by Gabrielle DeSantis

Used car prices have skyrocketed in 2021. Chip shortages have made certain vehicles extremely rare because of supply issues. Some used vehicles actually cost more than their new price because the lack of supply has caused them to go up in value. Here are four vehicles you should avoid if you are looking for a deal on a used car.

Chevrolet Corvette used car prices are ridiculous

The beauty of the Chevrolet Corvette is that it is an American sports car that is usually reasonable compared to many of its high-performance peers. A 2021 Chevrolet Corvette starts at $59,900. According to a study conducted by iSeeCars, average used Chevrolet Corvette prices were $68,804 this April. This is a 33.9% increase in used Corvette prices in April 2020. Prices have gone up by $17,432.

Used Corvettes are now more expensive than brand new Corvettes because of this outrageous price hike. If you are in the market for a Corvette, steer clear of used models because the dealership will be the only one happy after the transaction.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has an insane resell value

Mercedes-Benz G-Class models are known to go up in value over time. The luxury wagons are built extremely well and are practical for all sorts of terrain. The G-Class may be a luxury vehicle, but it actually performs well off-roading. It is the perfect vehicle to tackle trails and dunes in style. It means business on the inside, but its unique off-roading capabilities also make it ready to party.

Mercedes-Benz G- Class models usually have high resell prices, but 2021 is another story entirely. The average used G-Class price has increased by 33.2% since April of last year. Prices have risen by $37,161 to an insane $148,937 average used G-Class price. If a used G-Class wasn’t affordable before this crazy price hike, then it definitely isn’t now.

Stay away from used Ram 1500s

The Ram 1500 has proven itself to be a great full-sized pickup truck. It competes with legendary trucks like the Ford F-150. Ram 1500s are popular, and the chip shortages are making them even rarer. A used Ram 1500 will end up costing over $2,000 more than a brand new base model on average.

The Ram 1500’s average used price has increased by 28%. This April, its average used price was $35,798. This is over an $8,000 increase from last year’s average used Ram 1500 price. The Ram 1500 is a great pickup truck, and if you are in the market for one, you should definitely just go for a new model instead of paying thousands more because of supply issues.

The GMC Sierra 1500 is much cheaper brand new

GMC’s Sierra 1500 is far from the best pickup truck on the market, but it does have its perks. It may not provide as smooth of a ride as its competitors. It definitely doesn’t provide as luxurious a cabin as pickups from automakers. One of the highlights of the GMC Sierra 1500 is its affordability. Skyrocketing used car prices have thrown that affordability out the window.

A brand new 2021 base model GMC Sierra 1500 starts at $30,100. The average price of a used GMC Sierra 1500 this April was $42,347. This average price increased by 28.6% from last year’s price. The total difference is $9,418.

Supply and demand are the main dictators of automobile pricing. Chip shortages have caused used vehicle prices to rise at unprecedented rates from almost all automakers. Now isn’t a great time to buy a used car. If you do choose to buy a used car at this time, make sure you are aware of how much average prices for your vehicle of interest have increased.

RELATED: Why Is it Harder to Negotiate on Used Cars in 2021?

The post Avoid These 4 Used Vehicle Markups appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The problems with General Motors‘ late-model full-size trucks continue to mount. Both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are being recalled again despite an earlier recall of 33,000 vehicles for the same issue. The problem continues to stem from the Continental-brand tires that were “overcured” during the manufacturing process. Here’s what you need to know about this new round of GM recalls. 

The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models plagued by tire problems

The trucks in the new recall were already part of an effort a few months ago, GM Authority reported. They involve 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 pickup trucks. Their tires, specifically the Continental brand, were overcured. There have been no reported problems with tires made by other brands. 

Compounding the problem is the earlier recall for these troublesome tires. Due to an internal error in General Motors’ service bulletin, car dealerships failed to detect and replace the faulty tires in specific models properly. 

So, what exactly is an overcured tire?

“Much like a tasty salami or Italian prosciutto, tires need to be cured. But instead of salt and spices, this process involves heat and pressure,” Roadshow explains. “A critical part of the manufacturing process, this step is what gives tires their final shape. But they can also be overcured …”

The tire issue has led to sharp criticism of America’s biggest automaker. It seems odd that General Motors would only now issue the recall on 2019 models. Though a tire’s lifespan is less dependent on time and more so on mileage and usage, there’s no doubt some owners with faulty Continental tires have already replaced them due to normal wear-and-tear. However, Continental, not GM, might be the one to blame for the delay. 

The risks of driving on overcured tires

An overcured tire is a serious safety concern that shouldn’t be ignored. The faulty tire can cause a break in the sidewall, creating a sudden air loss or belt edge detachment, causing tread loss and belt loss. 

Both conditions can cause a vehicle to lose control, increasing the risk of a collision. Drivers may experience excessive vibration in the tires while driving. Sudden air loss might also occur while operating the vehicle, creating another serious safety concern, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

If your 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 or 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has Continental tires, you should inspect the tires for signs of damage before driving. Experiencing any of these malfunctioning hazards while driving can happen immediately, creating a frightening and dangerous situation.  

The solution for 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra owners

The good news is that GM is experienced in managing recalls. The automaker offers an online recall center for consumers with faulty parts and vehicles. Inputting your truck’s VIN will show if your 2019 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra is one of the affected models. Or you can visit the NHTSA‘s website to perform a similar VIN lookup. If you’d rather speak with someone, take note of the GM recall number — N212336230 — and dial one of the following numbers: 

Chevrolet Customer Service: 800-222-1020

GMC Customer Service: 800-462-8782

NHTSA: 888-327-4236, 800-424-9153 (TTY)

Authorized dealers will inspect and replace any overcured tires on the affected trucks free of charge. A courtesy loaner may be made available based on the terms of your warranty. In some cases, the tires can be replaced quickly, eliminating the need for a loaner or rental car. Be sure to ask your dealer about the turnaround time and recall procedure. 

RELATED: How do Car Dealerships Store Your Winter Tires?

The post Recall Alert: These Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Tires Are Still Dangerous appeared first on MotorBiscuit.