What Type of Driver Are You? And What Used Car Should You Look for?

Exploring all the different used cars for sale can be exciting, since you never know what kind of rare gems you’ll find in your search. On the other hand, for drivers who aren’t entirely sure what they want from a car, there’s the fear of ending up with something that’s not exactly what they need when their perfect car could be right around the corner.

If you aren’t sure where to start shopping for a used car, we’re here to help. Here we’ve captured three of the most familiar types of drivers who stop by our dealership looking for a new car. They may not know what they’re looking for, so here are some models and features that we advise they start their search with.

Take a look, see which of these three types of drivers best describes you, and read about a few models that might just offer what you need.

#1 – The Daily Commuter

Are you the type of driver who climbs into their car every day to battle traffic on the commute to work? When it comes to this type of driver, we recommend they look for cars with two key features: fuel economy and driver-assistance technology.

It’s no secret that stop-and-go traffic can be difficult on all of a car’s mechanisms. Driving like this for long periods of time causes your battery to work harder, grinds down your brakes faster, and reduces airflow to your cooling system. But for many drivers, hanging out on the pavement while lines of traffic slowly creep forward is a daily ritual they cannot avoid.

Electrified Powertrains

One option for commuters is a hybrid or electric vehicle. These models see stop-and-go traffic as an opportunity to recharge their batteries through regenerative braking and don’t burn any gas when stopped at red lights or in traffic jams. And with many of the 2023 EV leases being returned, this might be the best time to consider a used electric vehicle.

When it comes to pre-owned hybrids, cars like the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid take top honors. What is it that makes these vehicles worthy of your commute? Fuel economy, of course! Both the Prius and Elantra Hybrid have an estimated fuel economy of over 50 MPG combined, and the Accord Hybrid isn’t far behind.

If you’re interested in skipping the gas station entirely, a used EV like the Chevy Equinox EV or Tesla Model Y can be a great choice. With a full battery, they can travel over 300 miles without recharging, which is more than enough range for most drivers to get through a week of commuting. We recommend these models to drivers who have a garage or parking spot where they can install an EV charging station, because when you can plug in at home, you never have to stop to recharge during your commute.

Hands-Free Driving

Then there’s the matter of the toll driving takes on the human body. Hands-free driving is often listed as one of the top wishes among drivers with a long daily commute, and several used models now offer this coveted feature.

Chevy’s Super Cruise technology is one of the most trusted hands-free driving technologies and has been a part of the lineup for years. In 2022, the mighty Silverado 1500 and efficient Bolt EUV were the first Chevy models to offer Super Cruise, giving drivers some relief from the strain of watching bumpers and brake lights. The Tahoe and Suburban joined them in 2023, followed by the Traverse, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV in 2024.

#2 – The Family Transporter

If you’re the type of driver who is always hauling kids, friends, family members, or coworkers, then space might be your primary concern. Sure, technology that can help keep your loved ones safe is great, and good fuel economy is also appreciated. Still, you might want to focus your used car shopping towards larger SUVs that are known for accommodating a variety of kids and cargo.

Full-Size SUVs

The Chevy Suburban is perhaps the most popular large SUV among busy families, thanks to its spacious interior and well-designed range of trims. With three rows of seating for up to nine passengers and up to 144.7 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on how many seats are occupied or folded, the Suburban is one of the largest, most accommodating SUVs on the market for a busy family life.

Other popular pre-owned family SUVs include the Kia Telluride, with its three rows of stadium seating, Passenger Talk speakers that eliminate the need for the driver to shout at the rear row, and plentiful USB ports to keep your passengers’ devices charged. The Jeep Wagoneer L, which adds 12 inches of body and seven inches of wheelbase to the standard Wagoneer, made its debut in 2023 and comes close to the Suburban in terms of cargo space with 130.9 cubic feet. Both of these models provide seating for up to eight passengers.

#3 – The Off-Road Adventurer

There are plenty of drivers who have a taste for adventure, and there are plenty of used vehicles that are built to hit the trails. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, Jeep and Subaru are a great place to start when looking for a mud-friendly used SUV.

Features like all-wheel drive, specially-tuned driving modes like Subaru X-Mode, and the manual transmission that still comes standard on Jeep Wrangler models set these models apart from other SUVs. Shoppers looking for extreme off-roaders might also want to check out used Ford Bronco models with their GOAT modes and HOSS suspension systems, which give them access to any trail wide enough for their body.

Off-Road Trucks

If you’re looking for something that will work hard, you need a truck. For Jeep fans, that might mean pivoting to a used Jeep Gladiator. This rugged model offers a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, and the five-foot pickup bed can handle up to 1,725 pounds of payload, putting it on par with other midsize trucks. Further, the Gladiator is the only midsize truck with a removable roof and doors.

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is also a remarkable used truck for adventure. Drivers can choose from a Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab, as well as three bed lengths and several engine options. The base TurboMax engine introduced in 2024 is a solid starting point, but serious adventurers may want to consider the available 6.2L V8 or Duramax turbo-diesel. A used Silverado 1500 with the Z71 package can handle light trails with no issue, but look for a Trail Boss or ZR2 model for maximum off-road performance.

Choosing the Right Used Car Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

If you have a distinct driving style and know exactly how you plan to drive your pre-owned vehicle, the shopping process can be pretty easy—especially with our team’s help. Sure, there are numerous makes and models with every body style and engine type imaginable, but not all of them are suited to your particular driving needs.

The best vehicle for you will be the one that drives the way you want it to, performs all the tasks you need it to, and reminds you that driving can be fun. If you’re ready to look for a used car for sale or want help narrowing down the best vehicle for your needs, reach out to us!