Why Should You Consider a Used GMC Truck?

Have you ever found a deal that made you think: “That can’t be real?” We have, and it can be found in many forms, especially if you’re looking for used GMC trucks for sale. GMC trucks are some of the best pre-owned ones on the market, and that’s for a few reasons. GMC trucks aren’t only some of the most well-regarded automobiles for how they perform, but you can find a pre-owned GMC truck for just about any budget thanks to their extensive history spanning generations.

The way we see it, there are a few reasons why you should consider a used GMC truck. One of the main reasons is longevity; GMC trucks are reliable, sturdy, and able-bodied pickup trucks that can last for years. GMC trucks are also performant, with engines built for just about every job you can think of. But what else is there that makes a used GMC a great buy? Let’s find out!

A Look at the GMC Canyon

GMC trucks are powerful, and as long as you know what kind of capability you need from the beginning. Knowing before you pick a truck is important so you’re not overspending for something you don’t need or underspending and missing out on something you do need. Let’s start with the GMC Canyon, which first hit the market and graced GMC’s lineup in 2003 with the introduction of the 2004 model. With over twenty years of the GMC Canyon existing, a couple of decades worth of pre-owned Canyon models are available for you to choose between.

The first GMC Canyon, the 2004 model, came equipped with a 2.8L I-4 engine. The 2004 model could yield up to 175 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. You can also find the 2004 Canyon trucks with a 3.5L 5-cylinder engine that can yield up to 220 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. As these models are over twenty years old, you can find these at low prices without sacrificing performance. This makes this particular model year perfect for newer drivers who might be on a bit of a budget.

More recent Canyon models show how far we’ve come in nearly 20 years. However, baseline performance isn’t as palpable as it once was, the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine in the 2020 Canyon has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, this is just the start for this midsize truck. The 2020 Canyon can also come equipped with either a 3.6L V6 or 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel I-4 engine. With the 3.6L V6, drivers can anticipate 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. With the Duramax turbo-diesel, drivers can anticipate an astounding 369 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, which is 92.5% more than the earliest Canyon models. These performance numbers stay the same from 2020 to 2022.

The Fan-Favorite for a Reason

GMC is a gigantic subsidiary, and with that comes a lineup that has the potential to stretch beyond the veil of what you may be looking for, so calling something a fan favorite is no small honor. The Sierra 1500 and its Heavy-Duty siblings, by extension, are GMC’s best-sellers. The GMC Sierra is incredibly reliable and has the performance necessary to outpace industry behemoths by a landslide.

Let’s start with more recent models, like the 2022 through 2024 Sierra 1500s. These GMC Sierra 1500 models are part of the fifth generation and are similar to models released as far back as 2018. These Sierra 1500 models can be equipped with one of four great engine options. If you look at earlier fifth-generation models, you’ll have the option of a 4.3L V6 as well. The first engine available is a 2.7L turbo 4-cylinder, which gives the truck a maximum towing capacity of 9,100-9,500 lbs (the exact capacity changes from one model year to the next). The 2.7L engines from the fifth generation yield 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. The newer 2.7L engines have been tuned for better ratings, reaching 430 lb-ft of torque.

Now, if you want to get the most power out of your Sierra 1500 you have two options. For option number one, you can find a Sierra 1500 equipped with a 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel I-6 engine. With this engine, you can expect 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque on recent models and a maximum towing capacity of 13,000 lbs. If you look at a slightly older model, 2022 or earlier, you can expect ratings of up to 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

Your second powerful option is a 6.2L V8 engine. When the Sierra is equipped with this engine, drivers can expect 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. These ratings stay the same regardless of the model year for fifth-generation trucks. The maximum tow rating will depend on the build and equipment installed, but you can see between 11,000 and 13,000 lbs for the max tow rating.

Who Can Forget the Big Guy?

As fantastic as the Sierra 1500 is, it’s only the beginning. If you know anything about the Sierra Heavy Duty models, you know it’s more capable than the Sierra 1500 – especially the Canyon – but by how much? The Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD are phenomenal trucks, and it’s been this way for a long time. The Heavy Duty variants of the Sierra have been around as long as the 1500, so you can find a pickup truck capable of tough jobs at various price points.

Ever since the release of the 2020 Sierra 3500 HD, the best GMC truck has been capable of towing a maximum of 35,000 lbs. The Sierra 2500 has been able to tow 18,500 lbs for many years, thanks to available V8 powertrains. Performance is a point of discussion for pre-owned Sierra HD models because buying the newest model can be far more costly. In truth, while the standard features and technology may change year to year, performance stays about the same. A good example is the 2021 Sierra 3500 HD’s turbo-diesel engine having a payload capacity of 6,523 lbs, while the 2024 model has 6,644 lbs––a slight 2% increase, while the towing capacity remains the same at 36,000 lbs.

It’s All About Cost and Performance

If you find the best model by curating your shopping experience to your wants and needs and the price you can afford, you may be surprised to learn how similar your pre-owned truck will perform to its newest counterparts. Whether you shop for an early GMC Canyon or a brand-new model, you’re going to get an excellent-performing truck. The features may be changed, but the branding and the build quality remain the same. The same can be said for the Sierras. Regardless of which model year you choose, you’ll find something that suits you pretty well with performance to spare. When you’re ready to shop for your next truck, visit us at Riverton Chevrolet and find something that checks all of your boxes.