Are you in the market for a reliable used truck for under $20,000? These five options deliver all the power, towing, and functionality you want at a fraction of what they cost new. Buying used lets you enjoy all the benefits these trucks offer without the depreciation drivers who buy them new experience the day they drive them off the lot.
Chevy Silverado 1500
The first truck in our lineup is the Chevy Silverado. The 2012 model of this workhorse earned a four out of five star reliability rating from J.D. Power and a four out of possible five reliability ranking from U.S. News & World Report. In addition to being dependable, you can count on this truck to deliver a smooth ride, capable handling, decent audio, navigation and connectivity options as well as a towing capacity of more than 10,000 pounds.
Toyota Tacoma
There’s a reason used Toyota trucks are hard to find – owners hang on to them forever because they are incredibly reliable. The Tacoma offers a comfy interior, decent fuel economy, and the ability to tow 6,500 pounds. With a touchscreen that comes standard, there’s a lot to love about a used Tacoma, especially the price, which averages under $20,000 for 2013 model years.
Nissan Frontier
The Frontier ranks high for reliability and is a solid, powerful truck for the price. While the base model is a good option, if you hunt for upgrades like a V6 engine and infotainment system, you can plug in your smartphone easily while you haul up to 6,500 pounds without breaking a sweat.
GMC Sierra
Similar to the Silverado, the GMC Sierra offers reliability and towing power. While the standard engine on a Sierra is a V6, if you are able to find a V8, you can tow over 10,000 pounds. The Sierra delivers a roomy interior that’s comfortable and functional. Look for extras like Bose audio, Bluetooth functionality and a rear seat entertainment system on a used model for a steal of a vehicle.
Dodge Ram
While the Dodge Ram bumps up against the $20,000 mark, you can find a good used quad cab for that price that delivers reliability, power, and functionality for much less than what the truck cost new. The 2013 model was the first to include a V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission standard. An ample interior and smooth ride complement safety features like a rear-view camera and parking sensors.
