Did you know that there are hundreds of different cars, trucks, and SUVs to choose from when you shop for a vehicle? Your choices are even more plentiful when you shop off the used lot, but that’s only one of the many perks of buying a used vehicle. As your Allentown used car dealer, we know that having such a wide range of choices can make finding the perfect used car for your needs a bit overwhelming. That’s why Raceway Chevrolet is here to help you better understand your options and give you a few things to consider when you visit us.
As you start your search for a used vehicle, there are many things to consider beyond your budget. You must consider your driving needs and what type of vehicle will best suit you. Do you need a capable workhorse like a truck to meet the demands of your life, or will a spacious SUV better accommodate your family and your hobbies? Are you shopping solely for an efficient vehicle, and if so, will a sedan or coupe deliver the best balance of power and efficiency as you navigate your daily commute?
We’ve been in the automotive business for years, and we’ve helped thousands of customers narrow down their choices to find the best vehicle for their needs. That’s part of our commitment to building a business that’s centered on you and your needs rather than simply selling vehicles. Raceway Chevrolet is here for you, and that starts with getting to know everything you need and want in a vehicle. To help you figure that out, let’s look closer at your options, from body styles to technology and beyond.
Vehicles are typically categorized as either a car, truck, SUV, or minivan, but there are far more body types than just these four styles. Body styles are a great way to help you narrow down your choices because they give you an instant idea of the vehicle’s style. For example, if you have a large family, you know immediately that a two-door coupe isn’t a practical option.
Once you’ve weighed all of your basic automotive needs, you may find that cargo space, plenty of passenger room, and all-day comfort are some of the most important factors you look for in a vehicle. In this case, a used Chevy SUV can be a great overall fit for you.
Chevy SUVs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some, like the Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban, offer three rows of seating for six to nine passengers. These vehicles also offer the most interior cargo space, with recent Suburban models providing up to 144.7 cubic feet of room for equipment, belongings, and more.
But perhaps you don’t need something quite that large. The Chevy Equinox is an incredibly popular compact SUV thanks to its capability, dependability, and its overall family-friendliness. The Equinox has the ability to tow, stow, and go nearly anywhere, thanks to its powerful engine options, optional all-wheel drive, and configurable interior.
With the model completely refreshed in 2018, the Equinox is available in several trims that range from the main necessities to cozy and convenient. Features range from Bluetooth connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration to heated leather seats and a power panoramic sunroof. Best of all, Chevy included many advanced safety features, such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keep assistance. The safety features offered may vary with trim, depending on the year selected.
There are even subcompact crossover SUVs that allow drivers to have all of the great things about SUVs, such as larger cargo space with a wide hatchback opening and a taller ride height without requiring them to drive a huge vehicle.
One such example is the Chevy Trax. Introduced in 2015, the Trax has remained true to the formula since then. With a peppy and economical engine, plus optional all-wheel drive, the Trax is offered in a few different trims. However, each trim is well-equipped with all of the necessities, such as Wi-Fi, cruise control, imaginative storage solutions, and a selection of upgrades that include a Bose sound system and leather seating.
Whether you need a very big or a surprisingly compact vehicle, there is a used Chevy SUV that’s just right for your driving style and budget waiting at Raceway Chevrolet.
For those who are looking for a daily driver that is easy on the fuel consumption, lower, smaller, and easily zips through crowded city streets, the sedan is a fantastic go-to option. Drivers of sedans praise these four-door classics for their drivability and reliability.
One car that is receiving well-deserved new life is the Chevy Cruze. Produced from 2011 through 2019, the Cruze has provided many drivers with an affordable, stylish, and uncomplicated vehicle. Options through the years included a choice between manual and automatic transmission, as well as a gasoline or diesel engine. In fact, pairing the manual transmission with the diesel engine offered up to 52 MPG of fuel economy on the highway––an attention-getting figure regardless of your budget.
The Cruze has been offered in several trims with a variety of options throughout its days of production, but drivers will be happy to note that all the basics, such as keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and a split-folding rear seat, are standard on many Cruze model years. You can find safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, as well as luxurious features, such as heated seats and steering wheel.
If your need for space ranges a bit larger than the compact Cruze, consider a used Chevy Malibu. The most recent generation of the Malibu began production in 2016, which offered a surprisingly complete facelift, makeover, and reimagination of the model simultaneously. As a result, you can find a used Malibu with smartphone integration, a series of engines that are gentle on the wallet without compromising the enjoyment of driving, and available leather upholstery for extra-comfortable seating. A hybrid Malibu has also been available in recent years, offering an even more economical option for drivers who spend plenty of time on the road.
While Chevy sedans don’t range in size as dramatically as SUVs or trucks, they do vary in driving style. Some are zippy and responsive, while others provide a buttery smooth ride that irons out all of the bumps in the highway. You’ll also find that some used sedans lean towards simplification of the driving process, while others are swathed in the trappings of luxury. Much of the fun of sedan shopping comes from trying different options to learn which “personality” you prefer!
Shopping for a used truck can be a very personal experience since a pickup truck is often more than a daily driver. Your truck can be your work partner, your adventure buddy, and your transportation all rolled into one stalwart vehicle. Your truck needs to be dependable in a variety of situations and be rugged enough to get the job done, whatever the job may be on any given particular day.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 may be one of the most popular and well-respected pickup trucks in the world. It’s also one of the most customizable, to the point where Chevy proudly notes that drivers are able to pick and choose features to build their ideal work/play/drive machine.
That can make buying a used Silverado 1500 an exciting treasure hunt, because the available features, engines, cab/bed configurations, and options are almost too many to count. However, as a Chevy product, all the necessities are there, such as maximized towing and payload capacities, both diesel and gasoline-powered engines, and four-wheel drive offerings.
For those who don’t need the Silverado 1500’s full-size capacity, the Chevy Colorado makes an exceptional smaller sibling. It still offers a towing capacity that ranges up to 7,700 pounds, depending on the year and engine selected, and it is also available in a wide range of trims, each with an even wider range of features and options.
Off-road aficionados are particularly fond of the Colorado for its capability beyond the pavement. The Z71 and ZR2 models offered throughout the generations are designed to take on the world around us, with features like all-terrain tires, hill descent control, recovery hooks, skid plates, and off-road-tuned suspension. Its smaller size and peppy engine options make the Colorado highly maneuverable and equal parts fun and functional.
Who says pickup trucks have to be all work and no play? Used pickup trucks make excellent work partners, but they have an adventurous side, as well. Many drivers continue to use their pickup trucks long after the workday is over, taking advantage of modern suspension, luxurious interiors, and sleek good looks that today’s pickup trucks have become known for.
As you shop for a used car, truck, or SUV, it’s also important to consider the model’s features. These features range from connectivity tools like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to towing packages that offer hitch guidance cameras. One thing to keep in mind is that newer used vehicles are more likely to have the latest technology and equipment. Here’s what you can expect to find on these models.
One of the great things about finding a newer used vehicle is that you’ll enjoy connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow you to seamlessly sync your smartphone with the vehicle. These tools give you access to all your favorite apps via the infotainment system in the center stack, which means you can easily listen to your favorite playlist, catch up on a podcast, or make a phone call without taking your focus from the road. If you travel frequently, be sure to look for a model equipped with navigation, which can help you find the most efficient route and search for areas of interest along the way.
Every used vehicle on our lot comes with standard airbags, but many newer models offer a suite of safety and driver-assist tools that improve your visibility and minimize the potential for collision. Depending on the model year, you’ll find features like automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert that can bring the vehicle to a stop when a collision is imminent. Newer models offer more advanced tools like adaptive cruise control that automatically monitors the flow of traffic and adjusts the vehicle’s speed as needed.
Rearview cameras are another common feature you’ll find on most used vehicles and are great for minimizing the potential for rear collisions with vehicles, people, and other obstacles. As with other safety features, you’ll find enhanced high-definition cameras on newer used models. You might also find a used vehicle equipped with a rearview camera mirror that gives you a wider and less obstructed view behind the vehicle while you’re driving.
If you’re in the market for a capable workhorse that can tow a heavy load, keep an eye out for used trucks and SUVs equipped with trailering technology. These tools include features like Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist that work behind the scenes to give you more confidence when you’re navigating steep grades. You may even find a used truck equipped with a hitch guidance camera or surround vision. A hitch guidance camera makes it easy to hook and unhook a trailer, while the surround vision camera gives you a clear view around the entire vehicle and trailer to make it easier to park and navigate traffic.
As you can see, there are plenty of choices when you shop for a used vehicle. Narrowing down your options starts by knowing what you need and expect in a vehicle. Why? Because vehicles serve different purposes and some vehicles will suit you better than others.
Where do you spend most of your time driving? If you spend most of your time in the city and need an efficient vehicle that delivers plenty of power, you’ll want to search for a sedan or subcompact SUV to manage your commute and errands in town. On the other hand, if you have a need for speed and don’t plan on hauling passengers or cargo, there’s no reason not to check out a sports car.
Minivans are a great option for growing families, but they’re not as popular as SUVs that offer a wide range of passenger and cargo room across their two and three-row options. Because of this, SUVs are more versatile overall. They can easily navigate your daily commute and every after-school activity imaginable to your adventures out of town and, in some cases, on the trail.
Trucks are the ultimate road warriors and are great if you need a capable workhorse. Full-size trucks can easily haul passengers and equipment, whether that means a load of lumber for a project around the house or towing the family’s camper to the lake for the weekend. Trucks are designed to handle it all, and newer models are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury and comfort for capability.