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If you need to do serious work, you know that having the right pickup truck can make all the difference. Take a look at the best used pickups under $35,000.  

Don’t Spend a Truckload for a Great Truck 

We live in a world where some new pickup trucks can cost $100k – or more depending on the options. For many people, paying that price for a vehicle is simply out of the question. These prices have forced many drivers to look at the used market for their next pickup, and that isn’t a bad thing considering all of the money that can be saved.

If you’re going to be doing some serious work, you’ll need a full-sized pickup with 4×4 capability. These will allow you to tackle tough terrain while you’re going off-road, and many of them come fully loaded with features that make your time on the pavement more comfortable. They have plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and they can even become the new family vehicle in many cases.

We’ve managed to compile a list of the best used pickups under $35,000 so that you can see just how far you can stretch a buck. Our list includes a mixture of full-size and mid-size pickups that are ready to put in long hours of hauling and off-roading. Before making your decision, be sure you know what to look for when buying a used truck.

Ford F-150 (2013-2018) 

2018 Ford F-150 - media.ford.com
2018 Ford F-150 - media.ford.com

The Ford F-150 is the quintessential American pickup truck. It has been the most popular truck in America for many years thanks to its myriad of options and configurations. The Ford F-150 is now in its 14th generation at the time of this article with no signs of slowing down.

Drivers can find everything from a basic 4×2 work truck all the way up to a fully loaded 4×4 Raptor, but you’ll probably find that the most plentiful models are the XL and XLT trims.

You can find 13th-generation models on the used marketplace for much less than our budget of $35,000. There are also some 14th-generation models that can be found in that budget as well, so don’t think you can’t own a newer model because of your budget.

Ram 1500 (2019-2022) 

2020 Ram 1500 - media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
2020 Ram 1500 - media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

The Ram 1500 is another American workhorse that has won the hearts of pickup lovers everywhere. This full-sized pickup can be found in a variety of trims ranging from the base 4×2 Tradesman trim up to the plush Limited trim. Buyers will typically find the modest Big Horn trim plentiful within a $35k budget as well as the blacked-out Warlock edition.

The Ram 1500 is a great value if you’re looking for a used pickup because of its numerous features, low price, and great towing capacity. While you may struggle to find newer higher-trim Fords and Chevys under $35k, you’ll see that many Ram 1500 models are priced well below. Give them a look!

Toyota Tundra (2017-2019) 

2018 Toyota Tundra - pressroom.toyota.com
2018 Toyota Tundra - pressroom.toyota.com

Toyota’s full-sized offering is the monstrous Tundra. This brawny Japanese beast is well-known for its 12,000 lbs. towing capacity (on properly equipped models) and its ability to keep going even after 300,000 miles. The reliability factor keeps their resale values higher than any other company on average.

While you’ll pay more for a low-mileage Toyota Tundra, you will get a truck that will take care of you for many years to come. You’ll find late- 2nd gen and early- 3rd gen models available on the used market. Newer models are often only found in 4×2 configurations with few features.

Nissan Titan (2017-2021) 

2017 Nissan Titan - usa.nissannews.com
2017 Nissan Titan - usa.nissannews.com

The name says it all. The Nissan Titan is a beefy, full-sized truck that gives drivers a lot of great features with a price tag that is low enough for the working class. They are available with 4×4 capability and a powerful 5.6L V8 engine under the hood.

Much like Toyota, newer 4×2 models are found in plentiful supply under $35,000. Dropping down to 2021 seems to get you more 4×4 options. If you have a truck this big, why stop at just 4×2?

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019-2022) 

2022 Chevrolet Silverado - media.chevrolet.com
2022 Chevrolet Silverado - media.chevrolet.com

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is the arch-rival of the Ford F-150. The Chevy Silverado 1500 gives Ford some great competition with its various cab configurations, bed lengths, and engine sizes. You’ll also find 4×2 and 4×4 models. You might have to give up the 4×4 capability if you want a newer one with fewer miles.

The majority of 4×4 models are low mileage and fit well within our $35,000 budget. If you’re looking to get better fuel mileage from your Silverado, choose the 2WD with the 3.0L diesel engine.

GMC Sierra 1500 (2019-2021) 

2019 GMC Sierra - media.gmc.com
2019 GMC Sierra - media.gmc.com

The sister (or brother?) to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the upscale GMC Sierra 1500. This full-size pickup looks almost identical to the Silverado but has more luxury features. Mechanically, they are identical which means that they are available with the same variety of cab configurations and engine sizes.

If you prefer to ride with a bit of luxury, the GMC Sierra 1500 is a truck that should be on your list.

Ford Ranger (2019-2022) 

2021 Ford Ranger - media.ford.com
2021 Ford Ranger - media.ford.com

Ah, the ever-popular Ford Ranger! Where would America be without it? The Ford Ranger has gone through a variety of changes over the years with the 2019 model year bringing us the 5th generation. This new generation gives the ranger a heftier build and a bulldog-like stance that is miles apart from earlier versions.

You can find these popular mid-size trucks with 4×4 drivetrains and 2.3L engines on the used market for just under our budget of $35k.

Chevrolet Colorado (2019-2022) 

2020 Chevrolet Colorado - media.chevrolet.com
2020 Chevrolet Colorado - media.chevrolet.com

Chevy’s answer to the Ford Ranger is the Colorado. They are incredibly capable mid-size trucks equipped with either a 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine or a V6 engine. For under $35k, you can expect to find LT and Z71 trims equipped with a 4×4 drivetrain.

Honda Ridgeline (2017-2020) 

2017 Honda Ridgeline - netcarshow.com
2017 Honda Ridgeline - netcarshow.com

The Honda Ridgeline looks like a half-SUV-half-pickup mashup. While it isn’t known for its off-roading capabilities or massive towing, it is more family-friendly than many trucks. It rides comfortably and has plenty of technology to aid in everyday driving conditions. You also get the added convenience of having a bed with built-in storage. It can be just as handy on the job site as any of our other picks if you give it the chance!

Toyota Tacoma (2019-2022) 

2019 Toyota Tacoma - pressroom.toyota.com
2019 Toyota Tacoma - pressroom.toyota.com

The Toyota Tacoma gives drivers Toyota’s reliability in a capable mid-size truck. It has a unique appearance that is instantly recognizable and offers plenty of power from either a 2.7L four-cylinder or a 3.5L V6.

The Toyota Tacoma can be found for less than $35k. If you don’t need the added towing capacity of the Tundra, then the Tacoma might be your best option.

Your Dollar Goes Further with a Used Truck 

2017 Nissan Titan - usa.nissannews.com
2017 Nissan Titan - usa.nissannews.com

Unfortunately, pickups aren’t going to get any cheaper. They are way too valuable for those who need their power and utility in order to do their jobs every day. That same truck is also expected to pull double duty as the main family vehicle in many cases. Today’s trucks are examples of the balance that needs to be met on behalf of the manufacturers.

The fact that new pickup prices have skyrocketed shouldn’t surprise everyone. America has been truck crazy for many years. Even those that don’t rely on their trucks to work for them are grabbing them. They are just handy to have – except when your friends need help moving or need you to haul something for them.

The used market is ripe with choices when it comes to pickup trucks. Jump in now and you may be able to save some serious money.

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D.L. Shepherd

D.L. Shepherd’s love of anything with an engine and everything that goes fast was kickstarted as a child who spent time at the local dragstrip and dirt track. At Bluefield University, D.L. explored creative writing with published pieces in the university's literary journal. He then worked as a Sales Rep. for Harley-Davidson and as an electronic technician. Now, he's using his expertise as an author. With an endless interest in learning about new cars and analyzing all of their specs, D.L. specializes in vehicle reviews of all kinds.

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