Summary

  • Used pickup trucks offer a durable and cost-effective option, with many trucks in excellent condition.
  • The 2007 Nissan Titan is a reliable choice, featuring a strong V-8 engine and a towing capacity of 9,500 pounds.
  • The 2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a solid truck but may experience fuel pump and DPF regeneration issues.

Pickup trucks are all the rage right now. Gone are the days when this breed was mostly chosen by the working class. These vehicles are built tough and durable. If you use them to their full potential, they also offer the maximum bang for the buck. A used truck is one of the best ways to go when you want to save the extra cash that a new dealer charges.

However, many trucks out there are as good as new because they haven't been used and abused to their limit. That is one of the reasons why choosing a used pickup truck makes sense nowadays. Plus, even though the supply problems are getting a little under control when ordering a new truck, some things may not be included due to those supply issues.

The problem is that there are so many vehicles on the market to choose from that it may become frustrating to find one that fits your needs and will not break down soon. With all that in mind, here's a list of the top 10 best-used trucks to buy today.

After consulting with other authoritative websites like Consumer Reports, RepairPal, J.D. Power, and Cars.com, we added reliability scores and some common issues that plague the trucks on this list.

Updated December 6, 2023: The 15 pick-up trucks from last time remain on this list, but we have added valuable information to give a better understanding of the reliability aspect of each entry on the list.

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15 2007 Nissan Titan Can Be Bought For $8,000 Or More

Reliability Score: 4.8/ 5 (Cars.com)

Silver 2007 Nissan Titan
Nissan

On the inside, it came with stuff like a navigation system, DVD player, and side airbags. If you hunt carefully, you'll be able to find models equipped with the Pro-4X off-road package as well. The Nissan Titan came packed with a 5.6-liter V-8 mill under the hood, that put out 317 ponies and 385 pound-feet of torque. It was available in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations. Power was sent to the wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The truck could also tow 9,500 pounds, which isn't bad by any means. You can find the 2007 Nissan Titan for as low as $8,000.

2007 Nissan Titan Specifications

Engine:

5.6-liter, V-8

Horsepower:

317 HP

Torque:

385 pound-feet

Transmission:

Five-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 9,500 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,950 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

With a reliability score of 4.8 out of 5 according to Cars.com, the Nissan Titan is, well, a Titan. Still, there are a few common issues that have been consistently reported by buyers. Those include leaking rear-axle seals due to lack of ventilation or overheating, failing fuel pumps, which can cause a lack of performance and damage to the catalytic converter, and corrosion due to water getting into the connector between the engine and wiring harness. Aside from that, the VK56 DE V-8 engine is praised as being highly reliable, apart from occasional reports of oil leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds, and timing-chain issues.

14 2009 Mitsubishi Raider LS Sells For Around $10,000

Reliability Score: 5/ 5 (Cars.com)

Silver 2009 Mitsubishi Raider
Mitsubishi

Some models bomb the market for a variety of reasons, and the Mitsubishi Raider LS is one of them. Mitsubishi fixed this in the next model year, but guess it was too late. Despite the low selling volume, there's no denying that the Raider LS was one of the most reliable trucks at the time in its class.

2009 Mitsubishi Raider LS Specifications

Engine:

3.7-liter, V-6

Horsepower:

210 HP

Torque:

235 pound-feet

Transmission:

Six-speed Manual or Four-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 4,100 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,600 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

The Mitsubishi pickup truck was powered by a 3.7-liter, V-6 engine that developed 210 horses and 235 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. A four-speed auto gearbox was also available as an option. Towing and payload capacities were rated at 4,100 pounds and 1,650 pounds, respectively.

You can find 2009 models retailing for around $10,000. With a maximum reliability score (according to Cars.com), the Mitsubishi Raider is a faithful workhorse. Still, according to RepairPal.com some of the common issues include the camshaft position sensor, transfer-case shift motor failure, clunking/popping noise from intermediate shaft bearing, and intake manifold bolts prone to breaking.

13 2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty May Be Found For As Little As $12,000

Reliability Score: 4.3/ 5 (Cars.com)

Wine Red 2009 Ford F-1250 Super Duty
Ford

The Ford F-250 comes with the Blue Oval badge, a testimony to its reliability. This full-sized pickup truck was offered with three engine options that included two V-8s – one gas and one diesel – along with a V-10 gas mill. The 6.4-liter, V-8 diesel makes 350 ponies and 650 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to either the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox.

The truck could also tow up to 12,500 pounds and haul up to 3,150 pounds. While it was a solid truck generally, the F-250 Super Duty has been reported with fuel pump and fuel pump driver module errors once it passed 100,000 miles on the odometer. The truck has a high demand, and finding any well-maintained model under $12,000 will be difficult.

2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty Specifications

Engine:

6.4-liter, V-8

Horsepower:

350 HP

Torque:

650 pound-feet

Transmission:

Six-speed Manual or Five-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 12,500 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 3,150 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

While, generally, reliable, the F250 Super Duty's diesel engine may experience issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration mode, which may be inconsistent. This is fixed through a software update to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). High-pressure fuel pumps are also prone to failure, which may cause the truck to fail engine startup. EGR valves and coolant leaks from the radiator are also among the reported issues.

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12 2010 GMC Canyon Starts At $12,000

Reliability Score: 4.7/ 5

White 2010 GMC Canyon
GMC

The V-8 engine churned out 300 ponies and 320 pound-feet of torque. You could choose between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission that would send power to either the rear wheels or all of them. The maximum towing and payload capacities were rated at 6,000 and 1,422 pounds, respectively. A 2010 model starts at around $12,000, but the prices go up for the V-8 option. However, it is one of the best-used pickups you can buy today.

2010 GMC Canyon Specifications

Engine:

5.3-liter, V-8

Horsepower:

300 HP

Torque:

320 pound-feet

Transmission:

Five-speed Manual and a Four-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,000 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,422 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

The GMC Canyon is a fairly simple and robust pickup truck. The most common problems reported by owners include electrical gremlins, like a non-functioning AC blower due to a failed resistor, a bad fuel-level sensor, and an issue with the gas cap, which may cause a "check engine" light to appear. The most serious reported problem is the throttle-position sensor (TPS), which can result in reduced engine performance and a "check engine" light to appear.

11 2009 Ford Ranger Can Still Be Bought For Under $10,000

Reliability Score: 4.7/ 5 (Cars.com)

A parked 2009 Ford Ranger
Earl0060 via Wikimedia Commons

Don't judge a book by its cover because the Ranger was a reliable truck. It was powered by a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that made 143 horses and 154 pound-feet of torque. An FX4 off-road trim was also available and was a better option in all senses as it came with Ford's 8.8 rear axle, a limited-slip differential, skid plates, tow hooks, Bilstein shocks, and 31-inch all-terrain tires.

A 4.0-liter V-6 mill powered this trim, producing 207 ponies and 238 pound-feet of torque. The latter could also tow up to 6,000 pounds and haul up to 1,260 pounds. And yes, it's the same V-6 found in early S197 Ford Mustangs. Power was sent to the wheels via a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. You can get decent examples for under $10,000.

2009 Ford Ranger Specifications

Engine:

4.0-liter, V-6

Horsepower:

207 HP

Torque:

238 pound-feet

Transmission:

Five-speed Manual or Five-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,000 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,260 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

Common problems for the 2009 Ford Ranger are relatively minor. They include engine vibrations due to misfiring, but that mostly concerns the four-cylinder engine. Catalytic converter failures may occur around 80,000 miles and are most common on the V-6 engine. It costs $1,000 to replace the part.

Suspension noises can occur due to blown shocks, but those happen at a relatively low mileage (around 35,000 miles) so, it's likely taken care of. According to Vehicle History, there were nine recalls for the 2009 Ford Ranger, the most serious of which was the front-wheel spindle, which was prone to separating, potentially, causing a crash.

10 2011 Toyota Tundra Sells For Around $16,000

Reliability Score: 4.9/ 5 (Cars.com)

A parked 2011 Toyota Tundra
IFCAR via Wikimedia Commons

The 5.7-liter, V-8 engine produced 381 horses and 401 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Tundra could also tow over 10,000 pounds. That is one of the reasons why the Tundra made for an excellent work truck. On the top trim, it even comes with stuff like GPS navigation, a rearview camera, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch LCD screen, and so on. The Tundra commands a premium in the used markets, and a 2011 model should be available in the ballpark of $16,000.

2011 Toyota Tundra Specifications

Engine:

5.7-liter, V-8

Horsepower:

381 HP

Torque:

401 pound-feet

Transmission:

Six-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

10,100 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,720 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

To no surprise, the Toyota Tundra scores high on reliability. There are a few problems mentioned, and they are not, in any way, detrimental to your ownership experience or your wallet. The most common issues concern a ticking noise due to a failed exhaust manifold and secondary air-injection pump failure, which may cause reduced performance and fuel economy, and cause the Check engine light to illuminate.

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9 2012 Toyota Tacoma Can Be Bought For Under $20,000

Reliability Score: 84/ 100 (J.D. Power)

Red 2012 Toyota Tacoma Baja
Toyota

The Tacoma is arguably the best small truck we have ever seen. It owns the compact truck segment. It wouldn't be wrong to call it a compact truck segment's Ford F-150. Its rock-solid reliability is the icing on the cake. As for the cons, the truck's ride is somewhat choppy, and the seats aren't the best out there, either. The base trims have a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 159 ponies and 180 pound-feet of torque.

However, we recommend getting the larger 4.0-liter, V-6 mill that produces 236 horses and 266 pound-feet of twist. The former has a standard five-speed manual, whereas the V-6 is mated to a five-speed automatic. The 2012 model saw a mighty increase in the towing capacity, and the truck can now tow up to 6,400 pounds. Hunt the internet with a keen eye, and you can find examples with the optional TRD off-road package as well. The 2012 models generally sell in the ballpark of $18,000.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Specifications

Engine:

4.0-liter, V-6

Horsepower:

236 HP

Torque:

266 pound-feet

Transmission:

Five-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

6,400 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,280 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

The Tacoma is one of the most reliable pickup trucks, but it shares some common problems with its bigger sibling, the Tundra. The secondary air-injection pump may fail, causing reduced performance and fuel economy. It will set you back $1,500. Frame rust can also be an issue with these. There were seven service recalls, most notably for the brake-actuator, and excessive cabin vibration due to, either, bad engine mounts, steering wheel damper, or leaf springs.

8 2012 Honda Ridgeline Can Be Found For Under $20,000

Reliability Rating: 87/ 100 (J.D. Power)

A parked 2012 Honda Ridgeline
Julio Herrera via Wikimedia Commons

Honda is not your typical truck brand, but its offering, the Ridgeline, is good enough to strongly compete against its rivals, especially if you are looking for a truck that works like a good family hauler and doesn't have a traditional truck appeal. Honda has plonked in a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine under the hood, making 250 horses and 247 pound-feet of torque.

Power is sent to all the wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox. As for the towing prowess, the Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul 1,546 pounds. As with any Honda product, the Ridgeline also commands a high price in the used market. That said, the Ridgeline is one of the best-used trucks under $20,000.

2012 Honda Ridgeline Specifications

Engine:

3.5-liter, V-6

Horsepower:

250 HP

Torque:

247 pound-feet

Transmission:

Five-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

5,000 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,546 pounds

Drive Type:

Four-wheel-drive configuration

Cars.com and a few other websites give the 2012 Honda Ridgeline a maximum reliability score, but we went with the J.D. Power since there are a few things to look out for. Mechanical problems with the five-speed automatic transmission are not uncommon, but the good thing is, that you only fix it once. Rough idling and engine stalling may be caused by an idle-air control valve. Cleaning the valve could fix the issue, but not always. Luckily, it's a cheap fix ($88-$111).

7 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Sells Used For Around $20,000

Reliability Score: 71/ 100 (J.D. Power)

Red 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet

The 2017 Chevy Colorado will tick all your boxes, especially related to infotainment and tech features since it's a new model. The V-6 made 308 horses and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sent power to all the wheels. With the turbodiesel, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds. The V-6 can pull around 7,000 pounds. Payload capacity is rated at 1,574 pounds. You'll be able to find good examples for approximately $20,000.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado specifications

Engine:

3.6-liter, V-6

Horsepower:

308 HP

Torque:

275 pound-feet

Transmission:

Eight-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,700 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,574 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

While the American pickup's reliability score isn't as high as that of its Japanese counterparts, the Colorado's engines are exempt from any serious issues. Oil pump issues may cause the lines to burst, which typically, happens around 35,000 miles, and is relatively cheap to fix. The 6L50 automatic transmission is prone to failure, which may necessitate replacing a torque converter ($1,500) or the whole transmission ($4,000).

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6 2012 Ram 1500 Can Be Bought For Under $20,000

Reliability Score: 4.5/ 5 (Cars.com)

A parked 2012 Ram 1500
order--_242 via Wikimedia Commons

Ram has changed its fortunes in the last couple of years and has a loyal fan base. However, things were a little different in the early 2010s. Ram offered 1500 with three engines – a 3.6-liter, V-6, 4.7-liter, V-8, and 5.7-liter, V-8. The 1500 came with the biggest engine and targeted people who wanted something more than a mere work truck. It churned out 390 horses and 407 pound-feet of torque.

Power was sent to either the rear wheels or all the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, the truck can tow up to 12,750 pounds and haul up to 1,781 pounds. You should be able to find suitable models for under $20,000.

2012 Ram 1500 Specifications

Engine:

5.7-liter, V-8

Horsepower:

390 HP

Torque:

407 pound-feet

Transmission:

Six-speed Automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 12,750 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,781 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

Common problems include seized rear calipers. Unfortunately, the 5.7-liter HEMI can suffer from faulty lifters and seized lifter-rollers, which can cause a misfire. These problems, typically, occur around 100,000-120,000 miles. The exhaust manifold bolt is also prone to unscrewing. All three problems can cause a ticking noise called "the HEMI tick".

5 2013 Nissan Frontier Is A Very Affordable $10,000 Or Less

Reliability Score: 4.5/ 5 (Cars.com)

resize_Screenshot 2023-04-13 at 04.56.15

Midsized trucks are not as big of sellers as the full-size versions. However, there are still many buyers out there who prefer something smaller that is easier to drive and park. The Nissan Frontier is an excellent truck because it has a powerful V-6 that can push out 261 horsepower and tow over 6,000 pounds.

It may not be able to pull the full-sized camper or boat you have in the backyard, but it can easily handle an average-sized one since the basic weight of a typical trailer is only 5,000 pounds. Plus, if offroading is something you take to heart, the new Desert Run trim can get you to off-the-beaten-path locations in style. If you are patient, it is possible to find a truck like this in good condition for under $10,000.

2013 Nissan Frontier Specifications

Engine:

4.0-Liter V-6

Horsepower:

261 HP

Torque:

281 pound-feet

Transmission:

5-speed automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,100 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,515 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

Common problems for the 2013 Nissan Frontier include faulty timing chains and chain tensioners, which can cause excessive slack and result in abnormal engine noise. Failure of the EVAP canister vent valve is another common issue. Both problems are relatively cheap to fix, although it's important to catch the timing-chain slack on time to avoid serious engine issues.

4 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Is Selling For $15,000 Or More

Reliability Score: 84/ 100 (J.D. Power)

A parked 2018 Chevroelt Silverado LT Z71
MickOhrberg via Wikimedia Commons

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck with options. Numerous engine choices are available, including some V-8s, ranging from the standard 4.3L V-6 to the 6.2L V-8 that can put some sports sedans to shame. It is stable in corners, smooth on acceleration, and can tow up to 9,400 pounds.

The best thing about the 2018 Silverado is that the company went all out and created an offroad version known as the Silverado LTZ Z71. This beast packs enough punch to make any road or terrain easy to travel. So much so that you may not even have to put it in four-wheel mode, on an average backroad or trail. This truck is only about 5 years old, so a Silverado 1500 in good shape will cost you up to $15,000 or more.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Specifications

Engine:

4.3-Liter V-6

Horsepower:

285 HP

Torque:

305 pound-feet

Transmission:

Six-speed automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 9,400 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 2,018 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado has few common problems and only three service recalls, which is little compared to most competitors. The most serious service recall was for the vacuum pump, which may cause the brake pedal to feel heavy. Worn-out serpentine belts and difficult gear changes are common problems, but they occur very early - 10,000 to 15,000 miles so, they are likely, to take care of. The A/C condenser is also prone to failure around 70,000 miles, but this is a cheap fix.

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3 2010 Ram 2500 Diesel Is $20,000 Or More

Reliability Score: 4.5/ 5 (Cars.com)

A parked 2010 Ram 1500
Mecum

When this truck was designed, it was engineered to be the "ultimate tow vehicle." The reason for that is relatively simple; an HD truck is meant to put in a hard day's work, a weekend of fun, and a quick family trip to the store. It needs to be a truck that can do it all, but when put to the test, it must be able to tow the biggest trailers because that is what an HD pickup is all about.

The 2010 Ram 2500 came standard with the Hemi 5.7L V-8, but the one to look for is the truck that has the 6.7 inline diesel. This powerful engine can push out up to 350 horses and has a torque rating of a whopping 650 pound-feet. Since this truck is designed for heavy use, the price tag for a used 2010 Ram 2500 Diesel can be almost $20,000, but it is well worth the little extra money when an all-around pickup is needed.

2010 Ram 2500 Diesel Specifications

Engine:

6.7-Liter inline diesel

Horsepower:

350

Torque:

650

Transmission:

Six-speed automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 18,500 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 5,110 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

The Cummins turbodiesel is as robust as it gets. It's no surprise this is one of the most preferred engines to modify for eight-mile and trailer-tow competitions. The inline-six has its issues, but they are mostly limited to the emissions parts. Clogged DPFs and cracked EGR coolers shouldn't be a surprise. Fuel dilution is also an issue. The turbochargers and head gaskets are also prone to failure. Aside from that, the Cummins, inline-six diesel can outlive you, with proper maintenance.

2 2014 Ford F-150 Is Available For Under $10,000

Reliability Score: 83/ 100 (J.D. Power)

A parked 2014 Ford F150
Mecum

The Ford F-150 has been the number-one-selling truck in America for 46 years now. That should mean that it is the best truck, and by all accounts, the Ford faithful will agree. The standard engine for the 2014 Ford F-150 is the fuel-efficient 3.7L V-6, but there are as many engine choices as there are for trim levels (almost any way.) One of the best options for the truck is the reliable and ever-faithful 5.0L V-8. Since it is no longer the dreaded Triton engine, it is safe to go with this pickup that can still be bought in good shape for under $10,000.

2014 Ford F-150 Specifications

Engine:

3.7-Liter V-6

Horsepower:

302

Torque:

278

Transmission:

Six-speed automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,300 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,725 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

While the 3.7-liter Cyclone V-6 (Duratec 37) is a robust engine and is sometimes referred to as Ford's VQ engine, there are a few issues to look out for. Exhaust leaks due to cracks in the manifold, defective blower motor, and bad mass-airflow (MAF) sensors are among the most commonly reported problems.

1 2021 Jeep Gladiator Is A Little Expensive At $25,000

Reliability Score: 4.9/ 5 (Cars.com)

A parked 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Mecum

The Jeep Gladiator is a refreshing sight for the Jeep faithful wanting the company to produce a midsized pickup truck version of the Wrangler. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is just the truck they have all sought. Like almost every other Jeep on the planet, the Gladiator is always off-road ready, regardless of the trim level and options.

The base-level Jeep comes standard with the 3.6L V-6, but several options are on the table, including a brand new for the year 3.0L turbo diesel. Any Jeep will cost a little more than the average pickup, but for all those who have had the privilege of driving one, it is well worth the $25,000 that it costs today.

2021 Jeep Gladiator Specifications

Engine:

3.6-Liter V-6

Horsepower:

285 HP

Torque:

260 pound-feet

Transmission:

Eight-speed automatic

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,650 pounds

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,700 pounds

Drive Type:

Two-wheel- and Four-wheel-drive configurations

One thing that consistently plagued Jeep and Dodge trucks is the "death wobble", which typically manifests itself at highway speeds, or after you go through a road imperfection. Another thing to look out for is "wandering steering", for which a software patch was issued. The Pentastar V-6 is, generally, a reliable engine, but like other Jeeps, the Gladiator can suffer from minor electrical gremlins, which are more of a nuisance.

Sources: Consumer Reports, RepairPal, J.D. Power, and Cars.com,