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Trucks are starting to come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From the small Ford Maverick up to the massive Ram 3500 HD, today’s trucks typically have only one thing in common; an open bed. While this is a bit of a reach and most trucks have many things in common, you might not understand which used truck you want to buy and drive every day. Thankfully, we’ve got some great options recommended by MotorTrend for you.

Is the Nissan Frontier the right used truck for you to buy?

Red 2020 Nissan Frontier Driving on the Road
2020 Nissan Frontier | Nissan

The previous generation of the Nissan Frontier lasted 15 years. This truck is one of the most durable and capable in the midsize pickup market. While American trucks from this class were on hiatus, the Frontier carried the torch.

During the previous generation, the Frontier offered either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter V6. The V6 engine provides up to 6,500 pounds of towing capacity. If you want some off-road fun, check out the Pro-4X version of the Nissan Frontier.

Reach back further for a used model of the Chevy Colorado

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

Are you looking for a truck that gives you the most bang for your buck? If so, the first-generation Chevy Colorado could be the truck you want to drive. This generation spanned the years between 2003 and 2012, giving you a small truck with the right build and power for your drive.

Similar to recent models of the Colorado, the first-gen versions have three engines, including a strong 5.3-liter V8 that delivers up to 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for one of the used trucks to buy MotorTrend recommends that the Colorado should be on your list.

Could the Ram 1500 be the right used truck for you to buy?

Blue 2018 Ram 1500 on a snow-covered hill
2018 Ram 1500 | Ram

If you’d like to have a more modern pickup than the Frontier or early Colorado models, the Ram 1500 from 2009-2018 is a full-size truck you can buy at a virtual bargain. This pickup is one of the most durable and useful. Some experts tell you to avoid the 2013 model year, but the rest of the years in this generation can work well for you.

Some models of this Ram 1500 came with durable 4WD systems, big rear axles, and powerful Hemi engines. The 5.7-liter V8 could make 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque. If you want one of the top versions of this truck, the 2017 model with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission is an excellent option.

The Ford F-150 has to be on this list

Blue 2014 Ford F-150 sitting next to a barn
2014 Ford F-150 | Ford

The Ford F-150  has dominated the past 40 years as the top-selling half-ton truck in the market. This makes the F-150 one of the best used trucks to buy. This truck can handle everything you throw at it. The 12th-generation model from 2009-2014 is where you should find a good used truck at a reasonable price.

When this Ford half-ton truck is what you want to drive, you’ll find up to 11,300 pounds of towing and payload that reaches 3,060 pounds when properly equipped. This generation brought several engines to the market, including a 6.2-liter V8 in the first version of the F-15- Raptor.

A few more of the used trucks you might want to buy

2018 Chevy Silverado in a wheat field
2018 Chevy Silverado | Chevrolet

These are just four used trucks you might want to buy when you’re looking for a workhorse to help you get things done. The other models in the list are:

  • 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra
  • 2010-2018 Ram 2500/3500 HD
  • 2011-2016 Ford Super Duty
  • 2010-2018 Toyota Tacoma

Next, check out why Toyota won’t make a bigger Tacoma or see more about some of the best used trucks recommended by Scotty Kilmer in the video below:

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