Prepare for Your Pre-Owned Search With These Three Models

While there’s something to be said for that new car smell, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with landing a great deal on a pre-owned vehicle. They might not offer all of the bells, whistles, and up-to-date styling cues of the latest model, but used vehicles put a premium on what’s perhaps the most important characteristic that any purchase can possess: value.

That said, pre-owned vehicles do run the gamut in terms of quality, reliability, and longevity. While some used models are still ready to provide years of consistent performance, others could see you scheduling an endless series of service appointments. If you want to avoid this sort of worst-case scenario, the team here at your local used car dealership is ready to help.

We’ve compiled a quick list of three of the most popular used models you’ll find here at Parks Buick GMC Greenville, from a popular pickup and off-road legend to GMC’s own crossover contender in the compact Terrain. Read on as we walk you through the lineup, track how each model has changed in recent years, and give you all of the information you’ll need to make an informed decision that’ll provide years of automotive enjoyment.

#1 – GMC Sierra 1500

Sweet Spot: 4th Generation (2019 – Present)

Ideal For: Towing, hauling, and other feats of pickup strength

From sheer utility and towing power to off-road ability and poor-weather performance, there are plenty of good reasons to choose a truck when you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. That said, it’s the Sierra 1500’s longevity that really makes the pickup such a great value.

Like many full-size models, GMC’s flagship truck employs a body-on-frame construction technique that has a substantial impact on lifetime durability. The heavy-duty components used to build the Sierra 1500 mean the truck is better able to withstand the wear and tear of towing, hauling, off-road excursions, and other common pickup truck practices. This approach allows the Sierra 1500 to regularly surpass 200,000 miles, with some models achieving well over 300,000 miles. It’s easy to see why the Sierra 1500 has seen so much success in the pre-owned market.

The fourth-gen Sierra 1500 has seen a significant evolution over the last decade, and there are some important changes that drivers should be aware of before they start their search. The debut 2019 model saw the Sierra 1500 treated to a slate of fresh advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the incredibly functional MultiPro tailgate.

A 2022 mid-cycle refresh brought some of the most substantial changes in the form of a new Denali Ultimate luxury trim and a 13.4-inch infotainment display, while 2023 was marked by a new and improved version of the iconic Duramax turbo-diesel engine that can tow up to 13,200 lbs.

The 2024 model might be tough to find on the pre-owned market, but if you are lucky enough to land one, you’ll be riding in style and turning plenty of heads thanks to the addition of optional appearance packages and a new active exhaust feature that gives the Sierra 1500 a mighty roar.

#2 – Jeep Wrangler

Sweet Spot: 4th Generation (2018 – Present)

Ideal For: Off-road adventure

Searching for a new way to experience life behind the wheel? The Jeep Wrangler is here to help. The legendary Jeep traces its lineage all the way back to some of the market’s earliest off-road models in the early 1940s, and it has only improved on its go-anywhere reputation over the decades. Currently in its fourth generation, the Wrangler has become the go-to choice for those seeking a stylish daily driver that can provide miles of smiles and plenty of mud-splattered fun when the weekend finally hits.

The current fourth-gen model introduced some major improvements at its 2018 debut, with Jeep opting for a more modern interior and swapping the five-speed automatic for an eight-speed unit that delivers improved efficiency. Crucial ADAS like adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning entered the fray in 2019.

The 2020 model embraced a new era of efficiency with an EcoDiesel V6, and Jeep doubled down on the eco-friendly approach in 2021 as it welcomed the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV). However, the brand balanced it out with the SUV’s first V8 in decades with a gas-burning 6.4L engine under the hood of a new Rubicon 392 variant.

Jeep took a lighter touch in terms of changes until 2024, when a mid-cycle refresh saw the Wrangler add available power-adjustable front seats and a 12.3-inch display running the latest infotainment software. However, the diesel engine made its departure at this point.

From bumper to bumper, the Wrangler was designed to conquer some of the toughest terrain that the off-road world has to offer. While the SUV’s skid plates, all-terrain tires, rock rails, and available built-in winch set the Wrangler up for plenty of off-road success, it’s Jeep’s advanced 4WD systems that really mark the model for greatness.

Jeep offers three different 4WD options on the fourth-gen Wrangler, starting with a part-time Command-Trac system with 2H, 4H, 4L, and Neutral modes that dramatically improve performance without impacting everyday comfort or efficiency. Drivers opting for the Sahara trims will be able to access Selec-Trac, a full-time system that automatically switches between 2WD and 4WD mode in response to changing conditions.

Finally, there’s Rock-Trac, a heavy-duty 4WD setup that allows the Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392 to tackle even the toughest terrain thanks to a 4:1 low-gear ratio that sees the SUV make the most of its impressive off-road engineering. Like the GMC Sierra 1500, the Wrangler also relies on the robust body-on-frame construction that makes the SUV particularly well-suited to the pre-owned market.

#3 – GMC Terrain

Sweet Spot: 2nd Generation (2018 – 2024)

Ideal For: Everyday life

The GMC Terrain sees one of the market’s leading truck and SUV specialists turn its attention to the crossover segment, and the results speak for themselves. The compact model defies its modest size to offer some big value, a surprisingly roomy interior, and even 3,500 lbs of max towing capacity.

Newer Terrain models are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 that trades on its efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 29 to 30 MPG on the highway. But drivers who prioritize a more thrilling experience can also find a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine on pre-2021 models. The larger engine provided a considerable uptick in power, logging 252 hp compared to the 1.5L’s 170 hp, though the smaller mill did pick up five extra ponies starting in 2023.

With four trims to choose from, it’s easy to find a pre-owned GMC Terrain that fits your individual driving needs. The SL and SLE trims represent a great value, while the SLT brings some premium features into the mix, but if you really want to treat yourself to a luxury experience, the Denali is the answer.

The second-gen Terrain saw its most substantial upgrade in 2022 with a mid-cycle refresh that included a reimagined exterior with LED lights, along with some new infotainment tech and upholstery. That said, it’s the addition of the AT4 trim that really makes the 2022 model Terrain worthy of a closer look.

The off-road-inspired trim sees the Terrain gain some adventurous spirit with skid plates and all-terrain tires. While it might not be able to keep up with the rock-crawling, dune-bashing antics of the Wrangler or Sierra 1500 AT4X, it’s sure to improve driver confidence when facing slick roads and bumpy terrain.

The 2022 refresh also had a huge impact on the compact’s tech arsenal. It gained a long list of standard features, ranging from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to an automatic climate control system, and even picked up an available head-up display.

Make Your Pre-Owned Purchase a Walk in the Park

Trust and transparency are an important part of big-ticket purchases, but they’re especially important when it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle. Peace of mind can be tough to come by in the used market, but here at Parks Buick GMC Greenville, we put every car, truck, and SUV through an exhaustive inspection, repair, and detailing process that ensures that only the best models make their way onto the sales floor.

Our entire team is driven by a solid set of core values that inform every interaction we take here at our dealership. Commitment, character, personal growth, teamwork, and urgency aren’t just buzzwords; they’ve provided our team with a roadmap to running a successful business that’s become an integral part of the Greenville community. These values reflect the tenets of the Parks Promise, which is focused on providing our customers with a friendly, fair, and honest buying experience.

Any dealership or private seller can pull off a single sale, but it’s the ability to attract return customers that really speaks to our success. If you want to enjoy an elevated buying experience, it’s time to take a walk into Parks Buick GMC Greenville.