Dealer visit checklist
2019 Chevrolet Traverse 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 Traverse problems to check
- Transmission hesitation and rough shifts reported on the 9-speed automatic — a software reflash or fluid service often helps but may recur
- AFM (Active Fuel Management) system on the 3.6L V6 can cause oil consumption and occasional engine tick if oil changes are neglected
- Power liftgate motor failures are reported with some frequency, with repair costs ranging $300–$600
- Infotainment system (Chevrolet MyLink) can freeze or lose Bluetooth pairing, often resolved by updates but occasionally requiring head unit replacement
- Timing chain stretch has been flagged on higher-mileage 3.6L engines — ensure full service history and listen for rattling at cold start
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.
- AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles.
- AIR BAGS: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $24,500 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