The great thing about shopping for a used car is that you have tons of options available; the downside to shopping for a used car is that you can have too many options available. Before you head off to your favorite used car lot near you, it’s a good idea to have some sort of game plan about what you’re looking for. At the bare minimum, you should have a list of some specific features and things you’re looking for. It’s a good idea to have this written down to make it easier to remember things while shopping.
We often find, however, that it’s even more helpful to have some specific models in mind when you’re shopping for a used vehicle. This can greatly narrow down your options and let you focus on different trims you find or what options one might have compared to another. While we don’t have time right now to list every great used vehicle on the road – there are plenty of them out there – we’re going to take a moment to detail some of our favorites. No matter what type of vehicle you’re looking for, you’ll find something here that can meet your needs.
Great Used Coupe – Chevy Camaro
It’s been around for well over 50 years, and in that time, the Chevy Camaro has proven itself over and over again as one of the most impressive muscle cars on the road. We could’ve just as easily gone with the Chevy Corvette, they’re both fantastic coupes, but if you’re shopping used, then you’ll probably find a Camaro at a more attractive price point. If your budget allows it, then look for a ZL1 model for truly incredible performance.
Great Used Convertible – Mazda MX-5 Miata
One of the sportiest cars on the road, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is smart, stylish, and a ton of fun to drive. It’s not quite as practical as a larger convertible; this is a two-passenger roadster that delivers agility and handling in an ultra-lightweight package. Usually simply called the “Miata,” the MX-5 has been around for more than 20 years and has proven incredibly popular during this time. We suggest looking at models from 2006 or later for the third generation or after 2016 for the latest fourth-generation vehicles.
Great Used Hatchback – Chevy Bolt EV
While it might not have a legacy going back many decades like some of Chevy’s cars, the Bolt EV has proven itself one of the most popular hatchbacks on the road. This is a fully electric model, so keep that in mind – we know that means it won’t be for everyone. But if you’re looking to try out an EV, then the Bolt is a terrific choice. Not only does it have great range and a selection of fantastic features inside and out, but it has been one of the most affordable EV models on the market, with a very user-friendly hatchback design.
Great Used Sedan – Toyota Camry
A decade or two ago, we could’ve easily said you have a ton of great sedans to choose from every year, but the market for four-door cars has been shrinking lately. Although you still have a lot of options to pick from when shopping used, we really like the Toyota Camry not only because it has been great historically, but because it remains so. While many other manufacturers have abandoned sedans, Toyota continues to demonstrate how vital this market is for a lot of drivers – and the Camry is a fantastic choice.
Great Used Compact SUV – GMC Terrain
Choosing an SUV is a great way to get excellent functionality and a spacious interior for a growing family; a compact SUV, in particular, offers all of this at a lower price. One of our favorite compact SUV models is the GMC Terrain, which delivers style, power, and comfort all in one bold, luxurious package. It’s worth noting, however, that older models of the Terrain from 2010 to 2017 were midsize options, so they might be a bit larger than what you’re looking for. The latest generation, starting in 2018, is not quite as large and is built on a new platform that’s shared by the Chevy Equinox, making that model from the bowtie brand a great alternative option.
Great Used Midsize SUV – Toyota Highlander
There are a ton of excellent midsize SUVs on the market, but the Toyota Highlander represents the perfect combination of spaciousness, reliability, and affordability. This model has been around for about 20 years now, and in that time, it has proven itself as a solid option and won over a lot of drivers. Models from the first few years only had two rows of seating, but since 2004 that number was increased to three rows of seats for seven or eight people.
Great Used Full-Size SUV – Chevy Suburban
To be honest, we were torn between the Chevy Suburban and the Chevy Tahoe when considering what full-size SUV we’d choose for a customer looking for a great used model. They’re both fantastic choices and offer pretty similar performance overall, but the Suburban is the larger of the two. So if you like what it has to offer, but find it is bigger than what you’re looking for, then consider the Tahoe. The Suburban has been around for a long time, so you’ll find a lot of different models out there, with the most common generation on the used market starting in 2015.
Great Used Midsize Truck – Chevy Colorado
Although we certainly love full-size trucks, we also know that they’re not for everyone, and a midsize pickup like the Chevy Colorado is a terrific option if you want great functionality in a smaller size. This model has been available across a couple of generations, though there was a gap between the end of the first generation in 2012 and the launch of the latest one in 2015. We like the more recent models for the wide array of great features they have available, though the previous generation Colorado trucks are usually more affordable.
Great Used Full-Size Truck – Chevy Silverado 1500
If you want fantastic power and performance in your truck, then a full-size model like the Chevy Silverado is the way to go. These are large, strong, and deliver payload capacities and towing ability that something like the Colorado simply can’t match. There are also heavy-duty options available, like the Silverado 2500 HD, but the standard Silverado 1500 is perfect for most people. The latest generations for the Silverado include a ton of options for different trims and engines, so you can find a wide range of models out there at a used lot.
Great Used Minivan – Honda Odyssey
While some people have chosen SUVs and crossovers as the new, large-family vehicle, there are still some great used minivans out there to choose from. Since it was first introduced in the mid-1990s, the Honda Odyssey has proven itself time and again. Although you can find models from a lot of different years in great shape, we really like ones from 2011 to 2017 for a terrific combination of modern features and an affordable price.
There Is a Used Car for Everyone!
As you can see, you have a lot of options available to you across the full spectrum of different types of vehicles. Depending on what you need, there might be a few different categories and models that will work well for you when shopping at a used car lot. Whether you know exactly what you need, or you are just starting your search and find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed, it helps to have someone by your side to help you navigate all of your options. Come visit us at Parkway Family Chevrolet today, and we’ll make sure you find the perfect vehicle.
Connect with us
