Before buying that GMC that you have your mind set on, there are a few things to consider before buying a used car: if the price is right, and if the mileage looks reasonable. But it's nearly impossible to truly answer the most nagging question, which is whether this truck will leave you stranded months from now. It's important to check the model year, because that could be the difference between getting a dependable truck that will last over 250,000 miles or a money pit that drains your wallet. GMC Acadia (2016 & 2019) GMC Although the GMC Acadia is a capable mid-size SUV, over the years, it hasn't demonstrated the same kind of high-mileage durability that other GMC truck-based platforms have been able to achieve through decades of refinement. But this shouldn't stop you. If you're in the market for a used Acadia, your best bet is any of the 2016 or 2019 model years. The 2016 GMC Acadia was the final year before the model was completely redesigned for the new generation. The 2016 Acadia resolved most of the early issues with the 2007–2015 models with improvements. Some of those problems GMC sorted out were transmission and electrical issues that had frustrated owners for years. This model year has a low number of recalls as well as solid owner satisfaction scores.Another reliable GMC model year is the 2019 model year. This was the last second-generation year before the mid-cycle refresh in 2020. This Acadia had improvements over previous model years, including a solid reliability record, better fuel economy, and fewer complaints than earlier second-generation models. These model years have been praised by real owners consistently for their family-friendly reliability. On Edmunds, one owner rated his 2016 GMC Acadia five stars for safety, technology, performance, interior, comfort, and reliability, but four stars for resale value. Meanwhile, another owner rated his three out of five stars, claiming he'd had to take it to the dealer five times for repairs by the time he got to 3,000 miles. He eventually had to take it in for repairs four more times. Since then, he's done about 14,000 miles without any incident. GMC Terrain (2017, 2020–2024) GMC The GMC Terrain, as a compact crossover, had a genuinely rocky start. The 2010–2015 models suffered from premature engine failures that plagued the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, timing chain issues, and excessive oil consumption. These issues usually cost anywhere from $1,200 to $6,000 to fix. By 2017, GMC had corrected these mistakes with the more reliable 3.6-liter V6 engine. By 2020, the second-generation Terrain had resolved a few issues with that generation. The generation had resolved the engine issues of the 2.4-liter first generation, but suffered issues like transmission oil leaks, for which it received several recalls. From 2020, the model received "Good" safety ratings from the IIHS as well as five stars from the NHTSA. This was the same through to the 2024 and 2025 GMC Terrain model years. This model year even got a Top Safety Pick rating.GMC proved with the 2020 GMC Terrain that they had finally cracked the code on building a reliable compact crossover. The 2023 model year was a good year for the Terrain. Although Consumer Reports claimed there were concerns about the underpowered 175-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, its loud cabin, slow transmission, and stiff ride, it earned an 88/100 rating from J.D. Power. In Kelley Blue Book, 73 percent of owners recommend the vehicle. RepairPal notes that this Terrain is generally a dependable vehicle that can exceed 200,000 miles, but in the event that issues do occur, said issues are more likely to be major compared to competitors. GMC Yukon (2012, 2018-2020) GMC If you have your mind set on purchasing a used GMC Yukon, the 2012, 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years are among the best years of the model to consider. For the 2012 model year, J. D. Power rated it 84/100 for reliability and ranked it the number one Large SUV of 2012. This was at the peak of the third generation. Consumer Reports ranked it ⅗ for reliability, with only 83 complaints, a ⅘ rating for excellent owner satisfaction, and affordable used pricing, which was in the range of $9,000 to $12,000. The 2018-2020 model years featured fourth-generation refinement, including a 10-speed transmission, advanced safety features, and a J.D. Power rating of 78 to 80 out of 100. The highlight of this period was the 2020 GMC Yukon, which had just 5 complaints in total, a 5/5 Consumer Reports rating, and is considered the most reliable Yukon to date.The 2019 GMC Yukon also enjoys improved reliability, with fewer recalls and fewer reported issues. Infotainment and ride quality were particular highlights. The 2021 to 2024 model year period can also be considered an honorable mention. This period earned five stars for driver-side frontal crash but 4 stars overall from the NHTSA. When you're GMC Yukon hunting, it's important to also know what model years to avoid. The 2007 to 2014 models were notorious for their significant engine oil consumption/lifter issues. The 2015 to 2016 model year period is also one to avoid due to transmission issues and AC condenser failures. The 2015 year had over 800 complaints, as well as faulty taillights. It had 10 recalls. GMC Sierra (2006, 2018, & 2020) GMC The GMC Sierra has earned a reputation for delivering dependable performance, whether you're hauling tools to a job site or towing a boat to the lake. Its track record is proven across multiple generations, making the Sierra one of the most reliable full-size trucks you can buy used. If your GMC choice happens to be the Sierra, you should be interested in any of the 2006, 2018, and 2020 model years. The 2006 model year of the GMC Sierra might not have had the most favorable safety ratings, but J. D. Power ranked it the “Highest Ranked Heavy-Duty Full-Size Pickup in Initial Quality” in its segment. This model year had solid reliability and a 94 percent recommendation score. On platforms like Kelley Blue Book and Cars.com, owners awarded the 2006 Sierra an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating with a remarkable 94 percent recommendation score. It also has an affordable entry point of anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000 used in today's market.The GMC Sierra model years to avoid are the 2014-2015 GMC Sierra models. These models accumulated the most complaints, ranging from climate control failures to electrical issues, engine knocking, and poor headlight performance. The 2007 model is another model year that should be avoided. GMC Sierra Denali (2015-2016, 2019-2020) GMC The GMC Sierra Denali has premium features and enhanced build quality that actually improve the long-term durability of the Sierra model. The best years of the third-generation Denali were the 2015 to 2016 Denali models. GMC debugged all the luxury features and employed the magnetic ride control system. The premium equipment these trucks were loaded with, including a very accessible infotainment system, doesn’t stop them from being affordable in today's market. Clean used options range from $25,000 to $35,000. From 2019 to 2020, Denali trucks of the fourth-generation enjoyed improvements to the premium trim. The 6.2-liter V8 engine was considered the most reliable engine, delivering 420 horsepower without sacrificing dependability. The issues that plagued the 2017 and 2018 model GMC Sierra Denali’s 10-speed automatic transmission have been fully sorted.The differences between the GMC Sierra Denali and the standard Sierra go deeper than leather seats and chrome trim. The higher-quality materials that line the interior are much better at resisting wear and tear than base-level components. With the magnetic ride control system, GMC was able to achieve superior handling without introducing reliability concerns. The Denali trim is equipped with more extensive sound deadening, as well as corrosion protection to shield critical components from the elements. On Kelley Blue Book, 63 percent of owners ranked the 2019 and 2020 Sierra Denali five out of five stars, while consumer ratings on Cars.com gave the 2020 model year 4.5 to 4.9 scores in categories like Comfort, Interior, and Performance.