Used Sedans and SUVs Offer Value and Reliability for Drivers

It’s tough to make any generalizations about used cars. We’re good at convincing ourselves that newer is inherently better, that bias doesn’t always hold up very well in the real world. In truth, every car is only as good as its construction and design allow it to be, used or not. You don’t have to dig very far on the used car lot to find examples of reliable used vehicles still turning over the odometer well into their second decade or, in contrast, horror stories about fresh-off-the-lot new cars plagued by gremlins and well on their way to an early retirement.

Chevy has long been one of the country’s most reliable brands, with models regularly scoring in the top 10 of J.D. Power & Associates annual ratings over the last five years. That’s another advantage of the used market: giving a new vehicle a couple of years on the market to generate some real-world feedback could save you some headaches down the road and help you avoid the dreaded lemon. Offering some of the best used sedans and SUVs on the market, there are some real bargains to be had when shopping for used Chevys. Before you take a trip to your local used car lot, browse our rundown and learn a little more about some of the most popular - and reliable - used vehicles on offer from Chevrolet.

Chevy Cruze

Used Cruze in $10,000 range: 2011 - 2015
Used Cruze in $15,000 range: 2016 - 2019

Let’s start off with perhaps the best bargain of the bunch, the Chevy Cruze. The 2016 model, for example, had an MSRP of just $17,495 when it was initially introduced, making it one of the most affordable four-door sedans on the market. 2016 marked the introduction of the second-generation Cruze, which was designed to compete with the efficiency and price of rival Japanese brand’s compact offerings. The sedan quickly earned a respectable market share, proving that U.S. manufacturers like Chevrolet can beat the imports at their own game.

Given the price, one might expect the Cruze’s performance and interior to reflect its relative economy, but somehow Chevy managed to produce an affordable compact sedan that delivers well above expectations. The engine is one highlight, producing a peppy, fun ride while still managing some of the best fuel economy in its class. Some recent models boast up to 31 MPG city and an unheard of 48 MPG for highway driving. These impressive stats, along with the low price and inclusion of Chevy’s Teen Driver Technology on models produced in 2019, make the Cruze an ideal vehicle for new teen drivers. Parents will appreciate the safety and security offered by the industry-leading Teen Driver Technology, which allows them to set speed limits, warnings, and review a Driver Report Card, while the teens themselves will appreciate saving their hard-earned money at the pump.

Volt

Used Volt in $10,000 range: 2011 - 2015
Used Volt in $15,000 range: 2016 - 2019

J.D. Power Reliability Awards: 2011

If you’re really looking to save some cash, you couldn’t do much better than the one-two punch of a reliable used vehicle that’s also a hybrid. With all-electric vehicles steadily coming into the mainstream, their hybrid counterparts are more affordable than ever (check out the Bolt for an all-electric offering from Chevy). The Chevy hatchback was one of the more affordable hybrids on the market at the time of its release, so expect to find some good bargains on the used market with many first-generation models priced under $10k and second-generation Volts for under $15,000. This bargain isn’t a trade secret or anything. The 2011 Volt was named U.S. News & World Report’s best used hybrid under $15k, narrowly beating out... the 2012 Chevy Volt.

The Volt is a little more versatile than the average hybrid. It’s larger than typical hybrid vehicles, making it a more practical choice for families or those who need a little more interior space. The hybrid gas-electric setup gives the Volt an all-electric range of 35 miles on the first generation and 53 miles on the second, with the gas engine supplementing the electric motor on longer rides. This range might limit the Volt’s practicality for those who put in some serious miles, but those using the hatchback for shorter commutes or doing errands around town, it’s easy to avoid tapping your gas reserves altogether.

Equinox

Used Equinox in $10,000 range: 2010 - 2014
Used Equinox in $15,000 range: 2015 - 2017

J.D. Power Reliability Awards: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

A standout in the crossover SUV class, the Equinox has made some serious waves since its introduction in 2005. As the brand’s most compact SUV, the Equinox delivers the power and versatility drivers expect from the segment while not skimping on fuel efficiency. Each model year varies, but 2012 and 2013 are two of the highlights with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 32 MPG on the highway. These SUVs keep getting better every year, with the second-generation (2010-17) Equinox featuring an available six-cylinder engine that introduced a fun, sporty ride for fans of the compact crossover,

There’s a lot packed into this compact SUV, with an interior that punches above its weight with an impressive slate of luxury features and tech. The Equinox is larger than many of its competitors in the compact crossover segment, which means plenty of interior room for up to five passengers and plenty of cargo. An ideal synthesis of power and efficiency, the Equinox is also one of the most reliable vehicles in Chevy’s lineup, if not the market as a whole. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by critics, with the Equinox earning the title of Most Dependable Compact SUV by J.D. Power and Associates for six years running. There’s perhaps no better seal of approval for a used vehicle, making the Equinox an instant contender for best value in its class.

Malibu

Used Malibu in $10,000 range: 2010 - 2015
Used Malibu in $15,000 range: 2016 - 2019

J.D. Power Reliability Awards: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Representing the Chevy old guard, the Malibu has been one of the brand’s hallmark sedans since its introduction in 1964. Originally introduced as a trim level to the popular Chevrolet Chevelle, the sedan proved popular enough to break out as its own model in 1978. The Malibu has developed quite a following throughout the years, with 10 million units sold worldwide by 2016.

The mid-size sedan emphasizes comfort above all else, with a smooth ride that will have you looking for a slightly longer way home. The eighth-generation Malibu (2008 - 2015) is a great value for the price, offering one of the smoothest rides in its class, along with ample interior space and some impressive fuel efficiency. The 2014 model is of particular note, with a four-cylinder setup that can achieve up to 25 MPG city and 36 MPG highway - especially impressive for the era - and a V6 option for those who like to take things a little faster. That model year also saw a handsomely redesigned exterior, expanded interior space, and an overhauled suspension, making the 2014 Malibu a particularly intriguing option.

The ninth-generation Malibu, released in 2016, sees a 4-inch increase to the wheelbase and a slightly larger body modeled on Chevy’s popular Impala sedan. The result is a stately sedan with surprisingly good fuel economy, owing to Chevy shaving 300 pounds off the eight-generation models as well as the introduction of two new, highly-efficient 1.5-liter and 2-liter turbocharged engines. Teen Driver Mode is available on all ninth-generation Malibus, making this another ideal choice for parents looking to keep an eye on their fledgling driver’s habits. A hybrid version was also offered until 2020, giving those in the used market the opportunity for even more powertrain options.

Tahoe

Used Tahoe in $15,000 range: 2007 - 2012

J.D. Power Reliability Awards: 2014, 2017, 2018

The smaller of Chevy’s two full-size SUVs (the longer Suburban shares the same platform), the Tahoe combines the hauling capability of a truck with the comfort and family-friendly features that’s made SUVs so incredibly popular. We’re not being hyperbolic here; the Tahoe is far and away the country’s best-selling full-size SUV, outselling competing models by as much as two to one. In fact, the Tahoe’s only real competition comes from its full-size stablemate, the Suburban, giving Chevy bragging rights over the entire class.

The Tahoe delivers an unparalleled synthesis of power and refinement, making the SUV a no-brainer for families seeking a do-everything workhorse with the comfort and features to make for a peaceful ride. An eight-cylinder engine provides power in spades, while three rows of seats ensure enough passenger and cargo room for a long weekend on the road. The name on this full-size SUV can’t be a mistake as it’s all-too-easy to imagine packing up the family, hooking up the boat, and stopping for firewood before heading up to a lake for the weekend. Named as the best used large SUV under $30k by U.S. News & World Report, the Tahoe’s is a real value even before one factors in its impressive reliability scores. The Tahoe is a good bet for those seeking a dependable family SUV that won’t end up costing you down the road.

Make Sure You Choose a Reliable Vehicle

Jay Hatfield Chevrolet is your go-to source for all things Chevy, as well as a wide selection of used cars from some of the most trusted brands on the market. While used vehicles are an afterthought for many dealerships, we take pride in our used selection while making sure they meet our own exacting standards. From Certified Pre-Owned to CarFax 1 Owner vehicles, we use every tool at our disposal to guarantee that your new-to-you vehicle will meet all your expectations. CarFax 1 Owner vehicles not only typically have lower mileage than other used vehicles, but they also include full records of all maintenance and repairs and boast less wear and tear than average. We also carry a varied stock of reliable models, all priced under $15,000, with some as low as $5,000, allowing us to meet nearly any budget.

Are you looking for an exciting new offering from one of the country’s most storied auto manufacturers? From the unparalleled efficiency of the Chevy Spark to the raw, checkered flag power of the legendary Corvette, there’s a new vehicle for every driver at Jay Hatfield Chevrolet. Once your purchase is complete, we’ll do everything we can to keep you coming back with a full service and parts department for all your repair and maintenance needs. We’ve earned a reputation for helping drivers in Vinita and throughout Oklahoma find the new and used vehicles they’ve been fantasizing about, so stop by today and let us help you make your dreams come true.