A close up shows the grille on a maroon 2020 Chevy Spark ACTIV.

High in Quality and Low in Price: Exceptional Used Chevy Models for Under $20K.

There’s nothing that can induce more stress than the process of looking at used cars for sale. Not that it’s difficult to shop for what we want or need, but finding a reliable method of transportation that can enhance your quality of life for a reasonable price can be comparable to finding the needle in the proverbial haystack. With the microchip shortage in 2020 hindering the production quotas of several manufacturers, shopping used is seen by many as the only viable option for getting a vehicle of exceptional quality with the ideal features.

The prevailing wisdom regarding any major purchase has usually been, “You get what you pay for.” Today, we intend to prove just how misleading that phrase is. Look no further than Chevy when it comes to vehicles with high quality and low costs. If you’re on the hunt for a great pre-owned vehicle to add great value to your everyday drive, make sure you put the Chevy brand at the top of your “must see” list. As evidence, we offer these used Chevy models, all of which can be acquired for less than $20,000 on the pre-owned market.

The 2020 Chevy Spark

While the Spark was discontinued by Chevy following the 2022 model year, finding a used version isn’t just possible but essential for drivers who want to maximize their savings. The sporty hatchback is compact, making it ideal for driving around the city limits and maneuvering into tight parking spaces. With an MPG of 29 in the city and 37 on the highway, it can go farther between fill-ups and handle the daily commute with ease.

Chevy’s ability to produce big things that come in small packages certainly shines in the Spark. An optional five-speed manual transmission available on all trims allows for exceptional performance, and the upright seating position and high-perched infotainment screen allow for ideal visibility on the road ahead, and 27 available cu.ft. of storage space doubles the industry average of a typical four-door sedan.

The 2019 Chevy Colorado

A few have remarked that pickup trucks are the “new Cadillacs.” That is to say, they’ve started to become more boisterous, flashy and can even represent one’s social status. If you need a capable pickup with exceptional quality that won’t break the bank, the 2019 edition of the Chevy Colorado is the way to go. The heir-apparent to the Chevy S-10, the Colorado is a worthy successor in every aspect. Out-towing the competitors in its class with a capacity of 7,000 lbs, the Colorado was also equipped with a beefy 3.6L V6 engine that propelled it forward with the benefit of 308 hp.

If you’re someone who needs to employ a vehicle for both the daily commute and the job site, you’ll have a method of transportation that can do both for a reasonable price. And, if you’re looking for an inexpensive vehicle that can handle the rough and tumble world of off-roading, the ZR2 version of the Colorado is specifically formulated for this activity. Elevated ground clearance and a suspension made to handle all the bumps in the road just made taking the path less traveled a whole lot easier.

A blue 2020 Chevy Sonic RS is shown on a bridge after looking at used cars for sale.

The 2018 Chevy Sonic

With the Malibu being the only four-door sedan still in production, the 2018 Chevy Sonic can be described as a product of a bygone era, as Chevy has repurposed their collective effort towards producing more SUVs. The Chevy Sonic was reasonably priced, well under $20,000, while it was rolling off the assembly line, so finding a used one for an inexpensive price tag is certainly well within the realms of possibility.

For drivers on a budget who also crave excitement and excellence, the Sonic offers both. Standard for the Sonic that year was a turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder engine with 138 hp. Performance aside, the most attractive feature of the Sonic was its sophisticated interior design. With its infotainment screen embedded in the center of the vehicle beneath the HVAC vents and above the stylish gear shifter, Chevy rolled out the red carpet for the average consumer in making them feel right at home when they were behind the wheel. There was also a keen eye for the design of the Sonic, in particular, its safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the vehicle the highly-coveted five-star rating in collision testing; we call that checking all the boxes.

The 2019 Chevy Equinox

Chevy has played a pivotal role in developing the SUV into the ideal method of transportation for the family-oriented consumer. In recent years, the collective focus of the bow-tie brand has been on perfecting its fleet and making the vehicle more accessible to the average consumer. The Equinox, one of the most popular options, is seen by many as the ideal combination of what a sedan and SUV have to offer. Praised for its easy handling and maneuverability, 2019 was a year where the Equinox also offered variety to drivers in the form of multiple powertrains.

A 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engines were both offered, as well as a diesel-fueled engine. Once again proving how capable diesel fuel can still be, the combined fuel economy of 32 MPG was wonderful news for drivers looking to maximize their mileage between fill-ups. Remarkable fuel consumption aside, the Equinox featured a plethora of tech-savvy goodies such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and compatibility with Apple and Android products. Maintaining a connection is all-important these days, especially if you plan on transporting passengers of the younger variety.

The 2018 Chevy Camaro

The last item that we’re presenting today needs no introduction. Even those with limited knowledge of the history of Chevy’s various accomplishments are familiar with the Camaro. As one of the vehicles that helped usher in the golden age of the muscle car, the Camaro has been one of the most revered models that Chevy has to offer. This tradition continued without interruption for the 2018 model year, with a host of V8 engines pushing performance to the absolute limit.

Even if break-neck speed isn’t in your wheelhouse, you still have a stylish, sharp interior that elevates luxury to a new level. There were a host of available features to further enhance the driving experience, such as a high-end stereo system from Bose, navigation, and access to Sirius XM. Whether you wanted to be in the fast lane or the lap of luxury, the Camaro offered both, and thanks to the process of depreciation, one can be had at an affordable price.

A silver 2018 Chevy Camaro SS is shown from the side on an open road.

Better Quality at a Lower Cost

The vehicles that we’ve shown a spotlight on are meant to cater to a variety of drivers whose tastes and interests might be different from one another, but the necessity for reliable and affordable transportation is certainly a common bond that they all share. The next time you hear someone say that a vehicle of exceptional quality can’t be had for an affordable rate, remember that Chevy provides several options geared towards the average consumer and the average income. Chevy’s track record of excellence dates back over a century, and with so much quality to choose from, you’ll soon discover that “used” is nothing more than a four-letter word for “new.”