9 Best Used Trucks To Buy - MotorTrend

Ooh boy, creating these lists is like kicking a hornet's nest. Invariably we get angry emails along the lines of, "Hey dummies, why didn't you include [insert truck here]!" Yes, we know there are other low-priced, dependable secondhand candidates out there that could be substituted for one or more of the trucks on our list. But we wanted to cover a wide range of usages, everything from diesel single and dually options with heavy towing in mind to economical four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive pickups that deliver good mileage and won't kill your wallet with poor fuel economy or exorbitant repair bills.

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We also tried to keep the overall budget in check. Sure, a Ram TRX or Ford Raptor would make for a killer used truck, but neither ticks as many boxes when you consider a balance of performance, longevity, price, utility, durability, and other long-term factors that go into the decision-making process of your average used truck purchaser. So without further ado, here are nine of the most reliable, affordable, and downright best used trucks you can buy.

9. – Nissan Frontier

The second-generation - Nissan Frontier crams a lot of bang for the buck into a durable and surprisingly utilitarian package. Available with crew cab layouts that seat five; a deep, usable bed; solid body-on-frame construction; and a durable chassis built to withstand use in countries with unimproved roadways, the Frontier isn't a frail wallflower. Its interiors are a bit spartan, but if you're looking for a solid meat-and-potatoes truck for transportation and work, there's almost certainly a second-gen Nissan Frontier available for every budget.

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Available with an economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the more common (in the U.S., anyway) 4.0-liter V-6 that allows up to 6,500 pounds of trailer-towing capacity, the Nissan Frontier offers you levels of performance and reliability approaching those of the Toyota Tacoma but without the astronomical Tacoma used price.

PRICE RANGE: Depending on year, condition, options, and mileage, expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000 for a - Nissan Frontier.

More on the – Chevy Colorado

If GM knows one thing, it's how to build a durable engine, and pretty much any of the Colorado's powerplant options will serve you well. Just pick your fuel economy bogies and select accordingly. The Colorado was offered with uplevel interior trim that will get you all the bells and whistles you can imagine, but GM's long-term durability for items like switches and relays and wiring can be somewhat questionable, so what you gain in drivetrain durability you may wind up trading off with annoying electrical gremlins and aesthetic drawbacks like chalking plastics. But again, if you're looking for a solid, reliable vehicle that can haul your junk and will go vroom every time you turn the key, a Colorado or Canyon can be purchased for much less than a comparable Tacoma—and depending on the drivetrain, it can get you some bigger performance to boot. In our experience testing GM trucks in real-world conditions, we generally see fuel economy numbers that range anywhere from 5 to 15 percent better than comparable trucks from other brands.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay $6,000-$24,000 for a - Colorado in good condition, depending on year, options, and mileage.

7. – Ram

One word when it comes to half-ton Ram trucks : Hemi. Don't bother with the V-6 or 4.7-liter V-8, though the 3.6-liter Pentastar is surprisingly economical and puts out a respectable 305 hp. When Ram introduced the 5.7-liter Hemi engine in its pickup line in , it came to market with nearly 100 horsepower more than Ford or GM. The Hemi has proven to be a durable engine, despite additions such as the Multiple Displacement System that deactivates cylinders for fuel economy.

Related: Ram Rampage Small Unibody Pickup Truck Revealed for "America"

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Whether crew or standard cab, the - Ram s are a virtual bargain in the world of half-ton pickup trucks, especially if you're looking to tow a relatively heavy trailer and you need plenty of power and ample braking. Huge four-wheel discs, the option of a very durable 4WD system or slightly more economical 2WD setup, and a big Chrysler 9.25-inch rear axle are the stuff of longevity no matter how much work you throw at them.

Engine-wise, the 5.7-liter Hemi is rated at a whopping 390 hp and 407 lb-ft in to models, once again getting a bump in to 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. Transmission-wise, from to it's the 545RFE five-speed auto transmission, which in received a recalibration that split second gear, essentially turning it into a six-speed. Then in , the insanely good eight-speed ZF automatic became standard, really letting the Hemi excel with a gear for any situation. Despite the performance, these trucks don't hang onto their resale value as tightly as imports like the Tacoma, so any Ram of this era should give you a lot of value, relatively speaking.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 for a good-condition - Ram truck, depending as always on year, options, and mileage.

6. – Chevrolet Silverado

We'll be coming back to this point later in this list, but consider the fact that many different kinds of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups were used for fleet service. That means replacement parts are plentiful, cheap, and stocked virtually everywhere. It also means used variants with high mileage but otherwise good maintenance upkeep should continue to populate the used market. Heck, even Home Depot buys these trucks to rent out. Finding a good used Silverado or Sierra to haul, pull, tow, or push whatever you're looking to work with shouldn't be hard.

Related: Chevrolet Trucks—What's New for Colorado, Silverado, and More

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Available in configurations from standard-cab short-bed with roll-up windows all the way to high-zoot crew cabs with leather-lined luxury interiors in 2WD or 4WD, almost any or newer GM pickup will get you the option of GM's excellent 4.8-liter, 5.3-liter, or in some cases 6.0-liter or 6.2-liter V-8 engines. In , GM began using AFM (Active Fuel Management) to deactivate banks of cylinders, essentially turning the V-8 into a four-cylinder under light load conditions. Without routine oil changes, some of these newer engines can suffer from purported high oil-use issues and/or cylinder blowby, but for the most part the LS-series engines are still durable, powerful workhorses. In the six-speed 6L80E transmission replaced the 4L60E as the standard transmission, and in the 8L90E eight-speed supplanted that.

With all that said, we're going on a limb and saying the third-gen - Silverado would be our pick if we were shopping for one of these trucks. This generation is new enough that it won't suffer greatly from high miles, the engine availability is wide-ranging, including the 285-hp/305 lb-ft 4.3-liter V-6, 355-hp/383 lb-ft 5.3-liter V-8, or even the big 420-hp/460 lb-ft behemoth 6.2-liter V-8, and it'll have all the newer creature comforts like backup cameras, automatic everything, and in some cases even that new truck smell.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay between $13,000 and $50,000 for a good-condition ‒ Silverado, depending on year, options, and mileage.

5. – Toyota Tundra

The first-generation - Toyota Tundra isn't really a full-size pickup in our book, no matter what the marketing literature says. With a four-speed automatic backing a respectable 245-hp 4.7-liter V-8, they're solid trucks that offer a lot of bang for the buck. But by now these vehicles will be getting up there in the mileage department, and despite their durability and quality components, in the long run you're probably better served shopping for a second-gen - Tundra . These trucks received a full makeover with a truly full-size body and the option of Toyota's excellent 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8. This puts the Tundra firmly on level ground with domestic half-ton competitors from Ram, Ford, and Chevy in terms of towing, hauling, and just racing from stoplight to stoplight.

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Backing the engine choices for these 2WD or 4x4 models is Toyota's burly five- or six-speed auto, depending on the engine and drivetrain makeup. Either transmission is up for moderate towing and hauling and offers very good durability, as you'd expect from anything wearing a Toyota badge. The quality of the interior components is higher than what you'll find in the domestics; the seats, armrests, and even sun visors show comparatively less wear with similar use.

Related: History of the Toyota Truck in America

The one weird Toyota drawback is the company's propensity to festoon the interior with a thousand buttons of every shape, size, and location. Seriously, if there's a square inch of unclaimed dash space, Toyota will find a button for something to stick there. That said, the second-gen Tundra comes in almost any variant of cab or bed configuration, from the super stripped-down, bare-bones base model all the way up to its highest Platinum trim package with all the bells and whistles.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay between $22,000 and $34,000 for a good-condition ‒ Tundra, depending on year, options, and mileage.

4. ‒ Ram / Cummins Turbodiesel Inline-Six

Seriously, in many cases Ram or trucks equipped with a Cummins turbodiesel engine hold their value so well it's not uncommon to find used models with 100,000 miles on them being sold for just a few thousand dollars shy of a brand-new model. But when you consider that these engines will pull just about anything you ask them to until the truck falls apart around them, you begin to understand why they fetch such a premium. If you're looking for a good used tow rig, a Ram or should be on the top of your list. The new crew-cab body style came in , with these older models still enjoying the 5.9-liter Cummins that had a four-speed auto or six-speed manual, with the manual getting the higher torque rating. Then in , the new 6.7-liter Cummins was introduced behind a six-speed auto that could handle the new engine's higher 650-lb-ft rating. However, these first-year 6.7-liter Rams made do with a regenerative system to cook off the DPF soot; the system used a lot of fuel and wasn't quite perfected.

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By the time the fourth-gen Rams rolled out, they had a more modern urea injection system that allowed the diesel to operate longer between required regeneration cycles, improving mileage and longevity of the expensive DPF and other emissions devices. These - Ram or Cummins trucks are available (depending on chassis and GVW) with up to 385 hp and an astounding 930 lb-ft with an integrated exhaust brake to boot. And as you'd expect, everything from 2WD or solid-axle 4WD, cab-and-chassis to luxury Laramie crew-cab long-bed can be had for the picking.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay $17,000-$60,000 for a good-condition - Ram /, depending on year, options, and mileage.

3. – Ford Super Duty (Gasoline)

Ah, the good old Navistar 7.3-liter Powerstroke. What? Your Ford Super Duty was made after ? If it's a diesel, it probably has some sort of problematic issue, from FICM to blown head gaskets, faulty turbo, and an ensuing list of crap we don't have energy to list. The later 6.0-liter, 6.4-liter, and yes, even 6.7-liter turbodiesels have a raft of issues you have to visit the aftermarket to properly deal with. And it's for that reason, along with the switch in to a more supple coil-sprung front suspension and tighter-turning Dana 60 in the 4x4s, that we'd be shopping for a later-model Super Duty; in our mind the only reason to get the - truck would be the 7.3-liter Power Stroke. But wait, there's more! If you fast-forward to , you'll see Ford gave its F-250 and F-350 Super Duty a much-needed face-lift with updated sheetmetal, a new grille, and an updated interior. Also, the frame was thickened and strengthened, and a 6.2-liter gas V-8 that cranked out 385 hp and 405 lb-ft was added to the non-diesel engine options alongside the 362-hp, 457-lb-ft 6.8-liter Triton V-10.

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Backing either of these gas engines was a venerable 6R140 six-speed auto that was up to heavy towing use . The 6.2-liter V-8 may seem sexy because it offers more horsepower than the V-10, and early Triton V-10s with short plug threads gave the engine a bad reputation for durability, but with 10 cylinder pulses per engine revolution instead of eight and 52 lb-ft more torque, the 6.8-liter V-10 was still the reigning gas-powered tow engine for these - Super Duty trucks. Whether 2WD or 4WD, crew-cab, extra-cab, or single-cab, short- or long-bed, a gas-powered Super Duty might hurt your wallet a bit at the pump, but given that they were used by municipalities of all sorts in fleet service, are easily maintained, and offer a stupid amount of durability, the gas-powered - Super Duty trucks of this era would be our choice for a darn fine combination daily driver and heavy hauler.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $65,000 for a good-condition - Super Duty, depending on year, options, and mileage.

2. – Toyota Tacoma

Seriously, who doesn't want a Toyota Tacoma? You see everybody driving them, from little old grandmas to high school kids, and with good reason; since the Tacoma came on the scene, they've been ubiquitous in terms of being comfortable, economical, safe, purposeful, and plentiful. A used Toyota Tacoma can be pretty much anything you want it to be, with the exception of cheap. That goes especially for our pre-owned Tacoma of choice, the third-generation - Toyota Tacoma . For whatever reason, the Tacoma, especially a third-gen version, is one of those vehicles that frequently makes more sense to purchase new than used, with 100,000-mile Tacomas routinely selling for only a few thousand off brand-new sticker prices. Supply and demand, we guess.

More on the ‒ Toyota Tacoma

That said, there's a lot to love beyond how well these trucks maintain their value. Granted, the 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes adequate power (159 hp and 180 lb-ft), but for resale value and towing capacity we'd select the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The 3.5-liter engine's 278 hp and 265 lb-ft barely makes enough power to get your blood pumping, but it also doesn't make enough power to tax the transmission, axle, or vehicle underpinnings to any great degree, which is probably one of the big reasons why these trucks are very capable of delivering more than 300,000 miles of nearly trouble-free service.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay from $14,500 to as much as $70,000 for a good-condition - Tacoma, depending on year, options, and mileage.

1. – Ford F-150

Yeah—who didn't see this one coming? There's a reason the Ford F-150 has been the bestselling pickup truck in America for a gazillion years. With a longer generational lineage than most monarchies, it's hard to pick a favorite, but the more recent generations of this iconic pickup undoubtedly offer lower miles and more features to the modern shopper looking for a mix of utility, reliability, and comfort. We're not superfans of the newer aluminum body construction, so for us we prefer the 12th-generation - F-150 variants . Whether 2WD or 4x4, a dizzying array of engine options including 3.7-liter V-6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, 4.6-liter, 5.0-liter, 5.4-liter, and even the burly 6.2-liter (Raptor) was available in this chassis.

More on the ‒ Ford F-150

Back any of these engines with one of Ford's exceptional 4R75E four-speed or 6R80E six-speed (depending on model year and engine) transmissions and then select from virtually any range of cab, bed, and trim configurations, and you've got a vehicle to suit virtually any need and fit almost any budget. Towing up to 11,300 pounds and hauling up to 3,060 are in the Ford F-150's wheelhouse, and given that these were used as fleet vehicles for a variety of purposes, replacement parts should be available in the gum aisle of your local 7-Eleven, as well.

PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $28,000 for a good-condition - Ford F-150, depending on year, options, and mileage.

What Is the Most Reliable Used Truck To Buy?

If you're looking for the most reliable used truck, the Toyota Tacoma gets the highest marks based on the most current data. It's not surprising, given the high levels of engineering that go into the newer Tacoma, with an eye toward protecting the engine and vital drivetrain components from foreign debris and contaminants. For example, the Tacoma benefits from a replaceable in-line coolant filter that can be found right at the upper radiator hose, within easy reach for service. And Toyota goes the extra mile to make sure no foreign objects or debris find their way to the Tacoma's throttle body by using not one but two air filters in the air intake system—just a couple of small but telling examples of forethought from a company that strives to maintain its marked reputation for long life and dependability.

What Used Truck Should You Avoid Buying?

When it comes to selecting which pickup truck we recommend you actually shouldn't purchase, it's always something that'll ruffle the feathers of at least a few individuals. That said, one truck that gets low points for customer satisfaction is the first-generation Nissan Titan . Although its 5.6-liter V-8 engine and five-speed auto transmission are pretty good, some of the Titan's other components aren't quite up to the task. The large, full-size pickup uses a rather small Dana 44 rear axle that struggles to deal with the pickup's max-rated tow capacity of 9,400 pounds and powerful 305 hp/379 lb-ft engine. Furthermore, the brakes are a bit overwhelmed at that tow rating, and although they provide adequate stopping power, they can suffer from warpage and overheating with prolonged, heavy braking at or near max GVWR. Long-term interior trim durability seems lacking by reported accounts, as well.

Related: GVWR vs. GCWR—What's the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?

What Pickup Trucks Are Worth Restoring?

It's funny to talk about restoring some of the vehicles on this list, especially since many aren't even 20 years old yet. So rather than trying to cram a square peg in a round hole by making an argument for restoring one of these suckers, we'll instead go with a sure thing: Get your hands on a seventh-generation - Ford F-150 pickup. These trucks are new enough that they're still somewhat affordable, especially when compared with the more collectible "bumpside" and "dentside" trucks of the s and s. You can still find these - trucks in fair to poor condition (essentially project material) at or under $5,000, and parts are often still available through many brick-and-mortar and online catalog retailers. Once fixed up, these can fetch $10,000-$20,000, depending on model and options, so they're not an investment you'll necessarily lose your shirt over.

How Many Miles Are Too Many for a Used Truck?

When you're determining what is too much mileage on a used pickup truck, it really depends on the truck itself. There are hundreds of accounts of Toyota Tacoma pickups logging 300,000 miles or more. Heck, Tacomas with 500,000-600,000 miles on the factory drivetrain aren't unheard of. For us, we'd be perfectly comfortable stepping into a used Toyota pickup that had 100,000-180,000 miles on it, as long as the price was agreeable. With the Cummins-powered Ram pickups, we'd totally trust the diesel engine to live up to or beyond those numbers, but we'd expect other parts of the vehicle to fall apart around it, namely the transmission, interior, and electrical systems. That's why we probably wouldn't touch a Cummins Ram with much more than 200,000 miles on it, and even then, it would have to be a screaming deal. Conversely, we're not sure we'd trust a Chevy Colorado or Silverado pickup, Ram , or even Ford F-150 to last much more than 250,000 miles before something major needed addressing, so for models like that we would probably be looking at pre-owned trucks with a maximum mileage of 75,000-85,000.

The market for second-hand trucks is thriving, and for good reason. Buying a used truck can be a smart move for businesses looking to expand their fleet without breaking the bank. Whether you are a small business owner, a logistics manager, or a first-time buyer, finding the right truck at the right price can have a significant impact on your operations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of buying a quality used truck and provide tips to ensure you get the best deal possible.

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1. Why Buy a Second-Hand Truck?

Opting for a second-hand truck over a new one offers numerous benefits, making it a compelling choice for many. Here’s why:

Cost Savings: Second-hand trucks are significantly cheaper than new models, allowing buyers to get higher-specification vehicles at a fraction of the cost.

Depreciation Advantage: New trucks lose value quickly, especially in the first couple of years. Buying used means you avoid the steep initial depreciation.

Variety and Availability: The second-hand market offers a wide range of models, including those that might be discontinued or have special features.

Lower Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums for used trucks are generally lower, which can add up to significant savings in the long run.

2. Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Truck

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to evaluate the truck thoroughly to avoid costly mistakes. Here are the primary factors to consider:

Vehicle History: Check the service history of the truck. Ensure that it has been maintained properly and that all major repairs have been documented.

Mileage: While low mileage is often preferred, high mileage on well-maintained trucks can also be a good deal. Evaluate the truck based on its condition rather than mileage alone.

Engine Condition: Inspect the engine thoroughly. Look for oil leaks, unusual sounds, or smoke from the exhaust, as these can indicate underlying issues.

Transmission and Brakes: Check if the transmission shifts smoothly and that the brakes are in good working order.

Tires and Suspension: Tires should have even wear, and the suspension should be firm. Uneven tire wear could indicate alignment issues or suspension problems.

Accident History: Always check for signs of previous accidents. A detailed inspection can reveal if major structural repairs have been done.

3. Choosing the Right Type of Used Truck for Your Needs

The type of truck you need depends on your specific requirements. Consider the following options:

Light-Duty Trucks: Ideal for city transportation and short-distance hauls.

Medium-Duty Trucks: Suitable for medium-distance hauling and slightly heavier cargo.

Heavy-Duty Trucks: Best for long-distance hauls, carrying heavy loads, and construction projects.

4. Tips for Inspecting a Second-Hand Truck Before Purchase

A thorough inspection is critical to avoid buying a lemon. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check Under the Hood: Look for any signs of leaks, rust, or corrosion.

2. Inspect the Exterior: Walk around the truck to check for dents, rust spots, or paint inconsistencies.

3. Look Inside the Cabin: Make sure the seats, dashboard, and electronics are in good condition.

4. Test Drive: Pay attention to how the truck feels on the road. Any unusual sounds, vibrations, or lack of power could be a red flag.

5. Consult a Mechanic: If you’re not confident in your inspection skills, it’s worth investing in a professional mechanic to check the truck.

5. Where to Find Reliable Second-Hand Trucks for Sale

Finding a reliable source is crucial for a successful purchase. Consider the following options:

Certified Dealerships: Dealers often provide certified used trucks that have undergone detailed inspections and come with warranties.

Online Marketplaces: Platforms like OLX, TrucksBuses, and Quikr offer a range of used trucks for sale. However, exercise caution and verify the seller’s reputation.

Auctions: Truck auctions can be a good place to find bargains, but the risk is higher, so ensure you have a clear understanding of what you’re buying.

Direct Sellers: Buying directly from previous owners can sometimes yield the best deals, but be sure to conduct thorough checks.

6. Understanding the Value: Setting Your Budget

Knowing how much a truck is worth will help you set a realistic budget. Consider factors such as:

Age of the Truck: Older models are cheaper but may require more maintenance.

Brand and Model: Popular brands like Tata, Ashok Leyland, and Mahindra tend to retain value better.

Condition and Modifications: Trucks with added features or modifications might be more expensive, but ensure they meet your needs.

7. Closing the Deal: Negotiating and Paperwork

Once you’ve found the right truck, it’s time to negotiate and finalize the deal:

Negotiating the Price: Be prepared to negotiate. Use your knowledge of the truck’s condition and market value to arrive at a fair price.

Finalizing the Paperwork: Ensure that the truck’s registration, insurance, and tax documents are in order. Verify the owner’s identity and ensure a clear transfer of ownership.

8. Maintenance Tips for Your Newly Purchased Used Truck

After buying your second-hand truck, regular maintenance is key to ensuring longevity and performance:

Frequent Oil Changes: Regularly changing the oil keeps the engine running smoothly.

Check Tire Pressure and Alignment: Properly inflated and aligned tires improve fuel efficiency and handling.

Inspect Brakes and Suspension: Keep these components in top condition to avoid costly repairs later.

Conclusion

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