America’s Love Affair with Pickup Trucks: The Best Used Trucks to Buy in 2024
American car buyers have a long-standing love affair with pickup trucks. Dominating the top of sales charts for decades, the Ford F-Series has retained its title as the best-selling vehicle in America for 42 consecutive years and the best-selling truck for 47. Trailing Ford closely are formidable contenders like the Chevy Silverado, Ram, and GMC Sierra. Given this fierce loyalty to trucks, it’s unsurprising that the best-selling used vehicle in America is also a pickup. But which used trucks should savvy buyers consider in 2024?
iSeeCars, a data-driven automotive research platform, has crunched the numbers on over 9.2 million used car sales from the past five model years (2018-2022). They identified the top options based on sales volume. Let’s delve into the findings and see which used trucks you should consider in 2024.
Best Used Trucks to Buy in 2024
Best Used Trucks Under $10,000: 2005-2011 Dodge/Ram Dakota
The Dodge Dakota, later rebranded as the Ram Dakota, offers a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its standard 3.7-liter V6 may lack in performance, but it provides substantial cargo carrying and towing capabilities at an unbeatable price.
Best Full-Size Truck Under $10,000: 2008-2012 Nissan Titan
If you need a truck with more power and towing capability than the Dakota, look no further than the Nissan Titan. The Titan’s robust 5.6-liter V8 engine makes it ideal for heavier loads, offering significant bang for your buck in the full-size category.
Best Used Trucks Under $15,000: Toyota Tacoma (Rust-Free Models)
Known for its outstanding reliability, the Toyota Tacoma is a top pick under $15,000. While it offers a high resale value, the Tacoma tends to have a cramped interior and average comfort. Nonetheless, its longevity and capability make it a worthwhile investment.
Best Used Full-Size Trucks Under $15,000: 2013 and Newer Ram 1500
For those seeking a spacious full-size truck, the 2013 or newer Ram 1500 stands out. Opt for the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for better fuel economy. While the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is reliable, it guzzles fuel, and this budget won’t accommodate a model with the optimal V8/eight-speed combo.
Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $20,000: 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado
For a versatile pickup under $20,000, the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado is a top contender. Its various V8 engine options have a strong reputation for durability. Although the Toyota Tundra is a good alternative, finding a quality model in this price range is challenging.
Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $25,000: 2015-2019 Ford F-150
When venturing into the $25,000 range, the 2015-2019 Ford F-150 reigns supreme. Starting in 2015, the F-150 gained an aluminum-intensive construction, enhancing its performance and fuel efficiency. The XLT model is particularly budget-friendly, and both the base V6 and optional 5.0-liter V8 engines are reliable choices.
Best Used Compact Pickup Trucks Under $25,000: 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma
Following its 2016 redesign, the Toyota Tacoma saw several improvements, though it still lags in comfort compared to competitors. Its strong resale value and reliability keep it a favorable option.
Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $25,000: 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline
For buyers prioritizing ride comfort, the Honda Ridgeline offers a smooth, car-like ride thanks to its unibody design. While it can’t match the towing capacity of full-size trucks, it’s efficient and suitable for everyday use.
Top Selling Used Trucks of the Last 5 Years
- Ford F-150: 21.9% of all used truck sales
- Chevrolet Silverado: 17.7% of all used truck sales
- Ram 1500: 14.0% of all used truck sales
- Toyota Tacoma: 9.1% of all used truck sales
- GMC Sierra: 8.1% of all used truck sales
The Ford F-150 remains the best-selling used vehicle in 34 U.S. states. Second place goes to the Chevrolet Silverado, which leads in Iowa. Interestingly, the Ram 1500 closely follows the Chevrolet Equinox in the overall market, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward smaller, more fuel-efficient models due to rising gas prices in 2023.
The Toyota Tacoma is the top-selling midsize truck but faces stiff competition from popular models like the Toyota Camry, RAV4, and Honda Civic in the used market. The GMC Sierra rounds out the top five, boasting similar under-the-hood features as the Chevrolet Silverado.
Absent from this list are the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and midsize models like the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger. However, with the growing interest in smaller trucks like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, we may see more diverse options in future lists.
In summary, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option under $10,000 or a well-rounded truck under $25,000, the used truck market in 2024 offers a range of solid choices. Each of these trucks brings unique strengths, ensuring that there’s an ideal model to fit every buyer’s needs.
Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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