Trucks, regardless of the make or model are designed and built to last longer than the average car on the road. You can purchase a truck and drive it for decades, having confidence it will start when needed, haul family members, gear, and tow heavy loads.
For many individuals, the most appealing used trucks are those that offer four-wheel-drive (4WD) benefits. The best-of-the-best 4WD trucks can conquer more than rain and snow and offer a rugged suspension construction that can handle off-road driving.
If you are interested in purchasing a 4WD truck but have a limited budget, check out this list of the best used 4WD trucks under $10,000.
Nissan Frontier 2004-2018 Model Years
In 2009, the Japanese manufacturer Nissan, completely redesigned the Frontier making the Frontier a more viable option for truck lovers. From the 2004 to 2018 model years the Frontier obtained new infotainment technology and more standard safety features. The 2009 model year serves as a base for all new-generation Frontiers. Not only did Nissan change the design of the Frontier, but they also developed a better ride experience, ensuring the Frontier offered solid off-road capabilities.
The Frontier has an optional off-road package, offering 4WD, which is named the Pro-4x and it thrives in off-road scenarios. The cabin of the Frontier series of trucks by Nissan has a less than desirable interior and the material offerings are lacking. Engine options include a four-cylinder offering sub-optimal power or a V6 which allows for greater towing capacity.
The Nissan Frontier is the newest pickup you can buy used for less than $10,000, with 2017 and 2018 models frequently available at this price point. With the 2011 generation of the midsize Nissan Frontier, you can choose between extended King Cab and Crew Cab configurations with either a four or six-cylinder engine. If it is a dependable, functional, and capable midsize truck you’re after, the Frontier makes for a great value.
Browse used Nissan Frontier listings here.
Nissan Titan 2004-2014 Model Years
The Nissan Titan is a part of the half-ton class of trucks on the market. Equipped with a 5.6-liter Endurance V-8 engine the Titan is built with a 4WD drivetrain that pairs well with a V-8 powerhouse. Like the Nissan Frontier, however, the Titan is listed at the bottom of its class due to the lack of quality of the interior of the truck. The 2004 to 2014 model years did not yield much in the ways of a better interior for the Titan.
The Nissan Titan seats five to six and operates in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) unless selected to be in 4WD, which all Nissan Titans are equipped with. The Titan achieves an average fuel economy of 13 miles-per-gallon (mpg) city and 18 mpg highway, which places the Titan among the some of the worst half-ton truck gas mileage ratings in the class. The Titan does have a factory spray-in bed liner, and finding a used Titan for under $10,000 is fairly easy despite their low sales volume.
Browse used Nissan Titan listings here.
Ford F-150 2004-2014 Model Years
There is an abundance of used Ford F-150 pickups for under $10,000 on the market today. The volume of Ford F-150's is due in part to the fact that the F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for over three decades. As the leader in the full-size truck arena, the F-150 is known for adopting newer technologies early on, leading to great tech in older model-year F-150s. The 2004 to 2014 model year F-150's have increased their interior design, technology, and off-road capability through larger standard tiers, and ground clearance.
There is a large number of variations of the F-150 available all offering their own powertrain, interior, and body style options. One of the most popular options is the Ford F-150 XLT. The F series of trucks offered by Ford are similar in design and gain size and price through the numerical range. Examples are the Ford F-250, Ford F-350, and the Super Duty options included on certain models. Depending on the model, the F-150 seats two to six and is powered by 301 horsepower through 411 horsepower engine options. The F-150 is offered in either RWD or 4WD with a fuel economy range of 11-17 mpg city, and 16-23 mpg highway.
Browse used Ford F-150 listings here.
GMC Canyon 2005-2010 Model Years
Considered GMC’s professional-grade alternative to the midsize Chevrolet Colorado is the GMC Canyon. The 2010 model is available as a two or three-passenger regular cab, or extended cab with space for four to five passengers. This unibody crew cab truck offers space for five or six passengers. The unique body on frame design of the GMC Canyon is similar to that found on the Honda Ridgeline.
With each of the options, you can choose RWD or 4WD, with impressive safety gear offered on all models including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak Stability, dual-stage front airbags, and a new feature for the 2010 models, standard head-curtain airbags. The 2010 model years also include variable valve timing with the optional 5.3-liter V8 engine. This powertrain combination also offers a higher tow capacity of 6,000 pounds, which is comparable to a new truck. The GMC Canyon is almost unchanging in the 2005 to 2010 model years other than offering more comfort features throughout the years.
Browse used GMC Canyon listings here.
Ford Ranger 2000-2009 Model Years
The Ford Ranger is offered in two cab styles, including the Super Cab and regular cab. With the regular cab, you can choose between six or seven-foot cargo bed lengths. The Super Cab comes with a standard six-foot bed. Four trim levels are available on the Ford Ranger to include the FX4, Sport, XLT, and XL trims. The Sport and FX4 trims are designed with the 4WD capability and geared toward anyone looking for a durable truck with off-road capabilities.
The 2009 model year of the Ranger saw the elimination of standard features such as the V6, 3.0- liter engine option, along with the 4WD drivetrain option for the regular cab. Improvements for the 2009 model year consist of a Class III trailer hitch, and Sirius Satellite Radio, which was made a standard feature for the Sport and FX4 models.
The Ford Ranger offers drivers class-leading fuel economy, and starts at just $4,535, making it well under the $10K mark. The Ford Ranger has improved over the 2000 to 2009 model years, offering more standard safety features, and additions of 4WD across all models and towing capability.
Browse used Ford Ranger listings here.
Toyota Tundra 2007-2014 Model Years
The Toyota Tundra has given the domestic full-size pickup truck market a run for its money, and with surprising success. The Tundra is designed to beat or match most of its domestic full-size competition regarding price, performance, and size. Manufactured in the United States, the Tundra has popular features like electronic stability control, trailer sway control, and standard side airbags.
The Toyota Tundra is the first pickup truck to earn the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Tundra competes directly with the full-sized pickup trucks offered by Nissan, GMC, Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra has gained popularity through the 2007-2014 model years as there have been improvements to the Tundra's safety standards, and the addition of standard comfort features.
The Toyota Tundra is a large vehicle, with a tall seating position making it easy to see the road ahead. It offers a backup camera and sonar warning system to help you navigate through tight roads and parking lots. There are three engine options, including the 4.0-liter V6, the 4.6-liter V6 with 4WD, and the 5.7-liter V8 with 4WD.
Browse used Toyota Tundra listings here.
Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2012 Model Years
With the 2012 model year, Dodge recalibrated the six-speed automatic transmission, offering Electronic Range Selecting to the Ram 1500. New features offered for the 2012 model year include an all-new steering wheel with integrated cruise control buttons, and a Mossy Oak Edition giving the Dodge Ram a camouflage look. The Tradesman HD edition Ram 1500 increases the 1500's payload and trailer ratings.
The Ram 1500 boasts a superior coil-spring rear suspension system, offering a ride that is smoother than pickups featuring leaf springs. A smoother ride and towing and hauling ratings that are competitive with rival tucks. The V8 engine model of the Ram 1500 is one of the strongest options available, returning up to 20 mpg.
There are several trims offered in 4WD making it possible to find a truck that meets your family and gear-hauling needs. Keep in mind, the more features and higher towing capacity, the higher the price, the SLT model variation being a great example. You should have no problem finding a Ram 1500 for under $10K. Through the 2002-2012 model years, the Dodge Ram has increased in interior cabin space, towing capacity, and fuel economy.
Browse used Dodge Ram 1500 listings here.
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Mitsubishi Raider 2006-2009 Model Years
The Mitsubishi Raider utilizes the Dodge Dakota platform and is equipped with either a 210-hp V-6 engine or a 230-hp V-8 model with a tow rating of 6500 pounds.
The Raider is offered in either rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive. Each drivetrain option can be had in either an extended cab or double cab (four doors, up to six seats). The entry-level Radier LS comes with a V-6 comes with a six-on-the-floor manual or a four-speed automatic.
The front seat is a bench seat and has a flip-down center seatback creating a two-seater truck. Two other trim levels offered are the DuroCross and the XLS. The V-8 counterpart gets a heavy-duty towing package, alloy wheels, bigger tires, and a power driver's seat.
The Mitsubishi Raider can be found in all trim levels for under $10,000. Over the course of the 2006 to 2009 model years, the Raider gained different trim levels and a larger towing capacity.
Browse used Mitsubishi Raider listings here.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2005-2014 Model Years
Designed on the full-size GM truck platform, the 2008 model of the Chevrolet Silverado provides a much better ride-and-handling combination than the former generations of GMC and Chevy trucks. The platform offers rack-and-pinion steering, coil-over-shock front suspension, a fully boxed frame, and superior
comfort.
The most powerful engine option is delivered by the 6.0-liter V8; however, there are known issues with this engine platform. Fuel injector issues are known to occur often but are solved by a quick cleaning. The oil pressure light has been known to be faulty, needing a new oil pressure sensor frequently.
Best deals on a Chevy Silverado 1500 are found on lower-mileage 2008 models, which avoid most of the above-mentioned issues. You can find a 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 model starting around $8,000. The 2005-2014 Silverado 1500 model years saw an increase in ride quality and handling. Starting in the 2008 model year the Silverado was able to correct minor errors found in the early model years of the truck.
Browse used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 listings here.
Dodge Dakota 2004-2011 Model Years
While the 2010 Dodge Dakota has been labeled as a midsize pickup truck, it is offered with a trimmer package that makes it much easier to navigate through congested city traffic, as well as crowded parking lots. The 2010 Dakota is offered in four trim levels, offering options like the aft-hinged rear doors, which are available in the extended cab, or four conventional doors, provided by the crew cab trim. The Dodge Dakota is also offered in a six-speed manual transmission for those seeking a manual transmission vehicle.
The standard engine is capable of 210 -horsepower with a 3.7-liter V6. The dependability of the 2010 model is strong, but there are known issues such as the heater core plugging up resulting in heat not getting into the passenger compartment. This issue was addressed and fixed in the proceeding 2011 model year.
A low-mile and well-maintained Dakota is a great all-around truck, as it’s not too big or too small. A 2010 model year Dakota starts around $9,000. The Dodge Dakota has not changed much over the 2004 to 2011 model years other than offering different trim levels offering more horsepower and more cabin space.
Browse used Dodge Dakota listings here.
GMC Sierra 1500 2002-2008 Model Years
Essentially, the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 is a clone of the Silverado 1500 of the same model year. These trucks use the same platform, with minor equipment changes and styling tweaks. The features offered are similar in both trucks offering air conditioning, vinyl seats, satellite radio, and a CD player in the regular cab version of the truck. More standard features were provided with higher trim levels and double cab variations of the truck.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is powered by a 4.3-liter V6, which is capable of up to 195 horsepower, and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2002 to 2008 GMC Sierra model years saw changes in styling, trim levels, and the addition of a double cab option.
Browse used GMC Sierra 1500 listings here.
Chevrolet Colorado 2004-2009 Model Years
The Chevrolet Colorado can tow and handle as well as the full-size Chevy Silverado but offers a more attractive alternative for those who are looking for a recreational truck rather than a work truck. The Chevy Colorado features two engine options, a four-cylinder 185-horsepower option, and a five-cylinder 242-horsepower option.
The 4WD option of the Chevy Colorado allows this compact pickup to tackle the deepest snow and venture off-road. While the Chevy Colorado’s cab and the bed are not the largest offered in this segment, the Chevy Colorado is still competitive with the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
You can find a Chevy Colorado under $10K, but be careful with mileage and options, as those that have more options and features may drive the price beyond the desired cost threshold. From 2004 to the 2009 model year the Chevy Colorado has offered the same engine options but have differed in size, with the cab and bed space increasing slightly each year.
Browse used Chevrolet Colorado listings here.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for the best-used trucks offering 4WD under $10K, you will quickly discover that there are more than a few options to choose from. It is always important to consider condition and mileage carefully when looking at used cars and used trucks as these factors can impact the quality of the vehicle. The provided options are some of the best 4WD used pickup truck options on the market.