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If find a used mid-size truck under $10,000, it must be pretty old, right? In today’s current truck market, that’s correct. In fact, the best used mid-size truck for under $10,000 is so old that it has been discontinued. But it’s about to return from the grave. 

What is the best used mid-size truck for under $10,000? 

The best used mid-size truck for under $10,000 is the Dodge and Ram Dakota. It was known as the Dodge Dakota at first and became the Ram Dakota in its later years. It was in production from 1986 to 2011. 

It’s a shame that it was discontinued after a 25-year run, but let’s not forget that other mid-size trucks like the Chevy Colorado, and Ford Ranger were also discontinued around the same time period. 

Only, those rivals have already returned to market, giving them time to win fans back before the new Ram Dakota finally arrives. 

The 2011 Dakota had a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Find a model with the available 4.7-liter V8 engine for 302 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. 

When properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,250 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,819. It’s a competitive workhorse as the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator have the best modern towing capacity at 7,700 lbs. 

The 2023 Ram Rampage on the road
2023 Ram Rampage | Ram

It also had a high-reliability rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D.Power. Scores between 70 and 80 are average while scores between 81 and 90 are above average. 

The new Ram Dakota could debut by the end of 2024 as a 2025 model. It will probably be similar to the Ram Rampage that’s sold in other countries. However, it will have a distinct style and powertrains that meet America’s higher emission standards. 

Beefy V8 engines are being replaced by twin-turbo V6 options, so don’t get your hopes up for a new mid-size truck with a V8 engine. 

Rumors suggest that the Dakota will start with a turbocharged  2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 210 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. But a V6 will probably be available as well. 

Also, the towing capacity is expected to reach around 6,613 lbs. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 lbs, so the new Dakota would still be competitive.

Stay tuned for updates. Perhaps getting the best used mid-size truck for under $10,000 will hold you over until the new model arrives.

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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.