There’s no denying that buying a new pickup truck can make for a costly purchase. While some new trucks cost under $30,000, most new trucks will have you spending significantly more than that. For many pickup shoppers, that makes buying a used truck a compelling option. But how do you choose the best used truck? And what if you’re shopping for the best used trucks under $25,000? 

The Chevy Silverado is one of the best used trucks under $25,000

There’s a lot to like about the Chevy Silverado, especially if you’re in the market for a used truck under $25,000. In fact, according to U.S. News, the 2012, 2014, and 2016 Chevy Silverado make up some of the best used trucks under $25,000. U.S. News gave each model year an 8.9 overall score, which is nothing short of impressive. 

But ratings aren’t all you should consider when it comes to shopping for a used Chevy Silverado. Chances are, you want to know how much this used truck can tow too. The good news is that the 2012 Chevy Silverado is rated to tow up to 9,800 pounds. Meanwhile, both the 2014 and the 2016 Chevy Silverado boast a 12,000 pound max trailering rating.

“The 2016 Chevy Silverado is a great option if you’re shopping for a used full-size pickup truck. It has the robust towing and payload needed for a work truck, while providing a premium interior and smooth ride that make it a comfortable truck for day-to-day driving.”

U.S. News

Consider the GMC Sierra if you’re shopping for a used truck on a budget

Perhaps the Chevy Silverado isn’t the right truck for satisfying your needs. The good news is that the Silverado isn’t the only pickup U.S. News highlighted as one of the best used trucks under $25,000. As a matter of fact, the GMC Sierra also found itself on U.S. News’ list of the best used trucks under $25,000. For the best used GMC Sierra, U.S. News suggests taking a gander at a 2010, 2011, or 2012 GMC Sierra.

U.S. News gave the 2010 GMC Sierra a 9.1 overall score. The organization lauded the used truck for its capable engines and smooth ride. U.S. News added that its reviewers also liked the GMC Sierra’s cab, adding that it “has good fit and finish.” The truck’s front seats are comfortable and supportive too. And when it comes to towing? The 2010 GMC Sierra can manage up to 10,700 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2011 GMC Sierra, on the other hand, earned itself a 9.0 overall score. While U.S. News reports that the 2011 model’s base engine is fairly unappealing, its available V8 offers up plenty of power and will have the Sierra towing up to 10,700 pounds. As for the 2012 GMC Sierra? U.S. News gave it an 8.9 overall score. 

The 2009 Ford F-150 is one of the best used trucks under $25,000

Say you would prefer to buy a used Ford F-150 instead. The good news is that the 2009 Ford F-150 found itself on U.S. News’ list of the best used trucks under $25,000. U.S. News gave it an 8.9 overall score, adding that the 2009 Ford F-150 is a “reviewer favorite among full-size pickups for its strong engines, refined interior, great safety scores and one of the highest towing capacities in the class.”

In fact, according to U.S. News, while the used F-150’s 5.4-liter V8 doesn’t make the truck feel as quick as some of its rivals, it provides more than enough power for driving with or without a load in the truck’s bed. It will even have you towing up to 11,300 pounds, which U.S. News reports is one of the highest towing capacities in its class.

The 2009 Ford F-150 received high marks for its interior too. According to U.S. News, its reviewers found that the used truck’s front seats are comfortable and supportive. The 2009 Ford F-150 offers no shortage of features too. In fact, available features include power windows, locks and mirrors, a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack, Ford’s SYNC system, Bluetooth, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and navigation.

U.S. News calls the 2013 Ram 1500 the best used truck under $25,000

Last but certainly not least is the 2013 Ram 1500, which U.S. News tapped as the best used truck under $25,000. U.S. News gave the 2013 Ram 1500 an impressive 9.2 overall score. The organization also gave it an 8.8 performance rating, an 8.5 interior rating, and an 8.8 total cost of ownership rating. According to U.S. News, the 2013 Ram 1500 also earned itself a five out of five reliability rating.

As for what’s under the hood? U.S. News reports the used Ram 1500 benefitted from a new V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Its test drivers were impressed with the engine’s “peppy acceleration.” Also available are two V8 engines that reviewers said make the Ram 1500 “feel very powerful.” And when it comes to towing, when properly equipped, the 2013 Ram 1500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 10,450 pounds.

The interior of the 2013 Ram 1500 left U.S. News’ reviewers impressed too. It’s “attractively styled and built with first-rate materials.” While its front seats are comfortable, its rear seats are also very spacious. The used Ram 1500 can be had with a slew of compelling features, too, including a 10-speaker audio system, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. It’s no wonder the 2013 Ram 1500 found itself in the top spot on U.S. News’ list of the best used trucks under $25,000.

Choosing the best used truck for you is going to take a test drive

If you’re shopping for an affordable used truck under $25,000, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But when it comes to choosing the best used truck for you? Well, that’s going to take a few test drives.