It would be nice if you could simply walk onto a dealer’s lot, point at the first pickup you see, and know that you had found the right truck with everything you’ve been looking for. In reality, things just don’t work that way, and going with the first thing you find is often a recipe for missing out on a wide range of features you need. As you’re exploring different used trucks for sale, the GMC Sierra HD models are perfect when you need something built to help you get some serious work done. With so many different options available and features to consider, however, finding the right one can be tricky. So let’s look at the major decisions you need to make as you shop and figure out how to find a used Sierra HD model that’s perfect for you.
First: Choose the GMC Sierra 2500 HD or 3500 HD
As you’re looking for your next, powerful used truck, the first thing you need to do is choose between the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and the Sierra 3500 HD. Both of these models provide upgraded power and capabilities compared to the light-duty, full-size Silverado 1500, thanks in part to their impressive engines. You can generally find the same powertrains on both of these models, although different ones tend to be offered, so keep that in mind (we’ll get into that more in a bit). You’ll also find both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive on these models, so that’s not something to worry about when deciding.
The big deciding factor here is the kind of towing and payload capabilities you’re looking to get with your truck. Every Sierra 2500 HD comes with a single rear-wheel (SRW) configuration, whereas the Sierra 3500 HD is available with either an SRW setup or a dual rear-wheel (DRW) configuration. Going with a Sierra 3500 HD DRW model can provide you with a massive boost to both payload and towing, especially fifth wheel or gooseneck towing. While GMC Sierra 2500 HD models tend to max out around 3,700 lbs of payload and 22,000 lbs of towing, you can find Sierra 3500 HD DRW trucks with more than 7,000 lbs of payload capacity and over 30,000 lbs of fifth wheel towing capabilities. That’s a huge difference, so consider what kind of work you need to do, and then choose accordingly.
Second: Decide on a Generation and Model Years
When you’re looking at different used trucks for sale and trying to decide which one is right for you, one of the best ways to narrow things down is with the model years and generations available to you. The GMC Sierra HD models have been around for more than 30 years, giving you a lot of great options to explore and consider. Its first generation ran from 1992 to 2000, with a second generation from 2001 to 2006, and then a third generation from 2007 to 2014. In general, you don’t want to go quite this far back when looking for a used pickup, unless you’re on a very tight budget or interested in something specific.
Instead, the fourth generation for the Sierra HD pickup is the earliest place we’d start, which ran from 2015 to 2019. That’s still quite old, and any truck you find from those years is likely to have a lot of use on it, but these models can also save you money as you shop. Your best bet is to look for a pre-owned Sierra HD from 2020 or later, when its fifth generation started. Along with a redesign, these trucks can include a host of impressive updates and features, especially if you’re interested in refined comfort and enhanced technology. A mid-generation update for the 2024 model year makes that an even better choice if you want the latest features and options.
Third: Look at Engine Options and Capabilities
We mentioned engines earlier, but this is the point where you really want to dig into what’s available and make sure you get what you need. Engine options can vary depending on generation and model year, however, so if you’re looking for a particular level of performance, then it’s a good idea to see what was available and make sure you’re focused on years when you can find it. Looking at the fifth-generation Sierra HD models, for example, you’ll find either a 6.6L V8 gas engine with 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque or a Duramax Turbo Diesel with 445 hp and more than 900 lb-ft of torque. The kind of capabilities these trucks can handle depends largely on the engine it has (although other factors are important too), so keep that in mind when looking at used models and choose something that meets your needs.
Fourth: Explore Different Trim Levels and Features
Now that you’ve narrowed things down a bit, this is a good time to look at the different trim levels GMC makes available and focus on one or a few that will meet your needs. Since trims can change from one generation to the next (and sometimes even within a generation), we suggest starting with those bigger things first to avoid being overwhelmed by too many options. Looking at recent years, like the 2022 Sierra HD models, you can find a standard Pro trim, followed by an SLE, and then an SLT with upgraded features and options on them.
A couple of trims are particularly noteworthy and should be kept in mind: the AT4 and the Denali. If you want a truck to take off-road or you need to be able to reach jobsites that require heading off the beaten path, then the AT4 trim is one to look for. On the other hand, if luxury, comfort, and advanced tech features are most important to you, then you’ll want to look for the Denali trim. In recent years, GMC has taken things even further with a more luxurious Denali Ultimate model and an AT4X that is even more rugged and capable (note that the AT4X is only available for the Sierra 2500 HD).
Fifth: Make Sure You Haven’t Overlooked Anything
Finally, once you’ve gone over all of these other areas to narrow down your options and figure out which pre-owned GMC Sierra HD model is right for you, take some time to make sure you haven’t missed something. There are so many different details to focus on and consider that it can be easy to overlook other features like the tailgate (GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate with its six functions is a favorite of ours) or the cab and bed size. You can find single-row Regular Cab, two-row Double Cab, and larger Crew Cab models, along with Standard and Long Beds, so take some time to determine what you need as you’re shopping. This is also a good point to make sure you’re getting those things you figured out you need; for example, not every Sierra 3500 HD comes with a DRW setup, so if that’s something you want, then make sure any used model you’re interested in has the right configuration.
Finding the Right Used Truck Shouldn’t Be a Hassle
We know this was a lot of information to keep track of and consider as you’re shopping for a used truck, which is why it’s important that you take some time to figure these things out and pay careful attention as you shop. This is also why it helps to shop at a dealership with friendly, helpful people ready to assist you and make sure you get what you’re looking for. Having someone else to go over details with you, keep track of what you need, and make sure nothing is overlooked can make a huge difference in finding the right used truck. That’s why we have put together an amazing team here at Lupient Buick GMC that is ready to help you find the perfect used truck with the features you need, so you can relax and let us take care of everything.
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