The 5 Best SUVs for Towing

If you love to adventure among the mountains of America, you need a vehicle that is going to take you the extra mile. As your used auto dealer near Lexington, KY, we know the value of having a good truck that can take you to the Appalachian Mountains or to your favorite fishing spot. Kentuckians love to head off-road in a vehicle with power and aesthetic appeal. That's why Chevy trucks are the trucks that Kentucky adventure enthusiasts need. Whether you’re looking for something small to off-road with, or you’re more interested in power and size, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in! The Chevy Colorado The Colorado is Chevy’s smaller truck option. You can get this model in either a two-door or four-door body with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The standard Colorado is a good option if you like the truck life without the fuel economy pain. For example, a two-wheel drive 2017 Colorado can get as much as 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. However, if towing capacity is important to you, a 2019 Z71 Colorado can tow as much as 7,600 pounds when fully equipped. They’re available in 4-cylinder, V6, V8, and diesel engine options, leaving room to go in either direction. The diesel variant is a nice happy medium between fuel economy and power, so keep that in mind if you’re open to driving a diesel. We also expect that you are interested in off-roading, right? If that’s the case, any of these Colorado trims and years will work, but the Colorado ZR2 is designed specifically for the dirt and mud. This trim variant debuted in 2017, and it’s been going strong ever since. It has a standard V6 engine that produces up to 308 horsepower, it tows up to 5,000 pounds, which means it’s your go-to for pulling ATVs out of the mud, and its sprayed bedliner makes it perfect for hauling off-roading equipment and vehicles. Its rear vision camera is also nice for trailer hitching and mudding adventures. You can get this trim in either short or long box options. If you visit your used auto dealer in Lexington, and you really want to go old school, the Colorado dates all the way back to 2007. These older versions still perform well, getting as much as 19 miles per gallon and towing as much as 4,000 pounds. This is a situation where going older doesn’t mean you’re hardcore downgrading. Additionally, all Colorados come in a variety of colors, including beautiful forest greens and burnt orange shades. Oh, and if size matters when with smaller trucks, the good news about Chevy trucks is that they come in many different size options. So, if you want a short bed with a regular cab or a long bed with a double cab, you can make that happen. There are multiple configurations available for each model year. We highly recommend the Colorado for casual truck drivers who like to hit the dirt on the weekends. The Chevy Silverado If you thought there were a lot of options for the Colorado, you’ll be mind-blown about the Silverado. Let’s start by looking at the Silverado 1500. Overall, if you want something average-sized, this is your best bet. The Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds when properly equipped. It comes with many engine options, including a diesel engine, which is best for both towing and gas mileage. The Silverado 1500 has also been around since 2007, so there’s plenty of used Silverado variety out there. It really just depends on what aesthetic you’re looking for and what technology you prefer. Basically, the newer your used model, the better when it comes to the Silverado's appearance. For example, a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes in 8 different colors, including White Diamond Tricoat, Deep Ruby Metallic, Victory Red, Rainforest Green Metallic, Brownstone Metallic, Siren Red Tintcoat, Red Hot, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat. An older model like the 2009 Silverado 1500 comes in Deep Ruby Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Silver Birch, Victory Red, and Graystone Metallic, to name a few. Newer Silverado models offer many add-on options, and they come with multiple wheel choices. These include black wheels, larger wheels, and chromed-out wheels. Many Silverados also include options for Chevy’s Midnight Edition package and its Sport Edition Package, which includes special aesthetic body additions. You can also find Silverados with the Z71 off-road package to get an off-roading aesthetic mixed with upgraded gear such as skid plates, dual exhaust, and much more. Now, let’s go big. The Silverado HD is a powerhouse. If you want to show off, if you’re a farmer, or if you just really like jumping up into tall vehicles, this model is for you. The Silverado HD comes in 2500 and 3500 variants. The 2500 HD is the midpoint between the 1500 and the 3500 HD. Essentially, the 2500 HD provides all the strength that most people will need. However, the 3500 HD is the most powerful of all Chevrolet trucks. It’s built to work and work hard. These beasts can tow up to 36,000 pounds when properly equipped. Like the smaller 1500 Silverado, the diesel engine performs best here, outperforming competitors in relation to fuel economy. These trucks are built solid with the latest tech and safety features. The Silverado HD also comes with trailering equipment options and a tow/haul mode, which protects the Silverado’s transmission, providing a safer towing experience. If you’re interested in customizing this monster, you’re in luck. There are multiple trim options, and several package additions, along with singular add-ons. You can customize the aesthetic, sure, but you can also add trailering options such as 5th wheel hitches, ball mounts, and receiver hooks. When buying used, you won’t necessarily get to pick these out for yourself, but the good news is that someone else always has before you. If any specific customization options or packages stick out to you, talk to one of our sales reps, and they’re guaranteed to hook you up. Which Truck Is Right for Me? There are several appealing factors to each Chevy truck model we listed, so how do you pick which one is right for you? Most used auto dealers in Lexington will tell you to go big or go home, but we want you to consider what’s best for you. If the Colorado appeals to you the most, then that’s the truck you need to buy. There are many benefits to buying smaller trucks, like their better fuel economy, they’re easier to maneuver and park, and they provide more safety than a car. They’re still off-road capable, and they’re safe to drive during poor weather conditions, just like the Silverado is. In fact, their lighter weight can actually be better when driving in icy conditions. However, if smaller trucks just don’t cut it for you, Silverados can do the trick. There’s a lot of variety with the Silverado model, starting with the 1500 and going all the way up to the 2500 and 3500 Silverado HDs. For those who are seeking average power, the 1500 and 2500 are great options, but the 3500 is best for those who plan to really put their truck to work. No matter what type of truck you want or need, we can help you find it. Visit our dealership and browse our amazing used truck inventory today.

When you decide on the best-used trucks, it's essential to consider what is necessary for you. What are your needs and budget as a driver? Do you consider a used truck model for its safety, comfort, interior room, luxury, or price? There's a lot of information available about used trucks, but the necessities are important for you as a consumer to find a reliable truck. A few basics are power, comfort, and gas mileage. Before searching for a " used car dealer near me," you are gonna want to know what type of truck you are looking for. We at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick want to help those in the Lexington, KY, area, and beyond find the best used truck. What to Know Before You Buy Trucks come in different weights, cabs, and capabilities for hauling loads. Start your selection with an assessment of what you need. Choosing a heavy-duty truck when you only need to haul light weights is probably not worth the expense. Pickup trucks come in full-sized or compact with long beds or short. The cab size is also varied, so if you need to be able to fit multiple passengers, you will need to take that into consideration. Regular, extended, or crew cab are available options with two doors or four. Choosing the engine type is essential as well. With two-wheel or four-wheel drive options out there, you should choose based on where you drive. Consider if your driving will consist either on paved roads mostly or if you'll be venturing off-road a lot. Engines range from the smaller four-cylinder and V6s to V8s or big diesel engines for heavy hauling. What you buy depends on your lifestyle and transportation needs. For example, if you need a workhorse and family transportation, consider buying an extended-cab or crew-cab model with four doors. Another consideration is your seasonal weather needs. If you have to deal with conditions such as snow or deep mud or if you regularly go off-road, choose a four-wheel-drive truck. Once you have made your decision, have a mechanic look at the truck before you buy the vehicle. Pickup Types Pickups have specific classifications. Full-sized pickups, also called half-ton trucks, have the designation number 1500. Heavier-duty trucks are 2500, 3500 or F-250, and F-350 and upward. Legally, a truck that weighs less than 14,000 pounds, even one designated as a 3500-series model, is a light-duty truck. Terms such as compact and midsize refer to smaller truck models that are usually built on a smaller chassis. These trucks will often offer a range of V-6 and four-cylinder engines. The most popular truck types are: Full-Sized Pickup Trucks Full-sized pickup trucks are larger and more rugged than the average pickup. They ride higher off the ground than compacts or midsize trucks, giving you plenty of room to see the road or the trail. These trucks are typically numbered as 1500-series or 150 in the case of Ford light-duty trucks. Heavy-Duty Trucks Heavy-duty trucks carry numerical designations such as 2500 or 3500. These trucks are manufactured for heavy loads and rough hauling, such as fifth-wheel trailers. Heavy-duty trucks usually have a hitch point in the cargo bed center for trailer hauling. These trucks are best if you need to do a lot of hauling for work or your hobbies. Economic Considerations Pickups vary in fuel economy, usually depending on size. Trucks with the best fuel use are typically smaller, weighing less with less powerful engines. Heavier-duty trucks tend to be hard to maneuver, use more gas to operate, and have bumpier rides than smaller trucks. With all of that to consider, it may seem like too much to get through in order to find the best used truck for you. So, we decided to take some of the research load off of your shoulders. Here are some of our picks for the best used trucks. Best Used Trucks Ford F-150 The Ford F-150 is most popular as a truck for its interior room, power cargo capacity, and reliability. The engine depends on what year model you buy, such as the six different engine models for the 2019 model. This F-150 year model comes with five engine options, including a 290 hp 3.3L V6 engine and a 325 hp 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 engine. A 395 hp 5.0L V8 engine, a 375 hp 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and a 450 hp 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine is available. A 250 hp 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 engine is also an option. And this is just the options for one model year. Generally, buying a 2011 or later model is recommended for F-150s because of the stronger V6 engines. In the past, the 150 designation has meant a 1,500 towing capacity difference for Ford trucks, but the engine model now is more important for towing capacity, not the model number. Model years 2015-2019 Ford F150 can be equipped with different engine options, including the V6 and V8 engines as well as gasoline and diesel engines. With such a variety of choices out there, you are sure to find one of these trucks on the lot. Dodge Ram 1500 The 1500 pickup truck class across brands tends to be popular. This is true for the 2009 to 2018 years of the Dodge Ram 1500. During these years, the Dodge Ram added unique features, such as a full-size pickup with a manual transmission. Other trucks in this class and years had automatic transmissions. Furthermore, the Dodge was the only one available with a diesel engine. Its 3.0-liter Eco-Diesel V6 began in 2014. Trim levels that set the Dodge Ram apart from other trucks are the 4-door Mega-Cab and Rambox storage system. This system consists of boxes inside the truck bed walls that allow you to carry tools and supplies without sacrificing bed or cab space. The Dodge Ram 1500 is definitely one to look out for on the used truck lot. Chevy Silverado 1500 Silverados have been trusty vehicles that hold up well over time and are reliable. Used Silverados are still customizable, with interiors and other trims able to be changed with the same ease as if a customer were buying a new vehicle. Dealer and aftermarket add-ons make this truck model a flexible choice for drivers. Since its origins in 1999, the Silverado has many engine choices such as the 5.3-liter and the 6.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s. The best years for this brand for durability and longevity are the late-model and second-generation Silverados from 2011 to 2014 with modern features and equipment. For those with a larger budget, a Silverado from the years 2016 to 2018 will give a driver most of the luxury features found in newer models. Silverados have great trailer capacity and payload competition against other truck brands. For those wanting to haul heavier payloads more than 8,000 pounds, heavy-duty Silverado 2500s or 3500s are strong contenders. 2004-2015 Nissan Titan and 2009-2015 Nissan Frontier The Nissan Titan has a robust V8 engine that produces 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft torque. This is enough to pull 9,500 pounds. Its cousin vehicle, the Nissan Frontier, has a powerful V6 engine for great acceleration. The Nissan Frontier’s off-road Pro 4X trim gives buyers the best off-road experience, but they do run a little more expensive. The Frontier has a simple exterior trim, but it is nonetheless reliable and has longevity. It has an available manual transmission for those who want a traditional driving experience. The vehicle comes in a king cab or four-door cab option for passenger and driver flexibility. So take a look around your local used dealership, and see if you can find one of these trucks to take for a test drive. Since You’re Here... Whatever your choices for a used truck, whether it is a light-duty vehicle used for everyday cargo or a heavier hauler for trailer tasks, our dealership can help you find the truck you need. When you are looking for a used truck to buy or lease, our Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick is here to make your experience a positive one. We keep an inventory of used trucks available on the website for your consideration before you even come for a test drive. Vehicle listings provide a full catalog of features and images of each vehicle’s exterior and interior. We look forward to talking to you about our current specials, lease options, financing programs, and application for pre-approval. Be sure to visit us at 1020 M.L.K. Jr Blvd in Paris, KY, so we can put you in your next truck today!

Purchasing a used vehicle is the best way to save money while shopping. By visiting your local used car dealership, it becomes apparent just how much you can save. And the reasoning for investing in a pre-owned vehicle is becoming stronger every year as the automotive industry refuses to slow down. With this knowledge in mind, though, the question remains: What exactly are the best used cars to buy? And the answer is that the best used cars to buy come from certified dealerships. It’s not impossible to secure a good deal by utilizing private sellers, whether it be through an internet advertisement or otherwise; however, the risks remain greater, and your selection is thwarted to one vehicle most of the time. With dealerships, you’ll not only have an extensive selection of traditional pre-owned vehicles but often a selection of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles as well. Buying a CPO vehicle has become an immensely popular option amongst aspiring shoppers for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, a CPO selection usually consists of vehicles no older than five years. This means you won’t be worrying about the immediate irrelevancy associated with purchasing older vehicles. Depending on the CPO vehicle you purchase, you may receive amenities seen in newer vehicles such as powerful engines and robust infotainment centers. In addition to this, CPO vehicles are put through a thorough inspection process to ensure the vehicle is functioning properly before being listed. Should any flaws be discovered, the vehicle will either be repaired or discarded depending on severity. As enticing as all of this sounds, the most alluring aspect of CPO vehicles is the manufacturer warranty associated with them. No traditional pre-owned vehicle offers a warranty as generous and helpful as a CPO warranty. Although you’ll be paying slightly more for a CPO vehicle over a traditional one, the benefits surely make up for it. But beyond CPO vehicles, there is a lot to consider when you are searching for used cars, and we at Dan Cummins Chevy Buick Paris are going to highlight those considerations for you today, starting now! What Should You Consider? Pre-owned vehicles are highly prominent in the automotive industry, so there’s never any shortage of choice. Often, if you purchase a vehicle from even a few years ago, you’ll be saving an immense amount of money compared to the newest one, while retaining similar specs. This is, namely, due to the prospect of vehicle generations. And although many lineups around the industry get annual refreshes, not every year brings forth a new generation. For example, when taking a look at the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox compared to its newer 2020 variant, we will notice a few interesting changes have been made to the lineup. The 2020 Equinox remains wholly unchanged from the year prior, so specifications can be pulled from both. For starters, the 2017 and 2020 Equinox share the same four trims. These trims start with the base known as the L and then followed by the LS, the LT, and lastly, the Premier. Where these two vehicles begin differentiating from each other is the engines that power them. By purchasing a brand-new base Equinox, your vehicle will come standard with a turbocharged 1.5L engine. This engine produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission. Comparing this to the base engine found in the 2017 Equinox, you’ll get a 2.4L I-4 engine that produces 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque paired to the same six-speed automatic. Even more fascinating is the fuel efficiency ratings associated with each engine. The 1.5L engine found standard in the 2020 Equinox gets ratings of 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Identically, the engine in the 2017 Equinox gets 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This means that not only does the older engine have more power, but it is equally efficient. Those looking for extra power in their Equinox can opt for an additional engine in each model. The upgraded engine in the 2020 Equinox is a turbocharged 2.0L engine that produces 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The other engine available for the 2017 Equinox is a 3.6L V6 that produces 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a six-speed automatic transmission. What this ultimately means is, you can get a pre-owned 2017 Equinox paired with a more powerful V6 engine for less money than a base 2020 model. This V6 can only be utilized with AWD, while the 2.0L in the newer Equinox can be used in both FWD and AWD. And when comparing the fuel efficiency ratings with AWD specifically, the turbocharged 2.0L engine gets 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Compared to the 3.6L V6 found in the 2017 Equinox, you’ll find 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, which isn’t too dissimilar. This is a lot of information, but this example proves that you can get an equal, sometimes better, performing vehicle when you buy used. Even More Similarities On a different note, automotive manufacturers have been on an everlasting journey to find new and exciting ways of implementing technology into vehicles. With the help of tech-centric features in many vehicles today, such as phone connectivity and infotainment centers, vehicles are more connected than ever before. Something to always keep in mind when you hear about the latest and greatest technology is that it’ll eventually be more accessible within the pre-owned market. As the years went on, infotainment centers began showing a much stronger presence, and nowadays, you can find a plethora of used vehicles with these features. This also remains the case between the 2017 and 2020 Equinox. Both the 2017 and 2020 Equinox come standard with an infotainment center that features a 7-inch touch screen. The primary omissions that shoppers are likely to notice are the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both of these software suites are quite popular, and they weren’t integrated into the Equinox until later. However, a host of tech-centric features are still apparent in the 2017 Equinox, many of which are still present today. Amongst these features, both vehicles include Bluetooth, so you may connect your phone wirelessly for media playback. In addition to this, a rearview camera is present along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. With the inclusion of a hotspot, your passengers may connect their wireless devices directly to the vehicle’s onboard internet connection. No longer will passengers be subjected to boring and tedious road trips as they can now browse the web and stream their favorite content from anywhere with a safe connection. What all of these features go to even further prove, though, is that you can get a used vehicle that still offers the same features as a newer one. Finding Your Used Dealership All in all, there are tons of great used vehicle options on the market. However, it is important to know where to look. Now that you have a greater understanding of what to consider and why buying used is a good thing, all you need is a solid and reliable dealership to help you complete the process. And if you're ready to take the leap, we at Dan Cummins near Lexington, KY, hope you choose us.