Research the different generations
Used Silverados have a high demand in Chevrolet dealerships for their durability and the performance of an excellent, classic pickup that stands the test of time. Like all vehicles, each generation offers different features. Depending on your needs, the Silverado comes in light-duty and heavy-duty models. If you’re looking for an affordable used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in New Ulm with modern features, look for generations between 2011-2014. If you have a flexible budget, a 2016-2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 will give you the features and equipment of a brand new model at a lower price.
Compare prices
If you’ve settled on a particular year with specific features, shop around and compare prices. Remember, price discrepancies on the same vehicle exist because of other factors, such as the car’s maintenance history, accident reports, mileage, and condition.
Always request a test drive
Whether you’re buying new or used, always request a test drive of the vehicle. Try going through different roads and pay attention to the vehicle’s control, performance, how smooth it handles, and listen for any strange noises. Sometimes a car in good physical condition with amazing custom features can tempt potential buyers. However, it can be costly in the long run if there’s an issue with the engine, suspension system, and other important components that have been overlooked.
Don’t worry too much about the mileage
Chevy Silverados are designed to handle many miles and, while mileage is an important piece of the puzzle, remember that a car with low miles can be in worse condition than a vehicle with much more. This is because a car with low mileage and a poor maintenance history report can present serious problems. If the oil was never changed or the previous owner failed to top up fluids, you could be better off choosing the truck with more mileage and a spotless maintenance record. These pickup trucks are workhorses and, if one is maintained well, it will serve you for years to come.
Watch out for these potential issues
To add to the point above, while all trucks are hardworking vehicles, they’re not invincible to wear and tear over time. When purchasing a used Chevy Silverado 1500, be sure to ask the seller for the maintenance and accident history reports. You’ll want to look for the following:
- Problems with shocks, ball joints, bearings, and engine mounts
- Odometer readings at the time of each service
- If the report has ever listed the car as an ‘Insurance Loss’, ‘Salvage’, or ‘Rebuilt’
- Oustanding recalls
Keep in mind; the above potential issues may not affect the car’s performance if the necessary repairs and maintenance were completed. But you’ll want to make sure that a fair price is reflected. The same used Chevy Silverado 1500 with no issues may be priced the same as another identical model, and you’ll need to be aware of this when shopping for a used vehicle.
