Pickups are for getting things done, and if you need an affordable way to get things done, we’re here to help. Here, we’ve outlined six of our favorite used pickups under $15,000. Keep in mind that trucks tend to see more abuse than other vehicles, so it’s always a good idea to get a pre-purchase inspection before committing to buying a truck.
2009 Toyota Tacoma
Probably the most popular midsize pickup of all time, theToyota Tacoma offers dependability, consistency and, if you want it, off-road capability. The second-generation Tacoma was introduced for the 2005 model year, and it sold through 2011. Under the hood was either a basic 4-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter V6 that made 236 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. Though Toyota settled a class-action lawsuit a few years back about excessive frame rust on 2005-2010 Tacomas, a used Tacoma is generally a pretty safe buy at the $15,000 price point — provided any frame rust issues have been addressed. Right now, there are more than 1,000 used 2005-2011 Tacomas on Autotrader for $15,000 or less. Find a Toyota Tacoma for sale
2009 Ford F-150
The best-selling vehicle in America, the Ford F-150 is likely the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think about a used pickup under $15,000. At this price point, look for a well-used F-150 from the 2009-2014 model years. As with any full-size truck, the F-150 is available with a variety of powertrains and in several configurations and trim levels. You’ll have more options if you’re willing to accept a V6 engine instead of insisting on a V8, but there’s likely a $15,000 F-150 out there no matter your need. Right now, there are thousands of 2009-or-newer F-150s on Autotrader that would fit the bill, and many of them come with a V8 engine and 4-wheel drive. Find a Ford F-150 for sale
2009 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is the pickup to buy if you don’t like pickups. As it shares its platform with the Pilot, it’s fair to think of the Ridgeline as more of an SUV with a bed than a traditional truck. Unlike, say, the Toyota Tacoma, which uses a body-on-frame construction with a solid rear axle and a traditional 4WD system with low-range gearing, the Ridgeline rides on a unibody platform with a fully independent suspension and an on-road-oriented all-wheel-drive system. For this reason, it’s not quite as capable as the Tacoma when it comes to hauling and going off-road, but it’s far and above the more comfortable, more livable and more efficient choice for buyers who plan to do most of their driving on-road — which let’s be honest, is just about everyone. The first-generation Ridgeline, offered from the 2006 model year through the 2014 model year, came standard with AWD, and there are currently around 400 to choose from on Autotrader for around $15,000. Find a Honda Ridgeline for sale
2009 Ram Heavy Duty
Ram‘s heavy-duty line of trucks is known for its excellent capability and power, and it was among the last to offer the combination of a manual transmission and a diesel engine. The third-generation Ram Heavy Duty pickup was offered from 2003 through 2009, and it received an update for the 2006 model year. Heavy-duty trucks, especially those with diesel engines, tend to hold their value better than their medium-duty or gas-powered counterparts, but it’s still possible to find pre-owned examples for less than $15,000. There are currently around 700 used Ram Heavy Duty trucks listed on Autotrader that fit our budget — and more than 400 of them come with the desirable Cummins diesel engine. Find a Dodge Ram 2500 for sale or Find a Dodge Ram 3500 for sale
2009 Nissan Frontier
Think of the Nissan Frontier as a value-packed alternative to the Tacoma. It comes in similar configurations, uses a similar engine and offers about the same capabilities. That said, as Nissan‘s trucks have never been quite as popular as Toyota’s, the Frontier is often overlooked by midsize pickup shoppers. For this reason, it’s easy to pick one up for a steal. The current-generation Frontier has been on sale without a major redesign since the 2005 model year, meaning that it’s possible to pick up a used Frontier that’s 15 years old but still feels similar to a brand new one. While a 4-cylinder has also been offered, most buyers will be happiest with the Frontier’s 4.0-liter V6, which makes 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque — right on par with the Tacoma’s V6. Right now on Autotrader, buyers have more than 1,000 2005-or-newer Frontiers to choose from for $15,000 or less. Find a Nissan Frontier for sale
2009 GMC Sierra
GM’s two midsize truck offerings — the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra — are virtually identical, but one way in which they’re differentiated is through GMC‘s offering of an upscale Sierra model known as the Sierra Denali. Introduced in the early 2000s, GMC’s Denali trim level introduces features such as upscale leather, nicer wheels and loads of exterior chrome. The Sierra Denali offered between the 2007 and the 2013 model years used a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that put out 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, which gave it good performance to go along with good towing and hauling capabilities. Right now, there are thousands of Silverados and Sierras from the 2007 model year through the 2013 model year for sale on Autotrader for $15,000 or less. A few of these are even Sierra Denali models. Find a GMC Sierra 1500 for sale
