Work, play, and everything in between — whatever kind of life you lead, whatever you do for fun or for money, there’s a pickup out there for you. If you’re shopping for used pickup trucks on a $15,000 budget, you’re in exactly the right place, as we’ve just cooked up a fresh list of some of the best deals on used trucks you’ll find, including full-size, midsize, and unibody models.
Here are 10 of the best used trucks under $15,000.
1. 2009 Toyota Tundra
The 2009 Toyota Tundra is the oldest pickup on our list in part because it holds on to its value so well. It’s also one of the most capable half-ton full-size pickups, with up to 10,800 pounds towing capacity and an available 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 on our $15,000 budget. See 2009 Toyota Tundra models for sale near you
2. 2013 Toyota Tacoma
A favorite of off-roaders, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma is a midsize truck that makes the most of its slightly diminished size by being nimbler and more maneuverable, while still capable. For our money, the 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine, 4WD, and either the extended (Access Cab) or crew cab (Double Cab) body style are within reach, with your choice of a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Efficiency Tip: For those who’d like a bit more gas mileage in place of power, the 4-cylinder Tacoma in 2WD gets up to 25 mpg highway. See 2013 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
3. 2014 Nissan Frontier
The 2014 Nissan Frontier is a right-sized truck that’s great around town and on the trail. On our budget, look for the mid-range SV with a crew cab, 4WD, and the 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. The Frontier can tow up to 6,500 pounds and also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmission. Like the Tacoma, there’s a more efficient 4-cylinder option, in this case earning up to 23 mpg highway. See 2014 Nissan Frontier models for sale near you
4. 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Although the Ford F-Series takes the sales win every month, if you combined the Silverado with the highly similar GMC Sierra, it’d be GM that sells the most popular trucks in the U.S.. No matter where you land on the technicalities, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a solid choice for your needs, with the 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 and 4-wheel drive well within our budget. There’s even enough left over to look for loaded models like the top-spec LTZ. Most trims can tow about 7,000 pounds (10,700 max), while Z71 models get improved off-road ability. See 2011 Chevrolet Silverado models for sale near you
5. 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
With its own look and “Professional Grade” branding and equipment, the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 is not quite a twin to the Silverado, but it’s substantially the same, with identical engines and drivetrains. Options configurations do differ from the Chevy brand, and the high-spec SLT offers luxury styling shared with the Yukon SUV line, as well as stadium-style rear seating, rear-seat audio, Bose speakers, and more. Look for loaded 4WD models with the 5.3-liter V8 on our budget. See 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 models for sale near you
6. 2010 Ford F-150
The 2010 Ford F-150 can tow up to 11,300 pounds — plenty for a reasonably sized boat or camper trailer. It’s also available on our budget with top-spec equipment, including a crew cab, 4WD, and a 320-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine. Expert Tip: Don’t bother with the 4.6-liter V8s, as they’re less powerful and about the same efficiency as the 5.4-liter. See 2010 Ford F-150 models for sale near you
7. 2012 Honda Ridgeline
The one truly unique model on this list fits the pickup truck form but does it in a more modern way. The 2012 Honda Ridgeline ditches the body-on-frame construction in favor of a unibody build, and that gives it a smoother-riding, more car-like demeanor while preserving most of the utility and capability the typical suburbanite needs from their pickup. The loaded RTL comes with 4WD, can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and comes with a moonroof, leather seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, and much more. See 2012 Honda Ridgeline models for sale near you
8. 2011 Ram 1500
The other major pillar of American pickup truck manufacturing is Ram and its line of pickups, including the 2011 Ram 1500. Available on our budget in crew cab body style and with all the bells and whistles, right on up to the loaded Laramie Longhorn, the Ram 1500 also offers a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 rated for 390 horsepower, and, like the other full-size models, can tow about 7,000 pounds in most trims. See 2011 Ram 1500 models for sale near you
9. 2012 Nissan Titan
Often overlooked, the 2012 Nissan Titan deserves more attention than it gets, especially in off-road PRO-4X form. All Titan models get a 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is available, along with upgrades like a limited-slip rear differential, heated front seats, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system — all of which should be within reach of our budget. See 2012 Nissan Titan models for sale near you
10. 2016 GMC Canyon
The newest model on our list, the 2016 GMC Canyon is likely only found within our price range in its more basic forms, with work-truck aspirations rather than ideas of being a luxurious off-roader. Still, the Canyon is a capable midsizer, with an available 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes light work of towing while also returning up to 30 mpg highway. See 2016 GMC Canyon models for sale near you
10 Best Used Trucks Under $15,000
- 2009 Toyota Tundra
- 2013 Toyota Tacoma
- 2014 Nissan Frontier
- 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2010 Ford F-150
- 2012 Honda Ridgeline
- 2011 Ram 1500
- 2012 Nissan Titan
- 2016 GMC Canyon
