Buying a good used pickup truck is one of the best ways to spend money on a vehicle. An adequately maintained 10- or 15-year-old pickup truck can still do a great deal of work and play, but it probably won’t cost as much as you’d think. We’ve combed through the listings at Autotrader to find a double handful of good used pickup truck buys. Here are 10 of the best used pickup trucks for less than $10,000.
1. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado packs big towing and hauling capability and offers V8 engines with Active Fuel Management for better gas mileage. To get the newest Silverado 1500 possible on our budget, look for the base Work Truck (WT) model. If you’d like more equipment, consider going a year or two older for an LTZ, which adds 12-way power seats, leather upholstery, and Bose audio, among other upgrades. See 2009 Chevrolet Silverado models for sale near you
2. 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 dates back to before its parent company moved Ram trucks to their own brand. However, it still features the same bold Ram styling, full-size pickup capability, and standard features like trailer sway control, side-curtain airbags, and, in the Ram 1500 SLT model that’s likely the sweet spot for our $10,000 budget, cruise control power windows, keyless entry, and heated mirrors. See 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 models for sale near you
3. 2010 Ford F-150
The 2010 Ford F-150, like its Ram and Silverado counterparts, belongs to the triumvirate of American pickups with the capability to match. To get a 2010 model, you’ll want to stick with the base F-150 XL trim, but mid-range 2008 XLT models should also slide in below $10,000. Whichever way you go, you should be able to find regular cab, Super Cab (extended cab), and spacious SuperCrew models. See 2010 Ford F-150 models for sale near you
4. 2010 Ford Ranger
The 2010 Ford Ranger isn’t as large as the full-size pickups and doesn’t post huge towing, payload, or horsepower figures. What it lacks in brawn, it makes up for in compact size, off-road nimbleness, and efficiency. Whether you’re looking for a rear-drive, 4-cylinder Ranger as a utility commuter or want to build a V6, 4WD off-road mega-Ranger, the 2010 Ranger XLT is a good starting point. See 2010 Ford Ranger models for sale near you
5. 2012 GMC Canyon
Like the Ranger, the 2012 GMC Canyon is smaller and more practical for suburban and urban life than a full-size pickup while still offering a great deal of capability on-road and off. Those looking to get the newest Canyon for the best price will want an SLE regular cab model, while those seeking a bit more equipment will need to turn the calendar back to 2010 and look for an SLT crew cab model. See 2012 GMC Canyon models for sale near you
6. 2009 Honda Ridgeline
And now for something completely different! The 2009 Honda Ridgeline is anything but traditional. Still, its quirky looks and unibody construction make it a favorite of those who would really like an SUV but need an open pickup bed. The Ridgeline’s carlike ride, handling, and generous equipment set in base RT form make it an excellent fit for our $10,000 budget. See 2009 Honda Ridgeline models for sale near you
7. 2010 Nissan Frontier
Alongside the Ranger, Canyon, and Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier represents the sensible compact pickup class, ready to be configured as a frugal 4-cylinder or a more capable V6. For our $10,000 budget, you should be able to find a King Cab Frontier Pro-4X model. That gets 4WD, the Utili-track in-bed cargo management system, skid plates, and Bilstein performance shocks for greater off-road ability. See 2010 Nissan Frontier models for sale near you
8. 2009 Nissan Titan
The 2010 Nissan Titan is the full-size sibling to the Frontier, sporting a stout V8 engine, unique styling, and a nice interior. Look for the Titan Pro-4X off-road model, which gets dampers, 4WD, mud flaps, skid plates, and a lockable fender box, among other upgrades. See 2009 Nissan Titan models for sale near you
9. 2008 Toyota Tacoma
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma technically sits alongside the Frontier, Canyon, and Ranger as a compact pickup. Still, it’s larger than the Ranger and Canyon of its era and far more popular than the rest combined. That popularity translates to massive aftermarket support as well as excellent resale value. Reliability, capability, and affordability have always made the Tacoma a top pick in the segment. See 2008 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
10. 2008 Toyota Tundra
It won’t beat the American full-size pickups on its specs, but the large and brawny 2008 Toyota Tundra can still tow over 10,000 pounds. Even more than a decade on, it still offers Toyota reliability. Because the Tundra holds its value so well, it may be hard to find one for less than $10,000, but they are out there. See 2008 Toyota Tundra models for sale near you
10 Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $10,000
- 2009 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
- 2010 Ford F-150
- 2010 Ford Ranger
- 2012 GMC Canyon
- 2009 Honda Ridgeline
- 2010 Nissan Frontier
- 2009 Nissan Titan
- 2008 Toyota Tacoma
- 2008 Toyota Tundra
Is it just me or are none of these trucks available anywhere for 10k?