Car Buyer's Guide
A Kansas car buyer's guide from Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Pittsburg: how to choose, budget for and buy your next Chevy.
Which Chevrolet fits my needs?
Think about passengers, cargo and towing first. The Trax and Trailblazer are easy-to-park small SUVs, the Equinox and Blazer add room, and the three-row Traverse fits bigger families. For hauling, the Colorado is a midsize pickup, the Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck, and the Silverado 2500 HD handles heavy work.
How do I pick a truck for towing?
Weigh what you'll tow, including everything on the trailer, and choose a truck whose towing and payload ratings cover it with a margin. Those ratings change with the engine, axle, cab, bed and drivetrain, so check the exact truck, not just the model name. Large campers, livestock and equipment trailers usually point to a Silverado HD.
Is new or used the better buy?
New gives you the full factory warranty, current technology and often special financing or lease deals. Used costs less up front and loses value more slowly. Keep-it-forever buyers often go new; budget-first buyers should compare both.
What should I look at on a used vehicle?
Check the vehicle history report and service records, look over the tires and brakes, and watch for warning lights. Drive it at highway speed, and ask whether any factory warranty remains.
Lease or finance: which is right for me?
A lease usually has a lower payment and a new vehicle every few years, with mileage limits and no ownership at the end. Financing costs more each month, but you own the vehicle and can drive as far as you like. High-mileage drivers and long-term owners usually finance. In Kansas, lease sales tax is charged on each payment.
How do I set a budget?
Add up the whole monthly cost: payment, insurance, fuel and upkeep. Pre-qualifying online gives you a real payment range before you choose a vehicle.
What will I pay on top of the price in Kansas?
Plan for Kansas sales tax (6.5% state plus any local rate), the $10 Kansas title fee, a tag fee that varies by vehicle, and county personal property tax when you register. The $399 admin fee is already in our website prices.
Does trading in my vehicle cut my Kansas sales tax?
Yes, when you buy. Kansas taxes the price after your trade-in allowance, so a $10,000 trade means $10,000 less is taxed. Trade-ins on a lease don't get this break.
How do I register my vehicle in Kansas?
Register at the county treasurer's office where the vehicle will be kept, within 60 days of purchase to avoid penalties. Missouri buyers title and register in Missouri.
How can I get a better trade-in value?
Clean it up, gather your service records, bring both keys, and have the title or payoff details ready. Small, cheap fixes can help; big repairs rarely pay off. Check your trade value online before you visit.
What do I need to bring to buy?
Your driver's license, proof of insurance, and your trade-in's title or payoff information and keys. If you're financing, add proof of income and residence. Pre-qualifying online speeds things up.
How should I test-drive a vehicle?
Drive the roads you use most, including the highway and gravel or county roads. Check the view out, seat comfort, the controls and screen, and how it parks. If you tow or go off-road, try the trailering and four-wheel-drive features. On a used vehicle, listen for odd noises and ask for the history report.
What does Chevrolet's factory warranty cover?
New Chevrolets come with a factory limited warranty that includes bumper-to-bumper and longer powertrain coverage. Our sales team can give you the exact terms for your model, and our service department handles warranty repairs.
Is an extended warranty worth it?
It depends on how long you'll keep the vehicle and how much repair risk you're comfortable with. Compare coverage, deductible, where repairs are done and the total cost before deciding.
How do I keep my Chevy in top shape?
Follow the owner's manual maintenance schedule and change the oil when the oil life monitor tells you to. Buy from us and you can add 6 oil changes for $169.99 with no mileage or time limits; our service department works on all makes.
Ready to look? Shop new Chevrolets or used vehicles, pre-qualify, or read our FAQ. Tax and fee details are general information; your county treasurer has the final numbers.