The Longest Lasting Used Truck Model Guide
Don’t get a lemon! If you’re in the market for a used truck, see which options are the most reliable. This guide will help you find the longest-lasting used truck models to get the most bang for your buck. Find the best truck to pass down to your kids, to get work done, to be buried in, etc. We won’t judge.
The guide to the longest-lasting used truck models
As the semiconductor chip shortage continues, new trucks are in limited supply. Therefore, a majority of shoppers are turning to used trucks. But you don’t want to buy the wrong option if you’re planning to keep your truck for years.
That’s why our longest-lasting used truck guide displays which models are most likely to last over 200,000 miles. Finding something that’s in it for the long haul involves buying the truck with the fewest problems.
The most reliable used pickup trucks have been listed by iSeeCars.
It analyzed over 13.8 million cars sold in previous years to determine which trucks have the most potential to make it to 200,000 miles. The top options have a 2.2 percent rate of making it, which is almost three times higher than the 0.8 percent average.
The Ram 1500 can last for years
The best used Ram 1500 models:
- 2015
- 2017
- 2020
The Ram 1500 made it on the list of the longest-lasting used trucks because about 1.1 percent of models are known for lasting until 200,000 miles. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ram 1500 has a predicted reliability rating of two out of five, which is just below average.
If properly maintained and not pushed beyond its working limits, the Ram 1500 can make it to 300,000 miles before needing a major transmission or engine repair. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, it should last about 17 years on the road. Some owners have reached 300,000 miles with 20 years on the road though.
It costs about $670 to maintain a Ram 1500 on an annual basis. This is less than the GMC Sierra and Ford F-150, at least. The Ram 1500 is a little prone to rusting a bit early. Inspect the undercarriage before making your purchase. Wash it regularly and use anti-rust solutions to protect it.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is in the game
The best years for used GMC Sierra 1500 models:
- 2012
- 2014
- 2018
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a used truck with a luxury flair. Its models reach 200,000 miles at 1.7 percent. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 GMC Sierra a predicted reliability rating of one out of five, which is a little concerning.
However, owners of the GMC Sierra noted that with the proper care, models can make it past 250,000 miles before requiring expensive fixes. If you use this truck as a work truck and average 20,000 miles per year, it may last on the road for about 12.5 years. Driving it for only 15,000 miles per year could stretch its life span to about 15 to 20 years on the road.
On an annual basis, it costs about $744 to maintain the GMC Sierra 1500. This price is a little above average. Rust can appear a bit early on the GMC Sierra, so keep it clean and treated to protect the metal frame.
The Ford F-150 will last for years
The best used Ford F-150 models:
- 2015
- 2014
- 2018
Another long-lasting used pickup truck is the Ford F-150, with about 1.9 percent of models making it to 200,000 miles. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ford F-150 has a predicted reliability rating of two out of five. At least, it’s rated higher than the Silverado.
Some owners of the Ford F-150 shared that it can last to about 300,000 miles before needing to rebuild the engine. If you drive an average of about 15,000 miles per year, then the F-150 may serve as a reliable truck for 20 years on the road. Work trucks are typically driven for about 20,000 miles a year, so this could limit its lifespan to about 17 years.
It costs about $745 to maintain the Ford F-150 each year. Pricing may vary based on age and condition. Some 2021 Ford F-150 models are arriving with rust, but apparently, it’s just cosmetic. The F-150 shouldn’t be more prone to rusting than rivals.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a reliable truck
The most dependable used Chevy Silverado 1500 models:
- 2012
- 2015
- 2018
Next up on the list of the longest-lasting used trucks is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. About 2.0 percent of Silverado models make it to 200,000 miles. This is still above average. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Chevy Silverado a predicted reliability rating of one out of five, which is slightly concerning.
Owners of the Chevy Silverado 1500 that have adequately taken care of their rides shared that they can last over 300,000 miles. Some models will be fine on the road for about 20 years. Without regularly performing simple maintenance, your Silverado may struggle to reach 150,000 miles.
On an annual basis, it costs about $646 to maintain the Silverado. This is a reasonable cost for a full-size truck. Regular maintenance includes changing the oil and filter, lubricating the steering and suspension, rotating the tires, and regularly changing the belts. Watch for rust after about three to five years.
The Toyota Tundra is a reliable beast
Best used Toyota Tundra models:
- 2013
- 2015
- 2018
The Toyota Tundra is an excellent full-size truck to consider. About 2.6 percent of Tundra models make it to 200,000 miles and beyond. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota Tundra has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five.
Owners of the Toyota Tundra shared that with proper maintenance, it will reach over 300,000 miles before needing significant repairs. This is based on work trucks that are driven about 20,000 miles on an annual basis. Trucks that aren’t used for work typically average 15,000 miles per year.
It costs about $606 to maintain the Tundra each year. This number varies depending on how old your truck is and how many miles it has. Rust doesn’t typically appear on the Tundra until after three to five years of use. Erosion can be prevented with regular washes and anti-rust solutions.
The Toyota Tacoma is very reliable
The best used Toyota Tacoma models:
- 2015
- 2018
- 2019
Another good used pickup truck to consider is the Toyota Tacoma. This midsize truck reaches 200,000 miles with 2.6 percent. This is above average. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is an average score.
Toyota Tacoma owners shared that a well-maintained model will surpass 300,000 miles. There are also reports of Tacomas reaching over 400,000 miles. It costs about $478 to maintain the Tacoma on an annual basis. Toyota Tacoma models driven between 15,000 to 20,000 miles per year can last up to 20 years on the road.
The Tacoma requires regular maintenance such as replacing the brakes, changing the oil filter, replacing belts, etc. While the Tacoma does have a bad reputation for rusting, the problem mainly occurs in 2005 – 2010 models. The frames have been updated to better prevent corrosion.
The Honda Ridgeline won’t let you down
The most reliable used Honda Ridgeline models:
- 2014
- 2017
- 2018
One of the longest-lasting used truck options is the Honda Ridgeline, with 3.0 percent of models making it to 200,000 miles. It’s 1.2 percent higher than average. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five. This score is above average.
Plus, proud owners shared that the Ridgeline will make it to 300,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. So, with minimal repairs, they can stay on the road for about 20 years. This is if your truck is driven 20,000 miles or more per year.
It may cost up to $502 per year to maintain a Honda Ridgeline. This is if your truck doesn’t require significant repairs. Regular maintenance includes replacing items like the timing belt around 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
The Honda Ridgeline does get affected by rust like other options, but research suggests it doesn’t rust as early as rivals. You shouldn’t see significant rust until after 100,000 miles. But living in the Rust Belt will increase the risk. But you can protect your truck with an anti-rust solution.