8 Great Trucks to Consider Buying Used

As your go-to place to find used trucks for sale, we here at Rusty Wallace Chevrolet are proud to offer a wide variety of models. In addition to tried and true offerings from Chevy, we carry used vehicles from a wide range of automakers, giving you a huge selection to choose from. Some of these trucks are well-rounded and versatile, while others are focused on a single purpose, from off-roading to running errands around town.

Today, we’re going to go over eight great models worth considering as you look for your next used truck. We’ll review both midsize and full-size options from across a range of automakers. In addition to letting you know the strengths of each model overall, we’ll also suggest which model years you should keep an eye out for in your search so that you can get the most for your dollar.

#1 – Chevy Silverado 1500

Dependable and tough, the Silverado 1500 is built to last for many years, even if it’s put to work day in and day out. You can trust that a used model will still have plenty of life left in it if it’s been properly cared for, and since we provide you with free vehicle history reports for all of our used models across all brands, you can easily see if a truck has a clean bill of health.

The Silverado 1500 has a particularly smooth ride for a truck, keeping you comfortable wherever you go. It began a new generation in 2019, getting a roomier cabin while also shedding some pounds of bodyweight thanks to clever engineering; it also has a new lineup of gas and diesel engines delivering an improved balance of power and fuel economy. If you want to get a more affordable model from the previous generation, stick to the 2016 model year and newer to get conveniences like Apple CarPlay.

#2 – Ford F-150

The F-150 is the most popular truck among American drivers for a reason: it has strong engine options, a solid lineup of trims that range from basic to luxurious to overloaded with specialty off-road equipment, and clever features inside and out. Instead of offering a diesel engine, newer models give you a more fuel-efficient option in the form of a hybrid powertrain, which has perks like a mobile generator for powering tools but also downsides like a drop in max towing capacity. You’ll have to look for a 2020 model or older if you prefer a diesel engine.

#3 – Nissan Titan

When you’re shopping for a new model, having a variety of options is a big plus, since it lets you get exactly the right balance between power and price. When looking at used options, though, it can be nice for a model to have consistency; you know what you can expect, no matter what trim level you find. If that sounds good to you, the Nissan Titan is worth considering.

Discontinued after the 2024 model year, this full-size truck is now only available as a used model, and you can trust that just about any model you find will have a powerful V8 under the hood, since it offered only one powertrain in its most recent model years. Even the base trim gets this powertrain, which has the ability to tow over 9,000 lbs with the right configuration. Look to the 2022 model year and newer for the latest generation; the generation directly before stretches all the way back to the 2005 model year, making even later versions pretty dated.

#4 – Ram 1500

Rounding out the list of full-size options, the Ram 1500 has long been known as a tough truck with competitive towing and hauling figures. Ever since it entered its fifth generation in 2019, it’s stood out from the pack with a particularly comfortable ride and upper-level trims that take luxury to new heights, with premium materials and fantastic creature comforts. Shopping for a used model is a great way to bring these luxurious trims into your price range, so you can enjoy a fancy pickup without spending an arm and a leg on a new model.

#5 – Chevy Colorado

Off-road trims can get pricey in full-size trucks, and bulky vehicles aren’t always the best options for tight OHV trails anyway. The Colorado is a midsize option with a range of rugged trims that are great for conquering the great outdoors. If you’re more of an on-road driver, you’ll still be impressed by the useful towing and hauling capabilities and easy maneuverability of this pickup. The generation that ran from 2015 to 2022 offers a great value, with a solid infotainment system that included Apple CarPlay as early as 2016 and impressive stats across the board.

#6 – Toyota Tacoma

Most automakers are best known for their full-size trucks, with midsize models being sold as smaller versions of their headliner siblings. Toyota is unique in that its most popular truck is the midsize Tacoma. Reliable and low-maintenance, this agile truck is a rough and tumble option that’s up for just about anything, making it a versatile workhorse on and off road. Standard driver assistance tech was added for the 2018 model year, while infotainment tech like Apple CarPlay wasn’t added until 2020, so stick to newer options if you want an interior with modern conveniences.

#7 – Jeep Gladiator

If your main interest is off-road capability, the more niche Jeep Gladiator might be the right pick for you. Take one look at this model and you’ll see that it’s essentially the iconic Wrangler SUV but with an open box bed on the back. That’s more or less the case, and the Gladiator gets both the good and the bad traits from its sibling, with incredible ability to conquer rough terrain and removable doors and roof panels that allow you to have an open-air experience.

The Gladiator has only been around since the 2020 model year, so you can keep your options open and look at any models you come across, regardless of age. Just note that even on newer models, lower trim levels might be pretty spartan on the inside. If you’re not planning on ever heading off-road, then this midsize truck probably isn’t worth considering.

#8 – Honda Ridgeline

Rounding out the list is a truck that takes the strengths and weaknesses of the Gladiator and inverts them. The Ridgeline is a truck that’s built like a car, with unibody construction rather than body-on-frame. This is a weakness off-road and means that its towing and hauling capabilities lag behind even those of other midsize trucks. However, not everyone who wants the cargo-carrying convenience of a box bed needs to tow more than 5,000 lbs or haul a load of cinderblocks.

If you stick to city streets and value driving dynamics, cabin comfort, and low-maintenance long-term reliability, this Honda is certainly worth considering. The Ridgeline has been in its second generation for a long time (since the 2017 model year); if you want more modern features, opt for something after the 2020 refresh, which upgraded driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and infotainment staples like Apple CarPlay from optional tech to standard fare across the lineup.