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New truck prices are out of control. But you aren’t out of luck. There are plenty of used trucks for under $30,000 to consider. These trucks are reliable and capable. They have more space and power than the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. 

Three of the best used trucks for under $30,000 

Before we get to the best used trucks for under $30,000, I know that you can save with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The 2025 Maverick has an MSRP of $26,295 and the 2025 Santa Cruz starts at $28,500. 

But these compact trucks lack passenger space, bed space, substantial towing power, and body-on-frame builds. You might be happier in an affordable used truck. 

1. The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT TrailBoss 

You can get a nicer 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trim for under $30,000. The average price for a used LT TrailBoss model is $29,573. 

This trim level comes with a 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It’s one of the higher trim levels and only falls under the LTZ and High Country models. 

Plus, the TrailBoss package includes a factory-installed suspension lift with other off-roading upgrades. 

2. 2022 Nissan Frontier SV 

The 2022 Nissan Frontier SV can be found for about $28,570. My favorite thing about the 2022 Frontier is the standard 3.8-liter V6 with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. 

Also, the SV model sits in a comfortable spot above the entry-level S model and the beefy Pro-X model. You aren’t stuck with just the basics. 

The 2022 Nissan Frontier off-roading
2022 Nissan Frontier | Nissan

Plus, the 2022 Frontier is praised for having a spacious interior, upscale interior materials, and athletic handling. 

3. 2018 Toyota Tundra SR 

The 2018 Toyota Tundra SR is the entry-level trim, but it’s outfitted with modern goodies such as a 6.1-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, and more. 

It can be found for about $29,507 and the standard 4.6-liter V8 engine cranks out 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. 

Despite falling behind rivals, it has a respectable 10,000 lb towing capacity. Plus, it’s known for being one of the most reliable used trucks available. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.