The Many Advantages of Investing in a Used GMC Terrain

May 10th, 2024 by

A red 2018 GMC Terrain Denali is shown from the front at an angle.

In today’s market, many consumers looking for the ideal method of transportation have turned to the SUV, and there’s an excellent reason for that. The SUV provides safe performance and plenty of storage and seating, which is far more ideal than a four-door sedan or pickup truck. Another practice many drivers have turned to is purchasing used vehicles instead of brand-new ones. Used cars cost less, are cheaper to insure, and sometimes come equipped with features and powertrains that the manufacturer is no longer offering.

What we will be discussing today touches on both of those topics. As one of the leading domestic brands, GMC has always had a knack for delivering exceptional quality in their vehicles, especially in their SUVs, which always find a way to merge performance and sophistication. Among their offerings is the GMC Terrain, the refined older sibling of the Chevy Equinox; this family-friendly SUV combines agile handling with comfort to deliver everything you could ask for in an SUV. If you’re considering a GMC Terrain for sale, shop with us at Online.cars, where we have a tremendous nationwide online selection that you can explore from the comfort of your home. Join us as we discuss this reliable SUV and the advantages it has to offer, especially when opting for a pre-owned model.

Learning to Appreciate Depreciation

One of the main advantages that many drivers have taken advantage of with used vehicles is the depreciation process. This is a gradual descent of a vehicle’s resale value that begins from the moment of sale and increases yearly. Each make and model devalues itself at a different rate, and in the case of the GMC Terrain, you can use this gradual process to your advantage. While depreciation is something that shoppers of new cars and SUVs have to be concerned with, for the discerning used shopper, depreciation is undoubtedly something to appreciate.

A black 2019 GMC Terrain for sale is shown from the side.

Taking Advantage of Diesel Power

One of the crowning achievements of GM as a brand has been the popularization and rebirth of the diesel-fueled engine. These turbo-charged diesel engines provide exceptional fuel economy and can produce high torque while operating at low RPMs. If you come across a Terrain that was built between the years of 2017 and 2021, you might have the chance to find one that was outfitted with a 1.6L four-cylinder. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and achieves 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway for a combined total average of 32 MPG. Not only is this exceptional economy that can allow you to go much farther on less fuel, but you also have the chance to save considerably on fuel costs.

Luxury for a Lower Price

While the GMC Terrain debuted for the 2009 model year, it did not benefit from one of GMC’s most luxurious attributes until 2013. Those well-versed in what GMC brings know what we’re speaking of: the Denali trim. Denali vehicles are easy to spot on the road, as their sharp curves and tinted windows make them instantly recognizable.

Over the years, the Denali version of the Terrain has had multiple attributes, making it an exciting SUV to drive. A high-end stereo system from Bose and leather upholstery make the Terrain rival some of the features offered in a high-end European luxury sedan, and the trim is always packed with a vast host of features encompassing the latest and greatest in safety, driving assistance, and entertainment. By taking advantage of depreciation, you can snag a used GMC Terrain Denali for a reasonably affordable price and capture this unique specimen before it is no longer available.

A Brief Chance to Fire on All Six Cylinders

For most of its existence, the GMC Terrain has been powered by various four-cylinder engines, which include the aforementioned diesel option. Still, some love the rush they can get with a larger, more refined engine. While it was only equipped with the GMC Terrain during the first and second generations of production and was available from 2013 to 2017, a V6 engine was available and demonstrated a high level of performance. At its most potent, it propelled the Terrain forward with 301 hp and could generate 272 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain still proved adequate fuel economy despite its increased performance, allowing drivers 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

Top-Rated Safety

The amount of safety features developed with each passing year is extraordinary. Because there are so many changes in the industry every year, certain features available one year might come standard the next, and much of this depends on what trim level you decide to go with. This is undoubtedly true for all vehicles, and the GMC Terrain is no different.

However, there is another advantage to purchasing a used Terrain, and that has to do with an essential aspect regarding safety. Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts extensive collision testing mandated by the government. This information is available for anyone to access and is essential in determining how safe a vehicle is during a collision. Since 2019, the GMC Terrain has consistently received a five-star safety rating in collision testing. Any Terrain you purchase from this era will give you peace of mind, knowing you’re protected on the road ahead.

A grey 2021 GMC Terrain is shown from the front at an angle.

Longevity for Less

Perhaps the main advantage of purchasing any used vehicle is the capacity to save money in various ways. Earlier, we discussed the ability to find a luxurious trim for a lower rate, thanks to the act of depreciation. Used vehicles also cost less to insure, which is another way to save. However, buying a used GMC Terrain can also be a long-term investment. Depending on how much wear and tear a Terrain has, there’s a very good chance you can get one for a considerably low price. As long as it’s been properly maintained and continues to be so, a Terrain will last for up to 300,000 miles, if not more. So you see, a used GMC Terrain will allow you to go much further for a lot less than you may think.

Explore New Roads in a Used GMC Terrain

A vehicle such as the GMC Terrain tends to have a high price tag when it first goes up for sale. While you might be able to offset initial costs by trading in your current vehicle, you’ll still have to worry about such items as resale value and taking out a full-coverage insurance policy. As we’ve seen today, there are several model years to choose from. A used GMC Terrain can afford you many of the same advantages as an all-new one, and even some that are no longer available, such as the fuel-efficient diesel powertrain.

Shopping for a used GMC Terrain also means that you have the capability to pay less upfront, thanks to depreciation. This opens up a lot of cost-cutting items that you can take full advantage of, such as lower insurance premiums, a vehicle that lasts well beyond expectations, and, most importantly, a vehicle that combines practicality and posh luxury unlike any other.