Used Guide: 2016-2022 Chevrolet Spark

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The last-generation Chevrolet Spark hit Canadian roads for model-year 2016 with a $9,995 starting price, doing battle with the similarly affordable Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Mirage. Packed with a strong list of tech features, Chevrolet pitched this generation Spark as the “Ultimate Mobile Device”, thanks in no small part to a standard (legally mandated) back-up camera and 7-inch touch-screen display with integrated Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto included on all models.

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This aggressive serving of standard connectivity tech helped the Spark appeal to a more-connected-than-ever shopper, 35 per cent of whom were buying their first vehicle, according to GM Canada. Safety features like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning were available.

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This generation Spark was lower and longer than its predecessor, while a strengthened body structure helped engineers dial in a more comfortable and controlled ride.

Under the hood, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark brought a new 1.4-litre, 98-horsepower engine from the global Ecotec family, with manual and continuously variable (CVT) transmissions available. Highway fuel consumption was rated as low as 5.7 L/100 km.

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Look for available keyless start, power windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel on 2LT models, Lane Departure Warning, rear park assist, and 10 standard airbags.

For model-year 2019, new wheels, colours, and fascia designs came online, freshening the Spark’s looks. Safety and infotainment system tech were improved and upgraded as well.

Check out the related links and stories for more reviews, news, specs, and other Chevrolet Spark information, and read on for five tips to help make sure you find the best used model you can for the dollar.

Tip 1: Air conditioner problems

Some owners of this generation Chevrolet Spark have reported trouble with intermittent or entirely non-functional air conditioners; most have not.

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Causes of AC trouble vary widely from vehicle to vehicle, with some Spark owners reporting AC woes caused by a low refrigerant charge, a refrigerant leak, or AC compressor that fails to engage due to some electronic malfunction.

Though most owners do not report air conditioner trouble from their Chevy Sparks (some even praise the performance of the system on hot days), test-driving shoppers are advised to be on the lookout for signs of trouble.

First, check the front footwell carpeting for dampness, mould, or moisture, which could be evidence of a leak from the air conditioner. This may be a sign of a blockage, a buildup of ice, or some other problem. Once you’ve confirmed the carpeting beneath the dashboard to be dry, confirm that the cabin air filter is fresh and clean. Remember that a clogged cabin air filter is a major cause of AC trouble. Plenty of owners forget to service or change this filter, so it pays to check. A blocked or dirty condenser may also be to blame.

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Stress-test the air conditioner by parking the vehicle in the sun for a few minutes after your test drive, then running the AC on its strongest setting. Confirm that the system is able to provide a strong and steady stream of cold air, cycling through each available vent to confirm proper air flow.

Generally, performance issues with the air conditioner can be fixed with a software update or refrigerant top up, though other problems may be at play. If in doubt, have a dealer technician investigate.

Here’s some more information on how to check and change the cabin air filter.

Tip 2: Display trouble

Some Chevy Spark owners have reported problems with their Digital Information Center (DIC), a small LCD display screen built into the instrument cluster. Most have not.

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On your test drive, watch this screen (to the right-hand side of the speedometer) carefully from time to time, ensuring that no pixels are dead, that the display doesn’t flash or flicker, and that the display lights up and displays information — not a blank screen. Note that this display also shows the vehicle’s digital fuel gauge.

Though problems here seem rare against total sales volumes, some owners say that multiple attempts have failed to fix the problem, leaving dealers to seek out additional back-ordered parts to effect a repair, typically after lengthy wait times.

If you detect this problem on your test drive, be sure a nearby dealership is able to fix it, and is able to quickly access the parts required to do so, before you buy.

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Tip 3: Transmission problems

Some owners have reported automatic CVT transmission trouble from their Chevrolet Sparks; most have not. On your test drive, be on the lookout for a burning smell, a Check Engine Light, poor or sporadic performance and acceleration, and unwanted noises and vibrations while cruising at speed.

Many owners choose to change the Spark’s transmission fluid ahead of the service intervals outlined in the owner’s manual for added peace of mind. Fresh fluid can go a long way to improving the smoothness, performance, and lifespan of an automatic transmission. In some cases, debris from the transmission valve body may contaminate the switch, requiring a replacement switch and fluid change.

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Being on the lookout for transmission trouble and staying on top of regular servicing can save you money and headaches.

Tip 4: Connectivity checkup

Many used car shoppers gravitate towards the Chevrolet Spark for its high level of standard tech and connectivity equipment. On your test drive, be sure to spend a moment making sure everything is in working order, and that these features and systems meet your expectations.

Pair your phone via Bluetooth and assess the audio streaming quality and phone call quality. Engage Android Auto with your Android Phone, or Apple CarPlay with your iPhone, using a quality USB cable connection. Be sure both systems work as expected.

Confirm proper operation of the steering wheel mounted voice-command button, and check for proper operation of all other steering wheel mounted media controls, too.

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Are there enough USB ports and charging connections for your devices? Are they all working? Are any of the navigation maps outdated? Does the back-up camera engage instantly in reverse and display a quality image?

These are all questions you’ll want to answer before you buy.

Tip 5: Dig around the cargo area

Smart shoppers can spend a moment digging around beneath the Chevy Spark’s cargo hold to uncover two additional problems that are rare, but serious.

Protect yourself from unwanted surprises by removing all items from the cargo area, lifting the cargo floor out of the way, and exposing the spare tire beneath.

First, check the spare tire. Is it used, deflated and damaged, or is it new, properly inflated, and ready to work? Re-using a spare tire is dangerous, and if a previous owner used their temporary spare and put it back without replacing it, you’ll want to know before you suffer a flat.

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Second, carefully check the area around and beneath the spare tire for signs of rust, mould, algae, or standing water. In the unlikely event the used Chevrolet Spark you’re considering is suffering a water leak from a bad window seal, sunroof drain tube, or brake-light gasket, you’ll want to know about it before you buy.

The evidence could be as simple as a small puddle of water beneath the spare tire. If you spot one, moving to another unit is likely best.

Final thought

These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Chevrolet Spark.