Three Smart, Safe, and Spacious SUVs for Parents to Buy Pre-Owned

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.

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.

Do you put in a lot of miles behind the wheel? If your daily life requires a good deal of driving, you might not be able to escape your commute, but you can enjoy it more with the right vehicle. We think that the 2026 Chevy Equinox is the ideal commuter vehicle. And if you're looking for a Chevy dealer near Washington Township that has this stylish compact SUV, come by LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair. We'd love to take you for a spin in the latest Equinox. It's efficient, stylish, and tech-savvy, making it perfect for commuters. For 2026, it returns fresher and more modern than ever. It's loaded with features that we believe will elevate your time behind the wheel. Are you ready to check it out for yourself? Come explore the sophisticated 2026 Equinox at our dealership! For now, let's go over the features that make it so perfect for commuters. A Slate of Driver Assistance Features Thanks to the many safety features in this model, you'll feel confident whether you're stuck in traffic on the highway or navigating the downtown streets of Detroit. Even if you only get the standard features, your days around Washington Township will already be much safer. The standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. That means that your vehicle can take over braking for you if you fail to stop in time to avoid a collision with another vehicle or a person on foot. It also has a standard side bicyclist alert to notify you if a cyclist is approaching on your side. You never know when a pedestrian might step into the street, whether you're in the city or the suburbs, but you'll be more prepared when they do, with these great features. As for times you're on the Van Dyke Freeway after a long day, you'll get help staying in your lane, thanks to standard lane keep assist with lane departure warning. It alerts you when you're drifting and provides gentle steering inputs to keep you centered. A following distance indicator will also let you know when you're getting too close to the vehicle in front of you, and a forward collision alert will alert you to potential front-facing crashes. When it's time to park, rear park assist alerts you to nearby objects behind your vehicle. Lastly, a rear vision camera can show you what's behind your Equinox when you're in reverse. These are just the standard features, but there are even more advanced driver assistance features available. We'd love to show you these in person! Streamline Your Days With Google Built-In Do you have a big to-do list to get to? It can be hard to stay on top of tasks when you're always on the road. Luckily, the 2026 Equinox has the availability of Google Built-In, which means you can have popular Google products like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play integrated into your infotainment system. Imagine all the ways having Google Assistant in your vehicle could streamline your days around Washington Township. Did you need to set a reminder to pay a bill when you get home? Google Assistant can do that for you. Do you want to check the weather for this weekend? It can do that, too. Would you like to activate your home's thermostat before you arrive? If it's a smart device, Google Assistant can help. When you're in the car a lot, you probably also need podcasts and audiobooks to keep you company. Google Play is a part of this ensemble, allowing you to stream your favorite audio media on the go. You can have your preferred podcasts and playlists ready to go! Do you need to look up directions to a client's house or check for a coffee shop near your destination? Google Maps is great for that. Plus, it's all voice-activated, so you don't need to take your hands off the wheel to use it. If you clock a lot of time behind the wheel, you don't have to feel helpless when you remember something you need to do or when you need information and can't grab your phone. Having Google's products in your vehicle can be like having a personal assistant. A Convenient Console and Hidden Storage When you're a commuter, your vehicle almost becomes your second home—and just like in your real home, you need a place for your stuff. That's why the center console is such a great perk of the 2026 Equinox. This flexible console has a place for your beverages, so those caffeinated drinks that get you through the day are never far away. It also has a slot for electronics and room for other items like tissues and sunglasses. Plus, it provides a comfy place to put your elbows. If you commute into Detroit and are concerned about leaving valuables exposed, you'll appreciate the hidden under-floor storage. This is a concealed compartment in the trunk where you can stash your belongings, away from prying eyes. Comfort Features for an Improved Ride If you have to be in the car a lot, you may as well get comfortable—and in the 2026 Equinox, that's easy to do. It has available ventilated front seats to cool you down on hot summer days. Meanwhile, the heated steering wheel can keep your hands comfortable on those brutally cold winter days. An available eight-way power driver's seat allows you to find the ideal position for long drives. Standard active noise cancellation blocks out unwanted noises from traffic and the road, so you can transform the inside of your Equinox into a space of serenity after a long day. The Equinox's All-Electric Sibling We saved the best thing for last: the Equinox EV. That's right—you don't need to worry about gas costs if you don't want to. The Equinox's all-electric sibling lets you plug into a charging unit and leave the fuel pumps in the past. Washington Township has seen an emergence of public charging stations, so you'll never be far from a charge when you need it. Of course, you can also install an at-home charger for convenience. Owning an EV can help you save money long after the day you buy, thanks to a fuel-free lifestyle and less maintenance. Discover the Commute-Ready 2026 Equinox It's time to see all of the ways that the 2026 Equinox will improve your commutes around Washington Township. With tons of driver assistance features and Google Built-In, the new Equinox will help you be safer and more productive on the road. Convenient touches like a flexible storage console and hidden trunk storage let you take your important items along for the ride. Its comfort features are ready for the four seasons, and the EV version can break you free from the pump. Are you ready to take the 2026 Equinox for a test spin? Visit our friendly dealership today! Our team can't wait to show you all that this terrific model has to offer! You'll love how many trims we have and how much insight our team has into the Equinox. Once you've selected your ideal trim, we'll put together a lease or loan that fits your budget. Come test drive the 2026 Equinox today!