Used cars carry risks because they do not have a warranty. However, if you’re in the market for a used pickup truck, you’re in luck. Three model years that have stood the test of time and have the highest reliability expected.
Best used GMC Sierra in years
In a recent review of the “Best Used Full-Size Trucks Under $25K for 2023,” I ranked 70 model years of pickups from best to worst. The review included Ram trucks, GMC, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Cadillac and Nissan. Overall, he made 10 of the list, three of those who made the top four spots.
It comes with a 6.2-liter V8 rated at 403 horsepower and 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway estimated. Other engine options include a 4.8-liter V8 with 302 horsepower and a 5.3-liter V8 with 315 horsepower, with fuel economy ratings similar to those of the V6.
2011 GMC Sierra 1500
Our 2011 Best Full-Size Pickup Truck of the Year, the 2011 Sierra, ranks third on our list of Best Used Pickup Trucks. Prices for a used 2011 Sierra drop between $9,465 and $17,123, but the original MSRP ranged from $21,235 to over $47,000.
Trim levels remained unchanged from the previous model year, with the lowest-priced version being the regular cab 119-inch wheelbase 2WD WT. Additionally, the Sierra Denali’s 143.5-inch crew cab with all-wheel drive remains at the top end of the lineup.
Like the previous model year, the 2011 Sierra 2WD features a 4.3-liter V6 rated at 195 horsepower that gets 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. However, bumping into the Sierra Denali’s AWD reduces fuel economy to 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway thanks to the 6.2-liter V8 making 403 hp.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2012 Sierra 1500 was our top-rated full-size pickup truck when new. It also tied with five other trucks for fourth in U.S. News’ “Best Full-Size Trucks Under $25,000.” The original MSRP range for the 2012 Sierra started at $22,195 and topped out at $48,610, with prices used falling between $10,978 and $18,796.
The lower-level 2WD Sierra WT cabin features a 119-inch wheelbase 4.3-liter V6 engine. The same trim levels on the SLE, SL, and SLT, along with other V8 engine options, sit between the WT and the upscale all-wheel drive crew cab Sierra Denali with its 6.2-liter V8.
Engine options include a 4.3-liter V6 that makes 195 horsepower, 15 mpg city, and 20 mpg highway. The 2012 Siera SLE features a 4.8-liter V8 with 302 horsepower, while the SLT uses a 5.3-liter V8 with 315 horsepower.
While these two-wheel-drive options get similar fuel economy, the AWD Denali has a 6.2-liter V8 making 403 horsepower, which brings fuel economy down to 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
Is a used GMC Sierra worth buying?
The A represents one of the best options for a used, full-size pickup truck under $25,000. With a wide range of cab configurations and seating for up to six people, the Sierra offers ample capacity for hauling and hauling loads. The GMC Sierra also offers comfortable accommodations, whether you’re spending hours on a road trip or exploring winding dirt roads in the hinterland.
