The Best Used Trucks Under $15,000

in Best

(and how to find them in your area)

Photo of used Toyota Tundra pickup truck

Americans are simply crazy about pickup trucks. In fact, the best selling vehicle in the U.S. for the past 2 decades has been the Ford F-150 pickup. While a brand-new truck can easily top $60,000, there are plenty of solid options that come in well under $15,000. 

We’ve looked into price, reliability, cost of ownership, and more to put together the list of the best used pickups you can buy for under $15,000. You’ll be amazed at just how nice of a truck you can get for your hard-earned dollar. 


THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000

We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten. 


2011 Nissan Frontier

Photo of 2011 Nissan Frontier

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Class: Mid-Size

Tow Rating: 6,500 Pounds (When Properly Equipped)

Horsepower: 185 to 260

J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3.55

The Frontier is a fantastic mid-size truck that excels at being small enough to easily cut through a crowded parking lot and large enough to tow a 6,500 pound load. This is a no frills experience with a fairly basic interior and minimal “extras” or technology. What it does offer is an optional stout V-6 that pumps out 260 horsepower and 261 lb ft. stump pulling torque. 2 door and 4 door cabs are available and seating is generous for five. Long term reliability is a solid 3.5, with some years obtaining a perfect 55. No frills, all business, simple and honest - the Frontier may be just the right sized truck for you. 

2009 Chevrolet 2500 HD

Photo of 2009 Chevrolet 2500 HD

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Class: Heavy Duty / Commercial

Tow Rating: 16,700 Pounds (5th Wheel) 13,500 (Conventional Hitch)

Horsepower: 312 - 365 

J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3 / 5 

If you’re looking for something that can tow to the max and still be decent to drive on the daily, the Silverado 2500 HD should be on your short list. This mega-truck offers both gasoline and diesel options along with a myriad of different cab configurations and bedsides. Most impressive is the Diesel engine option that kicks out a staggering 690 lb ft. torque to tow the largest trailers with relative ease. Interior options range from “basic work truck” to “luxurious,” with everything from touch screen audio and Bose audio to leather heated seats. Reliability is a solid 35 and many owners experience hundreds of thousands of miles of trouble free service. This is your best bet for a heavy duty truck. 

2008 Toyota Tundra

Photo of 2008 Toyota Tundra

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Class: Full-Size

Tow Rating: 10,800 Pounds (When Properly Equipped)

Horsepower: 302 - 411 H.P. 

J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3.55

Although the Tundra may be a bit older than other trucks on this list, there’s no reason to treat it like an old dog. The Tundra holds its value remarkably well and is easily one of the most reliable vehicles in the class. On top of the legendary reliability, the Tundra impresses with its burly 5.7L V-8 that puts out a stout 381 horsepower and allows the mighty Tundra to tow a stunning 10,800 pounds. 2 cab configurations and multiple bed lengths are available. It also sports a cavernous interior that easily holds up to 6 people in comfort, as well as gaining an IIHS Top Safety Pick. For those looking at a great used truck, it doesn’t get much better than the Toyota Tundra for a good old fashioned truck. 


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2013 Ford F-150

Photo of 2013 Ford F-150

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Class: Full-Size

Tow Rating: 8,100 Pounds (When Properly Equipped)

Horsepower: 302 - 411

J.D. Power Reliability Rating: 3.55

If you’re looking for options, then look no further than the 2013 Ford F-150. There are 4 engine choices, 3 cab configurations, 3 bed lengths, and a staggering number of option packages in between. Muscular engines include a 302 HP 3.7 liter V6, a 360 HP 5.0 liter V8, a 411 HP 6.2 liter V8, and a 365 HP 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. The interior is huge and offers advanced technology like MyFord Touch and in-dash navigation. Above-average reliability of 3.5 and 5 and excellent resale value (though not as good as the Tundra) round out the reasons why this should be on your list. You can easily pick up the 2013 F-150 with a mid-grade trim and EcoBoost motor for less than $15,000.

How to find the best deals on used pickups in your area

Tell us exactly what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every online and physical dealership in your area for the trucks that match your preferences. CoPilot will send you a personalized list of best buys in your area, so you don’t need to scroll through hundreds of listings that don’t match what you want. Download the CoPilot app and see for yourself why CoPilot is the easiest way to find a used truck.