Regresar al GuidesNew and used vehicles are selling for top dollar in today’s seller’s market. Pickup trucks are desirable for their universality, durability, and workhorse capability. Usually, the word affordability would be added to the characteristics that make pickup trucks great, but new pickup trucks have been steadily rising, with top-of-the-line models from each automaker surpassing $100,000.
Fortunately, for used pickup truck consumers, durability and workhorse capability are characteristics built into pickup trucks for generations. Consumers can find dependable work trucks that double as family haulers for under $5,000 if they are willing to purchase a higher mileage vehicle or accept a two-wheel-drive (2WD) drivetrain over a four-wheel-drive (4WD). Below is a list of the 12 most affordable used trucks in today’s market. All pricing is sourced from Kelly Blue Book (KBB) and represents the private party range with average mileage and a vehicle condition rating of “good,” as most used pickup trucks available today fall within these parameters.
1. 2005 Ford F-150
2. 2007 Ford Ranger
3. 2007 Dodge Ram 1500
4. 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
5. 2002 Toyota Tacoma
6. 2005 Nissan Frontier
7. 2002 Toyota Tundra
8. 2004 Chevrolet S-10
9. 2008 Dodge Dakota
10. 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
11. 2004 Ford F-250 and F-350
1. 2005 Ford F-150
The most affordable used 2005 Ford F-150 is in a regular cab, two-door configuration. Ford introduced the 4.2-liter V6 engine as the base engine for the 2005 F-150, along with a five-speed manual transmission. The 2005 F-150 offers the highest payload and towing capacity rating in the 2005 half-ton model class and updated functional interior design.
While there are many benefits to the 2005 F-150, consumers should be aware of its drawbacks. The 2005 F-150 is held back by its excessive curb weight of up to 5,177 pounds and its lack of key safety features found standard in competitors’ half-ton offerings. The 2005 model year Ford F-150 does not offer the popular Lariat trim level, which is an area of consideration for consumers considering the purchase of an F-150. A fair, private party market range for the 2005 Ford F-150 is $3,590-$5,831, depending on mileage, condition, and model. Trim levels consist of a choice between XL, XLT, STX, or range-topping FX4.
Browse used 2005 Ford F-150 listings here.
2. 2007 Ford Ranger
With an estimated price range of $4,248-$7,141 with the above filters in consideration, the 2007 Ford Ranger offers a Super Cab XL two-door configuration, offering seating for up to five. The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck. When outfitted in the Super Cab configuration, it has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.
Ford sold 72,711 Ford Rangers as new cars in the 2007 model year, leaving plenty of quality Rangers on the used market. SuperCab configurations are limited to a six-foot bed and can be equipped with reverse-opening rear access doors for passengers.
Browse used 2007 Ford Ranger listings here.
3. 2007 Dodge Ram 1500
As the second full-size truck on our list, the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 offers daily driver comfortability with equal workload ability. With a private party range of $4,633-$7,308, the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab ST two-door variant is the most affordable model in the 2007 model year. As a full-size truck, the Ram 1500 offers a maximum towing capacity of 9,100 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,470 pounds.
Powered by a 215 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, that 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 achieves decent fuel economy for the full-size pickup truck class at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. These EPA-estimated mpg ratings are based on a powertrain consisting of a 2WD and five-speed automatic transmission.
Browse used 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 listings here.
4. 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet offers the 2006 Colorado in many configurations, which can take the Chevy Colorado well past the $5,000 mark. The best configuration for consumers wanting to remain at the $5,000 price point but desire to purchase a pickup truck worth every dollar is the extended cab LT four-door configuration with a six-foot bed.
The above configuration of this light-duty truck allows for seating for up to five passengers, a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, and a combined fuel-efficiency rating of 19 mpg. According to KBB, the private party range for a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab LT is $3,425-$6,204.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Extended cab variants dominate the used pickup truck space. They offer more space and amenities than a regular cab work truck. Still, they are not as expensive as their fully-loaded crew cab counterparts. This remains true for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab LS four-door pickup truck, which sells for $4,211-$7,278 on the used market today.
As a full-size pickup truck, the 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers seating for six, a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 pounds, and a potent 4.8-liter V8 engine. The 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 extended cab is a good truck for consumers looking for a powerful drivetrain who do not want the extra cost associated with a nicer interior design.
Browse used 2006 Chevrolet Colorado listings here.
5. 2002 Toyota Tacoma
While extended cabs may be the best of both worlds for most consumers, the Toyota Tacoma holds its value so well that a regular cab Prerunner short bed variant is the only example of this compact pickup that can be found under $5,000. Powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, the 2002 Toyota Tacoma is capable of towing 3,500 pounds and is offered with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed ECT automatic transmission.
The Toyota Tacoma’s five-speed manual gearbox paired with a ground clearance between 7.6-11 inches, dependent on trim level, makes the Tacoma a desirably used pickup truck for off-road enthusiasts.
Browse used 2002 Toyota Tacoma listings here.
6. 2005 Nissan Frontier
The 2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Nismo Pickup four-door represents the midsize truck segment for Nissan as their best offering of a used pickup truck for under $5,000. With a market range of $4,822-$7,307, consumers can purchase a newer model year Frontier than the Toyota Tacoma with additional interior cabin space for similar pricing.
The 2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Nismo model has a 4WD drivetrain and a 4.0-liter V6 engine and can tow 6,300 pounds. The Frontier is also equipped with 9.8 inches of minimum ground clearance, more than modern SUVs offer, with an average of 6-8 inches of standard clearance.
Browse used 2005 Nissan Frontier listings here.
7. 2002 Toyota Tundra
Toyota strikes again with its high resale value making it near impossible to find an Access Cab Tundra for under $5,000 after the 2002 model year. The good news, however, is that the 2002 Toyota Tundra Access Cab is worth every dollar, evidenced by its retained value. Used cars do not typically retain their value over time. Still, the built quality and proven longevity of the Toyota brand have kept their used vehicle market on the higher spectrum of return.
The Toyota Tundra is the full-size pickup truck offered by Toyota. The 2002 model year is outfitted with Toyota’s 245 horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine. While the EPA estimated combined mpg is a fuel-guzzling 14 mpg, Toyota equips the 2002 Tundra with an automatic transmission and 4WD standard. Good condition 2002 Toyota Tundra's can be found for $4,530-$8,287, depending on model configuration.
Browse used 2002 Toyota Tundra listings here.
8. 2004 Chevrolet S-10
The final production year for the Chevrolet S-10 was 2004, and Chevy only offered it in the Crew Cab body style. The advantage for the consumer in this situation is that you can purchase a final model year Chevy S-10 with reasonably low mileage, between $3,833-$5,346.
The 2004 Chevy S-10 Crew Cab offers a torquey V6, nimble handling on and off-road, and a reasonable used truck price point. Chevy replaced their S-10 offering with the Chevy Colorado. Still, in the final model year, S-10 offers 4WD, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a combined fuel economy rating of 16 mpg.
Browse used 2004 Chevrolet S-10 listings here.
9. 2008 Dodge Dakota
Dodge offers the 2008 Dakota in various formats, with the most affordable being the Extended Cab SXT four-door variant. The extended cab provides a spacious cabin and respectable road manners. It is equipped with a class-leading optional 4.7-liter V8 engine producing 302 horsepower.
The 2008 Dodge Dakota is a capable workhorse that can tow up to 7,100 pounds. Still, it falls behind other pickup trucks in the same segment concerning the interior quality and body styles. The 2008 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab SXT is available for between $4,193-$5,458 but can quickly surpass the $5,000 price point when loaded with options or upgraded to the ever-popular Quad Cab configuration.
Browse used 2008 Dodge Dakota listings here.
10. 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
Automotive cousin with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the GMC brand is General Motor’s (GM) luxury truck offering. While the interior build quality and options attract particular consumers, the 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab SLE’s maximum towing capacity falls below what GM offers in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a year prior for a similar price.
However, the 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 remains on our list because GM completely redesigned the Sierra 1500 in the 2007 model year, providing consumers with a refined option in the full-size truck market. With solid work capability, a comfortable ride quality, and a focus on cabin refinement, the 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size luxury truck that can be purchased in the used car market for $4,772-$6,855. The top-of-the-line trim level, SLT, features a unique dashboard and treats the door panel with wood grain and metallic accents.
Browse used 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 listings here.
11. 2004 Ford F-250 and F-350
To end our list are two examples of heavy-duty purpose-built pickup trucks in the used truck segment, the Ford F-250, and F-350. The 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab offers rugged construction, high-towing and payload capability, and a diesel engine standard that leads the heavy-duty truck class in power and fuel economy. For consumers desiring a hard-core work truck with interior cabin space for the whole family, the Crew Cab King Ranch F-250 could be your best option for under $5,000.
A Ford F-350 can be found in the same model year for less than $5,000, but consumers would have to seek a Regular Cab XL instead of the Crew Cab offered in the F-250 to remain in the same price range. Depending on your usage, the 2004 Ford F-250 Crew Cab could be the best option for consumers in the market for a used heavy-duty truck with a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,390 pounds; even the least expensive F-250 is capable of being worked harder than any other truck on our list.
