Dealer visit checklist
2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Equinox problems to check
- Turbocharged 1.5L engine oil consumption — some owners report burning up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles, so check oil regularly and keep records
- Timing chain and water pump issues on the 1.5L turbo engine have been reported, particularly before software updates; verify any TSB work was completed at purchase
- Infotainment system (MyLink) can freeze or reboot unexpectedly — a known software quirk that often requires a dealer reset or update
- Transmission shudder or hesitation on the 6-speed automatic, especially under light throttle at low speeds; a fluid flush often helps but watch for recurrence
- Rear hatch and door seal water intrusion has been reported in some units, potentially leading to interior moisture and mold if unaddressed
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- 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.
- 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:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles.
- SEATS: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $19,000 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