Here’s the Best Advice for Used Car Shoppers Who Don’t Know Where to Start

Driving all over town to find a Tennessee used car dealer with the used car you want isn’t the easiest way to kick off your search. Instead, we recommend doing a little research ahead of time, so you’re ready and focused. What’s the best used car to buy right now? The answer isn’t the same for every buyer because finding the right car depends on your individual budget and needs.

As you start your search, it’s a great idea to think about what you need out of your used vehicle. Is your family growing? You might want to look at a crossover or SUV with a third row of seats. If you’re a first-time buyer and cash is tight, check out a subcompact crossover like the Chevy Trax or even a starter Chevy Spark hatchback for the ultimate in affordability.

Here at Newton Chevrolet GMC, we know that every buyer is different, which is why we’ve put together this guide to body styles and models. You can easily match your needs to the category that best fits without having to wonder which type of vehicle is right for you. Whether you park a full-size pickup in your driveway or you select a just-right-sized SUV with room to grow, let this guide help you decide.

Compact Crossovers and Fuel-Efficient Options

For the price-conscious, automakers like Chevy and Buick offer a nice selection of affordable subcompact and compact crossovers that might fit the bill. Consider the Chevy Trax, one of the most popular subcompact SUVs on the market. This little dynamo is perfect for buyers on a budget and first-timers looking to keep their monthly payments low and has been on the market since 2015. It features seating for five and plenty of extra cargo space.

If you want a little more flash to go along with all that practicality, check out the GMC Terrain. It’s a small premium crossover that received a full redesign in 2018, but even first-generation Terrains are tough to beat for value and reliability. Buyers can choose from multiple engines and trims, including the high-end Denali, with leather seating and tons of in-vehicle technology.

Let’s not forget about the Buick Encore, an adorable little SUV that made its debut back in 2013 and set the standard in the premium subcompact category. The Encore features classic crossover styling and comes available with all-wheel drive, making it a great choice for Tennessee winters and rainy days on the road. Multiple trims, exterior colors, and equipment add-ons make finding the perfect used Encore for you an easy job.

If affordability is your number one concern, there’s no better choice than a Chevy Spark hatchback. It’s quite possibly the least expensive vehicle on the market, coming in at under $14,000 new. Lucky buyers can find used models under the $10,000 mark, and since this little hatchback comes in a palette of bright, whimsical colors like bright yellow and baby blue, you’ll still drive in style. The Spark is so economically priced that you won’t have trouble finding a newer model year with plenty of infotainment technology.

Midsize and Full-Size Pickups for Tough Jobs

Sometimes you just need a rough-and-tumble pickup to get the job done. Thankfully, the midsize pickup segment combines capability and affordability, offering all the benefits of a pickup without the bulk of a full-size version. The fan-favorite Chevy Colorado takes it up a notch with athletic exterior styling and a trim lineup that includes everything from low-priced base models to off-road-ready rigs equipped to take on the backroads of Tennessee.

The Colorado is a great choice for used vehicle buyers. With so many Colorados sold every year, there’s always tons of used inventory available, so you won’t have to compromise on color or equipment. Still, some buyers need a little more towing capability and space. For you, Chevy offers the Silverado 1500 and two heavy-duty pickups: the 2500 HD and the 3500 HD. Take your pick from a trim range that includes everything from the simple Work Truck to the plush, luxury-filled High Country.

If too much luxury is never enough, consider a used GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. This flagship half-ton pickup features some of the most high-end finishes, like real wood accenting, oversized infotainment touchscreens, and two-tone leather seating. The Denali is GMC’s flagship trim, so if it’s premium features you seek, you’ll find them everywhere on the Denali, including custom wheels and unique badging.

GMC’s midsize Canyon pickup takes its cues from the Sierra, favoring high-end cabin finishes and a stylish exterior design. The GMC logo is displayed prominently on the Canyon’s grille, reminding buyers that this is a premium small truck. Don’t let the good looks fool you, though: a used Canyon is surprisingly capable, with high max tow ratings and tons of available off-road features.

Large SUVs For Growing Families

Let’s face it––raising kids is hard. Make life easier with a Chevy Tahoe, the upscale three-row large SUV you’re just as likely to see at the valet stand as you will at junior’s Little League field. The Tahoe is versatile, but what it does best is shepherd families to and from school and errands. With class-leading passenger and cargo space, your kids can invite a friend and have room to spare for the family dog.

The Tahoe isn’t Chevy’s only land yacht: the classic Suburban is its slightly bigger sibling, and it’s just as popular as the Tahoe. Between these two big SUVs, you’ll find an ideal used option for your growing family. Tons of trims and powertrains are available, along with 2WD and 4WD versions. You can choose an older used model with confidence because Chevy’s SUVs have stellar reliability ratings.

If there is such a thing as too big for you, consider the refined Buick Enclave. It seats up to seven passengers but sits in the midsize category. That means less bulk and a more car-like ride. Buick launched the Enclave back in 2008, and it received a complete redesign in 2018, so any model year you choose is going to have modern safety and technology features. The Enclave has earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA every year since the rating was introduced, making it a safe choice for Tennessee families.

Looking for the biggest and baddest full-size SUV? Check out the mighty GMC Yukon XL, a giant-sized version of the popular Yukon. The third generation spans from 2014 to 2020 and offers a great value for used SUV shoppers. It’s a classic boxy SUV with brutish dimensions, but inside you’ll find elegance and refinement. Features like ambient lighting, heated seats, and premium Bose audio systems highlight the Yukon XL’s long list of high-end equipment.

Finding The Best Used Vehicle is Easy

Many used car shoppers struggle to figure out how to start their search. We recommend choosing your preferred body style first. From there, decide on a budget and narrow your search to trims and model years that make the most sense. Most important of all, align with a Tennessee used car dealer you can trust, like the team here at Newton Chevrolet GMC.

Buying a used car is so much easier when you know what you want. Take some time to really think about your driving needs before you start the hunt. A lot of buyers search by price, but we think that’s a mistake. You should have no trouble finding a vehicle you can afford in any category, especially if you work with Newton Chevrolet GMC because we stock a variety of body styles at every price point.

Take a deep breath and remember this: buying a car is supposed to be fun! Take the stress away and enjoy the process. With so many amazing vehicles to choose from, you’re sure to end up with the perfect match for your individual needs. Happy shopping!