What are the Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks?

Your needs and lifestyle are important considerations when choosing a vehicle. If you plan on using your vehicle for hauling, towing, or carrying heavy loads of cargo, then you may be right to consider getting a used pickup truck. 

Since most pickup trucks are used as work vehicles, it’s important to make sure that the make and model you are planning to buy has good reliability ratings. After all, buying a used vehicle that keeps breaking down may end up costing you more than if you had just bought a new model.

5 Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks 

As mentioned, reliability is essential when buying a used vehicle. Given the number of options available for you to choose from, we’ve come up with a list of the most reliable trucks to help narrow it down for you. 

Here are our recommendations: 

Toyota Tundra

If you’re looking for a tough truck with a touch of elegance, then the Toyota Tundra may be the best choice for you. The Tundra has been a consistent chart-topper in Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings for eight straight years, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a used pickup truck. 

Aside from the Tundra’s outstanding reliability ratings, this Texas-built Toyota model also takes pride in its powerful v6 and v8 engines, as well as its impressive towing capacity. 

To complement these practical advantages, the truck also has a comfortable and roomy cabin.

The Tundra has not undergone a significant redesign since 2007, so you can get almost any model-year of this vehicle and be assured of its reliability.

Honda Ridgeline 

Honda has long been known for its dependable and reliable cars. But the Honda Ridgeline is proof that the automaker can also stand out in the pickup truck market. 

The Ridgeline is Honda’s first North American truck and since its release, it has quickly gained popularity and a loyal following in the automotive market. With above-average reliability ratings, this compact truck is surely one of the gems you would want to find on the used pickup market. 

This compact truck also boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (in some configurations). So, if you need a workhorse for towing and hauling, you might consider getting a Honda Ridgeline to fit your needs. 

Toyota Tacoma

In a discussion about the most reliable used truck, who could forget the Toyota Tacoma? Its 2001 model, in particular, landed the number one spot in Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Used Trucks Under $5,000 for the year 2019. 

Considered to be one of the best-selling trucks in its segment, the Tacoma has won the hearts of pickup truck owners everywhere because of its reliability and off-road capability. 

Its easy-to-maneuver size also makes this pickup truck stand out among similar vehicles. 

Nissan Frontier

If you’re looking for a used pickup truck for reliable transportation, the Nissan Frontier might just be the one you’re looking for. Its 2004 model in particular, also landed a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s list last year. 

With its impressive tow ratings, this model is a safe bet for hauling heavy loads. 

It’s worth noting, however, that some variants have experienced body integrity issues. 

Nissan Titan

If you’re looking for a used pickup for light towing and daily driving, we recommend the Nissan Titan. Aside from its towing capacity, this model is also known for its smooth and comfortable driving experience. 

However, be extra cautious when buying a used Nissan Titan because some model years, like the 2004 Nissan Titan, are said to be more prone to drivetrain and rear differential problems.

 But other than that, the Nissan Titan is a perfect choice for a used pickup truck.  

Cross the 250k-Mile Mark with These Pickup Trucks

A typical vehicle has an 8.6% chance of surpassing 250,000 miles.

But with automakers getting creative in developing long-lasting engines and transmissions, current studies show that some vehicles have a 12 to 36% chance of getting past that mark.

In a study by iSeeCars.com, Toyota was revealed to be the most dominant brand in terms of longevity, having a 17% chance of its pickups clocking up to 250,000 miles.

In 2024, the Ram 3500 took the top spot with a 42.6% chance of crossing the quarter million-mile mark. A year before that, the Ford F-350 reigned supreme with 42.6%.

The Best-Selling Truck In America

The pickup segment accounted for 2.8 million new vehicle registrations in 2023, which is still considered significant given the computer chip shortage that affected the production of trucks.

2024 marked the Ford F-Series’ 48th year as the most popular truck in the US.

Having a selection of powerful engine options is only the tip of the iceberg when listing down all the reasons why Ford remains the top pick when it comes to trucks.

Over the years, Ford has been associated with durability and dependability across their truck models.

Ruggedness and smart engineering are only some of the things that make their trucks great. They’re also known as reliable workhorses thanks to their impressive towing and hauling capacities.

Things to Consider When Looking for a Used Pickup Truck

Aside from ensuring that the make and model you are buying is reliable, there are still many other things to consider when choosing a used pickup truck. You have to consider that these are used vehicles, and some of them may not be road-worthy anymore. 

If you’re planning on buying one, it is important to be meticulous and do your research⁠—as well as a thorough inspection⁠—before deciding on anything. 

Here are some of the things you should consider when buying a used pickup truck: 

Preference 

 The first thing you should ask yourself is this: What type of pickup truck do you really want and what will you use it for? For example, if you’re an off-roader, then make sure that the truck you purchase is good for off-roading. If you’re planning on doing a lot of towing, check the towing capacity of the models you are considering before making a decision.

Model Recall Issues

It’s almost always a good idea to do a background check on anything you are planning to buy—including your pickup truck. Before deciding on a make and model, make sure to read up on it and find out whether it has model recall issues. 

A quick way to determine if your car has recall issues is to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. 

Mileage

Mileage says a lot of things about a vehicle. Generally, a vehicle that has accumulated more miles is more prone to wear and tear. However, keep in mind that mileage is just one indicator of a pickup truck’s overall condition. 

To ensure the condition of the truck you are buying, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. 

Engine Oil Levels & Overall Condition

Aside from mileage, engine oil levels can also give you an idea of the overall condition of the pickup truck you want to buy. The color and consistency of the engine oil can say so much about how well the truck was maintained. 

If you can, ask for oil change records to check if it conforms to the manufacturers’ recommendation. 

Also, check for body damage, tire tread, and other factors that can tell you more about the overall condition of the vehicle. As mentioned, enlist the help of an automotive professional to ensure a thorough inspection.

Maintenance & Repair Costs 

Some vehicles are more expensive to maintain than others. Do some research on the trucks you are considering to find out which ones typically entail fewer (and cheaper) repairs.

Lastly, before deciding on a pickup truck to buy, make sure to check consumer complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Also, if you’re not knowledgeable about cars, it’s best to get a pre-purchase inspection performed by a professional.