10 Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks

Pickup trucks are no longer associated with just the working class or as vehicles for use on the farm. They are fast turning into a coveted vehicle owing to their reliability, tough built, and durability. They can take a beating like no other and yet provide immense value to the user. In this article, we bring you a list of the ten most reliable used pickup trucks.

Pickups are all the rage nowadays, and thus they come with a hefty price tag, which serves as a deterrent for many potential customers. However, there are a lot of used trucks out there that are almost as good as new but with a substantially reduced price.

Why Consider a Used Pickup Truck

Pickup trucks are rough and tough vehicles. They are built to do all that your average passenger vehicles cannot. It is the nature of their use that discourages people from considering used vehicles, but it is exactly why they should.

Some of the newer models are more expensive as they are more luxurious. However, a year on the road and their value drops by 25% or more, offering incredible value to the second-hand purchaser. There are other options as well, which provide the same amount of value at an even reduced price. Here we take a look at ten used pickup trucks you can consider.

1. Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra might very well be the perfect used pickup truck option. In the past decade that the Consumer Report has conducted reliability tests and surveys, the Tundra came out as the highest-scoring truck eight times.

In the 2011 model, it comes with a V-6 and two V-8 options. The Tundra features a six-speed automatic gearbox and can tow up to 10,000 lbs, making it one of the most powerful trucks out there. The truck comes fully equipped with a GPS navigation system, entertainment system, and a rear-end camera, among other features.

There is no beating the Tundra as far as reliability, durability, and value for money go.

2. Ford F-250

Though F-250 is not the sales leader as the more popular F-150 is, it is definitely more reliable. Where F-150 performed below average in reliability tests, the super duty model F-250 scored above average ratings.

As far as used pickup trucks go, the 2013 and 2016 models provide immense value. Its 2009 model is also an ideal option. However, finding a well-maintained 2009 model may prove challenging.

3. GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon 2010 model, in particular, is another great option for those looking for used trucks. Its reliability ratings are quite high and consistent. Its engine and transmission records were consistently good throughout the decade.

With the 2010 model, you get a manual version with 5-speed and an automatic version with 4-speed transitions. It has a load-bearing and towing capacity of 1,422 lbs and 6,000 lbs, respectively.

It is one of the best-used pickup trucks you can find on the market. If you can get a well-maintained model, you won’t have to worry about excessive repair costs anytime soon.

4. Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is a compact truck but can effortlessly compete with the likes of Ford f-150 as long as it you choose the model with the right specifications. Keep your eyes open and browse the market for the V-6. It comes with a five-speed automatic gearbox and an engine with the power of 236 horses.

You should watch out for the 2012 model, in particular. The 2012 upgrade increased the trucks towing capacity to 6,400 pounds.

5. Honda Ridgeline

If you’re on the hunt for a truck that doesn’t have the traditional truck appeal but all of its features, then the Honda Ridgeline is the one for you. The truck features a five-speed automatic gearbox and an engine that produces up to 250 horses. It can tow up to 5000 lbs and carry up to 1,546 lbs.

Its durability makes it an excellent option. The truck is guaranteed to last long. What makes it even more ideal is that it doubles as the ideal family hauler. It is spacious on the inside and provides a comfortable and smooth ride.

6. Nissan Frontier

Here’s another compact truck that managed to outperform full-sized pickup trucks in reliability ratings. In the last decade, the Frontier scored top scores twice, and above-average reliability scores five times. It has only had one average year, which we can overlook.

It is not the most modern-looking truck, but it is durable with a solid powertrain. It provides a comfortable ride and can even serve as a passenger vehicle.

7. Chevrolet Colorado

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is one of the newer models and has all the features a modern-day driver desires, especially for entertainment. Its V-6 model is what you should be looking out for though it will be hard to find in the used vehicle category.

It features an engine that develops 308 horses and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It can tow around 7000lbs and carry 1,574lbs, making it an ideal heavy-duty vehicle. You can also get the turbo-diesel model, which can tow up to 7,700lbs.

If you’re looking for something powerful and stylish, this is the vehicle for you. Because it is a newer model, it will cost you quite a bit of money but will also last you longer.

8. Mitsubishi Raider LS

The Mitsubishi Raider was one of the most reliable pickup trucks back in the day. However, it wasn’t able to recover from the dip in sales brought about by a flaw in the 2006 model even though the company fixed it. The 2009 model is a prime example of how great the quality of the pickup truck is.

It features a four-speed automatic gearbox, a V-6 model with an engine that created 210 horses. You could also get a six-speed manual gearbox that some old school drivers still prefer. The truck has a load-bearing capacity of 1,650lbs and can tow up to 4100 lbs.

9. RAM 1500

As long as you stay away from the 2014 and 2015 models of the RAM 1500, you can find an extremely reliable used vehicle. In fact, the half-ton ram even topped the reliability score charts in 2017. However, since the 2017 model can be a little expensive, you should look for the 2012 model.

With the 2012 model, you get three engines to choose from, one V-6 and two V-8s. The versions each catered to a different category of buyers with the biggest engine targeted towards those looking for something more powerful than an average work truck. It can tow up to 12,750 lbs and carry 1,781 lbs.

10. Ford Ranger

We’ll end with the classic Ford Ranger. The ranger encapsulates the essence of the most basic pickup truck. It is not the most powerful of trucks, but it is reliable. The 2009 model includes a v-6 mill engine that can tow up to 6000 lbs and carry 1,260 lbs, which is pretty decent.

If you can get your hands on a well-maintained model, you can use it well for a couple of years or so before you run into repair troubles.

Conclusion

In this article, we have mentioned the ten most reliable used pickup trucks. Some of these are around ten years old, and they may not be your first preference, but if you are looking for something cheap and reliable to use for a couple of years, then these are the perfect options for you. If you have a little more cash, you can always look at the newer models mentioned above.