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It is one of a parent's proudest moments, but it can also be one of the most nerve-wracking. Your teenage child pulls up with the driving test instructor who leans out of your car to let you know that your son or daughter just passed. Your child will now get a driver's license and join those of us who take to the roads every day for work, commuting, and pleasure. The next thing you know, your child is going to ask you for a car. This raises the question: what are the safest, most affordable used vehicles for sale? Sure, if you've got the money, you could buy your son or daughter a fully-loaded, top-of-the-line brand-new Cadillac Escalade ESV that will put so much metal between your precious offspring and the other drivers. But, most of us aren't made of money, so we need to buy a safe vehicle that won't cost us an arm and a leg. This is why you should consider buying a used Chevy or Buick for your teenage driver. These are some of the safest vehicles on the road today, and buying used gives you the advantage of getting a great deal on an amazing car. Just look for used cars for sale, and it will lead you to a dealer who is ready to help you get your child an excellent car for the money. At Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick in Paris, we offer a full selection of used and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, including some great vehicles from Buick and Chevrolet that are among the safest cars on the road today. Our finance team will help you get your teenage driver behind the wheel of a car without busting your budget, and our trained technicians will make sure to keep your child safe and sound with exceptional service and maintenance. IIHS and NHTSA Two organizations dedicated to giving you the information you need on vehicle safety are the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). Each year, these independent groups test all of the cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the different automakers. According to the IIHS, teens crash their vehicles four times more often than adults. To make matters worse, teens tend to drive vehicles that are less safe than those driven by older drivers. To make certain that you can find the best vehicle for your child, the IIHS tests all vehicles using two criteria: crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation. Crashworthiness is defined as "how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash." Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and you need to know that the driver and passengers will be safe when one occurs. This includes having things like multiple airbags and crumple zones. Crash avoidance and mitigation means having a vehicle that has "technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity." One of the best ways to stay safe is to have a car with the ability to avoid crashes. Many cars now contain features that help in this regard, like blind-spot monitoring systems, backup cameras, and traction control to reduce the chance of skidding. Each year, the IIHS publishes a list of Top Safety Picks and Top Safety Picks+, which are the safest vehicles in their class. Similarly, the NHTSA comes out with ratings for most new vehicles every year. The NHTSA uses a five-star rating system from worst (one star) to best (five stars) along four criteria: overall rating, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. Only the safest cars can achieve five stars in all four categories. In addition, the NHTSA prepares a list of recommended safety technology and then lets consumers know the availability of this equipment on each vehicle that is reviewed. Affordability of Used Cars Used cars are much more affordable than new cars because a new car will lose up to half of its value in its first two years of ownership as a result of depreciation. This means that you get more purchasing power when buying a used car. Also, there are more used cars than new cars on the market, increasing the overall supply. The translation of all this is that you can find a used car of the same make and model as a new one for less, and you can often get a higher trim with more features as well. This is especially important when choosing a car for its safety. A good idea when you are shopping for a used car for your teen driver is to check out the IIHS and NHTSA ratings before you begin the process. Once you have an idea of the best vehicles for safety, as well as the key safety features that you want on the vehicle, start shopping for used cars based on the makes, models, and model years that made the lists published by IIHS and NHTSA. One other useful tool is Kelley Blue Book, which publishes a list of each vehicle's resale value based on make, model, condition, model year, and mileage. This will give you a ballpark figure to use when negotiating the purchase of a safe used car for your child. Sedans and Hatchbacks In general, 4-door cars tend to be safer than those with 2-doors. As a result, the IIHS and NHTSA give their top ratings to sedans and 4-door hatchbacks over coupes. If you are concerned about fuel economy, you might consider buying a 4-door compact for your teen driver. Chevrolet makes four of the best in terms of safety and affordability: the Bolt, Volt, Sonic, and Spark. The 4-door hatchback Chevy Bolt was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2017 and 2019 when equipped with optional front crash prevention. The hybrid Chevy Volt is another excellent choice. The Volt with optional front crash prevention was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2016 and 2017, and a Top Safety Pick for 2015 and 2018. In addition, the NHTSA gave the Volt a full 5-star rating for the 2017 and 2019 model years. A used Chevy Sonic or Spark is also a great choice. The Spark was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2015, while the Sonic got top marks from the IIHS for 2015 and 2016. Some parents feel more comfortable with their kids driving a larger car. Two great choices are the Chevy Malibu and the Buick LaCrosse. The Malibu, a midsize sedan, was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2016 and a Top Safety Pick for 2015 and 2017. The best models to choose are the ones equipped with optional front crash prevention technology. The full-size Buick LaCrosse is also an excellent choice. The NHTSA gave the LaCrosse a full 5-star rating across the board for 2017 and 2019, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick in 2017. The LaCrosse comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, so you might consider getting a LaCrosse with all-wheel drive if you happen to live in an area with lots of snow and ice in the winter. Sport Utility Vehicles Used SUVs are also an excellent choice for a teen driver. The added height gives the driver a better line of sight, and the extra ground clearance will allow the vehicle to safely pass over objects in the road the driver might miss seeing. The IIHS recommends two SUVs for young drivers, the Buick Encore and the Chevy Equinox, specifically models built from the 2016 model year onward. These are two small SUVs, so they are easy to handle and won't empty your wallet at the gas pump. In addition, the Encore was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2015 and 2016, while the Equinox won a top spot for 2015, 2016, and 2019. The Chevy Trax is another solid pick if you are looking for safety at an affordable price. This compact SUV was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2015. If you want a larger SUV, then the midsize Buick Envision would be ideal for your first-time driver. The Envision was named an IIHSTop Safety Pick+ for 2017 and a Top Safety Pick for 2018. The Preferred trim of Buick Envision will come equipped with high-intensity discharge headlights and front crash prevention technology. Choosing a car that is safe and affordable for your teen driver doesn't have to be stressful. By consulting the IIHS and NHTSA ratings, you are able to see an objective assessment of the safety of any vehicle you are considering. Also, your local used car dealer stands ready to help you make a decision that works for you and won't leave you losing sleep worrying over paying off your teen's car and, more importantly, the safety of your new driver.

Nearly every driver needs to stick to a budget when shopping for a new car. But the tighter the budget, the more despair you might feel - particularly if you are looking for something priced under $10k. After all, according to 2020 studies, the average brand new car costs over $37,000. Add to that any safety features, taxes, and fees, and you might be looking at an investment more than your annual salary. The good news is that modern vehicles are engineered to last longer than ever. In fact, there are plenty of vehicles that are driven well into the 200,000-mile range and beyond. A quick peek at a used car dealership near you will prove that there are plenty of models priced under $10k - and they’re not at all the old models you might be expecting. Each year, car experts from a variety of sources and locations rate the best used vehicles under $10,000. Venerable automotive resource Kelley Blue Book then compiles this data, based on safety scores, consumer ratings, and sales data, to provide a collection of vehicles in every size and shape that rank for their best buys. And yes, many of these vehicles come in below the $10,000 mark. Take a look at three picks that can easily be found at a dealership near you, priced at $10k or below. 2013 Honda Civic: A Stalwart Sedan It’s probably not surprising to many drivers that a Honda Civic has made the list. After all, this model has consistently won awards for reliability, safety, fuel economy, and resale value since it hit the US market in the early 1970s. The 2013 model hits a particular sweet spot amongst drivers on a budget. It has plenty of pep, an impressive suite of standard features that align with modern requirements, and it manages to eek many miles out of just a bit of fuel. Most of the 2013 models are equipped with a 1.8L inline-4 engine that provides 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can also choose between a five-speed manual or an automatic transmission, which means drivers who prefer to row their gears are in luck. The manual transmission models can get 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while drivers who choose the automatic can get 28 mpg and 39 mpg highway. But if you want something even sportier, the Si trim includes a more powerful 2.4L inline-4 engine that offers 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. While the base DX model was discontinued after the 2012 model year, the 2013 Civic can be found in both coupe and sedan body styles with six different trims: LX, HF, EX, EX-L, and Si. The standard offerings of the LX trim are very impressive and include many forward-thinking technological features that some manufacturers offer only as options. All drivers of 2013 Civics will enjoy a 5-inch full-color informational display, rear back-up camera with parking guidelines, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port for audio streaming, integrated Pandora, and a sliding center armrest. Higher trim levels enjoy even more niceties, such as the power moonroof and automatic climate control in the EX models, and leather interior and heated front seats in the EX-L. 2010 Subaru Outback Is it a hatchback wagon? Is it a subcompact crossover SUV? While classifying the 2010 Subaru Outback within the various automobile segments may be tricky, the dependability of these all-wheel drive vehicles has never been questioned. In fact, Subaru proudly reports that “97% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last ten years are still on the road today.” Therefore, purchasing a decade-old vehicle for under $10k isn’t a questionable decision - it’s an investment that many drivers have made. The 2010 Outback received a total design overhaul, making it a truly special year for the brand. It gained a more powerful engine option and a larger backseat with more legroom, answering the call of drivers who needed more room for more passengers, both on and off the road. Drivers could option for Bluetooth audio streaming for the first time in an Outback, along with voice-activated navigation and a premium Harman-Kardon audio system that could connect to iPod, SiriusXM, and other USB media. Of course, not all trims feature these forward-for-2010 options, but the standard Outback 2.5i trim provides plenty of the things drivers need. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, although automatic transmissions are options on lower trims and are standard on the top Limited trim. Also included in the 2.5i trim are air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with a CD player, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, pivoting cross-rail roof rack, remote keyless entry, and a rear window wiper with washing feature. The top of the line Limited trim dials up the comfort features with leather upholstery, heated seats, and power-adjustable driver’s and passenger seats, to name just a few. Subaru engineers its vehicles with horizontally-opposed engines known as “Boxers.” The standard engine for the 2010 Outback is a 2.5L Boxer-4, which offers 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Manual versions receive a fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while automatic versions nudge that figure up to 22 mpg city and 29 mpg. A more powerful engine option may be found on some models - a popular 3.6L Boxer-6, which increases output to 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque while maintaining a comparatively reasonable fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 The Chevy Silverado 1500 is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks on the market, so it stands to reason that used car buyers with a budget may have to dial back a few years to find one under $10,000. The good news is that 2007 was a banner year for the Silverado, as it received a complete design and engineering makeover for the model year. Along with the facelift, Chevy gave Silverado drivers the option to customize the 2007 Silverado to the hilt. That includes a multitude of trim levels, cab sizes, bed lengths, axle ratios, suspension systems, and engine choices, so comparing any two Silverado models from 2007 may become baffling. That also means it is highly likely that your dream Silverado is waiting at a used car dealership near you. The four main trims are Work Truck (WT), LT1, LT2, and LTZ. The WT and LT levels include cloth upholstery, while the LTZ incorporates a more SUV-feel with leather upholstery and a more refined dashboard and instrument panel. Two auxiliary power outlets are included on all trims, while the LT1 adds features like cruise control, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and an audio system that incorporates CD and MP3 functions. Drivers who choose the 40/20/40 split-bench front seat get a lockable storage bin, while the front bucket seat design offers power-adjustable and heated front seats. A 2007 Silverado 1500 may come equipped with one of five engines, including a 4.3L V6, a 4.8L V8, a 5.3L V8, and a 6.0L V8. The standard base 4.3L V6 provides an adequate 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.0L V8 cranks that up to 367 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque for the highest towing capacity possible. Find a Deal at Dan Cummins! In years past, finding a used vehicle priced under $10,000 might have required a little luck, a roll of the dice, and keeping your fingers crossed that you didn’t land on a lemon. With today’s vehicles engineered to last longer and drive further than previous generations, finding a car, SUV, or even a dependable pickup truck in your price range is easier than ever- and far less reliant on luck. So if you are in the Lexington, Kentucky area and need an affordable ride, drop by Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick and learn what we can do for you.

Here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick near Lexington, KY, we offer more than just amazing new models. Our selection of used vehicles for sale is jaw-dropping. We keep over 500 used models on our lot at any given time. While we can’t say exactly which vehicles will be available because our inventory changes regularly, we can say that you will find a suitable match here. Are you shopping on a tight budget? We offer used cars for under $10,000, and you can easily apply for financing. Our finance experts will help you secure the most competitive payment plan available. We are even here for you if you need routine maintenance or services performed on your vehicle. Simply give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Our top priority is you, and our team of experts will work hard to get you behind the wheel of a new-to-you model. Let’s explore some of the amazing features and services that we offer here at Dan Cummins. Used Brands Overview Our inventory of pre-owned vehicles changes every single day. This is because folks come from all over to trade-in their older vehicle for a newer one. People often stop by to purchase used vehicles. For these reasons, we can’t guarantee that the vehicle you see in our online showroom will be available next week or even at the end of the day. If you see something you really want, call us! We will get you set up to take one out for a spin at your earliest convenience. Some of the most common brands to grace our lot besides Chevrolet and Buick include Ram, Ford, Toyota, GMC, Jeep, Nissan, Hyundai, and Honda. We also may have a few pre-owned luxury models like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Infiniti. If you are searching for a used truck, we’ve got plenty to choose from. Besides pre-owned Chevrolet pickups, we also generally have a few Ram, Ford, Toyota, and GMC trucks available for sale. Whether you want an American-made beast or a foreign model, you can find one right here on our lot. For used cars and SUVS, we typically see Nissan, Honda, Jeep, and Hyundai model appear on our lot. If you want something better suited to city driving, Honda and Hyundai pre-owned vehicles are comfortable, great on gas, and usually, come with some pretty nifty features for a low price. Nissan is another solid option. Since newer used Nissans come with a continuously variable transmission, you can enjoy a smooth experience inside the cabin and high fuel economy ratings. If you have your heart set on an off-loading champion, then you can’t go wrong with Jeep. Believe it or not, there are plenty of pre-owned Jeep models available on the used car market. As for luxury models, these are a bit rarer on our lot. However, we do occasionally get a Cadillac, Lincoln, or Infiniti in stock. Since we accept trade-ins, there really is no telling what vehicles our customers will bring in. We update our online showroom regularly. However, if you are inquiring about a very specific used vehicle, you can give us a call. Our agents will check to see if anything new has come in since our last update. Used vs CPO One of the most common questions we get here at Dan Cummins is: what is the difference between a used vehicle and a CPO model? If this is your first time buying a pre-owned vehicle, it’s a very normal question to ask. A CPO model is different from the average used vehicle. It’s a certified pre-owned model. Here’s what that means. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles are within a few model years old that have passed a rigorous manufacturer inspection. There are a lot of requirements that need to be met before a used vehicle is given this seal of approval. First, the vehicle must be under five years of age and not over a certain amount of miles. The mileage sometimes varies depending on the brand, but the average is generally around 50,000 to 60,000 miles. If the pre-owned vehicle meets these requirements, it can be sent off to the manufacturer to undergo the inspection process. The CPO inspection process is different for every automaker. Typically, it is somewhere between a 125-point inspection and a 200-point inspection. The entire process happens in phases, usually starting with a mechanical inspection. If there is a terrible issue with the mechanics of the vehicle, the inspection will be over with right then and there. However, if the mechanisms are in good working order with minimal wear and tear, the vehicle will be passed to the next phase. In the second phase, electrical systems are checked. As the second-most expensive repair, the inspector will determine if the electrical work will cost more than they are worth fixing. Again, normal wear and tear are acceptable. If everything is okay, then the vehicle will move on to the next stage. Sometimes the exterior and cabin inspections are combined into one phase, and sometimes they are separate. It depends on the automaker’s policy. Regardless, the inspector will ensure that there is no significant or costly damage to the vehicle’s exterior or the cabin. If it just needs a thorough detailing, then it will be pushed to the final stage. Before it gets the CPO title, the used vehicle will be thoroughly washed, waxed, and detailed from the inside-out. Every inch of the inside, including the trunk, will be vacuumed, and the dashboard will be treated. After all of these phases are passed, the vehicle will earn the CPO title and head back to the dealership. Because of the rigorous inspection process, CPO models are more expensive than used cars. They come with a vehicle history report, special financing options, and an extended warranty. If you are wary about purchasing a used vehicle, buying a CPO model may put your mind at ease. Used Models Under 10K If you are on a tight budget, we always have used vehicles for sale that are under $10,000. These are usually not CPO models, but that doesn’t mean that they are bad vehicles. You can take any of them out for a spin or have your trusted mechanic take a look under the hood before you buy one. We also recommend that you always ask to see a vehicle history report before you sign any papers. This will let you know if the vehicle has been stolen, salvage, water damaged, fire damage, or in an accident. Service & Parts Here at Dan Cummins, we have a team of certified technicians on-site that can handle just about any vehicle issue. Whether you need routine maintenance or major repairs, our experts have you covered. You can easily schedule a service appointment online or give us a call. We will let you know about how long your vehicle service will take, and our mechanics will have you back on the road as quickly as possible. Find Used Vehicles for Sale Are you ready to purchase a used vehicle? Don’t wait another minute! Stop by Dan Cummins near Lexington, KY, to take one of our models out for a spin today!

When looking at new vehicles for sale, there are so many options it can, at times, seem overwhelming. And while it is hard enough to decide on a vehicle, it can also be difficult to decide on a trim or model once you narrow down your search. For instance, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500, with its dozens of different configurations, literally offers a truck for everyone. With the 2020 Chevy Silverado, no matter what your needs are, you can find a truck designed specifically for you. There are just lots of options to wade through, so we thought we would take a look at one of the more popular trim levels for the Silverado, and see what makes it such a good configuration for most people. The LT trim is one of the most popular trim levels, and for good reason. The first thing you might notice is the starting price is very reasonable. At $38,795, you get just about everything you could possibly need and a little more, making this trim loaded with value. There are also lots of available features, such as three engines to choose from and all of the latest technology you could ask for. There is a reason why the LT is such a popular trim - the combination of affordability and convenience makes it a hard trim level to ignore. Imagine finding a reasonably priced truck that has just about everything you need. That is essentially what the LT trim is. So let us see what exactly you will find standard in this Silverado 1500 model and what other options are available when you move up to the Luxury Touring trim. What is the Best Engine? With three engine options, you know you will be able to find the perfect engine for your lifestyle and needs. The standard engine is a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. As the standard engine, this is a great option, and most people will not need more muscle than this engine provides. You can see the value in the LT trim already building with this engine. With 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, you will have plenty of power at your disposal. This engine is rated to tow 7,000 lb, so you will be able to hook up a trailer and tow with confidence as well. You will also be pleasantly surprised by how fuel-efficient this engine is. The 2.7-liter engine has a fuel efficiency rating of 21 mpg combined, so you will not be sacrificing fuel economy for the added power that comes with this engine. However, if you need more power, there are other options for you. The Silverado has a big V8 if you are looking to tow and haul heavier loads regularly. It is a 5.3-liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine boasts 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Chevy’s fuel management system also returns great fuel efficiency for such a big engine, getting 19 mpg combined. Your towing capacity to 11,600 lb with this available engine as well. This makes it a great option with the raw power you need to get the job done. And with the added bonus of good fuel efficiency, you can even commute to work with this engine when you are not using it for your weekend projects. Finally, Chevy is offering a diesel option for the first time on the 2020 model year Silverado 1500. This is an exciting choice, and it is great to see a diesel option for the Silverado 1500. The 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6 comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and provides 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. With this kind of muscle, not only will you have excellent towing capability of up to 9,300 lb, but you will have more control for your off-road adventures. And you will find the fuel economy just as impressive at 27 mpg combined. Interior and Technology The LT trim for the Silverado 1500 includes lots of on-board tech and convenience features to ensure that your commute is more comfortable than ever before. So let us take a look at what comes standard with this trim level. We will start with one of the more surprising options to find standard at this trim. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard at this level if you can believe it. You will also find even more standard tech, such as the instrument cluster with its 4.2-inch color driver information center. The LT trim also includes 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which allows you to use the internet wherever you go. It is also compatible with OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services. With so much on-board tech, you will be able to stay connected with everyone everywhere you go. Other standard equipment includes a tailgate with EZ lift and lower assist, LED headlamps, and a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with a covered armrest storage bin. You can see how much value Chevy has packed into the Silverado’s LT trim and why it is such a popular choice. It is capable of being an incredibly competent daily driver, is built for the family, and can be just as capable off-road and on the job site. At the LT trim level, you also have many more options to choose from to customize your 2020 Chevy Silverado. This level can be equipped with heated front seats, for instance. So you also have the opportunity to turn your work truck into a luxury family hauler. Dual-zone automatic climate control is another option to consider, as is the high-definition backup camera. What About the All-Star Edition? The LT trim also brings the chance to upgrade to the All-Star Edition package, which adds even more convenience and comfort to your ride. With this package, you will find features like keyless open and start as well as remote start, while passengers in the second row will also find two charge-only USB ports, so everyone can keep their devices charged. LED cargo bed lighting is also included in this package, so you will be able to find things in the bed even when it is dark, and there is also a power lock and release tailgate with lift assist included. These features are normally reserved for the upper trim levels, so having these luxury amenities available further increases the value of choosing the LT trim. Stop by Dan Cummins Chevy Buick Paris Today! At Dan Cummins Chevy Buick Paris, you will be able to find the perfect truck for you and your family. We offer an extensive inventory of new, Certified Pre-Owned, and used vehicles, so no matter what you are looking for, we have a truck for you. Take a look at our online inventory and explore Chevrolet’s impressive lineup of vehicles. Whether you are looking for a reasonably priced and well-outfitted truck like a Silverado LT, a work truck, or a Silverado High Country with all the bells and whistles, you are sure to find it at Dan Cummins Chevy Buick Paris. We are here to take the stress out of buying a vehicle and offer many financing options so that you can find the best monthly payment option to fit your budget. Stop by today and take a Silverado out for a test drive - we look forward to meeting you!