New pickup trucks can be surprisingly expensive these days, with some models even flirting with the 6-figure territory. Fortunately, there are lots of great deals to be found on the used market, especially if you have a $15,000 budget. Whether you’re looking for an efficient suburban utility pickup, a weekend off-road warrior, a toy hauler, or a good old workhorse, there’s a pickup for you on this list.
Here are 10 of the best used trucks under $15,000 you’ll find on Autotrader.
1. 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
One of the kings of the pickup world, the Chevrolet Silverado is tough, capable, and ready for work in any trim, with a wide range of configurations and features offered. The 2013 Chevy Silverado started with a V6 in base form but was also offered a range of V8 engines and even a hybrid powertrain — all of which are within reach of our budget. Whether you’re looking to tow, haul, or do both while getting decent gas mileage, you’re likely to find a Silverado that suits you for less than $15,000. See 2013 Chevrolet Silverado models for sale near you
2. 2014 Ford F-150
Alongside the Chevy and the Ram, the 2014 Ford F-150 completes the triumvirate of American full-size pickups. On our budget, you’ll find the F-150 SuperCrew XLT to be a sweet spot. It has a roomy cabin, solid standard features (including plenty of safety equipment), and a brawny 360-horsepower V8. See 2014 Ford F-150 models for sale near you
3. 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
Essentially a twin to the Silverado, the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 offers the same capability and toughness with a slightly different look and somewhat different standard equipment. The resulting pickups are nearly identical, but in GMC form, you’ll want to look for the Sierra 1500 with the extended cab and the midrange SLE trim. A V8 engine and 4-wheel drive (4WD) should also be within reach. See 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 models for sale near you
4. 2014 Honda Ridgeline
For a completely different take on the idea of a pickup truck, consider the 2014 Honda Ridgeline. It has all the open-bed utility of a midsize pickup but on a unibody chassis with much more carlike ride and handling, with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a V6 engine. The result is a pickup that’s uniquely easy to live with on a daily basis while still offering the hard-working utility of a pickup when you need it. Look for the top-of-the-line Ridgeline RTL on our budget. See 2014 Honda Ridgeline models for sale near you
5. 2013 Nissan Frontier
If the idea of a midsize pickup appeals to you, but you’d rather have one with traditional body-on-frame construction, the 2013 Nissan Frontier is a great choice. The Frontier’s compact exterior dimensions make it great off-road, but it can also tow up to 6,500 pounds. On our budget, Frontier Crew Cab SV models are a good fit, especially when equipped with the V6 engine and 4-wheel drive. See 2013 Nissan Frontier models for sale near you
6. 2014 Nissan Titan
The 2014 Nissan Titan brings the full-size fight to the Americans with a range of cabs, beds, and trims, all sporting a standard 5.7-liter V8. For $15,000, the 2014 Titan SV Crew Cab 4×4 is a good buy. Cool Titan features include a rear door that swings open 168 degrees for easier entry and exit and an available Utili-Track cargo management system in the bed. See 2014 Nissan Titan models for sale near you
7. 2013 Ram 1500
The 2013 Ram 1500 received some significant updates, including an updated Uconnect infotainment system, available air suspension, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. On our budget, you can afford the most luxurious of Ram 1500 trucks, with the spacious Quad Cab and Crew Cab options, the premium Laramie trim with leather upholstery, power-adjust pedals and seats, rear park assist, and more — along with big V8 power, 4×4 traction, and full-size pickup capacity. See 2013 Ram 1500 models for sale near you
8. 2011 Ram Dakota
With bold Ram styling and midsize convenience, the 2011 Ram Dakota — formerly the Dodge Dakota — splits the difference between the typical midsize and full-size pickup worlds. On our budget, the V6-powered Dakota Crew Cab with 4WD in luxurious Laramie trim is available, and you may even find V8-equipped models within reach. The V8 increases towing capacity from 4,450 pounds to as much as 7,250 pounds with the proper configuration, perfect for those seeking a smaller but still highly capable truck. See 2011 Ram Dakota models for sale near you
9. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
Like the Frontier but with a cultlike following and huge aftermarket support, the 2011 Toyota Tacoma is capable, reliable, and compact enough to go places full-size trucks can’t. An efficient 4-cylinder is the base engine in the Tacoma, but the 4.0-liter V6 adds substantial torque while also boosting maximum towing capacity to 6,500 pounds. On our budget, look for Access Cab or Double Cab models with 4-wheel drive and the V6 engine. See 2011 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
10. 2009 Toyota Tundra
The 2009 Toyota Tundra might fly under the radar for a lot of pickup fans. Still, those who need serious towing ability may want to take note: The 2009 Tundra maxes out at 10,600 pounds towing capacity when equipped with the available 381-hp 5.7-liter V8. Our budget should easily afford the big V8 engine as well as 4-wheel drive. See 2009 Toyota Tundra models for sale near you
Best Used Trucks Under $15,000
- 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2014 Ford F-150
- 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2014 Honda Ridgeline
- 2013 Nissan Frontier
- 2014 Nissan Titan
- 2013 Ram 1500
- 2011 Ram Dakota
- 2011 Toyota Tacoma
- 2009 Toyota Tundra
