Used cars

take the win here. Depreciation can slash the sticker price by thousands of dollars after only a year or two off the lot. The money you save could stay in your bank account or let you buy a better car than you could ever afford new. This extends all the way across the board: lower price means lower taxes; lower price means lower fees; etc.

If saving money is a top priority, then buying a good-quality used car can make all the difference.

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The time has come. You’re ready to take the plunge and find a car to replace your old, worn-out Chevy Impala. But as you sit down to check listings near you, the same question keeps cropping up: “New or Used?”

It’s a question that doesn’t have an easy answer, but that’s a good thing! Both new and used cars have their pros and cons, ones that you should consider carefully before deciding which choice is right for your next purchase.

The Price

Used cars take the win here. Depreciation can slash the sticker price by thousands of dollars after only a year or two off the lot. The money you save could stay in your bank account or let you buy a better car than you could ever afford new. This extends all the way across the board: lower price means lower taxes; lower price means lower fees; etc.

If saving money is a top priority, then buying a good-quality used car can make all the difference.

The Financing

New cars, despite their initially higher price tag, are easier to finance than used ones. Lenders don’t like it when an appraisal is difficult, which is where used cars tend to take the fall. Buying new means that your set of wheels will have an established price which means lower risk to lenders. In turn, what you get is better interest rates and even financial incentives, like rebates that could slice a nice chunk off of your car loan.

If the price difference isn’t wide enough, you might want to consider opting for a new car and avoiding all that burdensome interest a used car might gather.

The Reviews

Used cars are tried and tested by the time you sign for their titles. There have been a few years for consumers to review them and for manufacturers to iron out all the kinks that might have slipped by with a brand-new vehicle. That wealth of information regarding recalls and reliability-over-time could significantly impact how many times you’re heading to the mechanic to fix a subpar starter or shoddy suspension.

Of course, new cars cannot be discounted outright in this regard. The testing for new vehicles before they roll off to dealerships is becoming more and more thorough. The ratings a car receives fresh out of the factory could be the very same ratings it keeps six or seven years down the line.

The History

New cars don’t have a history, plain and simple. When you buy new, you don’t have to worry if your car was beat up as a rental, or hasn’t had its oil changed for the past 50k miles, or had an accident that previous owners failed to report. With new cars, what you see is what you get—a pristine odometer and factory-new OEM parts.

CarFax and independent inspections could constrict the gap between new and used cars, but they steadily rack up the bill for a car you might not even end up purchasing. If you want an easy purchasing experience, new is the way to go.

The Resale Value

Used cars depreciate much less than new cars. The moment a new car pulls out of the dealer under new ownership, its value sinks like a stone. This is great if you’re looking to maximize the value of your dollars at purchase, but not so great if you’re planning to sell it later. Whereas a used car might lose two or three thousand dollars of value over a few years, a new car could see its value reduced by 25-50%.

But, if you’re planning to keep your car for as long as you can, resale value isn’t something to take too seriously.

The Features

New cars will always have the newest technology. This means more conveniences like navigation and entertainment suites, but it also means more safety. The safety technologies being placed in new models—the collision alerts and automatic braking—could save your life in an emergency. Used cars could contain many of these features as well, but buying new will always guarantee having the latest and greatest.

Want to keep your ride as safe as it can be? Buy new.

Conclusion: Buy What You Need

As you can see, new and used cars don’t inherently hold any major advantages over one another. It all depends on your preferences, what you need from your car. The best choice for one person may not necessarily be the best choice for another.

So let us help you. We at Sun Chevy understand that the process of buying a car can be difficult. Whether you’re interested in a new or used car, our team is always ready to hear what you have to say and offer the very best advice on what purchase can satisfy all of your needs.

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Up we go a little bit further and we find ourselves in America’s ultimate city: New York City aka The Big Apple. I don’t think it would be even possible to list all of the things to do in New York City but we can try. We can start with the most famous spots. These would include the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the gorgeous green and luscious grounds of Central Park. Not satisfied with the popular or more “touristy” locations? Take the train underneath the East River and discover majestic Brooklyn with its multi-faceted arts scene and world-renown pizza from locations like Di Fara and Roberta’s. Going back into Manhattan at night, try checking out the city’s most famous nightlife locations in the Meatpacking District as well as the West Village. Places like the Electric Room, Tao NYC, and Employees Only are just a few of the many bars and clubs you can check out if you want to get a real taste of the Manhattan lifestyle. Just make sure you bring enough money because one drink can cost a pretty penny.

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Going a few hours more up north, we find ourselves in another great American city. Home to some of the oldest American historical artifacts, Philadelphia was instrumental in the founding of the United States as it was home to Benjamin Franklin. For history buffs, visiting Philadelphia City Hall and the Liberty Bell will be some of the most important things to do when you get into Philadelphia. Also home to a thriving collegiate scene, Philadelphia has many universities including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. This has, in recent years, made the downtown portion of the city an extremely lively area with several bars, restaurants, and activities for visitors and locals alike.

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As we travel up from Charlotte, we find ourselves in a little known place called Washington DC aka the capital of the United States of America. While most people will tell you what you can see on the hill including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Capitol, and The White House, you would be surprised to find out that DC offers more than just a well-known and iconic government inspired buildings. Home to a thriving downtown arts scene, Washington DC also has the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian National Air, and Space Museum, as well as the Union Market. If you are traveling with young kids, be sure to check out the Spy Museum as it can be, at once, both fun and exciting to learn about different spy tactics the United States has used at home and abroad over the years.

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The first stop on our east coast city tour should be Charlotte, North Carolina. This great American city is home to some of the most iconic venues in America and especially the southeast region of the country. Some interesting things to do and see include amusement parks and iconic American sports locations. For example, if you love the rush of thrill rides, you can check out Carowinds which is well-known for its theme parks and water rides that are especially popular during the summer months. On the other hand, sports fanatics can check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame that features some of the all-time greats in the world of professional car racing. From Charlotte, you can either go north or west. Since this is our east coast trip, let’s travel up north to see what the rest of the coast has in store for us.

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If you are planning on going on a road trip this year, then you will need to prepare ahead of time what locations you plan to go to. Thanks to long stretches of fantastic weather, this summer is a great time to go out and explore some of the cities you haven’t had the chance to explore yet. In this article, we’ll go over some Northeastern cities you might be interested in stopping by. 

1. Charlotte, North Carolina

The first stop on our east coast city tour should be Charlotte, North Carolina. This great American city is home to some of the most iconic venues in America and especially the southeast region of the country. Some interesting things to do and see include amusement parks and iconic American sports locations. For example, if you love the rush of thrill rides, you can check out Carowinds which is well-known for its theme parks and water rides that are especially popular during the summer months. On the other hand, sports fanatics can check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame that features some of the all-time greats in the world of professional car racing. From Charlotte, you can either go north or west. Since this is our east coast trip, let’s travel up north to see what the rest of the coast has in store for us. 

2. Washington DC

As we travel up from Charlotte, we find ourselves in a little known place called Washington DC aka the capital of the United States of America. While most people will tell you what you can see on the hill including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Capitol, and The White House, you would be surprised to find out that DC offers more than just a well-known and iconic government inspired buildings. Home to a thriving downtown arts scene, Washington DC also has the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian National Air, and Space Museum, as well as the Union Market. If you are traveling with young kids, be sure to check out the Spy Museum as it can be, at once, both fun and exciting to learn about different spy tactics the United States has used at home and abroad over the years. 

3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Going a few hours more up north, we find ourselves in another great American city. Home to some of the oldest American historical artifacts, Philadelphia was instrumental in the founding of the United States as it was home to Benjamin Franklin. For history buffs, visiting Philadelphia City Hall and the Liberty Bell will be some of the most important things to do when you get into Philadelphia. Also home to a thriving collegiate scene, Philadelphia has many universities including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. This has, in recent years, made the downtown portion of the city an extremely lively area with several bars, restaurants, and activities for visitors and locals alike. 

New York City, New York

Up we go a little bit further and we find ourselves in America’s ultimate city: New York City aka The Big Apple. I don’t think it would be even possible to list all of the things to do in New York City but we can try. We can start with the most famous spots. These would include the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the gorgeous green and luscious grounds of Central Park. Not satisfied with the popular or more “touristy” locations? Take the train underneath the East River and discover majestic Brooklyn with its multi-faceted arts scene and world-renown pizza from locations like Di Fara and Roberta’s. Going back into Manhattan at night, try checking out the city’s most famous nightlife locations in the Meatpacking District as well as the West Village. Places like the Electric Room, Tao NYC, and Employees Only are just a few of the many bars and clubs you can check out if you want to get a real taste of the Manhattan lifestyle. Just make sure you bring enough money because one drink can cost a pretty penny. 

From NASCAR museums to little known but well-regarded bars like Employees Only, the Eastern Coast of the United States has some pretty interesting road trip destinations. It is quite remarkable how varied the country is when you think about it. If you are planning to make a road trip like this, make sure you are prepared in advance and that you have a well-maintained vehicle. To find more information on how we can help you, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

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1. Use a Makeup Brush on Air Vents

You may not have even realized it, but air vents can accumulate quite a bit of dust. If you dont clean them regularly, its going to lead to replacing your air cabin filter with greater frequency, too. One of the easiest ways to dust those air vents is with a makeup brush. Either clean an old one that you have or get one of the fluffy blush brushes at the store. It will quickly ditch the dust so that your vents look clean and you have cleaner air flowing through your car.

2. Get Pet Hair Off with a Squeegee

Pets leave behind hair its just what they do. That doesnt mean you have to look at it constantly. If you dont take care of it as they get out of your car, its only going to accumulate with each car ride they take. Keep a spray bottle in the car with plain water in it. When they get out, give the upholstery a quick mist. Then, use the squeegee down the seats. The pet hair will be pulled out in seconds.

3. Protect Your Cup Holders with Cupcake Liners

Have you ever noticed that cleaning your cupholders seems like it takes forever? Dust, crumbs, and spills can get stuck in there. Its also one of the most common sources for that strange smell you have going on in your car. Rather than making it hard on yourself, protect your cup holders with silicone cupcake liners. You can pop them out periodically, rinse the dirt off, shake them dry, and pop them back in place. It will be the easiest way to keep your cupholders looking like new all year long.

4. Take Care of Bugs with Dryer Sheets

Bugs are attracted to your car like no ones business and cleaning them off is a chore and a half. Save your used dryer sheets. Simply rub the sheet over your car and the bugs will come off. It will ensure the bug parts are off without scratching the surface. Then, you can proceed to wash your car as normal.

5. Grab a Magic Eraser

Have you noticed that there are certain marks and smudges and stains that wont seem to disappear? Try using a Magic Eraser. Just moisten the eraser and use it to clean the vinyl in your car.

6. Use Dishwashing Liquid on Your Leather

Stains on your leather dont involve a bunch of expensive products. Instead, mix together some water and dishwashing liquid into a spray bottle. Give a quick spritz onto the leather and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. Even some of the toughest of stains and marks can be gone with this quick trick.

7. Overcome Odors with Baking Soda

Too many times, you vacuum up the dirt and grime in the backseat only to find that it didnt take care of the problem. Often, its because the odors have already penetrated the floor mats. You need to neutralize the smell, not just get rid of the crumbs and dirt. By sprinkling some baking soda down before you vacuum, youre sure to get rid of the smell. You can even do this when youre using the free vacuums at your nearby car wash. Just keep a container of baking soda in your glove compartment so that its always there.

Many times, the easiest way to get rid of a smell or a stain is to address it right away. The biggest problems occur when you allow the problem to sit for weeks (or months) before you get around to cleaning. About once a year, it can also be beneficial to schedule a full detailing so you can be sure the nooks and crannies of your car have been thoroughly cleaned and conditioned.

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A clean car is going to keep a smile on your face. It can also increase the life of your car because dirt can quickly eat through materials and leave a musty smell. Cleaning isn’t always the easiest, though, which is why we’ve come up with a few hacks to help you along the way.

1. Use a Makeup Brush on Air Vents

You may not have even realized it, but air vents can accumulate quite a bit of dust. If you don’t clean them regularly, it’s going to lead to replacing your air cabin filter with greater frequency, too. One of the easiest ways to dust those air vents is with a makeup brush. Either clean an old one that you have or get one of the fluffy blush brushes at the store. It will quickly ditch the dust so that your vents look clean and you have cleaner air flowing through your car.

2. Get Pet Hair Off with a Squeegee

Pets leave behind hair – it’s just what they do. That doesn’t mean you have to look at it constantly. If you don’t take care of it as they get out of your car, it’s only going to accumulate with each car ride they take. Keep a spray bottle in the car with plain water in it. When they get out, give the upholstery a quick mist. Then, use the squeegee down the seats. The pet hair will be pulled out in seconds.

3. Protect Your Cup Holders with Cupcake Liners

Have you ever noticed that cleaning your cupholders seems like it takes forever? Dust, crumbs, and spills can get stuck in there. It’s also one of the most common sources for “that strange smell” you have going on in your car. Rather than making it hard on yourself, protect your cup holders with silicone cupcake liners. You can pop them out periodically, rinse the dirt off, shake them dry, and pop them back in place. It will be the easiest way to keep your cupholders looking like new all year long.

4. Take Care of Bugs with Dryer Sheets

Bugs are attracted to your car like no one’s business – and cleaning them off is a chore and a half. Save your used dryer sheets. Simply rub the sheet over your car and the bugs will come off. It will ensure the bug parts are off without scratching the surface. Then, you can proceed to wash your car as normal.

5. Grab a Magic Eraser

Have you noticed that there are certain marks and smudges and stains that won’t seem to disappear? Try using a Magic Eraser. Just moisten the eraser and use it to clean the vinyl in your car.

6. Use Dishwashing Liquid on Your Leather

Stains on your leather don’t involve a bunch of expensive products. Instead, mix together some water and dishwashing liquid into a spray bottle. Give a quick spritz onto the leather and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. Even some of the toughest of stains and marks can be gone with this quick trick.

7. Overcome Odors with Baking Soda

Too many times, you vacuum up the dirt and grime in the backseat only to find that it didn’t take care of the problem. Often, it’s because the odors have already penetrated the floor mats. You need to neutralize the smell, not just get rid of the crumbs and dirt. By sprinkling some baking soda down before you vacuum, you’re sure to get rid of the smell. You can even do this when you’re using the free vacuums at your nearby car wash. Just keep a container of baking soda in your glove compartment so that it’s always there.

Many times, the easiest way to get rid of a smell or a stain is to address it right away. The biggest problems occur when you allow the problem to sit for weeks (or months) before you get around to cleaning. About once a year, it can also be beneficial to schedule a full detailing so you can be sure the nooks and crannies of your car have been thoroughly cleaned and conditioned.

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If you’re looking to save money on gas, you are not alone. Fortunately, you have several options. Whether you drive a car, truck, or SUV, there are several steps you can take to move the needle on your fuel efficiency. And the experts at Sun Chevrolet have listed a few of the top ways you can save money on gas. Continue reading to learn more, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Sun Chevrolet.

Save Gas by Downsizing 

One sure way to save on gas is to downsize! While small in size, today’s compact vehicles come loaded with premium styling and features. For instance, the new Chevrolet Spark is a compact car that is spunky, energetic, and full of charisma.

Most importantly, the Spark really lights it up at the pump, posting super-gaudy fuel-efficiency numbers, such as 30/38 MPG (City/Hwy). If you’re looking for a little more performance, the Chevrolet Sonic is powered by a peppy 1.4L engine with a max HP of 138. Best of all, the Chevrolet Sonic impresses with 26/34 MPG (City/Hwy).

Save Gas by Keeping Your Vehicle Maintained

Did you know vehicle maintenance is key to optimizing your fuel economy? Yes, it’s simple: the way you care for your car is how it will care for you and your wallet. For starters, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires waste gas and will expedite wear. It’s imperative to have your engine tuned regularly at the Sun Chevrolet service center. If your engine is tuned properly, it will use less gas.

You can also ensure your filters are changed regularly. Clean filters are vital to keeping your vehicle running efficiently. Another way to save money on gas is to use the manufacturer’s suggested motor oil. In fact, you bolster your MPGs by up to 2% by using the recommended motor oil.

Looking to Save on Gas? There’s an App for That!

In today’s connected world, there are apps for everything…yes even that. So it makes perfect sense to use a mobile app to save on gas. Fortunately, many vehicles offer suitable gas-saving app capabilities integrated directly into the infotainment system. These apps work to quickly check gas prices available in any particular area. If your vehicle doesn’t have a similar capability, one of the most popular is Gas Buddy. Gas Buddy helps you identify the least expensive gas and nearby gas stations. Gas Buddy offers a tight-knit community of users who network and report gas changes.

Don’t Just Save on Gas — Eliminate It Entirely

If you aren’t only looking to save money on gas but completely eradicate your gas bill, now is the perfect time to go electric! And you don’t have to worry about looking for the best electric vehicle because Chevrolet has your needs covered! The dynamic Chevrolet Bolt EV will help you nix your gas bill down to zero. The Chevy Bolt EV is a very affordable all-electric vehicle that boasts an EPA-estimated driving range of 259 miles on a full charge. At the same time, the Bolt produces an impressive 200 HP as well as an 8-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty for an added peace of mind. Best of all, the experts at Sun Chevrolet offer a full selection of stylish, well-equipped Chevrolet Bolts.

How to Save on Gas in a Truck?

If you own a Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, or other full-size truck, you know all too well how expensive it can be to drive to grab a bite to eat — before you ever get to the drive through. With each mile, you can virtually see your gas needle drop. Besides, trucks have never been known for excellent MPGs, so you’ve just accepted it as a cost of doing business. Fortunately, you no longer have to. Thanks to innovation in technology and processes, Chevrolet has led the way with more fuel-efficient truck options.

How to Save Money on Gas in a Mid-Size Truck?

If you’re looking for a mid-size truck, the dynamic new Chevrolet Colorado doesn’t disappoint. The new 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine delivers a stunning 7,700-lb. towing capacity and an astounding 20/30 MPG (City/Hwy). These compact sedan-like numbers mean you can go where —and do whatever —you need to do with less concern for fuel-efficiency.

How to Save Money on Gas in a Full-Size Truck?

If you need the power of a full-size truck, the new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado confidently checks all of the boxes, including fuel efficiency. The new Silverado 1500’s 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel boasts mind-bending capability with equally impressive MPGs.

When equipped with the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, the Silverado produces Best-in-Class 460 lb.-ft. of torque and 277 HP, delivering up to 9,300-lb. 4×4 towing and a max payload of 1,870. And when it comes to fuel efficiency, the Silverado 1500 puts all other trucks to shame with 23/33 MPG (City/Hwy).

Drive Like You Want to Save Gas

One final way to save money on gas at the pump is to drive like you mean it! For starters, you can simply drive less by becoming more strategic with your trips. On the other hand, you can always grab the bicycle that has been collecting dust in your shed. However, this isn’t always an option, and sometimes you must drive. To safe fuel efficiency, remember to take it easy. While speeding down the road is undoubtedly fun, it increases your fuel consumption. Cruising just below the speed limit and not accelerating quickly will help you maximize your efficiency. And speaking of “cruising,” your cruise control function is a true gas saver; so if you want to save it, use it.

In addition, watch how and how often you brake. Excessive braking will drain your tank as well as cause your brake pads to wear. Instead, try to maintain a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This way you can come to a soft stop instead of having to floor the brake pads.

Contact Sun Chevrolet

At Sun Chevrolet, we are the leading auto dealership in the McMurray area. We are home to the entire selection of new Chevrolet cars, trucks, and SUVs. Not in the market for a new Chevy? We also offer a vast range of high-quality Certified Pre-Owned Chevys and used vehicles from all manufacturers.

Contact Sun Chevrolet today to learn more best-practice tips on saving gas.

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