Buying a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle just got a lot easier, and it's all thanks to a new online platform launched by one of the world's largest automakers. CarBravo allows General Motors to address two trends that have rocked the auto market in recent years: the rise of the web-based used car dealership and historically high pre-owned pieces. Used car prices have been on the rise ever since the global pandemic, jumping 47% in 2021 alone and reaching a new all-time high back in 2022. While prices have cooled in recent years, buyers are still paying 25% to 40% more than they were in pre-COVID days. The EV segment does represent one bright spot, with the average price of an all-electric model falling as previously leased models hit the market, but a half-decade of rising prices has left consumers feeling a bit squeezed. Enter CarBravo. The website allows GM to create a centralized used-vehicle marketplace that puts a renewed focus on fair, transparent pricing. Instead of having 1,000 dealers setting 1,000 different prices on virtually identical used models, CarBravo seeks to create a more unified structure, allowing buyers to browse, finance, and arrange delivery or at-home test drives entirely online or in combination with a brick-and-mortar dealership. This approach benefits buyers and dealers alike, encouraging fair, transparent pricing across different dealerships and ensuring a consistent pre-owned product no matter where you shop. CarBravo also packs plenty of perks, allowing drivers to enjoy a confident buying experience complete with a standard limited warranty, optional protection plans, GM's rewards program, and access to 4,000 nationwide service centers. more How CarBravo Works What unique advantages does CarBravo offer? Why should you turn to the internet when it's time to choose your next car, truck, or SUV? We'll answer all that and more as we learn how GM is transforming the online buying process. Find A Vehicle CarBravo couldn't be any simpler from a buyer's perspective. Instead of wasting your weekend trudging between dealerships, drivers can simply cruise over to the CarBravo website from the comfort of their own home, or even use their phone to access our extensive inventory of quality, pre-owned vehicles while on the go. From browsing SUVs over brunch to tracking pickup prices on the sidelines of your kid's Saturday morning soccer game, CarBravo provides a seamless platform for all your car-buying needs. The CarBravo website offers a familiar, intuitive interface that makes it refreshingly easy to zero in on the right model for your unique automotive needs. Drivers can filter for every possible variable, including make and model, body type, price, monthly payment, year and mileage, color, features, Engine size, fuel economy, and fuel type. CarBravo also allows buyers to get an honest look at a vehicle's background with the ability to filter out models based on accident history. The site can even be used to filter for CARFAX-certified One-Owner vehicles, which often represent some of the most enticing options on the pre-owned market. Take a Test Drive Once you've settled on the right model, CarBravo will connect you with a participating local dealership where you can get behind the wheel and experience your chosen ride for yourself. This is an important part of the buying process, giving drivers the chance to get a feel for the vehicle in a way that a website simply can't match. That compact crossover might look roomy on the website, but it could start to seem a little small once you actually climb into the driver's seat. Maybe you have your heart set on a full-size SUV, but soon realize it's a bit too large for your daily routine after a few laps around the neighborhood. While we'd recommend that every driver test-drive our pre-owned vehicles themselves, CarBravo's generous exchange policy gives buyers 10 full days or 500 miles to make their final decision. If you're not satisfied with your chosen ride, simply return to the dealership, and we'll start back at square one. Arrange Financing Financing your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle couldn't be any easier when you work with CarBravo. Simply click any model, and you'll instantly see both a cash price and an estimated financing arrangement. The financing figure can be easily edited with a built-in tool that lets drivers adjust their monthly payment, financing term, and credit score. This transparent tool eliminates the frustrating guesswork from the financing process, letting you create a payment schedule without any unwelcome surprises. For example, some dealerships list one price on their website, only to hit you with a long list of additional taxes and fees. At CarBravo, you'll see all these charges added to the bottom line, including sales and document fees, as well as title. Landing a fair price for your current vehicle can also be an important part of the transaction. Around 49% of U.S. drivers will finance a new vehicle using a trade-in, and CarBravo makes the process even easier with another helpful app powered by the pros at Kelley Blue Book. Drivers can enter specific details about their current model, or simply enter the VIN or license plate number to auto-fill most relevant categories. The app will then display your vehicle's real-time value, giving drivers the chance to fill in an important part of the financing puzzle. Finish the Paperwork Once you've got all your financial ducks in a row, it's time to officially start the buying process. You've already done most of the hard work, but the next step is reaching out to a local dealership that can help bring the sale home. Just click "Start The Buying Process," and you'll get the chance to review the details of the deal, including your trade-in value, special offers, additional plans and services, and personal info, before being taken to a page where you can upload all relevant documentation. After adding some basic personal and financial information, you'll be able to add an electronic signature that officially seals the deal and reserves your pre-owned vehicle. Take Delivery Finally, it's time to take delivery of your new CarBravo vehicle. If you've been working with a local GM dealership, that process could be as easy as cruising across town and picking up the keys. Many dealers also offer a delivery service, giving drivers the opportunity to land a lucrative deal that might not be available in their local market. While some dealers will charge an additional fee, delivery is often complimentary within a few hundred miles. Those looking to source a new vehicle from across the country will likely face an additional charge, but even a higher delivery fee can be a money-saving proposition in the long run. Wet winter weather and the road salt that comes with it can easily wreak havoc on a vehicle by accelerating corrosion. If you want a ride that's enjoyed a relatively rust-free life, CarBravo is here to help, allowing drivers to source vehicles from drier climates where corrosion is less of a concern. Advantages of CarBravo CarBravo provides drivers with a quick, seamless way to find a pre-owned vehicle, but that's just one part of the program's appeal. When you work with CarBravo, you'll be able to enjoy a number of money-saving benefits that few used auto dealers can match. Standard Limited Warranty Peace of mind comes standard when you work with CarBravo. The program includes some of the most generous warranty coverage you'll find on the used market, with GM offering two different policies based on the vehicle's age and mileage. CarBravo models that are less than ten years old and have less than 100,000 miles on the odometer include a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper policy. Older models between 10 and 15 years old with 100,000 to 150,000 miles qualify for a 30-day/1,000 limited powertrain policy that protects some of the vehicle's most vital components. BravoCare CarBravo lets buyers extend their coverage with a suite of optional protection plans called BravoCare. From a Protection Plan that includes roadside assistance and rental car coverage to a Pre-Paid Maintenance policy that covers scheduled tire rotations and oil and filter changes, to GAP Coverage and additional Tire & Wheel Protection, it's easy to keep your pre-owned vehicle humming along and looking its best when you work with CarBravo. Certified Service Centers Being backed by one of America's largest automakers has its advantages, especially when it comes time for maintenance and repair work. Buy your next vehicle from CarBravo, and you'll gain access to over 4,000 certified service centers spread all throughout the country. These services include oil and filter changes, tire inspection, brake inspection, engine and transmission work, body and collision services, wheel alignment, AC service, infotainment system repair, and more. Buy Better With CarBravo CarBravo represents an important evolution in the car-buying experience that could quickly become the norm in our digitally driven world. Today's consumers expect the car-buying process to be just as easy as any other online transaction. GM is at the forefront of this trend, with CarBravo showcasing the many advantages of the web-based approach. From transparent pricing and easy financing tools to the site's wide selection and generous exchange policies, CarBravo gives buyers the control they've long been waiting for. CarBravo allows drivers to experience the best of both worlds by combining the convenience and transparency of online shopping with the personalized support of a traditional dealership. The program is backed by GM's expansive service network and offers warranty coverage that can make a difference in long-term confidence and satisfaction. If you're looking for a convenient, low-pressure alternative to the traditional dealership shuffle, your next car, truck, or SUV could be just a click away with CarBravo.
How to Find the Right Used SUV for Commuting in Detroit
Despite Detroit’s role as the originator of the American auto industry, this city didn’t invent traffic. While our “rush hour” may last up to four hours each morning, this isn’t the only urban center to experience stop-and-go traffic, relentless road construction, and all of the other factors that can make our daily commute the most stressful part of our day. more The only solution to this stress is to find a car that makes traffic headaches more bearable, and this magical vehicle is likely waiting for you at a used car dealership near Detroit. Choosing your next used car, truck, or SUV is a big decision, especially if you’re going to be navigating I-75 or I-94 on a daily basis. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when shopping for your next means of everyday transportation. For Commuting in Highway Traffic Does your daily drive involve the I-96/I-275/I-696 interchange? Stop-and-go highway traffic is notoriously hard on automobiles, causing not just a drain on fuel economy but also wear on engine components and shortening the lifespan of your brakes. While you can’t do anything about how other people choose to drive, there are plenty of things you can do to maintain the health of your used car, including routine maintenance. And when it comes to fuel economy, no vehicle handles stop-and-go quite like a hybrid. The Toyota Prius was one of the first hybrid models to hit American streets, and it has remained one of the top-selling hybrid models since its debut. Available with your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Prius was fully redesigned in 2023. These 2023 models are becoming popular on used car lots, thanks to their impressive tech, improved horsepower, longer battery range, and a combined EPA fuel economy rating as high as 57 MPG, depending on the trim level and drivetrain. There’s no cure for stop-and-go traffic, but your wallet can rest easy, knowing you’ve chosen a hybrid vehicle with maximum fuel efficiency. Features for Extra Peace of Mind Accidents are inevitable in any urban setting. While we’re proud of Detroit drivers for doing the right thing, it’s also reasonable for urban commuters to rely on the safety features and driver assistance technology offered by their daily transportation. The Honda Civic has earned its place as one of America’s favorite commuter cars for its excellent fuel economy, an impressive suite of driver assistance tech, abundant safety features for all passengers, and an overall uncomplicated driving experience. Offered as a sedan or a hatchback, the Civic was most recently overhauled in 2022. And while the fuel economy of the standard gas-powered Civic has been a benchmark in its class for many years, those looking for even more savings at the pump might consider the hybrid model, which debuted in 2025. The Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies includes standard forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a few extras, such as Traffic Sign Recognition and Traffic Jam Assist, both of which can be particularly helpful in heavy traffic. Front, knee, and front-side airbags are provided for the driver and front passenger, along with side curtain and outboard rear-passenger-side airbags, ensuring that all passengers are protected from all angles. While no car can prevent the unexpected, drivers seeking the greatest peace of mind should take a close look at all the safety features and driver assistance tech offered on each used car. For Versatility and Adventure You don’t have to have mud-crawling aspirations to crave a little adventure. Michigan is one of the most scenic states in the nation, from the Upper Peninsula to the Detroit skyline. Historically speaking, all-wheel-drive vehicles have been seen as strictly for adventure. However, more recent developments in models like the Subaru Outback and Jeep Grand Cherokee have demonstrated that these all-terrain-friendly SUVs make great partners on city streets as well. The snowy season in Detroit lasts from November to March, and it typically gets an annual total of 45 inches of snow. With that in mind, the Subaru Outback's all-wheel drive takes on new meaning. Many used Outback models have up to two XMODE options, which allow for driving in Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud. Both drive modes reduce transmission output for greater engagement and will adjust wheel spin based on the terrain. The Outback's Wilderness trim level, which debuted in 2022, offers increased ground clearance, roof rails with crossbars, and skid plates, making it the most off-road-capable outfit in the lineup. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the more versatile SUVs on the used market, too, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option and a three-row, seven-passenger cabin joining the lineup in 2022. While not all Grand Cherokee trim levels have earned a Trail Rated badge for supreme off-road capability, features like skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a two-speed transfer case are found throughout the lineup. Jeep's Trailhawk trim is considered the off-roading expert of the Grand Cherokee's lineup, with expert features like a disconnecting front anti-roll bar and a Quadra Drive II full-time four-wheel drive system, but the rest of the trim lineup carries itself with equal grace regardless of whether you’re dodging potholes or rocking along the trails. Though all-wheel drive has gotten a bad reputation for having worse fuel economy than front-wheel drive, today’s all-terrain SUVs have plenty of street smarts in addition to their trail skills. For Drivers Who Want More And then there are the drivers who feel that, if you’re going to be stuck in traffic, you might as well have a good time. From especially comfortable seats to top-tier infotainment, a used luxury sedan or SUV might be the way to go if you’re looking to stretch your budget to get the best. The Lincoln Aviator is a local Detroit favorite with extensive ties to the community. But more importantly, the Aviator is a three-row luxury SUV that’s perfectly at home in Detroit traffic, loves cruising the highways, and can tow and stow cargo with the same gusto as more rugged SUVs. While rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive has historically been optional across all trim levels and standard on higher ones, with Deep Conditions and Slippery drive modes for optimal control. The Aviator also offers features that keep drivers happy, such as 30-way power-adjustable massaging front seats in the Black Label trim. Across the Aviator's trim lineup, however, you’ll find plenty of fine features like leather upholstery, heated front-row and second-row seats, and a premium Revel audio system. Adaptive air suspension is also a popular choice for those looking to smooth out the I-96 service roads come springtime. One of the best ways to stretch your car-buying budget is to buy a used vehicle, which can bring pre-owned luxury models and top trim levels into your reach, expanding the amount of happiness you can get from your used car. Choosing the Right Used SUV for Your Commute Ultimately, most drivers find themselves balancing most of these attributes when choosing their next used vehicle. Nearly everyone has a budget in mind—not just for the vehicle, but for how much they’re willing to spend on regular upkeep, fuel, and insurance. Thankfully, most of today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs are designed to keep drivers comfortable and connected, and smart safety tech has become a standard that nearly all automakers around the world respect. So, really, it comes down to what makes you happiest overall.