Buying pickup trucks in 2022 is a nightmare. Not only are there no trucks to buy, but if you happen to find one, you will have to pony up big time. New car prices are higher than ever before, and as a result, so are used car and truck prices. However, if you are willing to look and go far enough back, there are still some good deals on affordable used pickup trucks. Let’s take a walk back to the early 2000s. 

Are there any good deals on affordable used pickup trucks? 

Nowadays, a “deal” on a used pickup truck looks slightly different. Only paying a few thousand over MSRP is the 2022 version of getting a deal. It’s a sad state of affairs. The used car market is even worse. However, if you are willing to dig a little further back, you may not get the seat warmers and backup camera you always wanted, but there are some great, affordable pickup trucks for those willing to look. 

From the model years between 2000-2010, there are a pile of great trucks still running today. Let’s take a look at a few examples that Hot Cars found. Don’t worry; I won’t waste your time with tall tales about cheap 2005 Toyota Tacomas or anything silly like that. 

2009 Honda Ridgeline

I swear, there is no list of pickup trucks on the internet that doesn’t have a Ridgeline on it. These trucks are gaining popularity today. Even still, the Honda Ridgeline is the butt of many jokes. Truck people don’t like them. Do you see where I’m going with this? 

Truck people don’t dislike them because they are unreliable. They hate them because they are ugly and only have the power you need, maybe not what you want. They also get over 20 mpg, which for a pickup truck, ain’t half bad. Because of this, there are plenty of these used trucks around, and they are cheap. Hot Cars says customers can snag a 2009 model for an average cost of $10,300. 

2005 Dodge Ram 2500

Buying a new Ram 2500 today will cost you at least the starting price of$43,000. More realistically, buying one will run closer to $50,000. Even used ones from a few years ago can run in the same price range. It’s madness. However, if you poke around in the used markets for something a little older, you might be surprised by how much truck you can get for so little. 

The Ram Power Wagon is legendary, no matter the year. These trucks had the option of getting the  HEMI V8, a 5.7-liter pushrod engine with 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque.

In 2005, a Power Wagon configured like this would sell for an estimated cost of $35,000. Today, the truck ranks well among the market’s most affordable and reliable used pickup trucks — a well-equipped, clean model costs at most $10,225. The prices go as low as $5,325.

2009 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger has come back in a major way. With gas prices shooting through the roof, more and more customers are looking for smaller trucks than ever. Instead of fighting the crowds and the insane wait times for a new Ranger, just buy an old one.

Ford brought the Ranger back because customers dug the old one. It was small, simple, reliable, and cheap. While Ranger pricing is caught in the massive upswing, you can still get a 2009 Ford Ranger for around $12,000. That might not be as cheap as we like, but, as we say back home, “that dog will hunt.” 

Good luck finding an affordable used pickup truck

Keep in mind, car shopping these days still sucks. We think these models are good options at still scoring a deal on a used truck. However, the only way to get a good deal is still the same as it ever was: be patient and wait for the right thing to come along.