Car financing: blue 2020 GMC Terrain SLE in Java

The 2020 GMC Terrain SLE for buyers

We are a rental company, not a dealer, so there is no 2020 GMC Terrain SLE for sale by us right now. We are not a lender and do not arrange loans. A monthly rental can cover the time while you arrange financing with your bank. The 2020 GMC Terrain SLE for buyers: what the numbers say, what to check, how to try it.

Recalls and complaints

In Ontario, a used car needs a Safety Standards Certificate to be registered. Owners filed 197 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes, engine and unknown or other; have those parts checked. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model; ask the seller for proof each one was fixed. Ask for the service records and check open recalls by the VIN.

What the figures tell you

Power comes from the 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo, driving through a 9-speed automatic. The turbo gives a small engine the pull of a bigger one when you need it. With front-wheel drive, the weight of the engine sits over the driven wheels, which helps in winter.

By the EPA's combined rating of 8.6 L/100 km, 300 km takes about 26 litres. A weekend of 300 km comes to about $39.99 at our price setting. EPA puts its fuel cost at US$2,500 a year for 15,000 miles at US prices.

The Terrain in everyday use

It offers the space of an SUV with the height that makes loading easy. The EPA lists 368 litres for luggage, roughly about two large suitcases and a few soft bags.

Who the Terrain suits

It suits people curious about the model who want to drive it before they buy. It suits a family trip where everyone and everything fits in one car.

A longer test drive

Load it with your things and park it where you park; then decide. A test week in the Terrain tells you more than any review. Renting first costs a fraction of the price of buying the wrong car.

What it costs to run

A pre-purchase inspection is a small cost next to the price of the car. A 1,000 km month costs roughly $133.30 at our price setting. The EPA estimates US$2,500 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices.

Which one to look for

Write down the VIN of any car you consider; it unlocks the recall and service history. If two trims share a powertrain, the difference is equipment, which you can check in person. If you are unsure between two options, rent one of them for a week first.

Renting for Java

If you are starting from Toronto, rent the car here and drive it to Java. CarmaCars is based in Toronto, about 1,639 km from Java, and does not deliver there.

Over to you

Questions about trying a car first? Ask in your request.