While the allure of owning a truck can be tempting, buying a new model can wreak havoc on your wallet. The best solution to prevent your bank account from being drained is to find a great pre-owned pickup. More often than not, used trucks come well-loved because most people use their pickups for work or even off-roading. However, that doesn’t mean that these vehicles are bad or unreliable. In fact, you can find used trucks for sale that still have plenty of life left in them. That’s why today, we are counting down the top 5 used trucks on the market according to reliability, capabilities, and features. Let’s get started!
#5 – 2017 Chevy Colorado
A used Chevy Colorado is a great option if you are searching for an affordable, midsize truck with a strong personality. You can easily locate used examples in good condition for under $20,000, although the more capable and luxurious models can cost you more. Your choices from the 2017 production year will include two cab styles, three powertrains, and five trim levels. Depending on which model you pick, it can carry two to five people. Let’s explore some of the performance stats to give you a better idea of what to expect.
The standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Generating 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, this motor is typically found on the Base and Work Truck trims. The next option is a 3.6-liter V6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Producing 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, you may be able to find this powertrain equipped on used Colorado trucks above the Work Truck trim level. Finally, the last option that you can search for is the 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine. Making 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
#4 – 2017 GMC Canyon
Another great used truck option is the 2017 GMC Canyon. While many believe that it is simply a twin to the Colorado, that’s not entirely true. As for powertrain offerings, the 2017 GMC Canyon has the exact same lineup as the Chevy Colorado. The Canyon is also available in two body styles, including two, four, and five-seat cabin configurations.
However, the trim levels are different. Available in four unique trims, the lineup also starts with a Base trim, although it is better appointed than the Base trim of the Colorado. If you decide that a used Canyon is the way to go, we recommend searching for a Denali model. This is the top-tier trim that comes with some great features such as a spray-in bedliner, a Bose stereo, heated and ventilated seats, wireless charging, and even the Driver Assist safety package. It is the added luxury of the Denali that really sets GMC products apart from their more basic Chevy equivalents.
#3 – 2016 Ram 1500
If you are more interested in a full-size used pickup, then the 2016 Ram 1500 is a solid pick. Offering multiple cabin configurations, engines, and trims, you can find one that is perfectly suited to meet your daily driving needs. The Regular Cab can seat two to three people, and it has the option of a long bed for plenty of cargo space. The Quad Cab adds a second row in the back and can seat five to six people. However, if you want full-size rear doors and more rear legroom, then you will want to opt for the Crew Cab.
With plenty of trim levels and options to choose from, you really can find whatever you want. For example, if you need to tow trailers often, we recommend finding a used Ram 1500 with the Class IV receiver hitch or even a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch if you have a larger trailer. If you prefer a popular model, you can’t go wrong with the luxurious Laramie.
As for powertrains, the base configuration is a 3.6-liter V6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Generating 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, this is a well-rounded engine. If you want more power, then look for a used truck for sale with the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that generates 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. You may also find a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that makes 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque while offering superior fuel economy to any of the gasoline options.
#2 – 2015 Toyota Tacoma
If you are looking for a used midsize truck for under $15,000, then the 2015 Toyota Tacoma is a fantastic option. Available in two cabin configurations, you will have the choice of the Access Cab (extended) or the Crew Cab (four-door). In addition, there are six different trim levels to choose from, two engine options, and even the choice of a manual transmission. If you are looking for a truck to take off-roading, then we recommend trying to find a TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro, both of which include numerous performance upgrades.
For powertrains, the standard is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder motor paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission. Generating 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, it may come with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The other option is a 4.0-liter V6 that pushes out 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. While the base 4-cylinder engine is a good choice if you are shopping on a budget and looking for something with good fuel economy, if you are planning to use your truck for work or off-road adventures, then the V6 is the engine to look for.
#1 – 2017 Toyota Tundra
If you are willing to splurge a bit for a used truck, then we recommend the 2017 Toyota Tundra. This full-size model has everything you could possibly want in a daily driver. It hasn’t undergone a major revision since 2007, which means that it is perfect just as it is. There are three cabin styles and three bed lengths that you may find on the used market. The Regular Cab seats two to three people, the Extended cab seats five people, and the Crew Cab can carry up to six people. There are also several trim levels and two V8 powertrains to pick from.
The standard powertrain is centered around a 4.6-liter V8 engine partnered with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Generating 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, this is plenty of power for any light-duty task. The other engine is a 5.7-liter V8 that is paired with the same transmission and drivetrain. Opting for the larger engine will provide you with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, making it a good choice for more serious tasks.
Find a Used Truck for Sale
If you have been searching for used trucks for sale, then we hope this article helped. While there are many great options available on the used car market, this list contains some of our favorites and is a great place to begin your search for your next used truck. Get in touch with your local dealership to test drive one of these used trucks today!
