It’s no secret that prices have been going up for the past few years, especially for used vehicles, including pickup trucks. Finding any used pickup truck for less than $5,000 is more difficult than it used to be, let alone a good used pickup truck, so be prepared to expand your search radius beyond your usual range. Shoppers should also expect to see odometer readings near 200,000 miles for trucks in this price range, so it’s important to find an example that has been well cared for over the years. All of that said, there are still some tremendous bargains to be had on used pickups, and we’ve done the legwork to prove it.
Here are 10 of the best used trucks you’ll find on a $5,000 budget.
1. 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
In many ways, the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche looks like a supersized take on the Honda Ridgeline, except that the Avalanche preceded the Ridgeline by about three years. Also, unlike the Ridgeline, the Avalanche’s SUV-esque adaptations ride on a traditional body-on-frame chassis construction, meaning the Avalanche, with its standard 5.3-liter V8, could tow up to 7,300 pounds. See 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche models for sale
2. 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2002 Chevrolet Silverado’s platform shares some of the underpinnings of the Avalanche — except for the full-size bed, leaf-spring rear, and trim lines configured for work as well as passenger duty. With the standard 5.3-liter V8 and an extended cab, the 2002 Silverado 1500 was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with a 1,803-pound payload. See 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models for sale
3. 2001 Dodge Dakota
The final model year of the second-generation Dodge Dakota, the 2001 model, was available with a 230-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine and could tow more than 6,500 pounds when properly configured. The Dakota sits between the full-size Ram 1500, Silverado, and Ford F-150 and the compact Ford Ranger and GMC Sonoma, so those looking for a capable medium-sized truck should consider the Dakota. See 2001 Dodge Dakota models for sale
4. 2001 Dodge Ram 1500
The 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, on the other hand, is about as unapologetically full-size as it gets. Able to tow nearly 8,000 pounds, the Ram 1500 is one of the most capable options on this list, despite being more than two decades old. When equipped with the optional 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system, the Ram 1500 is also an excellent off-roader. See 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 models for sale
5. 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
An SUV-pickup hybrid that predated even the Avalanche, the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was an unusual pickup truck at the time, but one that previewed the segment’s future. You can find Explorer Sport Trac models with V8 or V6 engines, and either 2WD or 4WD, but the V6 2WD models are more likely to fit into our $5,000 budget. See 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac models for sale
6. 2001 Ford F-150
A legend among pickups, the Ford F-150 needs no introduction; chances are you’ve ridden in one if you haven’t owned one. The 2001 F-150 can tow up to 8,800 pounds in its maximum towing configuration and is available in a wide range of bed and cab configurations, meaning there’s probably an F-150 out there that suits your needs. See 2001 Ford F-150 models for sale
7. 2002 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is nearly as legendary as the F-150, and its compact size and relative efficiency make it a smart choice for commuters who need the utility of a pickup but without the mega-machine capability of a full-size. Right-sized and capable with a vast range of aftermarket accessories, the Ranger can also be a great off-roader. See 2002 Ford Ranger models for sale
8. 2002 GMC Sonoma
Built on a platform shared with the Chevrolet S-10, the GMC Sonoma battled the Ranger in the compact segment, even offering a high-performance variant called the Syclone at one point. The 2001 Sonoma was available with a 4-cylinder or V6 engine, rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive, and a range of bed and cab configurations. See 2002 GMC Sonoma models for sale
9. 2000 Nissan Frontier
If you’re looking for a hard-working V6 compact pickup, the 2000 Nissan Frontier is a great choice, with up to 5,000 pounds towing capacity, up to 1,504 pounds payload, and a choice of extended or crew cab layouts. Look for 4WD models for off-road fun, or consider a 4-cylinder with 2WD to get up to 21 mpg combined. See 2000 Nissan Frontier models for sale
10. 2004 Nissan Titan
The full-size 2004 Nissan Titan is the newest model on this list and also one of the most capable, with up to 9,500 pounds towing capacity, a 5.6-liter V8 engine as standard equipment, and available 4WD. The Titan also offers a range of trims, from luxurious to off-road focused, so shop around to find the right one for you. See 2004 Nissan Titan models for sale
Best Used Trucks on a $5,000 Budget
- 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2001 Dodge Dakota
- 2001 Dodge Ram 1500
- 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
- 2001 Ford F-150
- 2002 Ford Ranger
- 2002 GMC Sonoma
- 2000 Nissan Frontier
- 2004 Nissan Titan
