The Best Small Used Trucks

Not everyone can afford a brand new pickup truck with all the bells and whistles. So what are the best used trucks that you can find for less than $5,000?
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Looking for an affordable
truck
and not a heavy-duty hauler? A small or midsize truck may be the best fit for your lifestyle. 
You can actually find plenty of reliable
used
trucks for less than $5,000. At this price point, the vehicle you’re looking for will most likely have over 200,000 miles, a single or extended-cab, and come in two-wheel drive. 
Check out these used pickups that provide exceptional value and still hold up today.

The best small used trucks from Ford

The Ford F-150 from 1998-2003 is a great bang for your buck. Both V8 engine options are reliable, and you’ll likely be able to find a crew cab or extended cab in your local market. 
Specifically, the 2003 Ford F-150 is an excellent buy. With a towing capacity of over 8,000 pounds, this pickup has the potential for a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 260 hp. It’s also got an agile chassis and if you find it in a 4WD SuperCrew Lariat trim, it doesn’t get more convenient than that.
The 1998-2011 Ford Ranger is still a popular truck today. Rugged and compact, your best bet is snagging a model from 1998-2011, known as the A-Arm generation. According to
MotorTrend
, “Trucks came with the option of either a 4-cylinder engine, 3.0L V-6, or 4.0L V-6. Finding a 2001 or newer gets the best version of the 4.0L V-6.”
You also can’t go wrong with the 2003 Ford Ranger, as it cranks out 207 hp with impressive acceleration. But don’t let the small size of this truck fool you. According to
Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
, “Most Rangers can handle around 1,200 pounds in the bed and 2WD 4.0-liter V6 SuperCab trucks can tow nearly 6,000 pounds.”
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

The best small used trucks from Chevy

The 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado wasn’t much of a looker, but this truck has stood the test of time. Though the Colorado’s inline 5-cylinder engine got mixed reviews, for under $5,000 it's a pretty solid truck. You may even be lucky enough to find one in four-wheel drive with less than 100,000 miles. 
For the 2006 model, “The midsize Chevy Colorado replaced the old-school compact S-10 for the 2004 model year and offered more power and far better fuel economy despite its larger size. Plus, the truck’s foundation, the sturdy ladder frame was over 250% stiffer than the old S-10,” according to KBB. 
The Z71 off-road package with 4WD is an awesome choice and it's best to find models that have the optional side-curtain airbags. Though a 220 hp 5-cylinder engine is an option, most drivers will be satisfied with the efficient 4-cylinder. However, with a towing capacity of just 4,000 pounds, don’t expect the truck to be able to haul as much as a Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota.
The 1998-2004 Chevrolet S-10 was the finest generation. It’s common to find the 4.2-liter V6 engine in good shape and at a price that won’t break the bank. But there weren’t too many produced, so locating one in good condition may be a bit more difficult. 
The successor to the Chevrolet C/K, finding a 1999-2005 Chevrolet Silverado for under $5,000 is a steal. You’re more likely to find a single-cab truck, but extended cabs with 4WD are still out there. It’s also common to find a V8 engine when looking in this price range. 
MORE: What Was the Truck From Jeepers Creepers?

Japanese carmakers offer functional and reliable options

What would an article about small used trucks be without the 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Known for holding their value significantly better than the competition, Tacomas from this era can be found for under $5,000. If you find there are not many models from the 2000s available, opt for models from the mid to late ‘90s.
The first generation 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra is commonly found with a 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 4.7-liter V8 engine. And according to MotorTrend, the Tundra “was also the first pickup to receive a "Good" rating in front offset crash testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.”
Another truck from an awesome
Japanese automaker
is the 1997-2004 Nissan Frontier. These first- and second-generation Frontiers are capable trucks that haul and aren’t afraid to get dirty. MotorTrend even found some 2010 Frontiers for less than $5,000.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings