Dealer visit checklist

2018 Chevrolet Equinox checklist

Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.

Inspect the car

  • Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
  • Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
  • Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
  • Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
  • Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
  • Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
  • Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
  • Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)

Known 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems to check

  • 1.5L turbocharged engine (base) is known for excessive oil consumption and potential timing chain issues — verify service history closely
  • Infotainment system (MyLink) can freeze, lose Bluetooth pairing, or fail to recognize Apple CarPlay without software updates
  • Transmission shudder on the 6-speed automatic, particularly noticeable during low-speed acceleration around 25-45 mph
  • Water leaks around the sunroof drain channels can cause interior moisture damage and mold if not addressed early
  • Brake wear tends to run faster than average — budget for a full brake job around 40,000-50,000 miles

Ask: have these recalls been fixed?

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
  • VISIBILITY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles.
  • POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles.
  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.

Negotiate the price

  • Know the typical price: about $17,500 for this model year
  • Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
  • Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
  • Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
  • Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
  • Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
  • Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away