Used Car Dealer Near Me
The car-buying process can be stressful, even for drivers who already have a pretty solid idea of what they’re looking for. For those who are a little less well-versed in the automotive lingo, it can be downright intimidating. What starts with Googling something like “used car dealer near me” can quickly turn into a confusing word soup of confusing new terms, overwhelming results, and a brain-frying headache. When customers come to find used cars at North Park Chevrolet, we do our best to translate this automotive jargon, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision and leave knowing you made the right choice.
Most car shoppers can quickly tell you whether they want a car, truck, or SUV, but beyond those basic classifications, things can get a little murky. You can’t really blame the customer for this sort of indecision; with auto manufacturers constantly rolling out new models or even introducing entirely new concepts, the automotive landscape and language are always changing. The three basic categories aren’t even a reliable guide in many cases these days, as the market is full of sedans that look like small SUVs, SUVs that can rival the power and off-road capability of some trucks, and everything in between. As brands continue to break down traditional classifications and embrace new technology, we’ve seen the emergence of new terms like hybrid, electric vehicle (EV), and crossover SUV, adding even more jargon to what can already be a confusing process.
Before you start the search for your next quality used vehicle, let us take you back to school for a little Car Classification 101. We’ll break down the three basic categories most shoppers will run into, as well as the various subcategories of each. If you are still confused after, then just head on over to our dealership to see the different types in person.
SUV Bodystyle Breakdown
Subcompact/Compact Crossover - The term “crossover” is probably the most notable recent addition to the automotive lexicon, but the concept itself has technically existed since 1979 when the now-defunct AMC Motors introduced the AMC Eagle. Most credit the start of the modern crossover to the 1997 Toyota RAV4, which melded a unibody passenger car platform with full automatic 4WD capability and a raised chassis. The concept has proved immensely popular over the last 20-plus years, with drivers flocking to crossovers thanks to their ability to combine the capability of an SUV with the comfort and fuel efficiency of a sedan.
Not all of today’s crossovers have 4WD or AWD, but the increased ride height, cargo room, and improved gas mileage have won over a new generation of drivers, and growth in the sector doesn’t look to be slowing anytime soon. As the smallest of the bunch, subcompact and compact crossovers have proven popular thanks to their unsurpassed fuel economy, a low starting price, and the comfort offered by the unibody design and independent rear suspension. The small, aerodynamic bodies are able to easily cut through wind resistance at higher speeds, and their four-cylinder or V6 engines are typically optimized to make the most of every gallon.
Subcompacts are essentially lifted hatchback sedans, offering a snug ride with a very car-like feel. Compacts offer a little more in the way of capability and can even be called on for some light off-roading or overland adventures, as many are offered with AWD.
Midsize SUV - The major difference between crossovers and traditional SUVs comes down to their construction. Where crossovers use the unibody design found in typical sedans, old-school SUVs opt for the body-on-frame approach popularized by pickup trucks. This holds a number of advantages and disadvantages over the unibody method, as the vehicles are typically more rugged and capable than their crossover counterparts.
Of course, this comes at the cost of comfort, as SUVs don’t normally have an independent rear suspension. The larger bodies also usually require a larger engine under the hood, so most SUVs will opt for either a V6 or even a V8 setup. These sacrifices are well worth it for any driver who sees a lot of towing, hauling, or off-roading in their future, as their more heavy-duty construction and powerful drivetrain will pay dividends in the long run. Midsize SUVs are also very customizable, with manufacturers offering no shortage of trim options and accessory packages that can turn an SUV into an off-road beast, work-ready towing rig, or high-performance racer.
Full-Size SUV - Topping out the category, full-size SUVs are among the most spacious, powerful vehicles on the road today. These hulking SUVs essentially offer all the advantages of a pickup - minus the bed - with the ability to tow, haul and handle nearly any road conditions. Full-size SUVs are typically offered with three rows of seating, making them the ideal vehicle for families or large groups.
The SUV’s size is the main selling point for many drivers but does come with some drawbacks. Full-size SUVs rarely offer the best handling, with their size and truck-like construction making for a moderately less smooth ride than one might find in a smaller SUV or crossover. The higher center of gravity can also make the vehicle prone to rollovers, requiring some caution and awareness on the part of the driver. Still, it’s a decent trade-off for the vehicle’s overall capability.
Car Bodystyles Breakdown
Sedan - A sedan is what most drivers typically picture when they think about a “car.” Sedans can drastically vary and size but have three essential things in common: they’ve got a solid roof, four doors, and are constructed in a “three-box” design where the engine compartment, passenger compartment, and trunk are divided into three distinct sections.
Sedans have proved immensely popular over the decades thanks to several key design attributes. They’re typically safer than other vehicle styles, offering a more stable ride thanks to their weight distribution. They also tend to be among the most aerodynamic of vehicles, improving both ride quality and fuel efficiency. Finally, they’re extremely versatile and can be customized to fit the needs of almost any driver. From entry-level budget options to high-end luxury vehicles, sedans truly run the gamut.
Coupes - Coupes are essentially just sedans that feature two doors instead of four. That might be the only difference by definition, but practically speaking, the term has taken on a bit of a life of its own. Coupes are often seen as being a slightly sportier alternative to the traditional sedan, with a sleek profile and low-slung design.
The body style does work particularly well for luxury and performance vehicles, with the design aiding in acceleration, handling, and top speed. The two-door design does make coupes a less practical choice for drivers looking to bring the whole family along, as entry requires climbing in behind the front seats. Some coupes don’t even feature a backseat, which further limits their practicality in some cases.
Hatchback - Hatchbacks do away with the sedan’s three-box design, combining the passenger and cargo compartments into a single area. This little change can make all the difference for some drivers, drastically increasing cargo room and making it easier to stow longer items within the vehicle. Hatchbacks typically have lower bodies with a sleek, aerodynamic look that harkens back to their genesis as affordable economy vehicles.
While hatchbacks might have started off as a smaller, fuel-efficient alternative to sedans, they’ve come a long way over the years, finding new life among customizers and racing enthusiasts and leaving the old “economy” designation behind. That’s not to say there aren't affordable hatchbacks out there, but the design has taken on a life of its own, with even luxury brands getting in on the game.
Truck Bodystyles Breakdown
Compact Pickup - Compact pickups are perfect for any driver who’s looking for an efficient, practical vehicle that still has many of the advantages of a typical truck. While some compact pickups use the traditional body-on-frame design common to the truck sector, crossover-type construction is becoming increasingly popular. This improves handling and fuel efficiency, making for a more comfortable and affordable ride than one might experience in a bigger truck.
They might not offer the same towing and hauling capacity as some of their larger rivals, but the ride height, cargo room, and ability to handle moderately challenging road conditions should make any pickup driver feel right at home. While most trucks are offered with 4WD or AWD options, such setups might not come standard on smaller trucks in this category.
Midsize Pickup - Midsize trucks are one of the most popular vehicles on the road today. With their ability to split the difference between the efficiency and comfort of a compact pickup and the increased towing capacity and off-road prowess of full-size options, mid-size pickups offer the best of both worlds. Drivers who expect to do a lot of towing and hauling might opt for a full-size offering, but for many drivers, midsize pickups provide more than enough power for everyday use without costing you a fortune at the pump. The mid-size segment is on the rise, with the number of models on the market doubling in the last few years.
Full-Size Pickup - When you’re looking for power, there’s no substitute for a full-size pickup. These behemoths are perfect for drivers seeking a tow-ready workhorse capable of hauling everything from boats and RVs to building supplies and even other vehicles. This category is home to a lot of the marquee names in today’s pickup world, and customization options are nearly endless. There are typically a wide array of trim options available, allowing a driver to turn their full-size pickup into anything from a rock-crawling off-roader to a job site beast and everything in between.
Of course, not all full-size trucks are created equal. Within the category itself, there are actually three specific categories that break down full-size trucks based on their payload capacity: half-ton, 3/4-ton, and one-ton. Half-ton pickups stack up well in most areas, though they might struggle to accommodate a larger fifth-wheel RV. 3/4-ton and one-ton pickups are usually designated as “heavy-duty,” featuring larger engines and beefier suspension systems capable of performing most any truck-related task. While some drivers might opt for a 3/4-ton as an everyday driver, those outside construction or the trades usually wouldn’t need something as large as a one-ton pickup.
Find Your Perfect Used Vehicle at North Park Chevrolet
Still not sure what you’re looking for? The team at North Park Chevrolet is always here to help. From sedans and SUVs to trucks, vans, hybrids, and everything in between, our friendly sales team have the inside knowledge and expertise necessary to make sure that you find the new or used vehicle of your dreams. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a new vehicle. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your unique needs instead of just rushing you into a test drive. No high-pressure sales tactics here: we’re simply here to help guide your search and give you all the information you need to make the right decision.
That no-nonsense approach carries over to our vehicle pricing, where we do extensive market research to ensure we’re offering a fair, competitive price that’s lower or equal to any competitors within a 500-mile radius. We’re not into endless negotiations or back-and-forth; we simply want the process to be as simple and transparent as possible, so you know you’re leaving the dealership with a good deal. This approach might not work for every dealer, but at North Park Chevrolet, we’ve been happy with the results and so have some of the top critics in the industry.
Our dealership has earned both the J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence Award as well as been named a top dealer by Car Gurus. We also offer a wide selection of both used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles priced below $20,000, which means there’s a vehicle to fit every budget at North Park Chevrolet. Even if you’re not currently in the market for a new vehicle, we’d love to start building a relationship and get to know you, so stop by to browse the selection, pick our brains on some of the newest models, or take a test drive today.