If you’re here, it means that you’re interested in purchasing a used vehicle. That’s awesome. Buying used is a logical and economical choice for shoppers that are looking to save money and potentially find a diamond in the rough. While the bells and whistles of a new vehicle do have their own clarion call, buying a used vehicle can often result in you getting similar features and upgrades at half the cost!
If you’re worried that you can’t get a new feature like a high quality backup camera, don’t worry. We have the upgrades you’ll need to add one to your vehicle.
How Do I Choose the Best Used Truck for Me?
Everyone tends to have a favorite make and preferred features, and that’s a good place to start, but you may also want to expand your horizons and consider all your options. When you’re looking for a truck, you need to determine your needs and expectations. What are you going to need this truck for? You can narrow down options based on what features are more of a priority for you. Here’s a list of possible parameters to sort by:
- Hauling and towing - Do you need this truck to haul and tow effectively? Make sure you pick a used truck that’s up to the task. Many trucks are classified by hauling capacity--1500, 2500, and 3000.
- MPG - How far is the truck needing to go? What type of traffic will you see yourself in. If you’re going to be driving across town, across the state, or cross country, you want to make sure to get a vehicle with decent mileage, which can be tough with trucks. Calculate how many miles you’ll be driving daily, and go from there.
- Diesel or Gas - Diesel engines are very efficient and powerful but are a bit more expensive to drive, so the answer to this question will be tied to the MPG question. Larger trucks used for towing are commonly diesel engines, while smaller trucks run on gas.
- Cab size - How many passengers are you planning on transporting in the truck. If it’s just 1-2, you don’t need to worry about getting an extended cab. If you have a family to haul around, consider extended cabs.
- Bed size - What will you be hauling? If you’re planning on pulling a trailer or you don’t plan to haul too much in the bed, you can get a smaller one. Larger beds are good for campers or trips to the store.
- Price - This is an obvious one. Price isn’t just the sticker on the truck though. Price includes considering MPG, the mileage and age of the truck, and its general condition. You may end up spending more money on gas or repairs in the long term. If you want a project to spend some time and money on, you can opt for a cheaper truck and roll up your sleeves. If you want something reliable from the start, you can pay a bit more upfront for a ready to roll truck.
Some Used Trucks With Great Reputations
2011 Ford Ranger
While the 2011 Ford Ranger was dinged slightly for its aging design and the cheap plastics that characterized its interior design, many folks appreciated the straightforward layout and the regular cab seating that accommodates three people, with an extended cab option that could hold more. Offering unprecedented long-term reliability and excellent engine durability, you can’t go wrong with anything in the Ranger series.
2019 Chevy Silverado
The 2019 Silverado comes with a wide variety of powertrain selections, is known for its smooth ride and excellent handling, a wide cargo bed, and updated cabin design. You can even mix trailer capacities on different pickups. Some critics disliked the new appearance of the front end and felt that the High Country model wasn’t quite nice enough. But who doesn’t like a good truck argument? It also doesn’t have the beloved MultiPro Tailgate that competitors like the GMC Sierra have, but it’s a solid choice regardless, and will likely last you many many years.
Chevy Silverados are a highly regarded truck. In second place for best used model to buy is the 2012. As an older model, it will have a lower price point, and it’s considered one of the most reliable trucks out there.
2018 Ford F-150
The 2018 F-150 was a stellar model year for Ford. This truck has best-in-class ride quality, and is known for its agility in city driving, it’s luxury trim levels, and a powerful 2.7-liter V-6 engine with EcoBoost turbo options. The acceleration on this one is no slouch either! It did carry a bit of a higher price tag though, which may translate into the secondary market.
2015 Toyota Tundra
With sophisticated handling and a smooth ride, the 2015 Tundra is a fantastic vehicle for a variety of uses. There’s a significant separation between the trim levels, spacious cabins, and optional drop-down power rear windows. The model did get dinged for a cheap-feeling interior, terrible fuel economy, and limited options when compared to domestic models, but it’s a solid truck regardless.
Final Thoughts
A big question that applies to anything used, especially trucks, is how well it has been maintained. You’re going to want to ask for a full report on the vehicle that tracks how many accidents and oil changes the vehicle has had. You’ll also need to do a thorough check for rust of any kind, and ask if a CarFax report is available. Finally, try to determine how many owners the truck has had because that makes a huge difference in the lifespan of the vehicle.
Finally, get the thing checked out by a mechanic if you have any reservations.
Once you’ve got your brand new (used) truck, you can start thinking about new accessories or features you might want to add. That could include a shiny new backup camera! Here at Camera Source, we stock and provide support for the best backup cameras in the industry, and we’d love to help you get going with a camera of your own. Get in touch with us or browse our product lines today!
