As your top-rated Buick dealer, we’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you about the new 2021 Buick Envision. This pint-sized crossover is quite impressive with its driver-centric features and sculpted design aesthetic. If your family prefers to drive around in style, this is the right vehicle for you. To show you just how amazing this S(YOU)V is, our experts have put together a top 10 list of reasons why you’ll love the new 2021 Buick Envision.

#10 – It’s Bigger

As a redesigned model, the 2021 Buick Envision is larger than the 2020 model. Measuring 185.5-inches in length, 74.1-inches in width, and 64.6-inches in height, it is approximately 1.8-inches longer, 1.7-inches wider, and 2.2-inches taller than previous models. What’s even more surprising is that the total weight has dropped down from 3,755 pounds to 3,685 pounds. This means that the overall performance will be better.

#9 – It Has Plenty of Space

This two-row crossover can carry up to five passengers with 25.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. If you need more room and can spare the seats, you can fold down the back row to reveal the maximum cargo space measured at 52.7 cubic feet. Either way, there is plenty of space for groceries, luggage, or even a new piece of furniture.

As for passenger room, front-seat occupants have been given an extra 0.7-inches of hip room. Meanwhile, the back-seat passengers will enjoy 0.4-inches of extra headroom and a surprising 1.8-inches of additional legroom. This means that your children can grow into the vehicle with no problem.

#8 – It Gets Great Gas Mileage

Although previous Envision models have had two powertrains to choose from, the new 2021 Buick Envision will most likely only have one. Most of the powertrain details have yet to be released, but here’s what we’ve gathered thus far. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine has been retired, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor will carry over. Pumping out 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, this engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and your choice of FWD or AWD.

If you plan on hiking, camping, fishing, or going on frequent road trips, we highly recommend the AWD system. The average estimated fuel economy is rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway), which is very good for a crossover. It is also rumored to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

#7 – Smartphone Integration Is Standard

While many competitors only have advanced smartphone integration on select trim levels, the new 2021 Buick Envision will include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every model. These two features allow you to sync your smartphone devices to the vehicle’s infotainment system. You can stream music and use your favorite apps whenever you want.

If you are going on a road trip, you can locate gas stations, rest areas, local eateries, and even hotels. Taking things a step further, you can even compare prices using specific apps to find the best deals. You can do all of this without ever taking your hands off of the steering wheel.

#6 – It Has Wifi

Another feature that comes standard on every 2021 Buick Envision model is a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. Making the advanced smartphone integration possible, this onboard connectivity feature allows you to access apps and browse the internet without using your phone’s data plan. You can post photos to your social media accounts or look up local restaurant reviews to find the best place to eat on your family road trip. Keep everyone in the loop during your travels, and maintain a feeling of connection everywhere you go with this onboard Wifi feature.

#5 – The Infotainment System is Golden

Since we are on the subject of infotainment, let’s address the system as a whole. While not a lot of details have been released yet, we do know that the standard touchscreen interface will probably be at least 8-inches. That’s pretty big for a compact crossover. Most competitors install a 5- to 7-inch touchscreen interface on their base level models.

However, Buick has gone above and beyond for the 2021 Envision. This larger interface is easier to read at a glance, and the graphics are stellar. With the simple tap of your fingertip, you can control all of the infotainment functions without being too distracted from the road. The screen is also customizable so that you can have quick access to your most used settings without having to pull over and tap through dozens of screens. Also, keep in mind that higher trims will have even better infotainment features. These may include a larger 10-inch touchscreen or a navigation system, or satellite and HD radio. We have high hopes for every trim level!

#4 – It Comes with Lane-Keeping Systems

We also expect to see both lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning systems on every 2021 Buick Envision. These two features work in unison to prevent dangerous lane changes or drifting. Using cameras and sensors to monitor the lines on the road, the systems will detect if the vehicle begins to leave the lane unintentionally. After an alert is triggered and no action is taken to correct the path of the vehicle, the system will automatically guide the Envision back into its designated lane.

#3 – It Can Detect People

Pedestrian detection is a big deal, especially for folks who live in urban or suburban environments. Using front-facing sensors and cameras, the advanced pedestrian detection safety feature will detect if a person walks out into the street and into your path. Visual and audible alerts will signal you to stop, and the system may even react for you.

#2 – It Comes with Emergency Braking

Playing off of the pedestrian detection features, the automatic emergency braking system will be triggered if no evasive action is taken. This will take total control of the braking system to bring the Envision to a complete stop. As an added protection, this safety feature can help prevent deadly accidents. It works for pedestrians, vehicles, and even the occasional rogue deer.

#1 – You Can Add Adaptive Cruise Control

Finally, we also expect to see adaptive cruise control on higher trim levels or as a stand-alone option. This advanced safety feature will enable you to set the desired speed limit. If traffic begins to slow, the system will slow the vehicle down to match the pace. Once the traffic has resumed its normal flow, the system will return the vehicle back to the original speed. This can take a lot of stress off your drive through rush hour traffic. You won’t have to worry about slamming on the brake pedal every few feet.

Find a New 2021 Buick Envision

Are you excited about the new 2021 Buick Envision? As your local Lexington, KY Buick dealer, we recommend that you get in touch with our team today to see how you can be contacted as soon as this model is available. This model is going to be very popular, and we don’t want you to miss out! Give us a call today or stop by our dealership!

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When it comes to towing capacity, there are plenty of pickup trucks out there that will satisfy the basic requirement of hitching a small trailer to the back of the bed and hauling the cargo from here to there. However, SUVs that can haul large cargo loads are slightly less common. You’re in luck, though, because there are actually a few top-notch SUVs out there that can haul some impressive tonnage and can easily be found at a used car dealership. The best SUV for towing is the Ford Expedition, followed closely by the Dodge Durango, Lincoln Navigator, Chevy Tahoe, and GMC Yukon. And today, we at Dan Cummins Chevy Buick of Paris, near Lexington, KY, have put together this list that details exactly how much each of these SUVs can tow.

Now there are some things you need to keep in mind. Most obviously, when comparing SUVs to pickup trucks, you’re going to have to give up quite a bit in the hauling and towing department. SUVs can only tow a fraction of what a super heavy-duty pickup can tow. This is due to a number of factors, such as torque, drivetrain, and suspension torsion. That being said, while these SUVs don’t carry the towing capacity in the five digits, they come awfully close. So here are the five SUVs that push the boundaries as far and as hard as an SUV can go.

#5 GMC Yukon – 8,500 lbs

Just about the 8,000 lbs mark is the GMC Yukon, specifically the 2019 GMC Yukon, which can tow up to 8,500 lbs. There are some special requirements needed in order for the Yukon to pull off this feat. Specifically, it needs the two-wheel drive configuration and needs to be equipped with a trim that allows it to make use of the Heavy-Duty Trailering Package. This will allow the 6.2L V8 to achieve that impressive 8,500 lbs undertaking.

Interestingly enough, the 2020 and 2021 Yukons lose about 100 lbs in towing capacity, dropping down to 8,400 lbs instead of 8,500 lbs. However, that’s not giving up much, and it puts the 2020 and 2021 models on the same level as the 2019 Yukon Denali, which also tops out at 8,400 lbs in the towing capacity department. That said, if you are really torn up over the 100 lbs difference, you can certainly search through the used market, which should definitely put you at the top of the towing class when it comes to GMC SUVs.

#4 Chevy Tahoe – 8,600 lbs

Even though many people consider the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon to be the same SUV with different badging, the reality is that the specs are different enough between both SUVs. And one has a slight edge over the other when it comes to towing capacity. The 2020 Chevy Tahoe, for instance, manages to beat out every trim and configuration of the Yukon from 2019 through 2021 in the towing department, scoring an impressive 8,600 lbs when equipped with the 5.3L Ecotec V8 and coupled with the Max Trailering Package3.

With the four-wheel drive setup on the 6.2L V8, you’re looking at a maximum of 8,400 lbs of towing capacity. The trick to gaining those extra 200 lbs of towing capacity over the 6.2L V8 is the drivetrain, with the 5.3L V8’s rear-wheel drive setup enabling it to eke out that additional torque to haul a little extra over its four-wheel drive counterpart. If you were planning on making use of that extra 100 lbs on the GMC Yukon, be sure to check out the Chevy Tahoe.

#3 Lincoln Navigator – 8,700 lbs

The 2018 through 2020 models of the Lincoln Navigator are up next, maxing out at an impressive 8,700 lbs of towing capacity and putting it just another 100 lbs ahead of the previous entry on the list. While that may not seem like much, the incremental increase of 100 lbs per configuration begins to add up, and you start to see that from the rankings, there’s a maximum 200 lbs gap between the least ranked SUV and the current position on the list. You could use that 200 lbs to tow an extra motorcycle or a couple of rowboats, in addition to more than 8,000 lbs of cargo.

The Lincoln Navigator is capable of towing up to 8,700 lbs thanks to very similar configurations as the other SUVs on this list: a two-wheel, rear-wheel drive setup coupled with a Heavy Duty Trailering Tow Package, which is available on the Reserve and Black Label trims. However, given that the Navigator’s Black Label trim is only available in four-wheel drive, you will have to stick with the Reserve trim that comes with a 3.5L V6 to maximize the luxury SUV’s towing capacity at the 8,700 lbs mark.

#2 Dodge Durango – 8,700 lbs

The Dodge Durango was obviously going to make the cut since Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles seems to have made it their goal to pump as much horsepower, torque, and performance into their trucks and SUVs as possible. The Dodge Durango SRT, specifically, is no exception to this rule, and it ties with the Lincoln Navigator in its maximum towing capacity, capable of hauling over 8,700 lbs. The big difference between the two is that not only can you haul close to 10,000 lbs of cargo, but you can do so without sacrificing any horsepower with the Durango.

The Dodge Durango is capable of achieving its towing feat with a very impressive 6.4L Hemi V8 engine4. Unlike other entries on this list, instead of compensating power for torque by relying on a rear-wheel drive for maximum towing capacity, Dodge decided to ramp up the horsepower and keep the Durango on a four-wheel drivetrain while also achieving that 8,700 lbs towing capacity. You will, however, need the Trailer Tow Group IV package that comes with the wiring harness and class IV receiver hitch. But otherwise, the Durango SRT is tow-ready out of the gate.

#1 Ford Expedition – 9,300 lbs

If you wanted to know what the best SUV for towing is, it’s none other than the Expedition, which is made by the leader in pickup truck sales. The company has been leading the SUV towing ranks for a few years now, with the Expedition, in particular. The Expedition offers up an extremely impressive 9,300 lbs of tow capacity. The Expedition has been capable of this feat with specific configurations since 2018, meaning that if you buy a used Ford Expedition, you’ll be able to tow very close to 10,000 lbs worth of cargo.

Much like the other SUVs on this list, not every trim configuration is capable of towing its max weight; only the two-wheel drive options will get you to the max towing capacity. Additionally, you will also need an extra package to bring it all together. However, the Expedition is a lot more lenient toward achieving its goal than some other entries on the list, since every trim allows you to make use of the Heavy-Duty Trailering Tow Package, which is required to hit that magic 9,300 lbs mark. The package comes with an integrated brake controller for the trailer, along with an electronic limited-slip and an axle ratio of 3.73. The package is topped off with a backup assist and heavy-duty engine radiator, making this the absolute best SUV for towing.

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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!

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The 2021 Chevy Silverado has been the source of a lot of big news this season. Given that this pickup truck was already one of the most dominant models on the roads today, Chevy’s improvements to its prize-winning icon mean that there are more reasons than ever before to visit a Chevy dealer near you. Perhaps the greatest innovation to the 2021 Chevy Silverado is the installation of a brand-new multifunction tailgate. If you are wondering why there is so much hype for this specific feature, then read on.

To put it simply, a multifunction tailgate is one of the few modern truck features that the 2020 Chevy Silverado did not have. The new Multi-Flex tailgate on the 2021 Chevy Silverado corrects this oversight and makes the truck more versatile when it comes to what pickups do best – moving large items. This new tailgate dramatically increases the functionality of the already high-performing Silverado with several different positions that suit different everyday tasks that often give truck owners trouble.

What Does the New Tailgate Do?

The Chevy Multi-Flex tailgate builds on the popular GMC MultiPro tailgate, bringing the same level of versatility to the Silverado that the Sierra already enjoys. While a normal tailgate only has two positions (open and closed), the Multi-Flex tailgate offers no fewer than seven different positions that are each optimized for a different common task. From accessing the bed to securing heavy items, the Multi-Flex tailgate makes living with a pickup easier than ever before.

Primary Gate

The first two positions of the new Multi-Flex tailgate are the same ones you will find on any pickup truck – open and closed. While these positions may not be the most exciting, they remain a vital aspect of any tailgate. Whether filling the bed up with loose gravel or hosting an impromptu tailgate party, the traditional functions remain the bread and butter of a pickup truck’s tailgate.

However, that doesn’t mean that Chevy is content to not improve on these basic positions. With remote lock and unlock, as well as dampers to keep the tailgate from slamming open when you unlatch it, even the most traditional features of a tailgate have been upgraded with the Chevy Silverado. But this is just the beginning of everything that the new Multi-Flex tailgate offers.

Primary Gate Load Stop

The primary gate load stop position is used to secure long items that will not fit in the bed with the tailgate up. In order to use this position, simply open the tailgate normally and then fold up the small load stop located at the trailing edge. This creates a small lip that will prevent items, such as plywood boards, from sliding out when you accelerate or go uphill. While this may seem like a small feature, it makes hauling cargo much safer.

In fact, the issue of sliding cargo is a large problem with traditional tailgates. There is simply no good way to easily secure some types of cargo, resulting in damaged or lost loads on bumpy or curvy roads, which is never a good thing. With the new primary gate load stop position, securing items will no longer require yards of rope and tie-downs.

Foldable Inner Gate

Honestly speaking, this is one of the most interesting innovations offered by the Multi-Flex tailgate. If you are having trouble reaching cargo deep in the bed, the foldable inner gate lets you fold the central section of the tailgate down and out of the way. This handy addition can make loading and unloading smaller items such as boxes much simpler as you no longer have to lean over the tailgate to place them in the bed or remove them.

Full-Width Step

The full-width step is exactly what it sounds like; it creates a step using the full length of the primary gate. This position builds on the previous one. After the tailgate is open and you have folded the central section down out of the way, you can then fold up the section that is used to create the load stop to serve as a step. Pickup trucks these days are more capable than ever before, but that capability also means that they are larger than ever before, and climbing into the bed of a modern truck can take some effort – especially if your hands are full with cargo or tools.

The functionality implications of having a full-width step available are very well-rounded, reaching from loading assistance to comfort. Overall, the biggest implication is obviously for loading packages, generally following two different usages: loading cargo and accessing cargo.

When loading cargo, you can either use the step as a footstep to increase traction when lifting heavier items or by acting as a lower table. The latter of the two is more useful for items that are too heavy to lift into the bed in one go, allowing you to place the item on the step to recover some strength before lifting the item into the bed. The former is more suited to items that aren’t as heavy, in which using the folding position would be more steps than necessary, but is still too heavy to easily reach the standard primary gate position. Essentially, the full-width step is the perfect middle ground between loading heavy items and moderate packages.

As far as accessing cargo, this suits situations where cargo is not as easily reached from the ground, such as in the cases of large boxed goods. In traditional tailgates, this would require frequent jumps onto the bed. Using this step, accessing the bed is more like walking up a set of stairs, which saves energy and potentially prevents worksite injuries. And, of course, this does make unloading a large item from the bed easier as well.

The full-width step also has implications for comfort. While the full-width step is definitely more suited to act as a step, it can also act as a seat as well. In a way, just think about sitting on a stairwell, and the full-width step will work in the same way.

Inner Gate Load Stop

The inner gate load stop pretty much works in the same way as the primary gate load stop, in that it is designed to help stabilize sliding items. Unlike the primary gate load stop, however, the inner gate load stop doesn’t require the gate itself to be open while driving. Instead, the inner gate load stop unfolds while the tailgate is closed, which is useful for securing large items when you also have smaller items in the bed. But because the primary gate is closer to the inner gate load stop, this will sacrifice some cargo length and cause longer items to stick up at an angle.

Inner Gate Work Surface

The inner gate work surface is perhaps the only gate position that doesn’t have an implication for loading items. Essentially, this position makes a small work table out of half of the primary gate while in a closed position. This is perfect for a craftsman or other handyman as it allows for an easy workspace on the move where one could edit blueprints, draft ideas, or any number of other tasks that would normally require a more professional working table to complete.

What’s the Big Picture?

All in all, there is a lot to look forward to this coming season for Chevy vehicle models, especially pickup trucks. The 2021 Chevy Silverado’s Multi-Flex tailgate alone offers great improvements to the functionality of a pickup truck, with several positions that enhance the tailgate’s loading ability, comfort, and overall potential. To top it off, that was only one of the Chevy Silverado’s many new features this coming model year, leaving a lot to look forward to in the model’s newest iteration. As such, there is no better reason to visit Dan Cummins Chevy Buick and see the new 2021 Chevy Silverado.

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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.

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Whenever you start thinking about visiting the dealership to buy a new car, the first question on your mind should be, “is this a good car?” You are ultimately spending a lot of money on something that needs to be reliable, durable and start every time you turn the key. No one has time for mechanical failure, which means investing in a car, truck, or SUV that only requires regular maintenance and attention. That is reasonable. Right? So as you wander over to check out the specials at your local Chevy dealer, you might find yourself wondering, “are Chevrolets good cars?” In short: yes, Chevrolet’s are good cars. But there is so much more to this question that we at Dan Cummins Chevy Buick Paris are going to explain to you today. Let’s get into it!

Chevrolets: The Experts Weigh In

The term “good” is subjective, and when it is applied to a vehicle manufacturer that makes so many different vehicles, it gets a little murky. Is the Corvette a good option for towing heavy loads? No. Is the Tahoe a good choice for the track? No. Chevrolet has created a devoted following by creating the vehicles drivers need for various specific tasks. If you have a need for speed, you choose the Corvette, but if you need to haul heavy loads for work every day, you want the Silverado. There is no universal definition of “good.”

However, there is an abundance of other terms that can relate to cars, trucks, and SUVs to help drivers narrow down whether a particular vehicle is a “good fit” for their needs. For example, someone who has a long commute wants to know if this vehicle is “good” on gas mileage. A family who takes frequent road trips will need to know if an SUV has “good” safety and entertainment features. An accomplished equestrian will need to know if a truck is “good” at trailering. Chevy has built their success on knowing what type of “good” their different customers require with a full line-up from subcompacts to nine-passenger SUVs and full-size heavy-duty pickups.

As a result, many of their vehicles have earned high accolades from the experts. The Corvette has earned the 2020 North American Car of the Year Award, 2020 Motortrend Car of the Year Award, 2020 Motorweek Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year, and Top Rated Sports Car rankings from Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. The Silverado has been regularly ranked by Kelley Blue Book as a top resale pick, as well as earning the 2020 5-Year Cost to Own award from kbb.com, which rates overall value and depreciation over a five year period. Chevy’s midsize pickup, the Colorado, has earned awards in its segment for both on-road performance (2020 KBB Best Buy Award) and off-road excellence (Editors’ Choice Best Off-Roader, for the ZR2 Package). The Tahoe has been regularly rated as one of the best choices amongst full-size SUVs and Family Vehicles by KBB and ranked on Edmunds “Buyer’s Most Wanted” list in 2018 and 2019.

In recent JD Powers rankings, four Chevrolet models were included in the tops of their segments for Initial Quality ratings, including the Equinox for Compact SUV, Malibu for Midsize Car, Silverado HD for Large Heavy Duty Pickup, and Tahoe for Large SUV. These ratings are based on the number of problems reported during the first 90 days of ownership, per 100 vehicles. The industry average is 93 reported problems per 100, while Chevy ranked overall at 85, meaning drivers of Chevy vehicles reported far fewer problems than the average American driver.

The 2020 Malibu: A Case Study

Ratings, rankings, and awards are all great, but how do they translate into whether or not a vehicle is actually “good?”

To demonstrate where these figures come from, let’s take a closer look at the 2020 Chevy Malibu, one of the few “cars” still produced by the manufacturer. The Malibu has historically received recognition from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its overall safety scores.

Most recently, the Malibu has received a 79 out of 100 for JD Power’s annual consumer ratings. According to the website, this score is “based on hundreds of thousands of independent and unbiased opinions of verified car owners.” These unbiased opinions also state that the Malibu deserves “Great” rankings in the categories of “Quality and Reliability,” “Driving Experience,” “Resale,” and “Dealership Experience”- all of the areas in which a driver’s overall opinion of a vehicle may be dimmed or tainted by a negative experience. Overall, the Malibu is #7 on the list of 2020 Consumer Rated Sedans with JD Powers and #5 amongst the Best Midsize Cars of 2020 at KBB.com.

It seems that the expert opinions and those of the actual day-to-day drivers align to rank Chevrolets as not just “good” cars, but a great long term investment.

The Secret to Success

But what is it about Chevy vehicles that makes them so wildly popular and highly ranked? What’s the secret ingredient in the sauce that helps keep a manufacturer at the top of their game for over 100 years? Let’s continue to explore the Malibu as a prime example of Chevy’s not-so-secret formula. On the outside, it is essentially a car. It is not sleek and sporty like a Camaro or Corvette. It is not butch and aggressive like the Silverado HD. However, it is both an attractive and capable five-passenger sedan.

But under this shiny patina is a very capable, very economical, entirely reliable vehicle with hardly any complaints. Under the hood, drivers have a standard 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine, which does exactly what it needs to do- power a small vehicle great distances with reasonable fuel economy and pep. It offers an admirable 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which will neither get drivers around a racecourse in record time, nor haul a 12,000-pound trailer, but that’s not the Malibu’s purpose. It consumes a very rational 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway of fuel, making it a fantastic commuter, which is its purpose Plus, the Premier trim features an even peppier engine – a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 – that offers 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, for those who want a bit more power. Therefore, Malibu drivers can get whatever level of power and efficiency they want. This is a perfect example of how versatile Chevys are, which makes them good vehicles.

With all of that in mind, it is essential to remember that this is one of many Chevrolet vehicles. This is the perfect commuter sedan. But there are Chevy vehicles to suit every driver’s need. The thing that makes Chevys good cars is that there are many options; there is something for everyone.

Are Chevrolets Good Cars?

In all, when you ask drivers if Chevys are “good” cars, you might want to step back and refine what you are asking. Nearly every Chevy driver will be able to confidently say that their car, truck, or SUV is absolutely perfect for what they needed. But if you are asking about quality, dependability, or resale value? Based on the volume of annual awards won across the line-up, the experts seem to feel Chevy is doing better than just fine.

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When you are at work discussing your plans for the weekend, and you hear someone mention that they are in the market for a used car, you may want to interject with advice against doing so. After all, you have heard an array of horror stories about used car dealerships. But truth be told, your coworker is making a good decision purchasing used. There are so many stigmas surrounding buying used vehicles, but buying used is actually beneficial to drivers in today’s world.

Today’s used car dealerships look nothing like the overstuffed and haphazard, balloon-and-colored-flag laden lots depicted in the movies. Gone is the cartoon-like, garishly-dressed shyster waiting at his metal desk to prey on an unsuspecting buyer, as if he ever really existed. In this digital age, no business can survive for long, using questionable sales tactics. In fact, a business that doesn’t put the customer first in word and deed will find itself with a one-star rating faster than a Corvette Stingray can go from 0-60 on the straight track. That said, if a business is bad, you will know.

Beyond the dealers, though, many people have stipulations about the cars themselves. But those can dissipate too. As aforementioned, there are so many stigmas about buying used vehicles. And often, they are not true. So today, we at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick are going to take a look at five of the most common myths surrounding used cars and prove them wrong. Let’s get into it.

#5 The Vehicles Are Subpar Quality

Many people believe that used vehicles are of poor or subpar quality, and that misconception can cost money in the long run. How so? Well, many automotive dealerships offer a type of used car called certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. These cars have been put through a rigorous bumper-to-bumper inspection and reconditioning, making it the next best thing to a new vehicle. In fact, CPO vehicles are governed by automobile manufacturers, which means the actual carmaker determines the parameters by which a vehicle can be classified as CPO.

For example, General Motors requires all CPO vehicles to have no more than 75,000 miles, and the car cannot be more than six model years old. In addition, cars must have a clean title and pass a 172-point vehicle inspection. So how does taking this route save money? Because CPO vehicles are simply cheaper than new vehicles, even though they come with all of the modern conveniences and are subject to thorough inspection. With all of that said, used vehicles are anything but subpar.

#4 It Takes Forever To Buy a Used Car

A big used car-shopping deterrent is the time suck involved with driving to the dealership, test driving multiple cars, and arranging to finance. It’s exhausting, which is why dealers are looking at alternative ways to make the process faster and more convenient: online sales.

If you’re in the market for a used car but not so excited about schlepping across town to shop, you’re in luck! Most used car dealerships put their inventory online and continuously update it so only the most current and available vehicles are displayed. You’ll find price, mileage, multiple photos of the interior and exterior of each vehicle, along with information about CPO (or not) and a handy calculator to determine your rough monthly payment.

If you’re lucky enough to find the perfect vehicle at your local dealership, you can often even arrange the purchase online. Most dealerships are equipped to coordinate the financing and the pickup date and time, leaving just the paperwork to handle in person. This option is such a relief for busy professionals who simply can’t make time for an in-person purchase. Additionally, this is the same process buyers take to get a new vehicle. And it certainly does not take forever to buy used.

#3 Used Cars Are All Bought At Auction

It’s true that some used car inventory comes from auctions, but used car inventory comes largely from dealership trade-ins. Remember, many people choose to lease their vehicles. Lease terms are usually one to four years and limit the mileage customers can accrue, which means these vehicles are in pretty excellent condition when they’re returned at the end of the lease term.

These previously leased vehicles often become CPO vehicles and have the added benefit of limited wear-and-tear due to restrictive lease terms that prohibit excess damage without severe financial penalties. This all adds up to great pre-owned vehicle opportunities for you. The same holds true for financed vehicles that are traded in. Many customers change cars every year, and some every few years. The influx of quality pre-owned vehicle inventory is constant, which means excellent opportunities exist for buyers that are in the market for a used car. And not all of these opportunities come from auctions.

#2 Used Cars Don’t Come with a Warranty

We’ve got some pretty great news for you: All GM CPO vehicles come with a 6 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, a 12 month/12,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, roadside assistance, and a 3 day/150 mile exchange policy, eliminating any potential for buyer’s remorse after your purchase. GM also throws in limited OnStar and SiriusXM trial subscriptions, and that aforementioned comprehensive 172-point inspection.

It’s good to remember that a dealer won’t provide a warranty on a vehicle they’re not confident is 100% mechanically sound. It’s not good business, and a good rule of thumb is, their confidence means you can be confident too. It’s a win-win situation because when you drive that vehicle off the lot, you’ll know the dealer and the automaker have put their names and reputations behind it. Used vehicles can, in fact, come with a warranty.

#1 Used Car Dealers Only Care About Profit

In short, auto dealerships exist to support customers throughout the ownership experience, not just to get the sale. In fact, dealers rely heavily on revenue generated by service and parts sales, so they’ll work harder to earn your business on the front-end in order to guarantee you’ll return over and over again as a loyal service customer.

With that in mind, it’s pretty confidence-inspiring to recognize that if a customer feels like they got a bad deal, they won’t be returning to that dealership for anything, let alone long term service and vehicle maintenance. A reputable used car dealer wants to earn your business for many years and encourage you to refer your friends.

What does a positive purchase experience look like? It starts with respect and consideration for your time, budget, and preferences. A good used car salesperson will listen to your needs and guide you through the vehicles on the lot to help you narrow down your choices. They’ll coordinate test drives and demonstrate each vehicle’s features, and give you an honest overview of the pros and cons of every option you’re considering.

We admit, there are still some unethical used car dealers out there. It pays to know how to spot them so you can walk away fast. What doesn’t a positive purchase experience look like? Pressure. Mind-numbing waits. Flip-flopping on price. Pushing extras after you decline. Not offering test drives. Exorbitant, one-size-fits-all finance rates. High mileage, dirty cars with no vehicle history report. But in general, not all used car dealers are hyper-focused on profit; they want to build relationships.

Have We Convinced You?

We want to know what you think! Have we convinced you? In fact, today’s used car dealership is customer-focused, friendly, knowledgeable, and – most importantly – reputable. We speak from experience, as our team is highly trained to put you, our customer, first beyond everything else. That’s what you should expect, whether you’re going out to dinner or visiting the corner store for a gallon of milk. Good service is no longer something consumers request; it’s something they demand.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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