The Top 10 Cheap Used Trucks

The 2003 Ford F-150 has the best value for cheap used trucks.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Whether you’re looking to grow your work fleet or add some extra oomph! to your towing capacity, the Ford F-150 is the best cheap used truck on the market.
Buying a used car is an easy, cost-effective way to get all the benefits of a solid truck without sacrificing your bank account. Newer models may come with some updated features and luxuries, but a cheap used truck packs the same engine power and capability to get the job done.
Some types of cheap are better than others, especially when it comes to
finding affordable insurance
to go with your new used truck. Car insurance super app
Jerry
is quick, easy, and guaranteed to find you the cheapest insurance rates when it comes to used cars. 
In this article, Jerry’s hauled up all the information you need on the top 10 cheapest used trucks available. We’ve done the heavy lifting so you can find the best cheap for your truckin’ needs.
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Ford F-150

Year: 2003
Towing capacity: 5,000 to 8,800 pounds
Trim Style: XL Styleside Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $18,975
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $3,405
With plenty of options on the market and a standard reasonable asking price in the mid-$3000 range, a used Ford F-150 provides the best bang-for-your-buck when it comes to cheap used trucks.
The Ford F-150 packs all of the power of a full-size truck while driving like a midsize. Its fuel economy for a truck is pretty standard, with up to 17 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Engines are available in 4.2 to 5.4L options, but look for the 5.4L V8 engine to get the most powerful option—it boasts 260 horsepower!
Because the Ford F-150 is a common fleet vehicle, there are plenty to choose from on the market and replacement parts should be easy to find.

Chevrolet Colorado

Year: 2006
Towing capacity: 1,600 to 2,900 pounds
Trim Style: Work Truck 2WD Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $15,390
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $3,672
Although the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado lacks strong towing capacity, its fuel economy alone makes this used truck a great smaller-sized, affordable option.
A good condition Colorado should reach up to 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These first-generation Chevys came in a large variety of trim options, so if the “Work Truck” is not your style, you should still be able to find a trim configuration to your liking in the $5000 range.
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Ford Ranger

Year: 2003
Towing capacity: 2240 to 5,860 pounds
Trim Style: XL Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $13,535
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $3,503
Another small-size truck, the 2003 Ford Ranger has versatile engine options that trade towing capacity for fuel economy and vice versa. 
The 2.3L 4-cylinder engine delivers up to 24 city and 29 highway MPG, which is going to be hard to beat for fuel economy across the board. On the other hand, the 4.0L V6 engine option sacrifices some MPG in exchange for 207 horsepower and a towing capacity more than twice the Chevrolet Colorado’s. Look for a Ford Ranger with the 3.0L V6 engine to meet in the middle.

Dodge Ram 1500

Year: 2006
Towing capacity: 2,900 to 7,800 pounds
Trim Style: ST 2WD Short Bed Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $21,800
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $6,754
The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 runs the highest price tag on this list, but the different makes of this truck check off marks for power and versatility.
Models made after 2003 often carry a powerful 5.7L or 8.3L Hemi engine packing 315 to 500 horsepower. Even the 3.6 pentastar engine can reach 305 horsepower while offering a more economical MPG.
It’s very easy to find later models of the Dodge Ram 1500 in good condition, ranging in trim and engine options that run below $10,000. If you have a bit more budget to work with and you want a relatively younger truck that packs power, this could be the truck for you.
Key Takeaway The Ram 1500 offers powerful and versatile options for buyers with a bit more room in their budget.

GMC Sierra 1500

Year: 2003
Towing capacity: 7,900 to 10,000 pounds
Trim Style: 2WD Work Truck Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $19,150
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $4,598
If you want the highest towing capacity on the market for cheap used trucks, look for a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD with a 6.0L V8 engine. The most common option you’re likely to find is a 5.3L V8 engine, but even that still packs 285 horsepower and has an almost 4-ton towing capacity.
The Sierra 1500 gets similar mileage to the Ford F-150 (up to 21 MPG on the highway), but you can chalk up the $1000 price difference to a much higher work capacity. Like the F-150, this is another common fleet vehicle with replacement parts readily available for potential repairs.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Year: 2003
Towing capacity: 7,400 to 9,100 pounds
Trim Style: 2WD Pickup
Original MSRP: $19,865
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $5,367
Another fleet vehicle, models of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are easy to maintain and readily available in good condition.
The 2003 Chevrolet Silverado is another great option for high work capacity, and there are plenty of variations on the market. You’ll likely be able to choose from 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2L engines packing 200 to 345 horsepower.

Toyota Tacoma

Year: 2004
Towing capacity: 3,500 to 5,000 pounds
Trim Style: Base Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $12,460
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $4,841
Used Toyota Tacomas tend to maintain their original value more than other used trucks, but you can find one for under $5000 if you have a little bit of patience.
Toyota Tacomas are one of the safer and more economical options on the market, packing up to 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. It’s an appealing option if you’re looking for comfort over work capacity, but plan to look for a standard cab, two-wheel-drive option to find the most affordable options.
Key Takeaway Cheap used Toyota Tacoma’s are rare, so make sure to explore all the appeals of this popular truck if you find one with a low price tag.

Nissan Frontier

Year: 2004
Towing capacity: 2,000 to 5,000 pounds
Trim Style: Base King Cab
Original MSRP: $13,390
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $4,291
A 2004 Nissan Frontier is comparable to a Toyota Tacoma as far as performance and reliability go, but much easier to find at an affordable price point.
The Frontier delivers on modest function and durability and you may even be able to find models as late as 2010 for a similar price. Keep an eye peeled for later models with a 4.0 L V6 engine to exceed your towing capacity expectations–up to 6,500 pounds!

Toyota Tundra

Year: 2004
Towing capacity: 4,700 to 5,400 pounds
Trim Style: Base Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $15,955
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $5,580
It compares in size to the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger from earlier on this list, but the compact 2004 Toyota Tundra packs an undeniable power punch.
You’re most likely to find Toyota Tundras with 4.0L V6 or 4.8L V8 engines, so this is an option when you’re looking for the work capacity of a full-size truck without all the bulk. The mileage is not likely to break 20 MPG, but the Tundra was the first pickup truck to receive a “Good”
front crash-testing rating
from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Dodge Dakota

Year: 2004
Towing capacity: 3,400 to 4,650 pounds
Trim Style: 2WD Regular Cab
Original MSRP: $20,310
Reasonable Used Asking Price: $3,760
Last but not least, the 2004 Dodge Dakota is a stylish and roomy used truck option with powerful engine variations to back. Look for the 4.7L V8 engine for solid towing performance that still holds up today for a powerful pickup option.

How to find cheap insurance for your used truck

Once you’ve found the used truck that’s right for you, hunt for a cheap truck insurance policy with car insurance super app
Jerry
Jerry is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. It takes less than a minute to sign up and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from more than 50 top providers. Like a solid pickup truck, Jerry does a ton of the work for you like canceling your old policy and setting up your new one. Find savings with Jerry, today!
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