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Did you know that there are over 250 million used cars in America and that around 40 million of those cars are traded each year? As your Lexington used car lot, we see thousands of used vehicles come and go from our lot year after year as more customers discover the many benefits of buying a used vehicle. Not only can you save thousands of dollars by shopping off the used lot, but you’ll find that your money goes further since you can purchase a better-equipped vehicle at a lower price. These benefits attract drivers to the used lot time and time again, which has transformed the automotive landscape in America. However, with 40 million cars to choose from, how do you know which models and brands are the best? To help you narrow your search, here’s a closer look at the most reliable used car brands, their histories, and models to consider as you start shopping for a used car, truck, or SUV. Chevrolet Chevrolet starts our list of the most reliable used car brands in America thanks to its rich history that starts in Detroit in 1911. Chevrolet is the brainchild of General Motors founder William Durant and racer Louis Chevrolet, both of whom sought to revolutionize the car industry by building high-performing and durable vehicles at a great value. These traits are the foundation of the Chevrolet brand and embody everything you’ll find in the Chevy lineup whether you’re looking for a truck like the Silverado, a sedan like the Malibu, or a spacious SUV like the Tahoe or Suburban. Models to Consider When it comes to trucks, you can’t go wrong with the Chevy Silverado. The 2015 model is a great option if you’re looking to spend less but want exceptional capability and all the bells and whistles that trims like the High Country or LTZ have to offer. For customers needing capability and plenty of interior room, be sure to look for a 2017 Tahoe or newer. The Tahoe is just a step below the full-size Suburban and delivers impressive power and responsive handling while giving you plenty of room for both passengers and gear. If you’re in the market for a sedan, don’t shy away from a Malibu built between 2013 and 2018 since these models earned top safety pick ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and excellent crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Honda Honda has a stellar reputation for building reliable vehicles that can log hundreds of thousands of miles with ease. This reputation started in 1948 when Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and debuted the first Dream D-type motorcycle. The Honda motorcycle eventually made its way to America in the 1950s and paved the way for Honda’s expansion into the automotive segment with the debut of the Honda N600 in 1969. What followed was a remarkable transformation with the introduction of models like the Civic and the Accord, the latter of which would become the best-selling passenger car in America. Now, these Honda staples join wildly popular models like the Ridgeline truck, the spacious Pilot and Passport SUVs, and the compact CR-V. Models to Consider Shopping for a used Honda is a great choice because you know what you’re getting – an exceptional vehicle that’s proven its capability mile after mile. Depending on your needs, keep an eye out for top sellers like the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, and Ridgeline. The Civic and Accord are both efficient sedans that will save you money at the pump; just be sure to look for models built after 2016 to enjoy newer tech and safety features. The CR-V is Honda’s class-leading compact SUV and rightly earns the honor thanks to its nimble handling, efficiency, and capability. For a smoother drive and better control, look for CR-Vs built after 2015 since this is around the time when Honda added all-wheel drive as an option. If you’re looking for more capability and power, don’t shy away from Honda’s Ridgeline truck. As one of the most unique trucks in the segment, the Ridgeline offers plenty of power and capability whether you’re shopping for an older 2006 model or a newer model with all the latest tech. Toyota Today, Toyota is known for building capable performers like the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra but the company wasn’t always associated with the automotive industry. In the late 1800s, Sakichi Toyoda invented the first wooden handloom, power loom, and circular loom. Toyoda’s inventions continued throughout the 1920s until his son, Kiichiro Toyoda, established an automotive division in the company. This marked the birth of the Toyota automotive segment and paved the way for Toyota’s debut in America in the late 1950s. Toyota introduced the Corona in 1965 and immediately garnered praise among American drivers since the sedan boasted a powerful engine and came standard with air conditioning. This set the pace for Toyota’s future on American soil as Toyota launched subsequent models like the Corolla, which became the world’s all-time best-selling passenger car after its introduction in 1968. Models to Consider If you’re looking for a wide selection, you can’t go wrong by shopping for a used Toyota. The RAV4 is a great compact SUV that boasts plenty of features whether you find an older 2012 model or a newer model with more innovative safety and connectivity tools. When it comes to cars, you have plenty of options with models like the Camry and the Avalon. The Camry is Toyota’s smaller sedan and offers an incredibly smooth ride. To make your money go even further, keep an eye out for a 2017 model that offers outstanding fuel economy and plenty of interior luxuries and comforts. For drivers looking for a more spacious and capable option, don’t hesitate to look for a 2017 or newer 4Runner or Highlander. The Highlander is a great way to avoid driving a minivan, while the 4Runner can easily handle itself both on and off the pavement thanks to trims like the TRD that add off-road components. You can also head down the trail in the Tacoma truck, which is smaller than the Tundra but makes up for its size with its capability. Tacomas are in high demand among off-road enthusiasts, which is another reason why the trucks hold their value exceptionally well. The Big Three: Which Will You Choose? Chevrolet, Honda, and Toyota are three of the most reliable automakers in America. Each automaker has a rich history in the industry and has shaped the American automotive landscape by delivering innovative models that offer exceptional value and dependability. This makes shopping for a Chevy, Honda, or Toyota a great option if you’re looking for a used vehicle that will not only put more money in your wallet but keep you safely on the road for many miles ahead. So, now that you know more about the big three automotive brands, which will you choose? Do you have your eye on an American classic like the Chevy Silverado, an adventure-ready rig like the Toyota Tacoma, or a unique truck like the Honda Ridgeline? Are you looking for an efficient sedan like the Chevy Malibu, the Honda Civic, or the Toyota Corolla to help you navigate your daily commute and save even more on fuel, or are you in the market for a spacious SUV like the Chevy Tahoe or the Toyota Highlander? Whatever you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong when you shop from three of the best and most reliable brands in the industry at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown.

The thought of shopping for an older used car is enough to provoke anxiety and procrastination in even the calmest buyers. Scouring the lot at a local Lexington used car dealership to find a diamond in the rough doesn’t sound like a great way to spend an afternoon. What if we told you there’s a better – and more foolproof – way? And it doesn’t involve hours sitting in front of your computer. The best advice we can give you is to carefully choose where you buy your vehicle. It’s always less risky to choose a respected dealership versus rolling the dice with a private seller or, even worse, opting for an impersonal national online dealer chain that uses algorithms to virtually match you with the right vehicle. Most of us aren’t quite ready to take delivery at an unstaffed vehicle vending machine. Instead, turn to the best and most professional option: your local dealer. Sometimes the easiest solution is also the best one. Dealers take in hundreds of trades, one of which might be the perfect vehicle for you. There’s also the added comfort of knowing that if a used car is for sale on a dealer’s lot, it probably passed a pretty rigorous inspection. If you’re shopping for an affordable vehicle that’s going to give you years of reliable transportation, follow our five tips to ensure you drive home with the best possible car for your money. You’ll be glad you did. Tip #1: Know Your Budget We highly recommend figuring out how much you can afford before you start shopping. Having a set budget keeps you focused and helps your sales consultant show you vehicles that match what you can afford. There’s nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a car that isn’t within your reach financially. Save yourself the time and hassle and calculate your maximum monthly payment or, if you’re paying cash, know the top end of your price range and clearly communicate it to your sales consultant. Don’t forget to add local sales tax and any registration fees to your bottom line number. Tip #2: It’s OK to Choose an Older Model Believe it or not, there are plenty of older vehicles for sale with low mileage and minimal wear-and-tear. Even a ten-year-old vehicle can offer you great value without compromising reliability. It’s better to focus on your price range and then keep an open mind. Sure, an older vehicle won’t have as many modern tech features, but you’ll be more likely to find a fully-loaded, top-of-the-line option for the price of a low-end newer model year car with fewer bells and whistles. This is where a great dealer can really help. Dealers not only take in trades, but they also purchase vehicles from auctions and other sources. Most dealers have an ear to the ground and can help buyers locate cars with specific criteria. Don’t be afraid to ask: just make sure you have a good idea of what you want. Tip #3: Check the CARFAX History Reputable dealers will provide you with a free CARFAX vehicle history report for any vehicle you’re considering purchasing, but if you try to go it alone, we highly recommend obtaining a CARFAX before pulling the trigger. Without it, you won’t know the vehicle’s history, and that’s a dangerous proposition that can lead to future headaches. CARFAX reports will list any accidents or major repairs, as well as report flood or hail damage. If a vehicle has a salvage title, which means it was considered a total loss by an insurance company, the CARFAX report will tell you. It’s the vehicular equivalent of a human health history chart, and it’s vital for you to see it before you sign on the dotted line. Tip #4: Read Older New Vehicle Reviews This is an insider tip that true aficionados rely on to support their vehicle choice, and it’s one that will help you in a tiebreaker situation or even get you started thinking about the type of vehicle you want. The tip is, google the year, make, and model of the car you have your eye on and find third-party journalist reviews. Sites like Car and Driver or Kelly Blue Book publish comprehensive new vehicle reviews, including long-term test drives, comparisons with other models, and personal impressions that help buyers discern the pros and cons of everything from fuel economy to ride characteristics. Even though you’re reading a review of the car from when it was new, it will still give you valuable, unbiased information you can use to help decide. Tip #5: Consider an Extended Warranty Aftermarket warranties sometimes get a bad rap, but actually, they can be a used car buyer’s best friend. The fact is, you’re buying an older car, so the factory warranty has likely expired. Your dealer has access to several different extended warranty programs to help cover major mechanical repairs on your used vehicle. It’s definitely worth considering purchasing one for peace of mind. Extended warranties work like traditional factory warranties, except they’re designed primarily to cover major vehicle components, like the engine and the transmission. They come in a variety of coverage levels and terms, which your finance professional can explain in simple terms. They’re clear cut, usually underwritten by major insurance companies, and offer an easy process for filing claims. Tip #6: Put Your Trust in a Sales Professional We can’t emphasize this enough: find the right dealer partner. Even more specifically, align yourself with a sales consultant you like and get to know them on a first-name basis. It may take a while to find the exact vehicle you’re seeking. Isn’t the process so much easier knowing a professional has your back? Your sales consultant can alert you the moment a vehicle arrives that might be a fit. You don’t have to scroll online classified sites endlessly, sending “is your car still available?” emails to strangers. Forget all that and single-source your purchase. Let a professional do the work for you, and you’ll end up with a high-quality vehicle at a price you can afford – without all the stress. Find Yourself a Used Car Buying an older used vehicle doesn’t mean compromising what’s important to you. You deserve to receive a reliable, high-quality car for your hard-earned dollars, which is why it matters who you buy from and where. Going it alone comes with a lot more risk, especially when the vehicle is approaching the 10-year-old mark. There’s a better way, and it also happens to be simpler. When you buy from a trusted local dealer like Dan Cummins, you get a one-stop-shop for your purchase, financing, and all the necessary paperwork. You also have access to an array of aftermarket protection products designed to help you enjoy a stress-free ownership experience. Why not let someone else do the hard work for you? It’s as simple as determining your budget, deciding on a vehicle type – or model – and asking your sales consultant to help you find a fit. Most dealers carry extensive used inventories, which means it’s likely that the perfect car is just sitting on the lot waiting for you. Simple is better almost always, and when it comes to buying a used car, the easier, the better.