Used Pickup Trucks You Should Avoid at All Costs

Shopping for a pickup truck can be expensive, so you decide to save a few dollars and get a used one. In theory, this should work out fine, as long as you don't accidentally buy one of the used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs.

How do I know which pickup truck to buy, or more importantly, not to buy? Well, you're going to want to go to an auto mechanic to get the final verdict, but what I can do is give you an idea of which trucks are continually plagued with serious issues. If you stay true to this list, you'll have a lot more success on the secondary market.

Buying a truck can be stressful, so best to avoid a clunker and cause yourself unnecessary torture. That cheap truck may seem like a budget friendly option, but once you've considered the costs of repairs that come with owning an unreliable car, the "true" value of the car will be close to nil. So, keep that in mind, and avoid these money pits at all costs.

Nissan Titan

Nissan isn't really known for their trucks — for a good reason. The Nissan Titan is one of the used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs. This hulking, outdated truck has various reliability issues. One of the most common is real axle leakage.

It's all downhill from there when it comes to this truck, and problems tend to snowball with this make. It's not uncommon for the entire rear end to fail. Best leave this one where you found it.

Toyota Tacoma

Toyota makes some pretty reliable vehicles, but this mid-size pickup isn't one of them. They've been prone to acceleration issues, cheap, peely paint jobs, and worse yet, engine failure — making this one among the other used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs.

Tacoma’s have also been subject to a massive 700,000 vehicle recall for the 2005 through 2011 models — making it a clear-cut choice for used pickup trucks to avoid at all costs. I'll say!

Dodge Ram 1500

It's a safe bet that if you buy a used Dodge Ram 1500, you'll be dealing with transmission issues somewhere down the line. If you're lucky enough to avoid those, you still have severe oil sludge build-ups, possible engine failure, and cracked dashboards to worry about. These clunkers have been subject to various recalls over the years, and are to be avoided.

The newer models even suffer from a below average safety rating, as well as a host of electronic issues. Troubles with cruise control and faulty radios are also pretty common with these trucks.

Dodge Ram 3500

Bigger certainly does not mean better, especially when it comes to one of the larger used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs. The Ram 3500 suffers from some pretty substantial problems, including transmission, suspension, and steering. The dreaded death wobble is widely reported in this faulty machine.

The shaky suspension can lead to trouble steering, and what can be more terrifying than not being able to control a thee-quarter ton battering Ram?

Dodge Dakota

Seeing a bit of a pattern here with Dodge, huh? The Dodge Dakota isn't even made anymore, but is still among the used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs. So, if you see one in a used lot, I'd keep looking.

These discontinued beasts suffer from oil pressure problems, oil sludge build-up, and brake problems. The brakes in this thing would lock up at random, costing the driver new calipers, pads, and rotors — if they were fortunate enough to come away with their life.

Ford F-150

One of America's best selling trucks is also on the list of used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs. Many of these older models are just plagued with expensive issues. Engine problems aren't the most common of its issues, but they do occur more than owners would like.

Spark plugs that break off inside the head, or pops out, loud noises from the motor, and all kinds of other engine failures have accompanied F-150. Then, there's power window failure and the much dreaded transmission failure. Needless to say, there have been dozens of recalls with various models of the F-150 since its inception.

Ford F-250

The bigger Ford truck, the F-250, didn't get it right either. The F-250 finds itself front and center when it comes to used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs. This Ford suffers from extremely shaky suspension, and significant cases of engine failure. The engine trouble has continued with most of their older models, so best not to role the dice on this one.

Also, the F-250 has experienced premature braking and unintended acceleration. Finally, some models have the dreaded death wobble and suspension issues that will make your hair stand up on the back of your neck.

Chevrolet Colorado

Being one of the smallest trucks on this list of used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs, doesn't make its problems any smaller. It might seem more efficient, less expensive, and easier to handle on the highway, but that's only on the surface level.

For one, sometimes the engine just can't be bothered to start. Put AC control issues in the mix, and a check engine light that never seems to know what the hell it's doing, and you've got a vehicle that will make you want to pull your hair out. Engine stalls have also been widely reported, so it's best to skip the Colorado altogether.

Chevrolet Silverado

The Silverado has become a notoriously poor truck to buy second hand — for a plethora of reasons. Rusted out brake lines have been a major complaint, costing owners several hundred dollars a pop. Engine issues are also on the list, as well as mysterious clunking noises coming from the engine.

Some of the old models have also suffered from poor engine design, causing the thing to hemorrhage oil and guzzle precious fuel. Shaky and noisy suspension, and an automatic transmission that fails to work properly is many of the truck's more fatal issues.

Chevrolet Avalanche

Last on used pickup trucks you should avoid at all costs is, of course, another Chevy. There's a reason for that old chant "Chevy, Chevy, their the best, drive half-way and walk the rest." This discontinued Avalanche is one to steer clear from when shopping for a cheap used truck. So, if you're an easy mark, be warned.

Speedometer issues were pretty widely reported, and it's kind of important to know how fast you're going — the cops won't buy your faulty speedometer excuse anyway. The dashboard is also very crack-prone. Throw in transmission failures, and other various issues related to essential operation. Finally, excessive engine oil consumption in the Chevy Avalanche have permanently branded this truck troublesome.