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The List of Best Pickup Trucks To Buy Pre-Owned

If you're looking for an affordable way to buy a pickup truck, the pre-owned market offers a lot of choices that are still reliable. Here are the best pickup trucks you should consider buying pre-owned.

By Oliver BennetPublished 2 years ago 9 min read
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A brand new pickup truck can get expensive and unaffordable for those who want a vehicle to use for both play and work. The high starting price is inaccessible for those working on a tight budget. Good thing the secondary market offers pre-owned pickup trucks that are still reliable and fit the bill. Still, several factors need to be considered to get your money's worth.

There are plenty of options for pickup trucks available in the pre-owned market. The quality of the vehicle you choose greatly depends on the mileage, year model, and condition. Some second-hand trucks can retain higher value when they are highly sought-after models. Pre-owned pickup trucks present some perks like they are ready to modify since you don't have to worry about voiding the warranty whenever you install truck parts of your choosing. It is ideal for drivers who would like to have a truck ready as their next project vehicle, for work like towing, and even for off-roading.

Buying a pre-owned pickup truck is cost-effective; you don't need to claim expensive packages and add-ons. You can buy most parts in the aftermarket at a lower cost, like a new suspension lift kit. To help you figure out what reliable and cheaper trucks you can buy pre-owned, we have compiled a list to narrow down your options.

1. Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is considered to be a practical option for a used pickup truck. It is ideal for both utility and off-roading as it performs as a real truck should. The second-generation Toyota Tacoma from 2005 to 2015 are the best models to buy pre-owned. These trucks still sell well in the used market due to the models' consistent reliability ratings and consumer satisfaction.

Toyota Tacoma is durable and can last for several years. It is competent in off-roading, especially when reinforced with an off-road wheel and tire package. Its rigid construction has been tested and proven off-road, withstanding harsh terrain and conquering challenging obstacles. It can reach 300,000 miles with little to no issue as long as properly maintained. The second generation can be an efficient workhorse because of its 6,800 lbs towing capacity when properly equipped. This pickup truck has good fuel economy, thus making it an excellent truck to consider for daily use.

2. Chevy Avalanche

The Chevrolet Avalanche can effectively function as a family vehicle and a pickup truck. It is a four-door pickup truck that can fit up to six passengers. It shares the long-wheelbase used on the Chevrolet Suburban, replacing the enclosed rear cargo area with a short truck bed. It has a midgate that can be a folding partition between the truck bed and the passengers to load long items when the rear seat is folded.

The last four years of its production earned above-average ratings for reliability. If buying pre-owned, look for models from 2013 or later since they have the most up-to-date features. It falls short in terms of towing and hauling, but the performance and durability are enough for this truck to be considered one of the best pre-owned trucks to buy.

3. GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon is one of the best mid-size trucks you can buy. It can last for about 200,000 miles or longer when properly maintained. It is also fuel-efficient, offering a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine ideal for getting the most MPG. You can opt for higher trims with better performance and fuel economy with either a 3.6L V6 or 2.8L turbodiesel engine. The engine and transmission remained consistent and satisfactory throughout the decade. The GMC Canyon can be considered a premium choice in this list because of its interior packed with modern luxury amenities for a comfortable and convenient riding experience.

The 2020 model is rated as the most reliable of all the GMC Canyon. However, the model is recent, so the resale price is a bit expensive for pre-owned. The 2010 and 2011 are the most affordable GMC Canyon. They earned high-reliability ratings and good fuel economy. The 2015 model stands out among the pre-owned choices because of its complete redesign with roomy rear seating and appealing cabin.

4. Chevy Colorado

The Chevy Colorado is almost similar to the GMC Canyon in terms of reliability. However, Colorado is the cheaper option between the two since the Canyon is slightly more premium. This truck is suitable for family use and performing tasks with their vehicles. Older models from 2007 to 2010 take the top spot regarding reliability ratings and fuel economy. These model years rarely encountered problems and received few complaints from the consumers.

Colorado is an excellent choice for a pre-owned pickup truck because they are very dependable and readily available for under $5000. It is easy to look for this mid-size pickup truck in the secondary market, and some pre-owned Colorados have less than 100,000 miles with four-wheel drive.

5. Ford F-150

The best-selling and most popular truck in America for decades undoubtedly be one of the best trucks to buy pre-owned. The Ford F-150 is sturdy and stood the test of time for six generations. It is common for this truck to be used as a daily driver due to its comfortable and generous amount of cabin space. This truck has one of the largest truck beds ranging from 66- to 96-inches and can haul a payload of up to 3,230 lbs. The cargo space makes it an ideal vehicle for carrying tools and equipment for outdoor recreational activities.

This truck is also a formidable off-roader, especially those with rugged trims and an FX4 off-road package. It features low-range four-wheel drive, electronic locking rear differential, and hill descent control that help conquer harsh terrains. Ford F-150 outperforms almost all of the trucks in its class in terms of power and reliability. The Ford F-150 can tow from 5,000 lbs to 12,100 lbs when properly equipped. With this amount of power, the F-150 is a capable off-road recovery vehicle as long as equipped with a durable winch and strap.

The 2009 model has the best reliability rating among the model years. Model years from 1998 to 2003 are the most affordable F-150 that you can buy second-hand going for under $5000. Finding these trucks in good condition is relatively easy, which makes it more accessible for those looking for pre-owned trucks.

6. Ram 1500

The Dodge Ram 1500 drives more like a luxury car than a full-size pickup truck due to its exclusive coil-spring rear suspension and self-leveling suspension. This feature provides an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride regardless of the road and surface. The turbodiesel V6 engine of Ram 1500 offers excellent fuel efficiency. Still, other engine options such as V8 and HEMI can significantly improve its towing and hauling capacities.

There are plenty of used Ram 1500 models to choose from, though the 2013 model year stands out with the highest reliability rating. Finding an affordable pre-owned Ram 1500 with less than 150,000 miles is relatively easy as well.

7. Toyota Tundra

Another pickup truck from Toyota made it to the list. The first generation of Toyota Tundra is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a pre-owned full-size pickup truck. It has either a 4.0L V6 or 4.7L V8 engine that provides improved overall performance and fuel efficiency. Toyota continues to bring out the full potential of the Tundra, which is why it hasn't undergone a significant redesign since 2017. The Tundra is truly exceptional when it comes to reliability, earning top marks for eight years in Consumer Reports. The 2009 and 2013 models scored the best in terms of reliability.

Toyota Tundra works hard in performing vehicle-related tasks as well as handling off-road terrains. It is the truck you should look for when you're on a tight budget since it requires minimal maintenance, thanks to its long-lasting construction. It is easy to customize if you are planning to take it to the great outdoors and off-roading.

8. Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is known as America's cheapest pickup truck. No wonder, even in the pre-owned market, it is also one of the most affordable used trucks you can buy with model years 1997 to 2004 going for less than $5000. There are also Frontiers as new as 2010 that can go as low as that price, but it may take a lot of time and effort searching to find one.

The Nissan Frontier is a reliable pickup truck with consistent performance, smooth ride, and fuel economy. The 4WD comes in handy in seasonal road conditions. Its mid-size frame, towing and hauling capabilities, and available off-road configurations paired with the V6 engine make it an excellent truck for both city and off-road driving.

9. Ford Ranger

Used Ford Rangers from 1998 to 2011 are commonly available in the pre-owned market. They are quite inexpensive, with prices ranging from $3000 up to $10,000, depending on the condition and configurations. The Ford Ranger highlights simplicity which makes it accessible and appealing to first-time car owners. There are many cab and bed configurations, making it easy for buyers to choose a model that is perfectly suited to their needs. Parts are abundant, so second-hand buyers won't have a hard time making repairs and replacements when needed.

Most Ford Ranger models scored high in reliability, with the 2009 model earning top marks before its hiatus in 2011. The Ranger has a 4.0L V6 engine that generates 207hp and 238 lb-ft of torque with a towing capacity of 6,000lbs. This truck is reliable and rugged, ideal for daily driving, performing tasks, and off-roading.

10. Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline remains consistent in riding quality and handling, thanks to its refined engine. It earned high marks in reliability ratings, dependability, and consumer satisfaction.

The truck bed of Ridgeline is relatively short, but it has an ingenious locking storage bin under the floor of the bed. It also has a two-way rear tailgate that swings open to the left or folds down. You can fold the rear seats to give more room for long items to haul. The cabin of Ridgeline is roomy and comfortable for daily driving.

The Honda Ridgeline deserves a spot as a recommended pre-owned truck to buy. It is a good option for a compact pickup truck. Although it can be inexpensive, the Ridgeline is quite hard to spot for sale on the used market since most owners tend to hold on to this vehicle.

Looking for a used pickup truck to buy doesn't have to be that difficult. The pre-owned market still has plenty of hidden gems to offer. These pickup trucks are great and durable that can last for another 100,000 miles. Note that it still takes some time and effort to search for these vehicles in the pre-owned market.

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About the Creator

Oliver Bennet

My interest in automotive specifically for trucks and other 4x4 started as a hobby but eventually became one of my careers. I've been writing automotive-related content for 4WheelOnline since 2017.

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