A Shopping Guide to the Best Used Trucks

As your local used truck dealer, we seek to offer unparalleled value, whether you need a reliable workhorse for your job or a great second vehicle to haul your boat or camper on weekends. These days, buying a new truck can be challenging, as inventory restrictions mean you may find it hard to get the truck you need at your desired price point. However, used trucks offer a cost-effective solution, letting you get around these obstacles while still landing yourself a very dependable and versatile vehicle.

Trucks are renowned for their durability. They’re engineered to handle tough conditions and heavy loads, meaning they are built to last. With proper maintenance, it’s not uncommon for a used truck to offer reliable service for well over a hundred thousand miles. This longevity, combined with the immediate cost savings, makes used trucks a savvy investment––now more than ever.

Let’s take a look at the top-selling trucks on the used market and explore what makes each of these models a good value for you. We’ll split them into categories, including full-size pickups and heavy-duty pickups, and we’ll explore which ones may fit your particular needs.

Full-Size Trucks

In some ways, full-size trucks are the heart and soul of the American automotive marketplace. Not only are they uniquely American vehicles that are perfect for our wide-open roads, but they dominate the sales charts year after year. In fact, if you take a look at the list of the top-selling vehicles, you’ll find that the top three best-selling vehicles in America are all full-sized pickups: the Ford F-Series, the Chevy Silverado, and the Ram pickup. That’s remarkable, and it’s a testament to how useful trucks are in our lives. Let’s take a look at the full-sized models in these three lineups, as well as the best-selling full-size truck from an import brand, the Toyota Tundra. Note that all of these trucks offer both two-wheel-drive and 4×4 models.

Ford F-150

The F-150, like the other trucks in this section, fits into the half-ton truck segment. Don’t let the term “half-ton” fool you, by the way. Today’s half-ton pickups can haul a lot more than half a ton in their beds. In fact, the fourteenth-generation F-150, which was introduced in 2021, is rated for a 3,325 lb payload, which is quite a bit more than a half-ton! Some of the 2021 F-150 engine configurations can even tow up to 14,000 lbs. Earlier model years of the F-150 offer similar capabilities. Recent F-150s offer a range of engines, from turbocharged V6 options to powerful V8s, while a turbo-diesel V6 was available through 2021.

Add in thoughtful features like Pro Power Onboard, which turns the F-150 into a mobile generator (introduced in 2021), and hybrid powertrain options (also introduced in 2021), and it’s clear that the F-150 doesn’t rest on its laurels and keeps striving to be a technology leader. Also, look for special editions like the F-150 Raptor, the off-road king of the hill.

Chevy Silverado 1500

Chevy commercials used to depict the Silverado hauling loads and busting trails to the strains of Bob Seger singing “Like a Rock.” The Silverado remains the rock that anchors Chevy’s truck lineup, with the Silverado 1500 serving in the half-ton role. Like the F-150, the Silverado 1500 both hauls (to the tune of 2,250 lbs of payload in the redesigned 2020 models) and pulls (with up to 13,400 lbs of towing capacity).

It also competes with the F-150 in the technology department, with features like Super Cruise hands-free driving (introduced in 2022) and the Multi-Flex Tailgate (added as an option in 2021). Like the F-150, it offers a dedicated off-road model called the ZR2, a V8 beast introduced in 2022. The Silverado 1500 also continues to offer a Duramax turbo-diesel along with a full range of gas-powered options. Regardless of what model or generation of Silverado 1500 you choose, you’ll get capability and reliability that’s like––well, like a rock.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 often brings up the rear in the three-way sales battle between the full-sized American pickups, but it’s far from an also-ran in terms of either capability or technology. From its big-rig-inspired styling to a range of high-output HEMI V8 engines, the Ram 1500 is a serious professional truck. Plus, for nine model years from 2014 through 2023, you’ll find some Ram 1500 models equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that offers an incredible 1,000 miles of range when equipped with the optional 33-gallon fuel tank.

The payload ratings in fifth-generation models of the Ram 1500 (introduced in 2019) range up to 2,300 lbs, while HEMI models from that same year can tow up to 12,560 lbs. EcoDiesel-equipped models can tow even more, up to 12,750 lbs. Other features, like a 98 percent high-strength steel frame, power tailgate, and 110-volt external power outlets, boost the Ram 1500’s status as a work truck.

Toyota Tundra

While American manufacturers come to mind first when you think of a full-sized truck, some import manufacturers have jumped into the game. While Nissan’s soon-to-be-discontinued Titan was a worthy entrant into the market for two decades, it never sold in numbers anywhere as close to Toyota’s Tundra. Therefore, you’ll be much more likely to find a Tundra on the used truck market.

The Tundra is a serious contender for pickup shoppers. It draws on Toyota’s expertise in building nearly indestructible trucks like the Hilux, which sadly is sold everywhere on Earth except here in the United States. The Tundra is as tough and reliable as trucks get. As an example of used Tundras, the redesigned 2022 model offers a 1,940 lb payload and up to 12,000 lbs of towing capacity from its twin-turbo i-FORCE V6. Its optional Multi-Terrain Select feature transforms it into a true off-roader, too.

Heavy-Duty Trucks

Heavy-duty trucks, which include three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks, are generally offered as part of the same model families as their light-duty counterparts. For instance, the Ford F-Series includes not just the half-ton F-150 but also the three-quarter-ton F-250, one-ton F-350, and commercial-grade F-450. The Chevy Silverado’s corresponding heavy-duty trucks are the Silverado 2500 HD and Silverado 3500 HD. The Ram lineup offers the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. These are vehicles for serious hauling and towing, whether it’s equipment for the job site, horse trailers, or fifth wheel campers. Most models in recent years come with advanced trailering tools like multi-camera views. You probably wouldn’t want one of these trucks as an everyday driver unless you need the extra capability since these are large, heavy vehicles with correspondingly reduced fuel economy. But for those who need these capabilities, nothing less will do.

Ford Super Duty

Ford’s heavy-duty trucks are all referred to as Super Duty models for good reason. Offering up to 40,000 lbs of trailering and up to 8,000 lbs of payload after the 2023 redesign, they truly show how far modern heavy-duty trucks have evolved beyond their “one-ton” label. The imposing F-450 even comes standard with a dual-rear-wheel setup for extra-heavy loads. Yet Super Duty models also offer comfort to go with their capability, with a full range of trims right up through the luxurious King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. A range of gas and diesel engines offer buyers plenty of choices.

Chevy Silverado HD

The fourth-generation Silverado HD models (introduced in 2020) offer up to 36,000 lbs of towing capacity and over 7,400 lbs of payload. Like the F-Series Super Duty models, they offer comfortable interiors and luxurious trim levels to go with their muscles. There’s even a ZR2 off-road variant of the Silverado 2500 HD that debuted in 2024. A 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel and a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine are available in recent models to suit your particular needs regarding towing and fuel economy. The Silverado 3500 HD offers an optional dual-rear-wheel setup.

Ram Heavy Duty

The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are both ready for either the job site or the campsite. With over 37,000 lbs of towing capacity in the 2021 and later models, it makes light work of almost anything that will fit on a trailer. Payloads can exceed 6,000 lbs for dual-rear wheel models. Recent models feature HEMI V8 engines and the legendary Cummins turbo-diesel, which produces over 1,000 lb-ft of torque.

Which Used Truck Is Best for You?

Selecting the right used truck involves many factors, including your specific needs and preferences. That’s why we’re here to work with you to find the perfect model for your job, your lifestyle, and your budget. Whether you need a robust workhorse or a versatile vehicle for weekends, we’re committed to making sure you drive away with a truck that delivers everything you’re looking for.