach also means you don't have to settle for a car when a dealership has limited inventory. If you're new to the world of customized cars, the ordering process might seem intimidating. Fortunately, Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris is here to make each step as easy as possible. Read on for tips that can help you get the exact vehicle you're looking for at a reasonable price.

Choose the Right Dealership

2023 Chevrolet Tahoe While some manufacturers have found loopholes, most states have franchise laws that prohibit manufacturers from selling cars directly to consumers. Paris residents will find it easiest to place their custom order through a reputable dealership like Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris. The process is easy thanks to our representatives' commitment to each one of our customers. We'll help you choose the features you want and keep you updated on your order's status.

Plan Ahead

It's important to talk to your dealership about the timeline and when you can expect your custom car to arrive. Some orders take as little as a few weeks, while others can take several months. It all depends on the model and what type of features you request. By planning ahead, you can give yourself enough time to sell your old car and secure the appropriate financing. If you have a lease, you can try to plan your order around its end date. Alternatively, placing a custom order may allow you to extend your lease so you can have a car while you wait.

Decide What You Want

If you're researching how to order a customized car, it's likely you already have an idea of what you want. Do as much research as possible so you don't have to compromise on certain features. To start, you'll want to determine your ideal make and model and then review its different trim levels. You can also decide what you want in terms of performance, exterior features, technology, safety features, cargo space, and seating configurations. Of course, don't forget to pick the body color and wheels to create a uniquely personalized feel.

Schedule an Appointment

Once you know what you want, contact your dealership and schedule an appointment. Some people choose to order their customized cars over the phone, but an in-person consultation can facilitate better communication. The representative can walk you through every step of the process and provide recommendations based on your unique preferences and budget. Additionally, they use an order guide to ensure you don't miss any essential features. After the appointment, the representative will provide you with regular updates, so you can keep track of your order through each stage of the process. The representative serves as the point of contact with the manufacturer, meaning you won't have to deal with any issues that may arise.

Don't Go Overboard

When you order a custom car, you have endless possibilities, and it can be easy to get carried away. Even if you come to an appointment with a plan, the order guide might tempt you to add every feature to your new car. However, it's important that you don't go overboard. If you stick to the features you absolutely want, it will help to keep costs down. You'll thank yourself later when you eventually decide to sell the car, as excessive advanced features can make it harder to sell. Not all drivers will share your unique preferences, and features that are popular now may go out of style down the road. So, remind yourself that excessive features don't necessarily add to the resale value and that it's more important to make sure you can afford the car.

Check for Deals

You don't have to miss out on deals or incentives just because you're ordering a customized car. Depending on the model you order, you may be able secure special offers like rebates or lease incentives. Talk to a representative to see if you can lock in offers that are valid at the time of ordering. Or, in some cases, you may be able to take advantage of deals that become available when your car arrives. Talk to a representative at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris to see what offers are available to you.

Provide a Deposit

After placing your order, you'll likely have to pay a deposit to the dealership. Ask your representative whether the deposit is refundable so you can plan your finances accordingly. In some cases, the dealership may reserve the right to hold your deposit if you order an unpopular configuration and then change your mind about buying it. Essentially, the deposit holds you accountable for your order and gives the dealership time to sell a hard-to-sell vehicle if you back out on your purchase.

Consider a Dealer Trade

When you can't find the car you want at your preferred dealership, your first thought might be to order a custom car. This solution is perfectly feasible, but considering a dealer trade can be just as practical. A dealer trade is when your preferred dealership uses powerful search tools to find an existing car that suits your unique preferences. If your dream car happens to be for sale in the area, your preferred dealership can acquire it and sell it to you. This approach allows you to shop where you're comfortable without adjusting to a new dealership. Not only that, but it might be cheaper and faster than ordering a customized vehicle. While your dream car won't always be in the vicinity, it's definitely an option worth considering. If you have your heart set on a unique car with personalized features, you can't go wrong with a custom order. Partner with a reliable dealership today by contacting Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris. Our representatives are ready to walk you through the process and ensure you get the exact features you want. We'll help you plan out your custom order to secure the best deals and deliver your new vehicle in a reasonable time frame.
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A black 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT is shown from the front at an angle after leaving a Chevy dealer near Charleston.

So Many Ways the Chevy Silverado 1500 Tops the Ram 1500

As a Chevy dealer, we might be slightly biased, but it isn't any stretch to say that the Chevy Silverado 1500 is one of the finest full-size trucks on the road today. If you're looking for a Silverado at a Chevy dealer near Charleston, you might know how impressive this truck is. Whether that's the case or not, we think it's worth taking a few moments to get a good idea of what makes the Silverado so impressive compared to other trucks within the same class. A few models stand out among the full-size truck market, but one option that has gained some traction in the last few years is the Ram 1500. So today, we thought we would compare the 2024 Silverado 1500 to the 2024 Ram 1500 and see how they stack up. A World of Difference in Engines There are many differences between the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500, as you'd expect, but perhaps the most dramatic and remarkable is the kinds of engines you can get on them. Not only do you have more engine options available from Chevy, but you can also get more power at a lower cost. The Ram 1500 only has two engines available for most of its trims. There's a standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that offers 305 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque to start off with. This engine has an eTorque mild hybrid system, so we'd expect more power from it, but it's generally okay. Ram also offers a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine with much better performance thanks to 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. These engines come with just an eight-speed automatic transmission, with no additional options for a ten-speed or higher. While these engines can get the job done, we wish there was more to play with regarding customizability. Comparatively, the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 has four different engines available, giving you much more freedom to get the kind of performance you want. The standard engine is a 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged I-4 that delivers 310 hp and a massive 430 lb-ft of torque, which is fantastic for a starting point and already vastly outclasses both of the Ram 1500's available engines. If you want something with more power, there's an available 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with 355 hp to help boost your driving experience. The standard engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all other options for the Silverado come with a 10-speed automatic for smoother responsiveness. For the best experience with a conventional gas engine, there's an available 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 for the Silverado 1500 that delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, as well as an available 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine with 305 hp and a monstrous 495 lb-ft of torque. Alongside these incredible performance numbers, the Duramax is the last diesel engine available on any light-duty truck, making the Silverado 1500 an invaluable option for drivers tackling heavy towing jobs. While one can appreciate what Ram has done with its mild hybrid engines, Chevy comes through with much more power overall, and the value of diesel simply can't be beaten. Real Power: Towing and Payload Capacities We just saw that Chevy gives you more engines to choose from, with greater horsepower and torque offered, but what does that mean for your daily drive? You'll have a better time getting around Charleston in the Silverado because this improved performance is ideal for daily driving. Beyond that, it can also come through in real-world ways, such as how easy it is to haul a bunch of stuff across town. Whether you are looking to get a load of building materials to a job site or help your kid move into their first apartment, the Silverado is the perfect choice to make it easier. Maximum payload for the Chevy Silverado 1500 comes with its standard TurboMax engine, which can handle up to 2,260 lbs. For towing, Chevy takes a big lead over the Ram by giving you up to 13,300 lbs of towing capacity on the 6.2L V8 and 3.0L Duramax, while the Ram 1500 tops out at 12,750 lbs of maximum towing on the 5.7L HEMI V8. Exterior Features and Design At a glance, it can seem like these two full-size trucks are essentially the same, but once you look closer, some important differences emerge. Consider how you can configure the truck that you're looking for. Ram offers a limited number of options with just two cab sizes: a quad cab or a larger crew cab. Both of these have two rows of seats and four doors. Similarly, Ram only offers two bed lengths for the Ram 1500: a 5.6-foot bed with about 54 cu.ft. of cargo space and a 6.4-foot bed with just over 61 cu.ft. of total cargo volume to take advantage of. On the other hand, Chevy gives you far more configuration options so you can get the perfect truck with the setup you need. There's a small regular cab with a single row and two doors, perfect if you're looking for something minimal. You can also choose between a larger, two-row double cab and a big crew cab that gives you a lot of room inside to stretch out. What's more, Chevy offers three bed lengths for the Ram 1500: a 5.8-foot bed with nearly 63 cu.ft. of cargo space, a 6.6-foot bed with more than 71 cu.ft. of room, and an 8.2-foot bed with nearly 90 cu.ft. of total cargo volume inside. You can see that these aren't just more options; they're also much larger than the two available beds from Ram, giving you much more room to take everything you need along with you. Interior Features and Tech Not too long ago, Ram could brag about being the industry leader in terms of tech features. Since then, others like Chevy have caught up with them and even surpassed them in some ways. The 2024 Ram 1500 comes with a standard five-inch infotainment display, though an eight-inch screen is available, as is a larger 12-inch display. High-end models have some comforts like leather-appointed seating, and an available Harman Kardon sound system is a nice touch. However, looking at the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500, the Ram 1500 continues to fall short. It has a standard seven-inch infotainment screen, which is much better than Ram's starting display, and a massive 13.4-inch infotainment as an available upgrade (standard on higher trims like the RST and LT) with Google Built-In. You get the perfect truck for driving around Charleston when you pair this with the impressive 12.3-inch color Driver Information Center offered with wireless compatibility for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Trims like the High Country also feature a Bose Premium sound system with a Richbass woofer, perforated leather seating, a wireless charging pad, and much more. Add in something like the available Super Cruise hands-free driving system, and you have a technologically advanced truck that nothing else can beat. Chevy Silverado 1500: The Best for Charleston Drivers With everything we've looked at, it's easy to see why we're so passionate about the Chevy Silverado and everything it has to offer as one of the most powerful and impressive trucks on the market. Compared to the Ram 1500, the Silverado 1500 simply does it better and gives you more to enjoy on the road with a highly customizable chassis. That's why we love offering this remarkable truck to our customers: we know you're driving away feeling like you found the truck of your dreams. All you have to do now is decide which of the many trims and features offered by Chevy suits you.

A red 2024 Chevy Equinox RS seen from a low angle.

Which Chevy SUV Is for You: The Equinox or Trailblazer?

Whether you're commuting to work or taking the family on a weekend getaway, a Chevy SUV is sure to enhance your drive. There's an extensive selection in the iconic manufacturer's lineup, so if you're a Kentucky driver looking for a Chevy Equinox for sale near Louisville or considering the Chevy Trailblazer, you'll find both here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris. Both come with a variety of great features, but which one is best for you when it comes to your travels in The Derby City and beyond? Let's take a closer look at both models and see which SUV best fits your driving needs. The Chevy Equinox The 2024 Chevy Equinox is everywhere, and for good reason. This compact SUV handles exceptionally well on and off the road. It is the perfect size for individuals, couples, or small families, with an affordable MSRP of $26,600 There are multiple customization options for advanced features and comfort, as well as a simplified lineup of trim levels to choose from (LS, LT, RS, and Premier). It even has special editions, like the Midnight, Sport, and Redline editions, which offer unique appearance, interior design, and features. (If you're all about that nightlife, we suggest the Midnight Edition for style and turning heads). The standard 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine produces 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque for a quiet ride and smooth handling. It is a great car to maneuver around tight spaces within Louisville and has an aerodynamic design to improve wind resistance. With a decent combined fuel economy of 28 MPG (26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway), this car will seem like nothing could ever stop it. Not to mention, it retains some muscle, though it is a smaller SUV, with a maximum 1,500-lb towing capacity. The two available drivetrains, FWD and AWD, are also there to help with customization and finding practical performance and durability that's right for you. The best part about owning this SUV is the comprehensive safety that comes with it. This 2023 model was even awarded by J.D. Power for its dependability in the compact SUV segment, as well as a 5-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With the Equinox, you know that it has a celebrated history with many happy drivers who have been protected repeatedly on the road. Feel confident on every journey, knowing that the esteemed Equinox has your back. The Chevy Trailblazer The 2024 Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV—a good size for individuals, small families, or couples—perfect for those looking for the SUV vehicle type and size on a budget (with an MSRP of $23,100) Unlike the Equinox, the Trailblazer has customization options for power and performance with two engines: the 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged I-3 engine and the 1.3L EcoTec turbocharged I-3 engine. The standard offers 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded engine gives you 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, which also provides exceptional fuel economy with a combined fuel economy of 31 MPG (29 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway). While it only has a 1,000 lb towing capacity, keep in mind that this is a subcompact SUV compared to Equinox's compact size and does not use the same engine or transmission for the extra benefit of power and performance. It also has the ability to customize the drivetrain with FWD or AWD, depending on your preference. This SUV even has a similar and simplified lineup for its trim options that includes the LS, LT, RS, and ACTIV. This SUV is capable and powerful in a smaller size and provides comfort, convenience, and practical and advanced features (depending on trim level). The Chevy Trailblazer has also earned rewards and praises for its safety and ability to detect objects on the road, preventing accidents or worse. While the 2024 model hasn't received anything (as far as right now), there have been previous awards to consider when shopping for the Trailblazer. In 2023, the Trailblazer received an overall 5-star score from the NHTSA, which can help lower insurance costs, as well as a 2022 Top Pick Safety+ title awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Better Technology and Safety They are very similar in terms of technology features and what they offer to the family or passengers. Both SUVs come with the standard Chevy Safety Assist, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and everything you would immediately need to drive with more confidence. However, when it comes to checking out the connection, entertainment, and information displays, you may find that the Equinox lacks in size compared to the Trailblazer's touchscreen. The Equinox has a standard 7-inch display, and even with higher trim options, the Equinox only gets an extra inch on its touchscreen. However, the Trailblazer takes the cake with an exceptional 11-inch touchscreen for your convenience and easier visibility needs. Cargo Space With so much to love about the 2024 Chevy Equinox, it doesn't stop at impressive features, intuitive technology, or head-turning design. In fact, one of the main benefits of Equinox is the admirable cargo hold and space it offers. When you're going on trips with the whole family, whether that's to school or the local grocery store, there is a standard 29.9 cu.ft. of cargo room for groceries, school projects, and even luggage. However, there are those days when you need to bring a new carpet to the apartment or take a new piece of furniture home to decorate the place, and that's where your transportation comes into place. The big question is, will it fit? With the Equinox, when you fold down the second row, you'll find a max total of 63.9 cu.ft. of cargo hold space. That is enough to get your needs across the city and back or wherever you're looking to transport those bigger items. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer is looking to stay ahead of its sibling but remember that this is a subcompact SUV compared to the Equniox's compact size. In other words, it makes sense as to what we're about to say; the Trailblazer is a great vehicle with an even greater space for cargo hold. When putting these two head-to-head, the Trailblazer only sacrifices slight space with a standard 25.3 cu.ft. of room, as well as when the second row is folded to offer a max of 54.4 cu.ft. of space. It is still capable of holding many items of various sizes, making this a good choice for families, individuals, or those new drivers in your family. The Equinox vs Trailblazer Which SUV is right for you? After all, that is the ultimate question, right? Unfortunately, there is no true winner, especially when comparing a Chevy vehicle to another Chevy vehicle. Both SUVs have standard Chevy Safety Assist features, good power and performance, and similar cargo hold space. They're also very similar in terms of technology features and towing capabilities. If you're looking for a practical ride with some capabilities, convenient attributes, and affordable price, then the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer may be exactly what you're searching for. However, the 2024 Chevy Equinox offers a bit more space, more muscle, and better power. So, the extra money may afford you an overall top-notch ride. Visit us today at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Paris to find the right SUV for you. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

A blue 2024 Chevy Trailblazer RS parked outside a downtown restaurant.

Your Guide to the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer Lineup

Chevy makes some of the most well designed and sophisticated SUVs on the road, giving you numerous models to choose from and enjoy. If you’ve been looking for a small SUV at a Chevy dealer near Huntington, then we suggest the Chevy Trailblazer as the perfect model. This sleek and nimble little SUV gives you plenty of options without going overboard, ensuring you can find whatever you need to enhance your next drive. Recently updated for the 2024 model year, the Trailblazer is even better than ever with bold new looks on the outside and a revised interior that gives you fantastic standard and available tech features. With the Trailblazer, you have four trim levels to choose from, with some important differences between them, so let’s take a closer look at all four and see what they can offer you for driving around Huntington. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer LS Starting things off we have the LS trim for the Trailblazer, which gives us the standard features and some available options if you want a few upgrades. This comes with the standard 1.2L turbo engine with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). You get front-wheel drive (FWD) on the LS, though all-wheel drive (AWD) is available—this is true for every trim level, so you can pick the kind of performance and driving experience that works best for you. The Trailblazer LS comes with 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires, with black front and rear lower fascias. You get LED headlamps on the LS for excellent illumination while driving at night, halogen tail lamps, and an LED center high-mounted stop/brake lamp to let others know when you’re slowing down. Standard power-adjustable, manual-fold black mirrors come on the LS model along with a manual rear liftgate and other starting features. Inside the 2024 Trailblazer LS you’ll find the new 11-inch infotainment display that’s now standard in all models, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The LS has a four-speaker sound system, cloth seating, and a six-way manual driver’s seat; an 8-inch color Driver Information Center is also standard on 2024 models. You get single-zone climate control and standard cruise control, while other features like remote start functionality are available options. Every Chevy Trailblazer comes with Chevy Safety Assist standard, which is a comprehensive suite of advanced technology to help keep you safe when driving around Huntington. This includes a Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, along with Front Pedestrian Braking. You also get a Following Distance Indicator to warn you when you are too close to the vehicle ahead of you, plus Lane Keep Assist with a Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam auto high beams that can turn off and on automatically to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Other safety tech like a Rear Cross Traffic Alert is available, but not standard. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer LT Moving up to the LT trim, you get a number of upgrades, though many of them are additional options that you can’t get on the standard LS model. In terms of overall performance, the LT is much like the starting model with the same 1.2L engine and features, with 17-inch wheels and a similar overall feel on the road. You get silver-painted front and rear lower fascias with the LT model (remember they’re black on the LS), plus deep-tinted rear glass and heated, body-color side mirrors. Inside the Trailblazer LT, you’ll find a few nice upgrades like a six-speaker sound system, rather than the standard four speakers, and keyless open with remote start functionality. There are a number of available options for the LT that you can’t get inside the LS, such as an eight-way power driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control, and enhanced automatic climate control. A wireless phone charger is also available for the Trailblazer, starting with the LT model. You can even get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel if that’s something you’re interested in. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer RS Next up, we have the RS, which is essentially one of two pinnacle trim options for the 2024 Trailblazer—both the RS and the ACTIV have the same starting price but give you two different fantastic options to consider. The RS starts with a 1.3L turbocharged engine that delivers 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, which is quite a bit more powerful than the standard engine on the previous two models. We should note that this enhanced engine is available for the LS and LT, but it comes standard on the RS. It’s paired with a CVT if you choose FWD with this engine, though you get a nine-speed automatic transmission instead if you go with AWD. One of the most striking details of the RS is its 19-inch High Gloss Black wheels that give it a bold and aggressive stance. The RS has LED headlamps and LED tail lamps for excellent night-time illumination and improved visibility for other drivers. Gloss Black mirror caps help create a comprehensive look for the RS and add to its overall style, as does a unique mesh grille and dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips. Inside, you’ll find various improvements like Evotex seating that feels great and is highly durable, with an eight-way power driver’s seat and heated front seats included in the RS. You get a heated, wrapped steering wheel, plus sophisticated touches throughout the interior like a Satin Silver and Chrome wrapped shift knob. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV Finally, the ACTIV trim lives up to its name with styling and features inspired by Chevy’s impressive off-road vehicles. This model comes with the same 1.3L turbo engine as the RS, giving you excellent performance and a great vehicle for zipping around Huntington. You get 17-inch high gloss black wheels on the ACTIV, wrapped in Sport terrain tires that help give you excellent traction on dirt and gravel roads. Titanium chrome-plated front and rear lower fascias set the ACTIV model apart, ensuring it grabs attention everywhere you go, plus you get the same impressive LED lighting as on the RS. Inside, the ACTIV has many of the same features as the RS, such as Evotex seating, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and much more. Many of the same available features are also offered here, such as automatic climate control, a Bose premium sound system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Visually, you can get some unique details inside the ACTIV, such as Jet Black seating with yellow stitching, whereas the RS offers red accents on the upholstery to create two separate yet equally striking looks. Ready to Blaze a Trail Around Huntington? In terms of overall features and options, we like to look at the 2024 Trailblazer as giving you three main tiers to consider. You have the starting tier with the LS, then a middle tier with the LT that gives you more features and available options, and finally, a top tier with the RS and ACTIV. There’s so much overlap in terms of standard and available features on the RS and ACTIV that it helps to think of them as one option with two different, distinct styles between them. That makes it easier to explore what each of them has to offer you and decide on which combination of features provides everything you need. Then, you can choose the right Trailblazer trim and leave the rest up to us as we ensure you get any final options you want.