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So, you want a used truck, and your budget is $30,000? Well, you are not alone; plenty of folks need a pickup truck that does not come with an extremely high price tag. And thankfully, there are some used options out there that can keep you within budget. Today, I am listing the three best used trucks for less than $30,000. 

To boil it down to the simplest answer, used pickups are popular because they are cheaper than getting a new one. Today’s trucks can come with pretty high price tags. And that means that folks who are on a budget might not be able to afford them. 

Because auto manufacturers have been investing heavily in this segment for years, it is possible to find a used truck that is still reliable. Whether you’re after a full-size truck or something smaller, getting a pre-owned one might make sense. 

3. 2016 Chevy Colorado

According to RepairPal, the 2016 Chevy Colorado has just one complaint. And that is that the engine can misfire due to worn valve seats. Now, that’s not to say that’s the only problem this mid-size truck can have. But it should provide you with some peace of mind. 

The 2016 Chevy Colorado can be a good used truck for less than $30,000.
2016 Chevy Colorado | Todd Korol via Getty Images

The 2016 Colorado has a variety of engine options, including a diesel. Plus, you can get it with four-wheel drive. Getting one that fits this specific price range should be fairly easy. Heck, you won’t even have to settle for one with over 100,000 miles on the clock. 

2. 2017 Ford F-150

For decades, the F-150 has really been the truck. Sure, it does not always beat things like the Ram 1500, but the F-Series line is consistently popular with consumers. The 2017 F-150 is part of the last generation of this model. But it still has a lot to like about it. 

A group of 2017 Ford F-150 trucks sit in a parking lot. Now, it's an affordable used pickup.
2017 Ford F-150 | Joe Raedle via Getty Images

There is a range of engine options available, and the Blue Oval has a long list of trim levels. If you want a used truck for less than $30,000, you can find an F-150 from this year with about 100,000 miles on it.  

1. 2019 Honda Ridgeline

Now, the Honda Ridgeline is not your traditional pickup. It rides on a unibody platform, and because it is pretty similar to the Honda Pilot, its driving dynamics are more car-like. But, where a used Ridgeline from 2019 does shine is its standard V6 and AWD system. 

While a Honda truck might not be as capable or rugged as other models, the Ridgeline does consistently earn praise. What might be holding it back is the fact that consumers seem not to view it as an actual truck. But, it can tow, and it can haul. Plus, its interior feels pretty nice. 

A 2019 Honda Ridgeline sits in a field. You can find this used truck for less than $30,000.
Honda Ridgeline | Jim Mahoney via Getty Images

Ultimately, when it comes to trucks, folks have a tendency to get more than they need. That 10k tow rating and an oversized build get people excited. Unfortunately, the Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have that going for it.

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