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Interested in a used truck that’s reliable? If you’re on a budget, you might be searching for a pickup that costs less than $25,000. The good news is that even in 2022, you can still find a pickup truck for under $25,000. And that will help you get a vehicle that fits within your budget. So, these are the five best cheap pickups that you can get for under $25k. 

5. Toyota Tacoma

Although a used Tacoma can start over $30,000, if you’re willing to look at the lower trims, you can likely find something newer that is under $25k. The Toyota Tacoma has long been known as the mid-size truck to have. And that is for a good reason. It comes with Toyota build quality and has legitimate utility. 

The Toyota Tacoma pickup truck seen here
A 2012 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4×4 | Jim Mahoney/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

The best Tacoma to look for in this price range will likely be the SR trim with rear-wheel drive. You might want a truck with four-wheel drive, but to be honest, it isn’t a necessary feature to have unless you tow heavy equipment or do off-roading. If you want things like the V6 engine or 4WD, you will likely need to look at an older model. 

4. Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 has some well-documented problem-years, but that is the good thing about buying used. Most issues with this full-size truck have likely been discovered.  You’ll want to dodge certain models due to their engine problems, and that is typically limited to when Ford first introduced the Triton engine. 

An F-150 will give you the power of a full-size pickup, which some might be looking for. As with any used truck, just be sure to conduct the proper research before buying. 

3. Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon

Much like the Tacoma, this is a mid-size truck. And you can get it with either Chevy or GMC badging. One of the most notable features of these pickups is their interior space. You should have plenty of room to store cargo or haul passengers if needed. 

Red 2012 Chevy Colorado posed on the beach
2012 Chevy Colorado | Chevrolet

Within this budget, you will likely be limited to the base WT trim. But you can probably find something better equipped if you shop for an older truck. 

2. Nissan Frontier

With the new generation of Nissan Frontier on the market, buying the second-gen might be a good option for a used truck. For the longest time, the Frontier went without any major changes, giving you the ability to find an old-school pickup. According to Car Gurus, you can even get one with a manual transmission. 

The Frontier is generally known to be reliable. You could get it with one of two engine options, either a V6 or a cheaper four-cylinder. 

1. Ford Ranger

Another mid-size truck, the Ford Ranger has always been popular. For a while, the Blue Oval stopped selling the Ranger in the United States, but now it’s back. If you want a model from 2011 with lower mileage, you should be able to get one for less than $25k. 

Ford Ranger trucks sit at a dealership, which used Ranger should you avoid?
2011 Ford Ranger | Bloomberg via Getty Images

You should probably avoid this truck with its 4.0-liter V6. The 3.0-liter V6 is a much better option, or you can get the four-cylinder for less.

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