Five Reasons Why a Used Chevy Equinox is Perfect for New Drivers

Whether you’re a new driver yourself or you have one in the family, you know that the vehicle that’s driven can have a drastic impact on the ride. New drivers are still perfecting their skills behind the wheel, and if they’re driving a vehicle that may be too large or too difficult to handle, there’s a risk of an unfortunate accident occurring. You may not be interested in a sedan, seeing as sedans seem to be less and less popular these days, which may have led you to compact SUVs, and one of the best on the market is the Chevy Equinox.

Buying a car for the new driver in the family is a big decision, which is why most car shoppers choose to browse the used lot for this endeavor. If you’re searching for a used Chevy Equinox for sale in Albany, you’ll find the selection and the prices you need right here at DePaula Chevrolet. A used Equinox is a great option for new drivers, and here are some reasons why.

#1 – Easy to Handle

As you’re cruising through Downtown Albany, the last thing you want to do is cause a fender-bender because you can’t handle the vehicle you’re driving. Unfortunately, this tends to happen when drivers attempt to handle a vehicle that’s just too big for them, misjudge a turn, or side-swipe a parked car in the process. The good news is that the Equinox is a compact SUV that’s agile, nimble, and effortless to maneuver through packed city streets or hectic traffic situations on I-787. It’s taller than a sedan, which provides you with better visibility yet isn’t as imposing as a midsize or full-size option, which allows you to park along State Street with confidence. It’s also more robust than smaller vehicles, which keeps you safer on the road because as you’re probably aware, anything can happen on the open road at any given moment.

#2 – Comfortable and Spacious

A big perk of the Equinox is the fact that despite its small stature, it’s pleasantly roomy inside, making any driver feel more confident and comfortable inside. The Equinox has plenty of legroom for drivers and passengers alike, which is ideal for new drivers hauling their friends to the movies or a co-worker to their part-time job after school. Shopping used allows you to find the ideal model for your new driver and shop from a wide array of different models and years. Newer used models offer more comfort features on board, including heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cozy seating materials to help drivers sit back and take in the ride. When you buy used, you can take advantage of more high-quality features for more affordable prices, which is a huge benefit for car shoppers across Albany.

The Equinox is also ready to accommodate anything your new driver is taking along with them on the ride. From sports equipment to school projects to overnight bags for a sleepover at a friend’s house, the Equinox can handle it. More recent used models offer up to 63.9 cu.ft. in their cargo holds with the rear seats folded, which extends the capabilities of its cabin to new levels.

#3 – Great on Gas

Having your own wheels is a big adjustment, not just because you now have more freedom to come and go as you please but also because you have some added expenses to consider. Putting gas in a vehicle isn’t something that drivers look forward to, especially with the rising costs of virtually everything these days. Still, if you want to make it to Colonie Central every day, you’re going to need to fill up your gas tank. The good news is that the Equinox is incredibly efficient, making it easy to get up and go whenever you want, with fewer stops at the pumps.

Opting for models from more recent years will allow you to get up to 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This allows you to extend the time between trips to the gas station, as well as save a bit of your hard-earned money. What’s more is that Equinox’s engine isn’t just fuel efficient; it’s also enjoyable to drive. With powertrains, like a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission in the mix, you’re able to harness 175 hp to add a little excitement to the daily drive to school.

#4 – Safe and Reliable

Every parent worries when their children step out the front door; however, this increases tenfold when your child, who’s no longer quite so little, steps into their own vehicle and drives away. Knowing that your teen is driving a safe and dependable vehicle is everything to worrisome parents, which is where the Equinox shines. Whether the new driver in the home is picking up friends to hang out at Lincoln Park or heading to work after school, having ample peace of mind that they’re traveling in a safe vehicle is an absolute priority.

Not only is the Equinox armed with advanced safety features, like Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist, especially in newer models, but it’s also sturdy. Many of the Equinox models have earned a five-star rating by the NHTSA in crash testing. Not only that, but the Equinox is known for its reliability, so no matter which year you choose for your new driver, you can be sure that it won’t let them down on the Albany streets.

#5 – Pleasantly Affordable

Whether you’re the new driver paying for their vehicle with their own money or a parent searching for a quality vehicle for their teen, you’ll want to find a vehicle that won’t break the bank. This is why the Equinox is such a great pick for new drivers: it’s ultra-affordable without skimping on the features needed to ensure a dependable ride. New Equinox models showcase sticker prices well under $30K, and when you choose to buy used, you’re able to enjoy much lower pricing for the same great model.^[a] This allows you to find the Equinox that works best for either yourself or the new driver in the home without stressing about how you’re going to make that monthly payment.

An Excellent Option for First-Time Drivers

It’s no secret that the Equinox is a phenomenal vehicle. It’s a Chevy bestseller, after all, and when it comes to new drivers, this compact SUV is a must-see. Remember, buying used allows you to take advantage of better features for more reasonable prices, which is a winning situation for drivers searching for their very first car or parents seeking out another vehicle to add to the household. The Equinox will improve any Albany journey with easy handling, exceptional fuel efficiency, a comfortable cabin, and a level of reliability that won’t disappoint you. Its safety features ensure that new drivers are kept secure on the road, and with an already affordable starting price, buying used allows new drivers to take to the streets in a vehicle that offers everything they want for a price they can afford. So, when it comes to new drivers, the Equinox is a top pick, ready and willing to impact the ride in all the right ways.

^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.