Generally, there are a lot of fancy and expensive pickup trucks, which can cost up to $90,000 or more; however, there are still affordable and good trucks for cheap prices. Used and older modern trucks are less expensive and less comfortable than new and latest models. Nonetheless, the used trucks will get your job done in no time.
Pickup trucks are commonly found and used as luxury vehicles, in addition to work trucks. To get a good and cheap pickup truck, you should be willing to sacrifice and deny yourself comforts like air conditioners, skin-lined seats, touchscreens, massive engines, and other technologies.
How cheap is a cheap truck? With $6000, you can get a very good and cheap used truck. An example would be a 2006 Toyota Tundra, a 2004 Nissan Frontier, a 2016 Ford F-150, a 1995–2004 Toyota Tacoma, a 2nd–3rd Gen Dodge D-100, and a 2004–2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
Buying good trucks for cheap prices as a first-timer may not be a simple decision to make as numerous available new pickup trucks are also good. Their features and names can also be similar, which is the main reason for this article—to help you clear your confusion.
Here, you’d find good trucks ranked from the lowest to the highest price that you can purchase for just $5000–$40,000.
- Best Used Trucks
- Best Place To Buy Trucks
- How Good Is A Used Truck
- Good Trucks Under $5000
- Good Trucks Under $10,000
- Check Before Purchasing A Truck
- Last Words
- FAQs
Best Used Trucks
Pickup trucks became popular and famous in America after Henry Ford produced the first factory pickup in 1917. Over 1 million pickup trucks are sold every year. The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in the United States.
There are other popular and outstanding trucks like the 2002 Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, 2003 GMC Sierra, and Dodge Ram 1500.
Best Places To Buy Used Trucks
If you want to get an excellent truck at a reasonable price but are unsure of where to do so. Although it may seem simple to find or buy good trucks for a low price, this is not always the case.
You might be wondering where the best deals on good trucks for cheap prices can be found. No matter your preferences, you will find a wide variety of features when trying to shop for a truck that can help you save a ton of money. This is usually possible if you go to the right location and state.
Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon are some states where good trucks can be found; New Hampshire is the cheapest state to buy a car. Truck prices in states like Florida are frequently 10% of the normal price, and vehicle prices are typically 10% less than in other competing states.
Buying Good Trucks For Cheap Prices
There are always challenges to face when you want the best of anything out there. These are some of the challenges to face if you want good trucks for cheap prices.
1. Taxes And Fees
Because state tax rates vary, it’s crucial to be aware of them so you don’t get duped into searching online only to find out that buying locally is still preferable.
These are some states where you’ll pay a premium in sales tax on a truck (unless you know how to avoid paying sales tax on a used car); for example, Indiana, California, Nevada, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. In this state, however, there is an additional 7% sales tax that significantly raises the price of the truck.
A few states with the lowest additional fees are Alaska, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Oregon is well ahead of the others, charging an average of $127 in fees. New Hampshire and Oregon still have the highest average fees, at $359 and $356, respectively, compared to most other states.
2. Insurance
Some states have good records in terms of insurance premiums. However, certain locations provide insurance benefits, so it is critical to select the location where you look for your ideal truck.
Several factors must be taken into account when considering buying a truck. In addition to the ratio of rural to urban roads, the value that locals place on insurance, and whether or not your vehicle will be covered by insurance at all, these factors include the socioeconomic classes that make up the local population.
You can get low auto insurance for local automobiles in these states when you buy a truck from one of them in the United States. States like Idaho, Ohio, and Maine top the list for having the lowest vehicle insurance premiums and perks.
The average yearly insurance premium in these states is $1,045, $1,034, and $965, respectively. Comparatively, Louisiana has a higher cost for car insurance than some states, like New York.
How Good Is A Used Truck
You may want to buy a good truck for cheap price and be confused about whether to buy a new truck or a used one. Buying a new pickup truck that is air-conditioned and has a leather seat with an automatic transmission is quite tempting.
However, there are many advantages when you buy a used pickup truck aside from the fact that used trucks are cheaper than new trucks. Here are some of them:
Good Trucks For Cheap, Considerations #1: Reliability
Trucks are reliable vehicles that can last for more than 150,000 miles. Meanwhile, you should not be concerned about purchasing a used truck because it has already logged a significant number of miles.
It is easier to get a pickup truck within your budget because the price of a used truck is far more affordable and cheaper than the price of a new pickup truck. To minimize and cut costs, it is usually best to buy a used pickup truck.
Good Trucks For Cheap, Considerations #2: Warranty
Extensive warranties are often available for used trucks; however, ask the dealership if they offer one first before purchasing the truck. That will help you rest assured should anything go wrong with the truck. Just be wary of cases when a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
Good Trucks For Cheap, Considerations #3: Less Depreciation
The value of every vehicle indeed undergoes depreciation, even that of a used truck. However, once you drive a new pickup truck off the lot, the value of the truck begins to decline. Furthermore, the used truck also depreciates, but not as quickly as the new truck, which makes the used truck a better choice.
Good Trucks For Cheap Under $5000
You can own a truck for just $5000, but it was discovered that people with a budget up to $5000 lose hope of owning a pickup truck. Trucks under $5000 are very possible and still available; here is a list of good trucks available for under $5000.
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #1. 2002 Toyota Tundra
The 2002 Toyota Tundra model is smaller than other outstanding pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. If you want a full-size truck for $5000, then purchasing the 2002 Toyota Tundra is a good choice. Despite its small size, it has the capacity to tow up to 7,000 pounds and is built with a powerful engine.
The 2002 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that is better for private use than for business. Many reputable automotive sources have reported on the lifespan of a Toyota Tundra, and from the overall analysis, you can expect a Tundra to last between 150,000 and 250,000 miles on average.
Reaching 300,000 miles is not out of the norm if the truck is well-maintained. No doubt, it’s one of those cars that last 300 000 miles, easily. But, you should still be cognizant of the best year for the Toyota Tundra, the Toyota Tundra years to avoid, the problems with the Toyota Tundra, and even the lug pattern of the Toyota Tundra.
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #2. 2007 Ford Ranger
If the 2007 Ford Ranger can be well maintained and cared for, it will last for up to 25 years and beyond. The Ranger is built to withstand up to 300,000 miles and years upon years of use. The 2007 Ford Ranger has a reliability rating of 4.4.
The XL model is cheaper than the FX4 model. They come with a 4-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter V-6, or a 4.0-liter V-6, which is best utilized in 2007 or newer models. But, before you get one, do head over to our guides on the best year for the Ford Ranger, the Ford Ranger model years to avoid, and the reliability of the Ford Ranger.
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #3. 2000 Toyota Tacoma
These trucks held their value for a long time. Still, you can find these, especially the 1995–2000 ones, under our strict $5,000 price range.
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best-selling trucks year after year. Why? It’s very reliable, affordable, and easy to operate. Although they are not easily seen unless thorough research is done. They are built to last, which makes more people go for them.
Speaking of research, you should ideally figure out what the lug pattern is for a Toyota Tacoma. And, learn more about what the Auto LSD system does in your Toyota Tacoma. Or, if you really want to, we even have a guide on what modified Tacomas look like, if that’s your style.
If you’re looking at getting a used Tacoma, be sure to know what the best year for the Toyota Tacoma is. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s also worth noting the Toyota Tacoma model years to avoid. Issues such as the Toyota Tacoma frame rust should be inspected before you buy one.
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #4. 2003 Ford F-150
The average rating for the 2003 Ford F-150 is 4.5 out of 5 stars. However, the 2003 Ford F-150 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5, which ranks twenty-one out of thirty-two for all car brands. The Ford F-150 was redesigned in 2004. This reliable model can tow up to 8,500 pounds and is relatively fuel-efficient.
Given its popularity, we covered the F-150 by the bucket loads, should you require additional insight. For instance, we’ve looked at the best model year for the F150, the life expectancy of the Ford F150 by miles, and what model year of the F150 to avoid, as well as the reliability of the F-150 by model year.
Expanding more on the latter, we then covered some of the 2005 Ford F150 problems, the 2013 Ford F150 problems, and the most reliable F150 engine. That includes the 2010 F150 5.4 motor, and the subsequent problems with the Ford 5.4 engine. Along similar lines, we then discussed the Ford F150 5.0 engine problems.
As far as maintenance aspects go, we also have additional references on the lug pattern for the Ford F150. As well as, the bank 2 sensor 1 location on the Ford F150.
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #5. 2003 Ford F-250
The 2003 Ford F-250 is one of the most reliable models with a 7.3-liter V8 diesel engine. This engine is one of the best and is more reliable than the 6.0-liter diesel engine.
The Ford F-250 is recognized as one of the best low-mileage trucks. The gasoline engines are a 5.4-liter V8 and a 6.8-liter V10. The V8 produces 255 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The V10 produces 310 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.
A 7.3-liter turbocharged diesel V8 is also available, producing 250 hp and a commanding 525 lb-ft of torque (up 20 from last year). The 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel V8 is the most powerful engine available for the F-250 Super Duty Truck and offers excellent pulling power and performance.
To learn more about the diesel options, check out our guide on the 6.0 PowerStroke years to avoid, as well as our comparison between the PowerBoost and the PowerStroke. The 5.4-liter Triton V8 is a great all-around engine that offers good performance and fuel mileage
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #6. 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the most popular pickup trucks out there, but you can pick up an older model for less than $5,000.
However, an average of 250,000 miles can be expected. Truck life can be as short as 200,000 miles or as long as 300,000 miles. The 3.0 liter Duramax turbodiesel l6 engine is the most dependable. Plus, it’s one of the best Duramax engine variants out there.
The Duramax engine has the most horsepower in its class and an amazing range of up to 660 miles on the highway. The 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel I6 engine can be 2WD or 4WD and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #7. 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
This heavy-duty truck tips the scales at three-quarters of a ton. The Sierra 2500 HD model is known for its reliability. It often lands on Kelly Blue Book’s 5-year cost-to-own list, due in part to its longevity.
The GMC Sierra 2500 HD’s reliability rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 17 full-size trucks.
Good Trucks For Cheap Price – #8. 2003 Dodge Ram 1500
The 2003 Dodge Ram is one of the most impressive pickup trucks out there, and you can enjoy a comfortable ride despite the vehicle’s age. It has a capacity and durability of around 300,000 miles if properly maintained.
If you’re thinking of getting one, make sure you refer to our guide on the RAM 1500 reliability by model year. On top of that, we then clarified concerns with the Dodge RAM 1500 lug pattern, as well as looked into the reliability of the RAM EcoDiesel engines.
Then, we also looked into specific model years, like the 2014 Dodge RAM 1500 problems, and compared the RAM V6 vs V8 engines.
Good Trucks Under $10,000
Trucks are extremely popular and prevalent in vehicle sales in general. The automobile industry has tried to satisfy the urge and love customers have for trucks but hasn’t been able to make a truck cool enough to keep customers from buying more trucks.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
It’s very hard to deny the glamour of the first-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500. And for less than $10,000, you can acquire a good truck for cheap price. Both the 4.8-liter and 5.3-liter V-8 engines also offer nice fuel economy and dependable features.
Just in case anything happens to your truck, spare parts for it are also very easy to find. So, if you’re experiencing any Chevy 5.3 engine problems, fixing it up isn’t the worst thing in the world. It possesses a nice and smooth interior with a balanced and cool ride experience.
For additional info, we’ve previously discussed some of the Chevy Silverado 1500 model years to avoid. Some of these can be fairly troublesome, especially with the Chevy Silverado transmission problems, such as the abundance of 2017 Silverado transmission problems.
We then dove deep into other additional Silverado reliability concerns. That includes the P0101 error code you might see in your Chevy Silverado (similar to the P0101 code Nissan). Not to mention, the ‘engine power reduced’ problem with many Chevy Silverado models. Elsewhere, we tried to clarify the confusion around the Silverado bolt pattern.
2. Chevrolet S10 ZR2
Between 1994 and 2003, this small pickup truck was made with a variety of off-road equipment. These Chevy S10 trucks were supported by Bilstein shocks and rode on massive 31-inch tires in addition to having a stronger frame and gear.
All four wheels were driven by a 4.3-liter V-6 engine that produced a strong 250-pound-feet of torque. They are connected to the engine via either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
3. Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota continues to be an outstanding pickup, and it is available for less than $10,000 right now. The massive 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 that powered the Dakota R/T. That was produced between 1998 and 2003, producing 250 horsepower and 345 pound-feet of torque.
The Dodge’s powerful appearance is available with a conventional or an extended cab. It was by far one of the most popular type of RAM trucks.
4. Ford Super Duty
The Ford F-250 and F-350 full-size pickups are among the hardest-working pickups available, and they never take breaks. You wouldn’t expect America’s favorite work truck (such as the 2016 Ford F-150) to arrive at the job without a few bumps. Check the receipts for their usual issues before buying one.
The larger turbodiesel powertrain, which is also available, has more horsepower. However, the gas engine’s 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 has fewer costly routine fixes, such as turbo failure and EGR issues.
5. Honda Ridgeline
They have a reputation for dependability, just like the older Tacoma. These are great trucks for cheap prices with outstanding power and design. The only issue is the little space for the rear seaters.
We all wish they had Honda’s two-way “gate” that swings and folds. New trucks from General Motors, Ford, and Ram all have advertising tailgate gimmicks. Elsewhere, this tiny Honda truck can even handle some mods. So, if you really want a lifted Ridgeline, the process is fairly straightforward.
6. Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja features a synth version of the Subaru 2.5-liter turbo-four engine found in the Impreza WRX STI, new springs to increase ground clearance, and enough power to make driving enjoyable.
Also, the back seats can be folded down to make the most of the space in the minitruck bed. Although it can’t pull pricey toys like campers or four-wheelers, this vehicle is by far the most enjoyable to drive for regular use.
What To Check Before Buying A Pickup Truck
Pause if you wish to purchase a truck. There are certain things to look out for, regardless of how good or cheap it is.
1. Towing Capacity
Every truck is expected to pull a certain amount of weight; trucks with high towing capacity will do better, although it all depends on the configuration of the truck. The towing capacity of the 2002 Toyota Tundra varies between 7,000 and 8,000 pounds and is built with a powerful engine.
Before purchasing a truck, it is important to know the towing capacity of that truck to know if it can do the job you need it for or not. In the past, we’ve discussed the 1/2-ton truck towing capacity in greater detail. As well as, listing some of the best vehicles that can tow 10 000 lbs.
2. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross vehicle weight rating is seen as the maximum amount of weight that any truck can handle, which includes both goods and passengers. We have written up a guide on how you can begin calculating your truck’s GVW, if you need some help.
This includes the vehicle’s curb weight when unloaded. For instance, if a truck for sale has a GVWR of about 20,000 lbs and the truck alone has a weight of 10,000 lbs, if the load and passengers both weigh more than 20,000 lbs, then the truck is overweight.
3. Payload
When the weight of all the truck’s passengers and loads is combined, be it any size of load or cargo, even if they are logs of wood or gas cylinders. That’s the total amount the truck can carry without overwhelming the truck’s basic mass design and affecting the truck’s safety.
The amount of load influences the truck’s brakes, chassis, and suspension. For each truck, the payload differs according to the design and make of the truck equipment. The full-size Ford F-150 has a payload that ranges from 1,485 lbs to 2,311 lbs, but this depends on the design and components of the individual truck.
4. Torque
The torque of a truck is the engine’s maximum twisting force and its ability to push and pull its weight. In most cases, the higher the torque, the higher the payload and towing strength.
When buying a car, you mostly talk about horsepower (such as the average horsepower of a car or the most powerful engine in a car), which refers to the power an engine produces and is measured by the rate at which it does the work, whereas torque is more important when buying a truck.
5. Light Duty
A light-duty truck is designed to handle the daily duties of a car and also do some work for a small pickup. Some of the full-size pickups you see driving around town are light-duty vehicles, and all small and mid-sized pickups also fall under this category.
Some light-duty pickups include the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, and Ram 1500.
6. Heavy Duty
Heavy-duty trucks confer large trucks, large payloads, and a large towing strength when compared to light-duty trucks. Although these trucks can be driven every day and everywhere, they are still not as commonly seen as light trucks.
They are large and heavy, so they can’t be used for cars but for commercial purposes alone. Only four manufacturers make full-size heavy-duty pickups: Ford, Ram, GMC, and Chevy, and they come with dual rear axles for hauling extreme loads and also for towing.
7. Large Full-Size
These are trucks that are more popular because they have a higher payload and torque, more towing capacity, and more space in their interiors. These trucks include the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-Series, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan. They are full-sized trucks.
8. Midsize
These types of trucks are popular and cool to go on with because they are easier to drive around with, easier to park, and are economical with fuel. Sales of these midsize trucks have increased in recent years due to their versatility.
These trucks have a lot of varieties, like the Ford Ranger (it was reintroduced in the year 2020), the GMC Canyon, the Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier, and the Chevy Colorado. Otherwise, head over to our write-up on midsize Dodge trucks for more options.
9. Short Bed
The short-bed trucks are usually measured to be 5.0 feet long on midsize trucks and 6.5 feet long on full-size trucks, and these are seen carrying short cargoes.
If you need some references, do check out our Chevy truck bed dimensions chart, and our truck bed size chart. On top of that, we’ve discussed how long is a truck bed, as well as some of the cars with truck beds.
10. Long Bed
For large cargo trucks and used long-bed trucks, many options are available for any buyer to choose from. These cargoes can carry as much as double-sized cargoes and have a massive bed length of about 6.0 feet on midsize trucks and 8.0 feet on full-sized variants.
These collections of truck-related issues should be carried along when you want to purchase good trucks for cheap prices. These elaborate details about these trucks should help your survey and purchases go smoothly and better suit your needs.
Last Words On Good Trucks For Cheap Prices
To get a good truck for a cheap price, you should be willing to sacrifice and deny yourself comforts like air conditioners, skin-lined seats, touchscreens, massive engines, and other technologies. Trucks are pricey, reliable vehicles that can last for more than 150,000 miles.
If you are on a limited budget, you might want to consider buying a used truck. It is easier to find a used pickup truck that fits within your budget because its prices are significantly lower than the prices of new pickup trucks. Buying a used pickup truck is usually the best way to minimize and cut costs.
If you want additional options and resources for cheap trucks, do check out our guide on the best truck under 20000. Other than that, we’ve also looked at the cheapest diesel truck that you can buy. And, the most reliable used pickup trucks for you to consider.
FAQs About Good Trucks For Cheap Prices
Why Are Trucks So Expensive
The main reason why trucks are so expensive is that their body parts are more costly, reliable, and well-built than those of other vehicles.
How Much Is A Truck
A truck can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $80,000, depending on whether it is new or used. The size can also be considered as another factor.
What Is The Best Truck To Buy
For trucks with more towing and hauling capacity, we suggest the Ram 2500, Ford F-250, and HD pickup truck. However, if you want the utility of a pickup but don’t need the maximum towing capability, the Honda Ridgeline is our top pick for a smaller truck.
Will Truck Prices Go Down
High truck prices seem to be the average, in addition, supply is increasing which could mean that you could see a break in 2023
What Is The Most Reliable Truck
Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500.
What Is A 4×2 Truck
The word 4×2 in a truck indicates that there are a total of four wheels, but only two of them are driven. The driven wheels can be the front or back wheels, though it is most often the wheels in the back.
Are Ram Trucks Reliable
Yes, they are because the used Ram 2500 has a reliability score of 57/100 and the Ram 1500 has a respectable 52/100.
What Is The Cheapest State To Buy A Car
New Hampshire is the cheapest state to buy a car. Autolist explains that the state doesn’t charge sales tax on vehicles.
