Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $15,000

Which Used Truck Should You Buy? 

A new full-size pickup truck will cost you close to $30,000. Some loaded models with all of the boxes checked can exceed $60,000.

You may be able to get a new compact pickup truck for around $20,000, however, if you want added features, four-wheel drive, a crew cab model, or an upgraded engine option, the price will approach $30,000 or even $40,000 quickly.

There are many outstanding used pickup trucks starting under $15,000. As far as power, towing capacity, and off-roading capabilities are concerned, a used model should be suitable. You won’t get all the fancy interior technology found in today’s vehicles, but as a truck buyer, these may not be a top priority.

Based on our rankings, which are determined according to critics’ reviews, safety scores, and other data, the following vehicles topped the charts when they were new. Read on to find an outstanding and affordable used pickup truck.

• Read the 2011 Nissan Frontier Full Review
• See 2011 Nissan Frontier Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 8 (Tie): 2009 Toyota Tacoma

Average Price Paid: $9,870 - $20,230 (Details Below)

The Toyota Tacoma won our 2009 Best Compact Truck for the Money award. Marked performance and a top-quality interior, paired with exceptional safety ratings make it a solid choice. While the base four-cylinder is sufficient, test drivers appreciated the optional V6, with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2009 model year brought standard stability and traction control, along with front-seat and side-curtain air bags. The Tacoma seats up to five passengers, depending on the cab configuration. The only recurring complaint was that the front seats sit very low.

• Read the 2009 Toyota Tacoma Full Review
• See 2009 Toyota Tacoma Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 8 (Tie): 2010 Dodge Dakota

Average Price Paid: $12,508 - $18,736 (Details Below)

The 2010 Dodge Dakota had the highest towing capacity in the class, at 7,250 pounds. It also receives mention for its perfect predicted reliability score. However, the base engine is lackluster and interior materials don’t match up to rivals’ models.

Critics preferred the optional V8 over the base V6 engine. The Dakota comes in an extended cab or a larger crew cab configuration and can seat a maximum of six people. 

• Read the 2010 Dodge Dakota Full Review
• See 2010 Dodge Dakota Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 8 (Tie): 2012 Nissan Frontier

Average Price Paid: $13,935 - $23,993 (Details Below)

The 2012 Nissan Frontier is praised for its agile handling and quick acceleration, only when equipped with the available V6 engine. The Frontier provides a comfortable, smooth ride. However, critics said that cabin materials were low quality and fuel economy is subpar. Dashboard controls are straightforward and well laid out.

Both the four-seat King (extended) cab and the five-seat crew cab have cramped rear seats. A special Utili-Track system makes it easy to tie down cargo in the bed.

• Read the 2012 Nissan Frontier Full Review
• See 2012 Nissan Frontier Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 8 (Tie): 2011 GMC Sierra 1500

Average Price Paid: $14,453 - $30,856 (Details Below)

The GMC Sierra 1500 tops the class with its quality ride and muscular engine options. The standard V6 engine is weak, but three V8 engines offer excellent power. The 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8s were critics’ favorites, and the larger V8 can tow up to 10,700 pounds.

The interior is well-constructed, with quality materials, and seats are comfortable in all configurations. The crew cab model offers an adult-sized second row.

• Read the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Full Review
• See 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Photos
• See Full Size Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 6 (Tie): 2010 Nissan Frontier

Average Price Paid: $10,976 - $20,064 (Details Below)

The 2010 Nissan Frontier boasts excellent off-road performance and high towing capacity. It is more dependable and capable than most competitors’ models. The 2010 model year brought standard electronic stability control, along with front-side and side-curtain air bags.

The Frontier comes with a four-cylinder engine, but critics preferred the optional V6, mostly due to its ability to tow 6,500 pounds. The King (extended) cab is cramped for adults, but the larger crew cab is sufficient. The simple cabin offers intuitive controls, but materials are lower quality.

• Read the 2010 Nissan Frontier Full Review
• See 2010 Nissan Frontier Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 6 (Tie): 2010 GMC Sierra 1500

Average Price Paid: $12,151 - $28,796 (Details Below)

The 2010 GMC Sierra was the top ranked full-size pickup truck for the model year. It provides a smooth ride and several sufficient engine choices. The V6 and the 4.8-liter V8 are fine for typical applications. However, the muscular 5.3- and 6.2-liter V8s are preferred for towing and hauling heavy loads.

Critics were impressed with the Sierra’s cabin, due to top-notch fit and finish, and high-quality materials. All cab configurations fit adults comfortably, but for longer trips, the extended cab is best for children.

• Read the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Full Review
• See 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Photos
• See Full Size Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 4 (Tie): 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Average Price Paid: $10,344 - $22,988 (Details Below)

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 Best Full-Size Truck for the Money award winner. The 2009 model added an available six-speed automatic transmission for V8 models, and additional feature options.

The Silverado came with a base V6 and three optional V8 engines. The 6.0-liter V8 can tow up to 10,700 pounds. Critics were happy with the comfortable ride inside the high-quality, spacious cabin. The crew cab model offers ample room for adults in the rear seats.

• Read the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Full Review
• See 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Photos
• See Full Size Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 4 (Tie): 2011 Nissan Frontier

Average Price Paid: $12,751 - $22,922 (Details Below)

Topping the 2011 compact pickup truck rankings, the Frontier boasts outstanding safety scores and is a reliable performer. Poised handling and athletic engine options appealed to reviewers. Despite the use of cheap plastics, critics praised the cabin’s user-friendly layout.

Front seats provide noticeable comfort, and rear seats, in the largest crew cab configuration, are decent for adults. However, the King (extended) cab should be reserved for children.

• Read the 2011 Nissan Frontier Full Review
• See 2011 Nissan Frontier Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 2 (Tie): 2009 Toyota Tundra

Average Price Paid: $12,967 - $27,233 (Details Below)

Great safety scores and top-notch reliability make the 2009 Tundra a worthy choice. Its powerful V8 engine options and whopping towing capacity are tough to beat. The Tundra can tow 10,800 pounds with the 5.7-liter V8.

The Tundra comes equipped with a base V6 engine and a smaller V8 is also an option. All engines provide confident performance. The cabin is credited for its simple, user-friendly layout, but it is not considered upscale. More standard features are found in the Tundra than in some competing models. The Double Cab and CrewMax cab both offer seating for three in the back. 

• Read the 2009 Toyota Tundra Full Review
• See 2009 Toyota Tundra Photos
• See Full Size Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 2 (Tie): 2009 Ford F-150

Average Price Paid: $10,654 - $23,736 (Details Below)

The 2009 Ford F-150 was praised for its refined interior. High-quality materials and an upscale design topped the competition. Additionally, safety scores and performance are superior. Two V8 engine choices make it very appealing. With the 5.4-liter V8, the F-150 can tow an extraordinary 11,300 pounds.

Super Cab (extended) and Super Crew models can seat up to six passengers. Front seats are comfortable and the Super Crew has adequate legroom for larger adults. Critics were particularly impressed with the cabin’s high-tech features.

• Read the 2009 Ford F-150 Full Review
• See 2009 Ford F-150 Photos
• See Full Size Pickup Trucks Rankings

No. 1: 2009 Nissan Frontier

Average Price Paid: $9,613 - $18,564 (Details Below)

The 2009 Nissan Frontier provides a refined ride while offering impressive off-road capability. Predicted reliability is at the top of the charts. The base four-cylinder engine provides sufficient acceleration, but reviewers preferred the optional V6, which is capable of towing 6,500 pounds.

The King (extended) cab offers rear seating primarily suitable for children. The larger crew cab is adequate for three adults. While critics complained about the use of cheap interior materials, the cabin’s overall layout and functionality received merit.

• Read the 2009 Nissan Frontier Full Review
• See 2009 Nissan Frontier Photos
• See Compact Pickup Trucks Rankings

More Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Interested in checking out more used truck offerings? Explore our used vehicle rankings. If a used truck isn’t right for you, also check out our new compact and full-size pickup truck rankings. Then, when you’re ready to buy, use our Best Price Program tool to get the best deal on your new truck purchase.