The 4 Cheapest Pickup Trucks to Keep on the Road

Brandon Moore
· 5 min read
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It’s no secret that pickup trucks can be pretty costly to maintain throughout the years. If you’re looking for the most affordable truck to upkeep, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the four cheapest pickup trucks from 2011, including the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, GMC Sierra, and Chevy Silverado.
Repairs are a necessary expense, and due to their large size,
pickup trucks are more prone to accidents
that can cause injuries and property damage. This raises
car insurance
premiums for trucks and you might find that the cost of upkeep is high.
Thankfully, some trucks will require less maintenance than others. Buying a smaller truck that is cost efficient is also one way to save on future maintenance. Here are the cheapest pickup trucks to maintain from 2011 with data from
Consumer Reports
.

Cheapest compact pickup trucks to maintain

2011 Ford Ranger

Though it’s not particularly revolutionary in its design, drivers reported that the 2011 Ford Ranger only cost $200 in maintenance and repair for a year. Considering this Ford Ranger is now ten years old, these low maintenance costs seem like a great deal.
Ford’s insurance rates
are also known to be affordable.
Equipped with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, the 2011 Ford Ranger is a reliable pickup and a great option for drivers who prioritize affordability over power. The Ranger’s compact size also allows for easier and cheaper maintenance. Reviewers noted that the Ranger’s interior dash seems to be made of cheaper plastics, which could mean cheaper upkeep at the cost of style.

2011 Nissan Frontier

As one of the best compact pickups from its year, the 2011 Nissan Frontier is a great deal for anyone looking to drive a reliable pickup. On top of that, the Frontier’s upkeep cost after 10 years is only $200 per year.
With the Frontier’s four-cylinder and V6 engine options, you won’t be getting much in the way of towing commonly seen in bigger trucks. The Frontier makes up for this with its great drive, affordability, and high ranking for compact trucks for its year. If you want an affordable compact pickup, you can’t go wrong with the Frontier.
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Cheapest full-size pickup trucks to maintain

2011 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2011 GMC Sierra also has an upkeep cost of just $200 in 2021. With incredible ratings for full-sized pickup trucks of its year, the Sierra is a great choice for anyone wanting a bigger truck than the previously listed models. Since it's a full-size truck, the Sierra will be a bit pricier on initial purchase, but the upkeep cost is the same.
With options for V8 engines, the Sierra has a strong drive and greater towing capabilities than the previous models. The seats are much roomier, and drivers will appreciate the good payload capacity in the bed. If you’re willing to drop some more money on the initial purchase or you’re looking for a strong engine, the Sierra is the preferred choice of pickup.
Keep in mind that the Sierra’s insurance rates may be higher than the other cars listed here. You’re going to want to examine the
types of car insurance
needed and their cost before you commit to a vehicle with more demands.

2011 Chevy Silverado 1500

As with the other pickups on this list, the 2011 Chevy Silverado boasts low upkeep costs of only $200 per year. The Silverado is also highly rated for full-sized pickup trucks in 2011, making it another strong contender for affordable trucks.
Like the Sierra, the Silverado has options for the strong V8 engines that allow a stronger drive and good towing capabilities. The cabin is spacious and truck access feels much easier than other large vehicles in the Silverado’s category.
Though it's not rated as highly as the Sierra, the Chevy Silverado has a good fuel economy, making it a great choice for drivers wanting an affordable upkeep on a full-sized pickup that might be just a bit cheaper than the Sierra.

Finding the right insurance for your pickup truck

Given their large size, pickup trucks may have higher premiums than smaller vehicles. However, insurance costs for trucks can still be affordable, especially for the four vehicles listed above.
Older models are generally more prone to repairs, but they are also at a lower value due to their age, which drives insurance costs down. With a low upkeep cost and inexpensive repairs, the four trucks covered in this article may have competitive, affordable premiums.
The only way to know for sure which cars are the cheapest to insure is to decide on a few models and gather
car insurance quotes online
. If you don't want to spend time comparison shopping with multiple carriers, sign up with
Jerry
. This free app will generate competitive quotes from top providers in less than a minute.

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