In our area, there is a good mix of country roads, lake activities, and unpredictable weather, all of which can impact your choice when shopping for a used truck or SUV. Whether you are hauling gear to Deer Lake or navigating snowy roads in January, having a dependable vehicle matters.
Our team at LaFontaine Ford Grand Blanc, your used car dealership near Clarkston, offers a wide selection. We'll also take the time to get to know you, your driving habits, and your ownership goals, so we can narrow that selection and provide you with a hassle-free shopping experience.
You can find our inventory online or stop by the dealership for a closer look and a test drive. Either way, we’re excited to help you find the right pre-owned vehicle for your driving routine. For now, keep reading to learn about some of the more popular options in the used market and what to look for when shopping.
Why Clarkston Drivers Love Trucks & SUVs
Southeast Michigan’s changing seasons put vehicles to the test. Trucks and SUVs offer higher ground clearance, available all-wheel drive, and cargo space that’s hard to beat when the weather turns. For outdoor enthusiasts, they also add towing capabilities, exterior design elements, and layouts that lean into the lifestyle and make camping trips or days spent hiking easier.
Of course, choosing a pre-owned ride rather than a new one also makes sense, as it lets you compare models from different years to find the right fit. Additionally, you can often find a top-tier trim in our inventory for less than it had cost brand-new, or one that already has the accessories you’re looking for installed and ready to go, both of which help you keep your overall budget in check.
What to Look for in Your Next Used Vehicle
Before settling on a specific truck or SUV, consider a few key details to avoid costly surprises down the road.
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Vehicle History Report: A detailed history report shows past accidents, title status, number of former owners, and service records, giving you a clear picture of the vehicle’s past.
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Mileage & Age Balance: Lower mileage isn’t everything. A well-maintained vehicle with moderate mileage can outlast a low-mileage truck or SUV that has been neglected.
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Maintenance Records: Ask for service documentation to confirm regular oil changes, brake work, and other routine maintenance, ensuring the services were completed on schedule.
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Warranty Coverage: Certified Pre-Owned vehicles or dealer-backed warranties offer peace of mind, especially for buyers who are new to vehicle ownership.
When buying a used SUV or truck from us, you can rest assured that we'll provide you with all the details we have and that our factory-trained technicians have completed a multi-point inspection to ensure that this used vehicle meets our strict standards.
We can also explore our Ford Blue Advantage Certified Pre-Owned vehicles with you and review this program's benefits to ensure you have all the details you need to make an informed choice.
Popular Used SUVs to Consider
There is a reason the SUV is the best-selling type of vehicle in the nation: it offers versatility, an elevated driving position, and the ability to easily transition from one task to the next. For Clarkston drivers, SUVs' various sizes—from subcompact to full-size—also help them focus on what matters most, whether it’s seating capacity, flexible cargo space, or towing capabilities.
While our inventory is ever-changing, some of the popular SUVs you might find include:
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Chevy Equinox: A compact SUV with a comfortable ride, solid fuel economy, and enough cargo space for weekend trips or daily errands.
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Ford Escape: Known for its agile handling and well-planned interior, the Escape is a strong pick for many drivers in our area.
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Honda CR-V: This compact SUV consistently ranks highly for reliability and resale value. It also has a roomy cabin designed for solo drivers and small families.
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Ford Explorer: This three-row midsize SUV offers a variety of trim levels, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your daily travels.
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Hyundai Santa Fe: Depending on the model year, you can find this SUV with either two or three rows. Either way, the Santa Fe has a smart design and a long list of driver-assist and connectivity features that today’s drivers will appreciate.
Popular Used Trucks to Consider
Despite the popularity of SUVs, trucks remain the go-to choice for buyers who need towing power, bed space, or simply the extra functionality they offer. The following models are often the most sought after:
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Ford F-150: America’s best-selling truck for decades, offering a wide range of trims, engines, and configurations to fit almost any budget.
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Chevy Silverado 1500: A dependable full-size truck with strong towing numbers and a comfortable interior for daily driving.
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Ram 1500: Known for its smooth ride quality, along with solid V8 and V6 engine options.
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Toyota Tacoma: A midsize truck with a long history of reliability and strong resale value, offering truck owners easy maneuverability without sacrificing capability.
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Ford Maverick: A compact hybrid option that is budget-friendly with a smart bed design and impressive towing capabilities.
Budget for the Total Cost of Ownership
When shopping, it’s important to remember that the sticker price is only part of the equation. Fuel economy, insurance rates, and maintenance costs all factor into what any vehicle will actually cost over time.
Trucks and larger SUVs typically cost more to fuel and insure than crossover SUVs, so it helps to run the numbers before committing. We can explore these things with you so you have the details you need to feel confident in your decision.
It is also worth mentioning that we regularly offer service specials that can help you save on routine maintenance—but that’s not all. We’re known for our Family Deal, which gives you access to things like Alignments for Life, complimentary tire patches, complimentary brake inspections, and more. Each of these things can help you keep costs in check throughout your ownership.
The Right Dealership Makes All the Difference
While shopping from a large inventory makes it easier to compare options in one convenient location, it is only one piece of the puzzle. It is also important to have a knowledgeable team by your side—one that is well-versed in its inventory and takes the time to get to know you and your ownership goals.
The right team will also provide clear communication and recommendations that make sense, along with flexible financing options and support that continues long after the sale. Our team checks all these boxes and more, which is why we have earned a strong reputation with used-car buyers in our area.
Over the years, we have worked with many first-time buyers, drivers who need more room (or less), and those who want to get the most value for their budget. In each of these situations, we strive to put our best foot forward and provide each customer with the one-on-one attention they deserve.
Are You Ready to Start Your Search?
For Clarkston drivers looking for a pre-owned truck or SUV, our team at LaFontaine Ford Grand Blanc has a wide selection to choose from. Equally as important, we'll take a genuine interest in your priorities, offer recommendations that make sense, and continue to support your ownership long after the sale.
If you are ready to start your search, reach out to our team online or stop by the dealership today to take the first step.