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If you're considering Chevy lease deals, it's worth first understanding how leasing works! For a first-time lessee, terms such as mileage allowance, lease duration, and lease-end options can feel unfamiliar. The good news is that the basic idea is straightforward: leasing lets you drive a new Chevrolet for an agreed-upon time period and mileage. At LaFontaine Chevrolet St. Clair, we know that first-time lessees often have practical questions. How does leasing differ from buying? How much can you drive? What happens if the vehicle has excess wear? And what can you do when the lease ends? Understanding those answers can make it easier to determine whether leasing fits your driving habits. Leasing vs Buying a Chevrolet The biggest difference between leasing and buying is what happens during and after the contract. A typical lease lasts for 24 or 36 months, with a mileage allowance established as part of the agreement. Lease payments cover the vehicle's use and a portion of its value during the lease term. With buying, payments cover the vehicle's cost over the course of the financing contract, and mileage is unlimited. Once the financing contract is paid off, you own the vehicle. Leasing instead gives you a defined period of use before you decide what to do next. That distinction is important for first-time lessees. If you like changing vehicles every few years and your driving habits fit within a contracted mileage allowance, leasing may be worth considering. If you expect to keep the same vehicle for many years or drive without mileage restrictions, buying may make more sense. Look Beyond the Monthly Payment A monthly payment is only one part of a lease. Your agreement also establishes important terms such as the lease duration, mileage allowance, and other financial and vehicle-use requirements. Before signing, take time to review the entire agreement and ask questions about anything unclear. Understanding the terms upfront can help you plan for your lease and avoid unexpected costs later. At LaFontaine Chevrolet St. Clair, we can help you understand the factors that go into a lease so you can approach it with a clear idea of what you're agreeing to—especially if you're leasing for the first time. Choose a Suitable Mileage Allowance Mileage is one of the most important things to consider before leasing. Your mileage allowance is established in the lease agreement, so your normal driving habits should play a major role in determining which allowance makes sense for you. Start with your everyday routine. Think about your commute, errands, school or family activities, weekend drives, and longer trips. A driver with a short commute may have very different needs from someone who regularly travels long distances. It's also smart to think about how your routine could change. A new job, a move, or more frequent road trips could increase the number of miles you put on your Chevy. Estimating your expected mileage before signing can help you select a lease that better matches the way you drive. Why Mileage Matters at the End of the Lease Going over the mileage allowed by your lease can result in additional charges. The specific mileage allowance and applicable charges are established by your lease agreement, so it's important to understand those terms before you sign. When you're comparing leasing with buying, keep in mind that a lease includes a mileage allowance, whereas a purchase doesn't have contractual mileage limits. You don't need to predict every mile you'll drive over the next few years. Rather, make a realistic estimate based on your current routine and consider whether major changes could affect it. If you regularly take long road trips or have a lengthy commute, factor those miles into your decision from the beginning. Take Care of Your Leased Chevy Mileage isn't the only consideration during a lease. The condition of your vehicle can also matter when the lease ends. Normal driving naturally leaves some signs of use, but a leased vehicle is subject to the condition requirements in your agreement. You may be responsible for excess wear and use when returning the vehicle, depending on the terms of your lease. Certain lease agreements can also include responsibilities related to maintenance, repairs, and applicable disposition fees. For you, that means treating your Chevy with the same care you'd give any vehicle you plan to keep for several years. Follow the required maintenance schedule, pay attention to noticeable damage, and don't ignore problems that could become more serious. Make Vehicle Care Part of Your Routine You don't have to worry about every minor sign of normal driving. The important thing is to understand the standards that apply to your particular lease and keep the vehicle properly maintained. As the lease period approaches its end, review the vehicle's condition and the requirements in your agreement. Addressing maintenance needs and significant damage ahead of time can help you prepare for the return process and understand what to expect. Know Your Lease-End Options One of the most common questions from first-time lessees is what happens when the contract ends. Crucially, you aren't required to purchase the Chevy you've been driving. Depending on the terms of your agreement, you may be able to return the leased vehicle, lease or purchase another vehicle, or purchase the vehicle you're currently leasing. Your lease agreement will outline the options available to you and any applicable requirements or costs. In some cases, you may also have the option to purchase your leased vehicle before the scheduled end of the lease, subject to the applicable terms. If you're considering this option, review your agreement so you understand the purchase process and any associated costs. Your Needs Can Change A lot can happen during a typical lease. Your commute could change, your household could grow, or you could find that your driving needs are different from what they were when you started the lease. That's one reason it makes sense to wait until you're nearing the end of the agreement before deciding which path is best for you. You can consider your current driving habits and financial situation rather than trying to predict everything years in advance. If you plan to return the vehicle, give yourself time to review the lease-end requirements and prepare the vehicle for the return process. This can make the transition to your next vehicle more straightforward. Is Leasing Right for You? For a first-time lessee, the best place to start is with your own driving habits. How many miles do you normally drive? Do you like changing vehicles every few years? Would you rather have a defined lease period or work toward owning your Chevy? Leasing can be appealing if you enjoy driving a new vehicle and your mileage needs fit comfortably within a lease agreement. Your payments are based on the terms of the lease, and you'll have a defined period for using the vehicle before reaching the end of the agreement. Buying offers a different ownership path. There isn't a contractual mileage limit, and once you've completed the financing agreement, the vehicle is yours; this makes buying a consideration for drivers who plan to keep their Chevy for many years or who expect to drive significant mileage. Neither option is automatically right for every driver. The best fit depends on how you use your vehicle and what you want from your next automotive agreement. Start Your First Lease With the Basics Leasing doesn't have to be complicated. Before committing to a Chevy lease, focus on four things: the contract terms, your expected mileage, the vehicle's upkeep, and your lease-end options. At LaFontaine Chevrolet St. Clair, we're here to help you understand those considerations as you explore your options. Taking the time to understand your agreement can make the leasing process much more comfortable, especially if this is your first time. Ultimately, Chevy lease deals are about more than a monthly payment; a lease establishes how long you'll drive the vehicle, how much you can drive it, and what options are available at the end of the agreement. Understanding these basics gives you a starting point for deciding if leasing fits your needs.

You're on the hunt for a great family-focused SUV. Maybe you're expecting your first little one, or you're expanding your crew. Either way, if you plan on packing more than one row with kiddos, you need the right vehicle—and as a trusted used car dealership, we can point you toward a three-row SUV that aligns with your budget. Today, we're going over three of our favorite large SUVs: the Chevy Suburban, the GMC Yukon, and the Buick Enclave. We'll be examining the most recent model years, as these iterations have elements that closely mirror what the current models offer. However, since they are pre-owned, they carry appealing price tags, perfect for families watching their spending. Chevy Suburban (2021-2023) The Chevy Suburban is a classic full-size SUV that has been part of the bowtie brand's lineup for decades. With seating for up to nine passengers, it's ready for a baseball team, a school field trip, or a cross-country excursion with the family. In 2021, Chevy reintroduced the Suburban with a longer wheelbase, providing more legroom for second- and third-row passengers. So if you're dealing with teenagers sprouting up like bean stalks, they should have plenty of room in the Suburban. One of the Suburban's most family-friendly features might be Teen Driver mode. This is a beloved Chevy feature that not only encourages safe driving behaviors among teens but also facilitates honest conversations between parents and teens. Teen Driver allows parents to set limits on certain vehicle functions, such as the car's maximum speed and the sound system's volume, so you can prevent kids from driving recklessly or blasting music so loudly that they get distracted. Teen Driver also generates a report card that shows you things like how many times your teen's driving triggered the automatic emergency brakes and how often they exceeded the posted speed limit. With this report card, you can skip the truth-fudging and get down to discussing better behind-the-wheel behaviors. You'll also find an available rear-seat entertainment system, which is great for keeping little ones occupied. It gets you two 12.6-inch screens mounted on the backs of the front seats. With Wi-Fi wireless projection capability, this system allows kids to stream content from their devices directly onto these two screens, so they can enjoy movies and shows on long drives, rather than asking when you'll arrive. GMC Yukon (2021-2023) Are you interested in a large SUV from GMC? Check out the Yukon, a full-size SUV known for its ultra-smooth ride and spacious interior. Plus, with the extended-length Yukon XL, you can enjoy some serious rear legroom and cargo space. Many busy families appreciate this model's highly configurable rear seats, which make it ideal for hauling large cargo loads. Its second-row seats can be folded down with the push of a button. They also tumble down, creating a flat cargo area that's ideal for coolers, pet kennels, science projects, and other bulky items. This SUV also boasts an available rear-seat entertainment system, ensuring it's ready to keep finicky youngsters occupied on the road. A standout feature of the Yukon, however, has to be its 8,400 lbs of towing strength. We love recommending the Yukon to adventurous families who want the ability to take vessels like boats and campers along for the journey. Any parent can appreciate a safe vehicle, and the Yukon has a generous suite of driver assistance features. With lane change alert and side blind zone alert, it lets you know when it is and isn't safe to change lanes, monitoring hard-to-see spots for you. A rear cross-traffic alert tells you when someone is approaching your rear when you're in reverse. So when you're backing out of a driveway, and your child distracts you, your Yukon has you covered. Front pedestrian braking will likewise prevent collisions with people on foot; this can come in handy when you live in the suburbs, as kids may run out into the street. At the rear, a hands-free power-programmable liftgate makes loading the trunk easy. You can adjust the liftgate's opening height, too, setting it high for tall users or low to avoid scratching a carport ceiling. Buick Enclave (2021-2023) If you are looking for accessible luxury, a used Buick is always a smart choice. The Enclave delivers the upscale feel for which the brand is known, as well as family-friendly perks. While not as large as the Yukon and Suburban, it's perfect for those who need seating for seven, and its highly configurable seats can keep up with your days. The Smart Slide second-row bench slides forward, allowing third-row passengers easy access to their seats. Then, the power-folding third row lets you create extra cargo space in an instant. With the second and third rows down, you can have over 97 cu.ft. of cargo space, which is pretty impressive for a three-row SUV. Busy parents will love that this model is compatible with Amazon Alexa. That means you can utilize all your favorite Alexa features from the road, such as controlling smart home devices—so you can preheat your smart oven before you get home, making meal prep a bit easier. You can also turn on the porch lights, so you don't return to a dark property. You can ask Alexa to add items to your shopping list, too, so when your kids complain that you're out of their favorite juice boxes, you know what to do. You can likewise ask Alexa your burning questions and get useful information, such as weather and traffic reports. This model also has a hands-free programmable power liftgate. Just kick your foot beneath the bumper with your key fob on your body, and the trunk will open automatically. There's even more to this SUV's cargo perks than meets the eye, as it offers ten inches of under-floor storage area, so you can easily stash valuables out of sight, or simply squeeze in a few more items when the trunk is full. Explore Family-Oriented SUVs at Lafontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair Are you ready to find a used SUV that will deliver the features your family needs at a price that fits your budget? You can find these used SUVs and others at our dealership! We offer the iconic Suburban, a timeless family SUV packed with features that parents appreciate, such as Teen Driver and rear-seat entertainment. Consider the Yukon, as well as the extended Yukon XL, which are ideal for families with growing children. We also have the Enclave for those who need seating for seven and appreciate Buick's sophisticated touches; its in-floor storage and Smart Slide seats allow it to fit more than you'd believe, and its built-in Alexa is ready for busy days. Any member of our team will be able to help you find the right ride for your family. They'll simply ask a few questions about your priorities and guide you toward the ideal model. When you're ready, you can sit down with our finance team and get a loan that aligns with your family's financial goals. When you have serious passenger and cargo needs, you need a large SUV you can count on. The Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Buick Enclave are all excellent choices.

It's no secret that truck prices have been going up in recent years, but we're happy to let you know that there are still tons of affordable truck options available here at your local GMC and Chevy dealer. Even better, these more budget-friendly models are not the stripped-down work trucks of years past. Chevy and GMC have pulled out all the stops for the 2026 model year, and even their entry-level trucks now sport comfortable interiors, advanced tech features, and, of course, powerful engines that deliver the performance you require. #1 - 2026 Chevy Colorado LT ($39,300) The midsize Chevy Colorado is the perfect entry point for anyone searching for an affordable new truck for sale. This pickup has come a long way since it was first introduced back in 2004, and now offers features and capabilities that rival full-size trucks from a few decades ago. With a standard Crew Cab and a best-in-class 7,700 lbs of towing capacity, the 2026 Colorado is ready to improve just about every aspect of your life on the road. Chevy has even given the Colorado the same standard engine as the full-size Silverado 1500—the 2.7L TurboMax—ensuring that you have plenty of power on tap wherever you go. For 2026, the base trim of the Colorado is the fleet-oriented WT, but the highest value option is easily the LT trim. Priced just above the WT, the LT gives you a stylish and feature-forward truck. Unlike the base trim's black plastic details, the LT has color-matched bumpers, mirrors, and door handles, along with 17-inch alloy wheels for some sharp street presence. An EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate is another helpful upgrade that adds a small spring to the tailgate, making it easier to open and close. Inside the Colorado LT, you'll be impressed by the standard 11-inch fully digital instrument cluster and matching 11.3-inch center touchscreen. These large displays make it easy to see important information at a glance while you're driving. Plus, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so connecting your phone for calls, music, navigation, and more is a breeze. Aside from the tech, the LT upgrades you to a standard eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, making it easy to get comfortable on the road. This truck may be affordable, but it has everything you could want. #2 - 2026 GMC Canyon Elevation ($38,900) The GMC Canyon is known as the more upscale twin of the Chevy Colorado, sharing the same basic platform and many of the same features and capabilities. However, despite sharing the same underpinnings, it brings a more sophisticated and adventurous air to the midsize truck segment, even in its base Elevation trim. Unlike the Colorado, the Canyon doesn't have a work-oriented trim, so the Elevation is both the most affordable version and extremely well-equipped. Perhaps most surprisingly, it actually costs slightly less than the Colorado LT, making it an amazing deal for anyone searching for an affordable new truck. From its powertrain to its towing capacity, the Canyon is effectively identical to the Colorado. However, GMC's model makes some radical departures when it comes to styling and off-road capability. The Canyon adopts a more imposing front end, with a larger grille and stacked lighting to announce its presence. It also leans into its rugged persona, with the Elevation sporting a two-inch factory lift, wider fender flares, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Those features make the Canyon Elevation ready to head straight from our showroom floor to a backcountry trail. #3 - 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT ($47,900) While midsize trucks are more affordable, many of our customers are looking for the unmatched power and capability of a full-size pickup like the Chevy Silverado 1500. Like the Colorado, the 2026 Silverado 1500 trim lineup starts with the WT trim, but if you aren't looking for a bare-bones work truck, we'd advise jumping up to the LT trim to enjoy some remarkable standard features without massively increasing the price. Even better, the Silverado 1500 LT isn't that much more expensive than the Colorado LT, making it an extremely attractive option for anyone searching for an affordable truck. Unlike the midsize models, the Silverado 1500 LT offers multiple configurations and powertrains to choose from. The Crew Cab Short Box configuration is by far the most popular, but if you need more cargo space, you can opt for a Crew Cab Standard Bed, which gives you another foot of bed length. If you want that extra bed space in a smaller overall footprint, then the Double Cab Standard Bed is the configuration for you, combining the 6.6-foot bed with a slightly smaller cab. This model comes standard with the same 2.7L TurboMax engine as the Colorado and Canyon, giving you 310 hp. However, you can also opt for a 5.3L V8 with 355 hp or a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel. The Duramax is the most capable engine in the Silverado 1500 lineup, giving you an incredible 495 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 lbs. It is also remarkably efficient, making it the ideal choice if you want to tow heavy trailers long distances without having to stop constantly to refuel. The reason to choose the Silverado 1500 LT over the lower trims is its wealth of features. It is the first trim to come with the upgraded interior, which includes a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment center. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Google built-in, make accessing all of your favorite apps simple. You also get your choice of either a front bench seat to accommodate a total of six passengers or front bucket seats. A 10-way power driver seat is standard, as are heated front seats, making the Silverado 1500 LT an incredibly comfortable place to be. #4 - 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation ($50,500) The final model we suggest is the Sierra 1500 Elevation, which comes in at just over the $50k mark. As with the Canyon, this truck takes the same basic formula as its Chevy twin but goes in its own unique direction, providing a more upscale vibe. Unlike the Canyon Elevation, the Sierra 1500 Elevation doesn't lean into off-road adventures, instead offering more of a sport truck appeal. With body color bumpers, gloss black 20-inch wheels, and a blacked-out grille instead of the bright chrome normally associated with GMC trucks, this trim stands out on the streets with a clean, modern appearance. When shopping for a 2026 Sierra 1500 Elevation, you will enjoy all the configurations and engine options available for the Silverado 1500 LT. This lets you easily tailor the truck to meet your personal needs. The base features include everything you could need in your truck, including the large digital displays that make accessing vehicle information, apps, and navigation simple. With a heated steering wheel and heated, power-adjustable front seats, you will be perfectly comfortable even in the most affordable version of this trim. However, if you have a bit more to spend, you can upgrade to a rich leather interior and enjoy features like a power sunroof and wireless charging, adding a bit more of that GMC premium experience to your truck.