Dealer visit checklist
2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Equinox problems to check
- Timing chain stretch and engine oil consumption issues on the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, particularly before 60,000 miles
- Infotainment system (Chevrolet MyLink) freezes or reboots unexpectedly, a known software-related annoyance
- Transmission shudder or hesitation reported on some units with the 6-speed automatic, often improved with a fluid flush
- HVAC blower motor failures and intermittent AC performance issues reported around the 50,000-80,000 mile range
- Rear hatch latch and power liftgate sensor failures are a recurring complaint on 2019-2021 Equinox models
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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles.
- CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $20,000 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