We don't just talk cars ... we teach how to buy them.
Used Chevy Monte Carlo Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
The Monte Carlo is one of the most spacious sport coupes around, yet still provides good driving performance and upscale amenities, although they are harder and harder to find.
In fact, this car was significantly upgraded during its last few years of production before it was discontinued following the 2007 model year, particularly with the SS (Super Sport) model which is really a throwback to the Monte Carlo's muscle car roots of the 1960's.
The more significant of the changes came with its last generation introduced for the 2006 model year (and produced through 2007) which included more power, a sportier chassis tuning and better driving dynamics. Sleeker styling and upgraded cabin materials also made this affordable sport coupe a lot more competitive in the market place.
This redesign also ushered in new engines. Under the hood of the LS and LT models you'll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 211 horsepower. While this is quite capable in itself (while still getting quite respectable gas mileage of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg hwy), step up to the SS and you'll find an impressive 5.3-liter V8 that produces a robust 303 horsepower. Actually, the acceleration of the SS is downright thrilling and only reduces the fuel efficiency by 3 mpg.
Throw in 18-inch wheels, a performance-tuned suspension, XM satellite radio, leather heated seating, full-perimeter ground effects and foglamps, and the SS is still an awful lot of car for the money.
Powering the LTZ was a 3.9-liter V6 good for a healthy 240 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. For those selecting models of this two-door coupe, standard features for the LS include 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, power windows, power door locks, air-conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. The LT adds remote start and dual-zone manual air conditioning, while the LTZ adds 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded stereo system, heated leather bucket seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line SS then added the performance suspension and 18-inch wheels as well as full-perimeter ground effects.
Used Monte Carlo shoppers should note that for this generation, traction control and antilock brakes were standard on the 3.9L-equipped LT, the LTZ and the SS, but can also be found on some 3.5L-equipped cars as options. Also bear in mind that front-seat side airbags were optional across the board. And there's good news from its government crash tests, where it received top scores of five out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal collision.
Used Chevy Monte Carlo shoppers will find that there are still some models out there from its previous generation, produced from 2000 to 2005. At the time, they were built on a new Impala platform and were available as an LS with a 3.4-liter V6 engine that produced 180 horsepower and an SS with a 3.8-liter V6 good for 200 horsepower. This production run was a significant improvement to its Lumina-based predecessor.
All of these Monte Carlos come standard with power windows, power door locks, air-conditioning, a driver message center, a tilt steering wheel, a tire-pressure monitor, dimming interior lights and daytime running lights. The SS model also came with cruise control, foglights, dual-zone temperature controls, a pollen filter, 16-inch alloy wheels, a cargo net, steering wheel audio controls, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rocker-panel moldings, a rear spoiler and twin exhaust outlets routed from dual mufflers..
Some of these models can also be found with options such as power seats, a power sunroof, leather upholstery, heated mirrors, OnStar and an upgraded audio system with a CD player.
Under the hood could be found a tower-to-tower structural brace that was combined with a magnesium dashboard support beam, making for a more rigid platform, better handling and noise reduction. These models also came with large four-wheel disc antilock brakes with front cooling ducts, a four-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars.
Used shoppers should note that the 2001 model added a driver side airbag, traction control and OnStar to SS models as standard equipment, while all models got four-wheel disc brakes, traction control and remote keyless entry for 2003. For 2004, Chevrolet added a more performance-oriented 240-horsepower supercharged engine as an option for the SS. And in 2005, the OnStar communications system became standard on all models.
For those looking for some power, decent feature levels, respectable gas mileage and a sporty driving experience at relatively low prices, but who also still value roominess and comfort (the back seat is actually useable), the Monte Carlo just might be the ticket, particularly the 2006 and 2007 models. And we can make some suggestions to help you save when buying one.
How To Get The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Monte Carlo at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Auto Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Chevrolet, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Chevy. This works just phenomenally well.
Home
Save On 'New' Cars
