The Top 5 Most Reliable Used Trucks

December 9, 2022June 5, 2023 Darian A 0 Comments Best Used Trucks, Chevy Silverado, Duraliner, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, RAM 1500, Toyota Tacoma

If a pre-owned ride better suits your budget, consider these candidates for most reliable used trucks.

With new vehicles quickly reaching exclusionary pricing, many folks are turning to the used market to secure a new-to-them ride – and they are noticeably reaching for pickup trucks. There is always some inherent risk in making a pre-owned purchase. (As the saying goes, you are buying someone else’s problem.) But there are also certain steps a buyer can take to help mitigate potential disappointment.

For instance, you can start by narrowing down the shopping list to viable and reliable candidates. The best part? We’ve done the legwork for you! Check out the top five most reliable used pickup trucks, below, in no particular order.

(Please note: No diesel trucks were considered for this list.)

Toyota Tacoma

This light-duty compact truck has serious off-road capabilities. While the Tacoma is a little more expensive to purchase used upfront, it retains its value well. Four and six-cylinder engines are known to easily hit the 200,000-mile mark with minimal repair needs, and its transmission and 4X4 systems are equally as reliable.

The Toyota Tacoma has mass appeal, with owners ranging from first-time drivers to little old ladies and everybody in between. It’s small enough to zip around town, but tough enough to get the job done when needed.

While definitely one of the most reliable used trucks on the market, something to be aware of in 1995–2004 first-gen Tacoma trucks is a rust issue in the frame and leaf springs. However, most of this was resolved under Toyota’s extended warranty, as the automaker either fixed or replaced the vehicle’s frame.

Red older-model Toyota Tacoma sits parked on a sandy beach. — Consumer Reports awarded the 2005 Tacoma (*pictured here*) with a near-perfect satisfaction rating. If you want something newer, the publication points to the 2019 model (*pictured in this article’s feature image*).

What the Toyota Tacoma does better than any other used truck: Good track record for reliability and low repair costs. It will cost less to maintain, and may even sell for more money when it’s time to move on.

Ford F-150

The best-selling new pickup truck in America, it makes sense that the Ford F-150 would make the cut for one of the best used pickup trucks to purchase. Ford F-150 often leads its segment with in-class towing and payload ratings, holding up across the miles put on it. This vehicle is strong enough to do the work you’ll ask of it, but also manageable as a vehicle for a family road trip.

The Ford F-150 is versatile. You can find them in a staggering amount of bed lengths, cabin sizes, axle ratios and options, meaning there’s likely the perfect used F-150 out there for you. With a legendary reputation and solid history of longevity, there’s a reason the Ford F-150 makes the cut.

Red Ford truck tows boat out of water — A perennial award-winner, the F-150 recently picked up a best certified pre-owned award from Vincentric for having the lowest operating, fuel, insurance, and total ownership costs in its class. *Pictured here*: The 2017 model, which is considered particularly reliable among used Ford trucks.

What the Ford F-150 does better than any other used truck: Best in-class towing and payload ratings.

Chevy Silverado 1500

Often used in fleet service alongside the GMC Sierra, there’s a reason so many businesses use this truck for their commercial fleets. (That includes Home Depot, which purchases Chevy Silverado trucks to rent out.)

While it can’t match the towing and payload numbers of the F-150, this full-size light-duty pickup has a reputation for being durable, capable and long-lasting. Additionally, the Chevy Silverado is perhaps one of the most customizable trucks. It is available across numerous generations and a variety of cab sizes, bed lengths, engine choices and options. Even buying used, you can easily create a new-to-you truck with aftermarket customization.

Plus, that popularity among commercial businesses spells opportunity for you. With so many Silverados pressed into service, it means well-maintained and reliable used models should regularly be coming onto the market once retired. It also means easier-to-find, cheaper and plentiful replacement parts for you as the owner.

Dusty blue-colored 2012 Chevy Silverado sits parked in front of picturesque, snow-capped mountains. — Low-mileage examples might be tricky to find, but the 2012 model year (*pictured here*) earns praise as the most reliable for used Silverado trucks.

What the Chevy Silverado 1500 does better than any other used truck: Easiest to maintain and find replacement parts for.

Ram 1500

Billed as a durable, rough and rugged truck, the Ram 1500 is one of the longest-lasting pickup trucks on the market. (Remember the “That thing got a Hemi?” commercial Dodge ran for the RAM?)

While it makes our list of most reliable used trucks, we do advise being careful of certain model years. The 2001–2003 Ram 1500 models are notorious for poor interior quality, including cracks in the dashboard, and 2015–2016 models came with more expensive problems at lower mileages, including issues with engines, transmissions and electronics. All this to say that if you’re considering a used Ram 1500, it’s not a bad idea to have a mechanic give it a good once-over before finalizing a purchase.

It’s not all bad news for used Rams though. According to a study in November from iseecars.com, Ram 1500s depreciate at 34.7% over five years, faster than the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. As a used buyer, that plays in your favor. With depreciation rates at nearly 35%, it’s likely you can get into a newer Ram at a more affordable price point.

White 2018 RAM 1500 zips down a paved road — According to data compiled by CarComplaints.com, the 2018 model year (*pictured here*) seems to be the most reliable of used RAM trucks.

What the Ram 1500 does better than any other used truck: Most affordable compared to similar trucks.

GMC Sierra 1500

GMC Sierra trucks are some of the most expensive trucks to purchase off the lot, but for a reason. They have high-end finishes and trim packages, as well as the reliability of the GMC brand, a classic American name that’s been around for more than 100 years. The Sierra is a more luxurious take on the Chevy Silverado, sharing the same platform and drivetrain, essentially functioning the same way to power each vehicle.

The GMC Sierra has solid horsepower, safety ratings and towing capacity, but perhaps more impressive is the prestige associated with the name. When you see a Sierra, you know it’s another level of luxury in a truck.

A bright red GMC Sierra sits parked in an industrial setting — Like its Chevy sibling, the 2012 model year GMC Sierra (*pictured here*) takes top honors. If you don’t want something that far back, check out 2018 and 2020 examples.

What the GMC Sierra does better than any other used truck: There’s a certain status associated with a GMC Sierra, and as an owner of one, new or used, you get to enjoy it.

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