What used trucks to avoid? – Used Pickups To Totally Avoid Forever

Assuming you do your research, purchasing a used automobile can be a good way to save money without sacrificing getting a reliable vehicle that will last you a long time. That is, if you make a good decision. A used automobile can save you money in the short term, but if you don't do your research, it can wind up costing you more than a brand new vehicle. There are standard guidelines to follow when operating any type of vehicle, and pickup trucks are no exception.

Nowadays, more people than ever are interested in picking each other up. What was once a vehicle used exclusively by the middle class across the country has become a fan favourite among car enthusiasts everywhere. Despite this, pickups are improving in quality and reliability, as well as in popularity.

Nonetheless, caution is still warranted while dealing with certain older models. Some pickups, due to persistent technical problems or subpar construction elements, should never be purchased used. Some, thankfully, have stood the test of time and shown to be reliable and well-constructed. Without further ado, here are five secondhand pickups you should consider purchasing, as well as ten that you should avoid.

More over half of the roughly 15 million cars manufactured annually are pickup trucks, vans, crossovers, or SUVs. As well as illustrating the staggering quantity of pre-owned vehicles on the market, this data reveals the annual production of new vehicles. There are a plethora of pre-owned automobiles on the market, so it's crucial to know which ones to consider purchasing and which ones to avoid or even why.

Pickup trucks are so widespread that virtually every major automaker produces at least one kind. Thus, each year there are several million new trucks plying our roads and several million pre-owned trucks out for grabs. Pickup trucks have evolved greatly from their rough and ready ancestors. Vehicles have become more user-friendly as a result of advancements in technology, materials, and design.

There are even "lifestyle" models for those who like the idea of a pickup truck but don't actually need one for heavy lifting. Each year brings a slew of new pickups to the market, each with its own set of options, body designs, engine options, versions, and trim levels, making it more challenging than ever to choose the appropriate truck for your needs.

When looking for a used car, consumers must think about more than just the basics. They must decide on a model, engine, cab configuration, and trim level. Factors such as age, mileage, wear, warranty, potential recalls, damage, and salvage title are only the tip of the iceberg. One strategy for narrowing down the field is to learn which pre-owned pickups to avoid. Read on to find out which models from each year can give you trouble so you can get the greatest secondhand truck available.

Pickup vehicles have a wide variety of applications. Pickup trucks are a surefire method of getting things done, whether you're tailgating, carrying, gardening, or camping. Of course, not all trucks are created equal, and only a few are worth purchasing due to their superior dependability.

The Escalade EXT of Cadillac is a great example. The Escalade EXT is highly recommended as one of the most dependable pickup trucks on the market thanks to its 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating from JD Power. According to Cars US News, "the Escalade EXT effortlessly transports longer stuff, despite its small cargo box, thanks to its midgate, common with the identical Chevrolet Avalanche."

You should avoid using any other trucks because they are less dependable. The Explorer Sport Trac of Ford is a good example. In terms of dependability, it receives a 2.5 out of 5. Despite receiving a lower-than-average total reliability score. Although the Ford Explorer Sport Trac completed its four-year life in 2010, it continues an intriguing option on the secondhand truck market.

Pickup trucks are not cheap, thus to save money you go for a pre-owned model. Everything should go smoothly, at least in principle, unless you end up with one of those old pickup vehicles you should never, ever buy.

When shopping for a pickup truck, how do you know which to buy and which to avoid? You should still see a professional technician for the ultimate word, but this should give you a good understanding of which models of vehicles are notoriously problematic. Adhering to this checklist will increase your chances of making a profit on the second hand market.

Avoiding a lemon and the accompanying mental anguish during your vehicle purchase is a good idea. Even while purchasing that used pickup truck appears to be a cost-effective choice at first glance, the "real" value of the vehicle will be near zero once you factor in the expenses of repairs associated with having a vehicle that is not reliable. Remember that, and stay away from these duds at all costs.

Used trucks are some of the most sought-after vehicles on the market, but consumers have become more reliant on the secondary market as the cost of new automobiles has risen. It's true that buying a used car saves money, but it's important to keep in mind that secondhand pickup trucks are especially prone to having hidden mechanical problems that are difficult to spot. Even if a used pickup truck looks great when you buy it, its performance may decline over time. It's not uncommon for the cost of repairs to exceed the value of the car by a significant margin. While it's impossible to know for sure if your truck will give you problems down the road, we've done the legwork for you to compile a list of v-6 and v8 engine pickup trucks you must avoid at all costs so that buying a used car is as simple as possible.

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The truck industry has come a long way in recent decades. Pickups manufactured recently are, almost without exception, superior than their predecessors in terms of performance, versatility, and dependability.

Despite these advancements, some trucks still prove to be more trustworthy than others. And dependability is essential for vehicles, especially used trucks whose owners intend to put them to work but may not have much extra money at the end of the month to pay for repairs.

Used vehicle buyers should have their truck properly inspected by a qualified mechanic who has no vested interest in the sale's outcome, even though dependability scores are an excellent place to start. If the former owner was careless with it and treated it roughly, even a model known for its durability could cause problems. It's also smart to research the car's recall history before making a purchase. Prior to taking out with loved ones or precious goods, you should make sure all safety issues have been fixed.

Don't let yourself get taken in by the hype; these are the secondhand pickup vehicles you should steer clear of.

Ram 1500 2010

For many years, the Ram is one of the best-selling pickups, and with good reason.

The Ram 1500 is typically a well-equipped and dependable truck that can last for many years.

The year 2010 was a terrible one for this car, so if you're in the market for a second-hand Ram, you should go elsewhere. This model comes standard with the V-6, which is underpowered and inefficient. Moreover, the standard features found on the Ram 1500 of 2010 aren't quite as spectacular as they should be.

Dodge Ram is widely regarded as one of the best light-duty pickups available. If you're looking for a used truck, you should go elsewhere than the 2010 Ram with the V6 engine. The standard 3.7-liter V6 engine's lacklustre output of 215 horsepower and 235 lb-ft torque is cited as the explanation for this allegation. Furthermore, it offers subpar gas mileage for a vehicle with a V6 engine. In reality, the V6 & V8 use the same amount of gas, but the V8 has more power.

Second, compared to other vehicles in its class, the standard features are inadequate. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration only gave this model three stars in their crash tests. Avoid this model despite its attractive price and go instead for the more recent Dodge Ram.

JD Power gives the Ram 1500 an average reliability rating of 3.2 out of 5. Previous-generation Rams are renowned for their smooth rides and luxurious interiors. The 2013 Ram, however, scored a perfect 5 from JD Power in terms of reliability.

If you acquire a used Ram 1500, you can count on having transmission problems at some point. Even if you're spared those mishaps, you'll still have to deal with severe oil sludge buildups, the possibility of engine failure, and shattered dashboards. As they have been the subject of multiple recalls throughout the years, you should stay well away from these junkers.

The latest models have a less-than-average safety rating and several electrical problems. These trucks frequently experience problems with the cruise control or the radio.

Electrical, gearbox, and engine failures are commonplace in Dodge Ram cars. A lot of drivers say they've had to get their engines or transmissions rebuilt from the ground up.

Ram's full-size pickup truck for 2019 has been entirely revamped and scored very highly in our testing. However, the 2009-introduced predecessor serves as the foundation for this evaluation. These older models of the Ram are renowned for their smooth rides and luxurious interiors. The 2013 Ram, which was released in the midst of a period of declining reliability, received a perfect score of five from JD Power.

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Chevrolet Colorado 2003-2005

You may get a used Chevrolet Colorado from the early 2000s for a great bargain, but it could end up costing out a lot more money in repairs and maintenance in the long run.

There have been many complaints about this vehicle over the years, but the years 2003-2005 seem to be especially problematic.

Most frequently, owners have voiced concerns about the vehicle's engine and rusting frames, but they have also voiced concerns about the vehicle's inefficient electrical systems and broken air conditioning. Fortunately, Chevrolet eventually addressed these problems, so current models of the Colorado are worth considering if you're set on buying one.

Chevy Colorado & GMC Canyon models from 2004–2005 have been recalled 3 times for various issues, the most common of which being problems with the outside brake lights and inadequate child seat installation instructions. Numerous owners have also complained of problems with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), resulting in a persistently illuminated warning sign. Heavy rain has also been reported to cause water leaks. And it's not uncommon for the air conditioner to break down.

Similar problems, such as recalls, affect later-generation vehicles of the Chevrolet Colorado as well. The 2008 model also has emission problems and may fail the emissions test, in addition to the aforementioned difficulties. The front airbags, power steering, seat-frame attachment hooks, brake fluid leaks, and airbag module on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado led to a total of six recalls. Multiple gearbox problems have been reported by drivers, making the vehicle difficult to shift.

New for the model year 2015, the Chevy Colorado midsize pickup truck is a marked improvement over its predecessor, which went out of production in 2012. With scores of four and five in reliability, respectively, the 2010 and 2011 models from the previous generation win the day.

These older Colorados' fuel efficiency was another selling point. The front seats were too firm, the back seats were too cramped, and the base four-cylinder engine was too slow to be appealing.

The Chevrolet Colorado was a best-seller because it was an affordable compact truck with a variety of useful features and attractive exterior and interior designs. However, it turned out to be of low quality, notably in the years 2003–2005. Several purchasers complained about issues with the vehicle's faulty air conditioning & electrical systems, along with the sputtering engine and corroded frame.

Some issues persisted into later years, but the years 2003–2005 were the worst. Though cheap initially, the Chevy Colorado from the 2000s may drain your bank account in the long run due to expensive maintenance needs. It would never live up to the standard of dependability expected of a small work truck. Lucky for us, Chevrolet just released a new model that appears to have addressed all of our previous complaints about their trucks.

When it comes to dependability, JD Power gives the Explorer Sport Trac 2.9 out of 5. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were cramped and the vehicle's base four-cylinder engine was slow."

Even though it's among the smallest pickups on this ranking of secondhand vehicles you should avoid, it still has plenty of serious issues. On the surface, it could appear to be more economically efficient, less costly, and less difficult to operate on the highway.

One reason is that the engine can refuse to turn over at times. Add to that the fact that the air conditioner's controls are acting up and the car's check engine light is always on and you have a machine that will have you want to rip your hair out. Avoid Colorado altogether because of the prevalence of reported engine failure.

V8-Powered Ford Pickup Trucks, 5.4 Liters

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Ford made numerous pickups between 2003 and 2010 powered by a 5.4-liter V8 engine with a modular design and a three-valve cylinder head. It was common knowledge that once those engines hit the 100,000-mile mark, they would begin to experience a decline in performance and reliability. The camshaft phaser, which adjusts the camshaft's angle to release the valves, is the primary source of the issue. When this component breaks out, the engine has a choppy idle and loses power. Odd engine sounds are the first warning of danger.

Replacement of the phaser and maybe the camshafts and valves is part of the expensive repairs. The Expedition, the Explorer, and the Lincoln Navigator all feature this motor, in addition to the F-Series. Consequently, if you're in the market for a pre-owned Ford pickup, you should stay away from trucks powered by the 5.4-liter V8 with 3-valve heads, particularly if they've seen a lot of service.

Introducing a line of pickups powered by a 5.4-liter V8 engine (used from 2003 to 2010) was, at first glance, a brilliant move on Ford's part; the engine's novel 3-valve cylinder heads and impressive output made it appear like a no-brainer. Time has shown, sadly, that their engines were vulnerable to a wide variety of problems. The camshaft phaser, which adjusts the camshaft's angle to release the valves, is the primary source of trouble. When this component breaks down, the engine has a choppy idle and loses power." Costs might add up quickly because a new phase must be implemented whenever repairs are made.

Chevrolet Silverado 2007 & 2008

The Chevrolet Silverado's history is rife with highs and lows. While there are some excellent model years, there are others that you should definitely avoid; the 2007 & 2008 Silverados are particularly poor examples. Avoid the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, especially if it is equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine. That one not only burns through gasoline quickly, but oil as well. After about every a thousand miles, owners reportedly had to add a qt. or two of oil. That holds true even for the year 2008.

One of the most popular light-duty vehicles on the market is the Chevrolet Silverado. True fact: Chevy has manufactured millions of them. However, they have a bad name in the pre-owned automobile market. Although not every Chevrolet Silverado is flawless, there are certain particularly problematic model years. Steering problems, faulty engines, and corroded brake lines are common in Silverados manufactured between 2000 and 2005. Rusted brake-lines are a common problem for older Silverados.

Some newer versions may have unstable suspensions and electronic problems. However, the small-block 5.3-liter V8 engine's excessive appetite for gas and oil represents the greatest risk. According to some owners, it requires an excessive one quart of oil for every thousand travelled. The automatic gearbox has also been known to have problems. You should look into all of those factors if you want to buy a good Silverado pickup vehicle.

Numerous factors have made the Silverado an undesirable used pickup. The most common criticism has been that the brake lines rust and need to be replaced, which can cost the owner several hundred dollars. Problems with the engine and strange clunking noises emanating from it are also included on the list.

The inefficient engine design of some of the older models has also contributed to their tendency to leak oil and waste precious gasoline. The truck has numerous deadly flaws, including a shaky and loud suspension and an automated transmission that frequently breaks down.

There have been numerous problems with the Silverado 1500s built in the millennium; some years have seen as many as 20 recalls. Some Silverado 2007 drivers have reported having to add oil as often as once per thousand miles. There have been ongoing problems with the air conditioning unit and gearbox failures in automatic models of the 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, much like other vehicles in the lineup.

Chevrolet Avalanche 2002-2005 And 2007-2008

The Avalanche has a reputation for being a problematic pickup for a variety of reasons; if you'd like to save money in the long run, you should definitely avoid buying one.

There are a number of problems with this truck that no driver should have to encounter.

Cladding of paint was an issue on earlier vehicles, but GM has now fixed the problem. One other common issue with the first-generation Avalanches was faulty speedometers. Most people's reactions after being stopped by cops for inadvertent speeding were ones of surprise and confusion. Then in 2004 and 2005, there were transmission problems, among other problems." Another issue in those years was the use of too much motor oil.

The Avalanche is among the most dependable pickup trucks on the market, with a dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5 from JD Power. An innovative midgate, which is a folding wall between the cargo box as well as the passenger cabin, allows for hauling large things once the back seat is folded.

One final used pickup vehicle brand you should stay far away from is Chevrolet. To paraphrase an old slogan, "Chevy, their the greatest, drive half-way and run the rest." If you're looking for a used truck on the cheap, don't go for this discontinued Avalanche. Those who are easily duped should take heed.

There have been numerous reports of problems with the speedometer, and because you should probably know how quickly you're driving (especially since the police probably won't take your defective speedometer excuse), fixing the issue is probably not worth the effort. Also, the dashboard is prone to cracking. Include transmission problems and other important operation-related issues. Last but not least, the Chevy Avalanche's notoriously high engine oil consumption has forever stained the truck's reputation.

The Avalanche is essentially a truck version of the Chevy Suburban, which seemed like a fine idea when Chevy introduced it. It's like a Suburban SUV, but with a truck bed and a more modern silhouette. In spite of its discontinuation, the Avalanche was manufactured from 2001 until 2012, therefore there are still plenty in circulation. However, despite the model's accessibility and low cost, it has a number of drawbacks. Most of the issues have to do with Chevy's assembly quality, such as with the components it used.

The speedometer, for instance, may stop working, leading to legal issues. Oil consumption and transmission issues have plagued the 5.3-liter V8 engine. Some dashboards have reportedly cracked as a result. As a result, the Avalanche is not the best choice if you're hoping to merge the benefits of a pickup truck with a more luxurious vehicle. In terms of cargo and towing capacity, it's not great. Pick up truck with either a dual-cab or even a crew cab if you require a work vehicle that can seat five people comfortably.

These vehicles' ABS systems have proven problematic for drivers, who complain that the warning light is continually on and that repairs have been costly. In addition to excessive oil consumption, the dashboard of later versions might break, which is especially problematic if the engine-control module is also malfunctioning.

Chevrolet's Avalanche is essentially a Suburban with a much shorter payload bay instead of the Suburban's massive and roofed-over back cargo compartment. When the rear seats are folded down, you can still transport long objects thanks to the ingenious midgate that separates the cargo box from the passenger cabin.

The Avalanche is not the best option for those who require the most powerful hauling and towing capacities. The Avalanche, on the other hand, is a great choice for those who need a pickup truck that can also serve as a family car. The 2011 model has the highest JD Power reliability rating of the bunch at five out of five. The last year of production was the 2013 version.

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GMC Canyon And Sierra From 2000-2008 And 2014-2015

As with the Chevrolet Colorado & Silverado from the same generation, the 2000-2008 and 2014 to 2015 GMC Canyon & Sierra share a number of problems. The electrical and braking systems in older Canyons were problematic, and the automatic transmission in the 2015 GMC Canyon, for example, downshifts jerkily. Electrical and mechanical problems were common in older Sierras. Uncanny problems with the headlights on the 2014 Sierra 1500 reduce visibility to dangerous levels. Newer models should not have those difficulties, thankfully, because GMC fixed them later on. Though, you might want to hold off on buying that used Canyon or Sierra.

According to JD Power, the GMC Canyon is just 3.1 reliable out of a potential 5. However, JD Power's highest reliability scores, a solid four out of five, go to the older generation's 2011 and 2010 models.

When compared to other full-size pickups, the 2009-2016 GMC Sierra shines out for its reliability, powerful yet fuel-efficient V8 engine, and impressive towing and carrying capacities. JD Power found that vehicles manufactured in 2010 until 2013 were the most reliable overall.

For 2014, Sierra received an extensive makeover. Nonetheless, the 2014–2016 models maintained a dependability rating of 4 out of 5 after this event, which is typically associated with a decline in quality and reliability. This rating has only recently dropped to an average 2.5/5.

Dodge Dakota 2000, 2002, And 2004-2006

If you're set on a Dodge Dakota and can't wait for a new model to come out, steer clear of the years 2000, 2002, and 2004–2006. For models produced in the year 2000, oil sludge buildup and resulting brake issues led to a loss of oil pressure. Even in 2002, problems with the brakes persisted. It was a regular occurrence for Dakota's brakes to randomly lock up, resulting in the need to repair the calliper, pads, and rotors. In 2004, Dakota began to alter in an unexpected way. You've got a clunker on your hands if the engine has a rough idle and there are frequent brake problems. You should probably pass on this one in favour of one of the many other reliable used pickups available.

The Dodge Dakota is a highly reliable pickup truck, receiving a dependability rating of 3.7 out of 5 from JD Power. The presence of a V8 engine, unusual in tiny pickup trucks, contributed significantly to its capacity for towing and hauling.

Do you detect a pattern in Dodge's behaviour here? Even though it is no longer produced, the Dakota is still one of the secondhand pickups you should stay away from. My advice is to keep looking if you come across one on a used car yard.

These obsolete creatures have issues with oil pressure, oil sludge buildup, and faulty brakes. This vehicle's brakes would randomly lock up, requiring the driver to replace the callipers, pads, & rotors if they were lucky enough to survive the ordeal.

One can find full-size vehicles like the F-150 or Chevy Silverado, or smaller trucks like the Hilux and perhaps Ford Ranger. Midsize pickups, with the Dodge Dakota as its market leader, emerged in the late 1980s and 1990s. Dodge, a frontrunner in the trucking industry, realised that many people who bought full-size pickups didn't actually need all that muscle or extra room. They also saw that purchasers of small trucks wanted more muscle and functionality. A medium-sized truck was their answer.

They came up with a model that is smaller than a full-size Ram but still has remarkable towing capacity & payload thanks to its available all-wheel drive. They set the pricing somewhere in the middle of the big or small models so that it would cater to more customers. There was a noticeable increase in sales once Dodge debuted the Dakota in 1987. It was the very first reasonably priced mid-size truck available, and it quickly became popular.

Not only was it more fuel efficient than the larger vehicles, but it was also quite practical. The Dodge Dakota was available as a pickup option until 2011. For this reason, there is a plethora of pre-owned Dakotas on the market, albeit some caution is advised when purchasing an early-2000s vehicle.

Initially, there were issues with the V6 engine's reliability and fuel efficiency. Second, if drivers didn't keep up with routine maintenance, oil sludge would build up and ultimately destroy the engine. Finally, the most serious issue was the brakes' tendency to lock up unexpectedly and potentially cause an accident. It may be pricey to repair, despite the fact that it was sold with new brake callipers and rotors. If you're looking for a used car, you might want to pass on the Dodge Dakota made between 2000 and 2006.

Ford F-150 2004, 2005, and 2010

JD Power gives the Ford F-150 an average reliability rating of 3.1 out of a potential 5. According to JD Power analysis, the 2009 model year F-150 from the previous generation has the highest reliability rating, at four out of five. No modern F-150 has achieved the same degree of dependability.

Although the 2010 model year was a disaster for the Dodge Ram 1500 due to a number of engine difficulties, those concerns have been resolved, and the 2012 model year has given us a very respectable truck. Popular for its practicality and comfort, this half-ton truck can tow and transport loads with ease. The powertrain options available for the Ram can turn it into a formidable beast, and power delivery is consistent regardless of which engine you choose. The car also comes with a number of other notable characteristics, such as a stylish cabin and clever storage choices.

It's ironic that one of the best-selling trucks in the United States is also one of the worst choices for a used pickup truck. There are far too many costly problems with these older models. Although engine trouble isn't the most common, it does crop up more frequently than its owners would want.

The F-150 has a history of engine problems, including spark plugs which break off within the head and sometimes pop out, excessive engine noise, and other issues. Then there's the nightmare of a transmission breaking down or the power windows not working. Since its beginning, it's no surprise that dozens of F-150 models have been recalled due to safety concerns.

Nissan Frontier 2005-2008

Older Nissan Frontiers stand out immediately due to their incredibly dated appearance. This, however, is hardly the most pressing problem we face with the Frontier 2005-2008. There has been a history of transmission problems with this car. The flawed construction of the radiator is the root of the issue. To be more specific, if the radiator were to split, the coolant would leak into the transmission. A transmission containing antifreeze will fail if the two fluids are mixed. To sum up, if you enjoy working on transmissions, there is a fantastic midsize truck available to you. Keeping this in mind, it's best to go with the choice that gives you the least amount of headaches in the long run.

The Frontier is among the most trustworthy pickup trucks on the market, receiving a dependability rating of 3.8/5 from JD Power. The 2009 & 2015 models of the Frontier earned the highest possible dependability rating of five out of five from JD Power, demonstrating the Frontier's consistent reliability over time.

As with the Tacoma and the Dodge Dakota, Nissan offered multiple variants of its popular Frontier midsize pickup truck. It was generally a reliable work vehicle with no notable flaws. The models they produced between 2005 and 2008, however, were plagued by serious issues. The transmission failed on nearly every new Nissan Frontier made during that time. Unfortunately, that wasn't even the worst part about the transmission.

When the radiator finally gave out, generally after 100k miles, the coolant escaped and mingled with the ATF oil in the gearbox, destroying it completely. In extreme cases, certain coolants can chemically destroy the oil, leaving the transmission to operate dry. The result was the gearbox overheating and the engine dying. Considering its low price, the transmission of the Nissan Frontier should be your first consideration when shopping for a vehicle. You should check to see if the radiator has been rebuilt and any issues fixed. If you don't fit this profile, you should abandon this model immediately.

Conclusion

Out of the roughly 15 million vehicles produced annually, pickup trucks, vans, crossovers, and SUVs account for more than half. A lot of used cars are available, so it's important to know how to narrow down the options. There are five pickup trucks worth considering, and ten you should steer clear of. The Escalade EXT from Cadillac is widely regarded as one of the most trustworthy pickup trucks available. In total, we give the Explorer Sport Trac a 2.5 out of 5.

It gets a lower-than-average total reliability score because of its unreliability. A old pickup truck's performance can deteriorate with time, despite its outwardly good condition. It's not unusual for the price of repairs to far outweigh the car's resale value. Try to avoid these vehicles at all costs. Forget about the 2010 model year if you're shopping for a used Ram 1500 with a V6 engine.

This vehicle only earned three out of five stars in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In terms of dependability, JD Power rates the Ram 1500 at 3.2 out of 5. Our 2019 Ram full-size test truck performed exceptionally well. This assessment, however, relies on the 2009 antecedent that came before it. Famous for their comfortable rides and plush cabins, vintage Ram models have a cult following.

A flawless 5 from JD Power was awarded to the 2013 Ram. The Explorer Sport Trac receives a 2.9 reliability rating from JD Power. Since it was both capable and reasonably priced, the Colorado quickly became a best-seller. New from Chevy is a pickup truck that seems to fix every issue we've ever had with their previous offerings. A few problems lingered into later years, but the worst of it occurred between 2003 and 2005.

Pre-owned Ford pickups with the 5.4-liter V8 and 3-valve heads aren't worth considering if you're in the market for a truck. The Silverados from 2007 and 2008 are especially bad examples. Some current and former owners claim that the unit's one-quart oil capacity is excessive. Avoid this discontinued Avalanche if you're shopping for a used truck on a budget. The Avalanche's bad rep as a problematic pickup stems from a number of factors.

Ongoing issues with the AC unit and gearbox breakdowns have plagued 2014 and 2015 versions. When compared to the Suburban, the payload bay of the Chevrolet Avalanche is substantially shorter because it lacks the latter's enormous roofed-over rear cargo area. When the engine-control module fails, further symptoms include increased oil use and a possible broken dashboard in newer models. In the midsize pickup class, the GMC Sierra from 2009-2016 stands out for its dependability and its powerful yet economical V8 engine. The 2011 version gets a perfect JD Power reliability rating of five stars.

If you need a pickup truck that can also transport your family, look no further than the Avalanche. JD Power gives the Dodge Dakota, a pickup vehicle, a 3.7 out of 5 for dependability. Loss of oil pressure was caused by oil sludge accumulation and resulting braking difficulties in models manufactured in the year 2000. Unfortunately, braking issues still existed in 2002. When the Dodge Dakota came out as the first affordable mid-size truck, it took the market by storm.

Dodge Ram 1500 owners had a terrible time with their 2010 models due to numerous engine issues. Any vehicle manufactured between 2000 and 2006 should be approached with some trepidation. There have been numerous reports of spark plugs breaking off inside the head and popping out of the engine in the F-150. The radiator in the 2005–2008 Frontier has a design defect that causes overheating. Transmissions with antifreeze in them won't work if the fluids are combined with regular transmission fluid.

JD Power gave the 2009 and 2015 Frontier its highest reliability rating of five out of five for both their dependability and safety. Transmission problems affected the 2005-2008 production versions. To make sure the radiator has been properly rebuilt and all problems have been addressed, you should inspect it.

Content Summary

• Assuming you do your research, purchasing a used automobile can be a good way to save money without sacrificing getting a reliable vehicle that will last you a long time.
• One strategy for narrowing down the field is to learn which pre-owned pickups to avoid.
• Pickup trucks are not cheap, thus to save money you go for a pre-owned model.
• Even while purchasing that used pickup truck appears to be a cost-effective choice at first glance, the "real" value of the vehicle will be near zero once you factor in the expenses of repairs associated with having a vehicle that is not reliable.
• If you're looking for a used truck, you should go elsewhere than the 2010 Ram with the V6 engine.
• Ram's full-size pickup truck for 2019 has been entirely revamped and scored very highly in our testing.
• New for the model year 2015, the Chevy Colorado midsize pickup truck is a marked improvement over its predecessor, which went out of production in 2012.
• The Chevrolet Colorado was a best-seller because it was an affordable compact truck with a variety of useful features and attractive exterior and interior designs.
• Though cheap initially, the Chevy Colorado from the 2000s may drain your bank account in the long run due to expensive maintenance needs.
• When it comes to dependability, JD Power gives the Explorer Sport Trac 2.9 out of 5.
• Replacement of the phaser and maybe the camshafts and valves is part of the expensive repairs.
• Consequently, if you're in the market for a pre-owned Ford pickup, you should stay away from trucks powered by the 5.4-liter V8 with 3-valve heads, particularly if they've seen a lot of service.
• Avoid the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, especially if it is equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine.
• The Avalanche has a reputation for being a problematic pickup for a variety of reasons; if you'd like to save money in the long run, you should definitely avoid buying one.
• Oil consumption and transmission issues have plagued the 5.3-liter V8 engine.
• As with the Chevrolet Colorado & Silverado from the same generation, the 2000-2008 and 2014 to 2015 GMC Canyon & Sierra share a number of problems.
• However, JD Power's highest reliability scores, a solid four out of five, go to the older generation's 2011 and 2010 models.
• JD Power found that vehicles manufactured in 2010 until 2013 were the most reliable overall.
• If you're set on a Dodge Dakota and can't wait for a new model to come out, steer clear of the years 2000, 2002, and 2004–2006.
• The Dodge Dakota was available as a pickup option until 2011.
• The F-150 has a history of engine problems, including spark plugs which break off within the head and sometimes pop out, excessive engine noise, and other issues.
• Since its beginning, it's no surprise that dozens of F-150 models have been recalled due to safety concerns.
• There has been a history of transmission problems with this car.
• Considering its low price, the transmission of the Nissan Frontier should be your first consideration when shopping for a vehicle.
• You should check to see if the radiator has been rebuilt and any issues fixed.