GMC Canyon Review

Though not as popular in terms of sales as full-size pickups, compact and midsize pickups fulfill an important role. For the many new truck buyers whose towing and hauling needs don't require the capabilities of a full-size, these more nimble and fuel-efficient trucks are the perfect choice. GMC's entrant in this segment is the Canyon.

One of the GMC Canyon's biggest assets is its choice of several well-sorted suspension setups that provide impressive capability off-road or sporty handling dynamics on twisty blacktop. The Canyon is also handsome-looking, thanks to its square jaw and broad-shouldered stance, and its impressive crash test scores offer peace of mind to owners.

When it comes to negatives, however, the Canyon is plagued with more than its fair share. For much of this truck's life, its engines have been lacking in the power department, which has limited the truck's ability to comfortably haul cargo or tow heavy loads. Build quality is average at best, and many items within the truck's cabin -- like its door handles and shifter -- feel flimsy and cheap.
Though the snazzy, affordably priced GMC Canyon will no doubt hold a certain charm for budget-conscious shoppers with an eye for style, we think most compact or midsize pickup truck buyers will be better served by other more powerful and capable entries in this segment, such as the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma.

Current GMC Canyon

Three configurations are available for the GMC Canyon: standard cab, extended cab and crew cab. Extended-cab and crew-cab models feature four doors; crew-cab Canyons have four standard-sized doors and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat that can seat three adults, while extended-cab versions offer two small reverse-opening doors and rear jump seats. Canyon crew cabs haul loads with a 5-foot bed, while the other two configurations get the job done with a bed that measures 6 feet.
Three trim levels are available. WT and SL models offer features like air-conditioning, cruise control and an AM/FM stereo, with SL models substituting cloth upholstery for the WT's vinyl. Premium Canyon SLE models add an improved stereo, upgraded upholstery and a more extensive options list. All three trims are offered on standard and extended-cab models, but crew cab models come only in SLE trim. Major options, depending on the trim, include a sunroof, side curtain airbags and satellite radio. There are also two optional suspension packages. The Z71 suspension improves the off-road performance of 4WD trucks, while the ZQ8 package for 2WD trucks enhances on-road handling and grip.
GMC Canyon buyers have a choice of two engines. A 2.9-liter inline four-cylinder produces 185 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, and is standard on all Canyons, save for the four-wheel-drive crew cab. The 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder is more robust, offering 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission are available. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered; the 4WD system has a dual-range transfer case and push-button controls.
The GMC Canyon has met with middling reviews on the editorial front -- its interior has been criticized for being below average in build and material quality. Its engines, too, have been panned as lackluster, though the current Canyon is certainly better in this regard than previous years. In consumer reviews, owners praise the truck for its stylish exterior and quiet ride; gripes primarily concern build quality.
Past GMC Canyons
The GMC Canyon was launched for the 2004 model year. Though still in its first generation, the Canyon has seen a few changes over the years. Originally, the pickup truck debuted with less powerful engines: a 175-hp, 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder and a 220-hp 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder. The ZQ8 package didn't become available until 2006, and the engine power upgrades, along with a revised four-speed automatic transmission with better shift quality, occurred for the 2007 model year.
Consumers shopping for a used GMC Canyon would probably be wise to expand their search to include its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Colorado, which offers basically the same attributes.

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How To Evaluate used Ferrari For purchase

For car lovers, the ultimate in sports car pleasure is to slip behind the wheel of a Ferrari. If it is your deepest desire to own a Ferrari, you will want to make sure to evaluate the Ferrari carefully before you make a purchase. In this way you can ensure that you are getting a quality vehicle that will be a good investment.Once you have narrowed down which particular Ferrari you would like to have as your own, you will need to get an idea of how much that vehicle is worth. There are some good sources for Ferrari valuation. Although ordinarily a wealth of information about several different makes of cars, the Kelley Blue Book lists no pricing information for used Ferraris. Instead, try the N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide. Select the "Consumer" guide, and then enter the make and model as well as the year, and you will get back pricing information. You can search online for the investment car dealer nearest you, although you will certainly have a larger selection to choose from if your search is not limited by geography. When you have a particular car that you are considering, you will want to take a close look at the car's history. One way to do that is to request a history report of the Ferrari for sale. There are several available online, including Experian Automotive and Carfax, which offers a guaranteed used car report for the history of the car. In addition, you will want to inquire as to how the vehicle was maintained by previous owners. Poor maintenance can make for a car that is a poor investment, so checking on this critical area can be an important criterion for your Ferrari car evaluation. You will also need to find out if the vehicle has ever been in any accidents, or survived floods, both of which can potentially reduce the value of the car. It pays to have a qualified mechanic from a Ferrari dealer perform a pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle. Since this is an investment, you will want to be sure to look at how well the vehicle in question will retain its initial value. Since they do not make anymore vintage Ferraris from the 1950s, for example, if you have one that is in great condition, the value will increase simply due to the scarcity involved. Value can also be based in part on its popularity, as well as the way people think about its value. You can learn a lot about Ferraris for sale by joining a Ferrari club. Members can give advice on maintaining a new Ferrari or a vintage Ferrari. Here you will likely be able to gather information to help you find a great Ferrari.

5 tips for buying a used car

While you can get a great bargain by purchasing a second hand car you can also get nothing more than an old banger if you don't take care. When it comes to purchasing a second hand car from a private dealer there are different rules than if you bought from an established dealer. One of the biggest differences are your consumer rights - or lack of them.

While there are many honest and trustworthy people out there selling used cars there are also some "dodgy" characters and of course sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. One of the best tips when buying a car from a private dealer is to pay a small fee to have a car data check carried out. This will check such things as the previous owner of the car, mileage data associated with the vehicle and if there are any problems relating to finance or insurance.

When going to look at a second hand car sold by a private buyer you should consider taking someone with you who knows about cars. If you don't have someone who knows enough about cars and what to look for when buying second hand then it could save you money and heartache in the long run if you were to pay a mechanic to go and look over the car with you before committing yourself to purchasing it.

When buying privately make sure that you learn as much as you can about the make and model of the particular car that you are going to look over. Do an online search through used cars for the model and make sure that you have a very good idea of what that particular make and model is selling for.

When buying privately always make sure that you go and look over the car in daylight. If the seller is wary of letting you do this then it is very likely that they have something to hide. The seller should be able to answer all your questions willingly about the history of the car. If they tell you they don't know or are unsure because they are selling the car for a friend or relative then you should stay clear and look elsewhere. They should also be able to provide you with all the necessary documentation relating to the cars history.

If you are buying a new car from a dealer then be aware of all the added extras which they could try to entice you with and ask yourself if you really need them. Also be careful when it comes to taking any payment protection insurance associated with any car finance through them as this can boost the price up drastically of the car.