can be great cars. They’re dependable, typically have great offroading and towing capabilities, and can transport tons of cargo easily. Unfortunately, all these perks oftentimes come with a hefty price tag that might turn drivers away from purchasing a pickup truck.

One way to still get the benefits of a pickup truck without breaking the bank is buying a used pickup truck. Here, we’ve compiled a list of our five picks for best used pickup trucks, plus some general tips for buying a used car.

Ram 1500

When it comes to pickup trucks, Rams are a classic and typically safe option, and the Ram 1500 is almost always just as good used as it is new.

MotorTrend

advises that if you’re buying a Ram 1500 used, skip the V6 and V8 engine choices. Instead, go with the 5.7-liter Hemi engine that produces a fantastic 390 hp. That engine option has been tested to be the most reliable.

On top of a great engine, a used Ram 1500 will provide you with four wheel discs, good towing capacity, the option of four-wheel or two-wheel drive, and a solid transmission system. Ram 1500s don’t hold their value on the market as much as other pickup trucks, so it should provide a good bang for your buck. Plus,

U.S. News

ranks this as the number one best full sized used pickup truck.

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Ford Super Duty

Another classic pickup truck brand is Ford. Known for making reliable and dependable pickup trucks with relatively good safety ratings, it’s hard to go wrong with a used Ford truck. While the earlier models of the Ford Super Duty had some engine and suspension issues, if you’re shopping for any model after 2003, you should be good to go with this truck.

Later model years have front turning suspension, solid wheels with offroading capabilities, a sleek design with a particularly nice front grille, and a strong frame. Our favorite engine option is the 6.2-liter V8 that can produce up to 385 hp.

Toyota Tacoma

If you’re looking for a used pickup truck on the smaller side,

MotorBiscuit

recommends the Toyota Tacoma, particularly model years 2020, 2017 or 2015 if you can find one. Consumer Reports rates the 2020 model year a 5 out of 5 in reliability, plus a four out of five in owner satisfaction. 2017 and 2015 model years have ratings of no less than 3 out of five in both categories.

The Toyota Tacoma has multiple engine options, good transmission, and like most pickup trucks, tons of cargo space on the bed. But, it’s unique in that it’s a smaller truck and a little bit more manageable to drive.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

In terms of Chevrolet pickup trucks, the Silverado 1500 is probably your best bet when buying used. The Silverado was used in fleet service, which means a lot of models exist, driving the price of a used car down. Plus, it ensures replacement parts are readily available if you do purchase a used Silverado and need a repair.

And, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gives you options. It has 4WD or 2WD, multiple engines, and a short or long bed. Not to mention, fuel economy isn’t bad either.

MORE:

The Cheapest Pickup Trucks for 2021

Ford Ranger

Perhaps one of the most affordable used pickup trucks on the market is the Ford Ranger. It’s a newer and smaller pickup truck, and because of those two things and other factors, reliability and owner satisfaction ratings are high on Consumer Reports.

Although this pickup truck isn’t the most comfortable inside, it gets the job done for people who just need to drive locally or transport things short distances. The tricky part about this truck is that no Ford Rangers were made between 2011 and 2019. That means, you’ll either be getting a particularly old model, or an almost new model. Either way, they should both be solid options.

Tips for shopping for a used pickup truck

When shopping for a used pickup truck, or any used car for that matter, there are a few general tips and tricks to follow that can help ensure you’re getting a car that lasts. Follow these rules of thumb to make the best purchase:

Check vehicle safety ratings from the

National Traffic Highway Safety Administration

(NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Ask for vehicle history reports from the previous owner to see if the car has ever been in an accident.

Test drive the vehicle before committing to a purchase.

Get a mechanic or other car professional to do an inspection prior to purchase.

Find vehicle reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.

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