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Buying a pickup is often about muscle, towing specs, or off-roading capabilities, but few buyers ask what happens once the warranty runs out. That’s when the real cost of ownership creeps in. These are the models most likely to test your budget.

Dodge Ram 3500

A black Dodge Ram 3500 parked in left front angle view.
Dodge Ram 3500 | CarlosVdeHabsburgo/Wikimedia Commons

It’s a towing monster, no doubt. But the Ram 3500 also racks up repair costs like few others—averaging $27,444 over a decade. Transmission failures and suspension wear are recurring complaints. With an 81.79% chance of a major repair, owning one long-term requires patience and a generous maintenance fund.

Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel

A Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel parked on grass in low left front angle view
Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel | Chucky Kretschmann/Wikimedia Commons

The Cummins turbo-diesel is rock solid, but the rest of the Ram 2500 isn’t quite on that level. Owners report pricey issues with injectors, turbos, and powertrain electronics. With estimated repairs nearing $26,665 over 10 years, it’s a truck that can pull mountains—and pull cash from your savings account.

Ford F-250 Super Duty

A silver Ford F-250 Super Duty parked left front angle view
Ford F-250 Super Duty | HJUdall/Wikimedia Commons

This Super Duty doesn’t skimp on torque or trouble. Known issues include fuel injection failures and clogged EGR systems, both of which carry repair bills that can exceed $4,000. Long-term maintenance costs hover around $15,636, putting it in the danger zone for trucks that live beyond the warranty.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

A white Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in a parking lot
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | IFCAR/Wikimedia Commons

For a nameplate synonymous with dependability, the Silverado 1500 has some expensive habits. Infotainment system bugs and occasional camshaft issues push repairs to around $10,618 over ten years. Buyers expecting bulletproof performance might be disappointed, especially when those tech glitches pop up right after the coverage ends.

Dodge Ram 1500

A black Dodge Ram 1500 parked in left front angle view.
Dodge Ram 1500 | Dickbauch/Wikimedia Commons

Slick styling and ride comfort gave the Ram 1500 a loyal following, but the cost of ownership? Over ten years, expect to spend $19,358, with a major repair probability of 56.6%. Oil consumption issues and air suspension failures can turn it into a repeat customer at the shop.

GMC Canyon

A white GMC Canyon parked in front of a dealership.
GMC Canyon | Alexander Migl/Wikimedia Commons

Don’t let its smaller size fool you. The Canyon still racks up repair costs close to $9,569, thanks to recurring problems with transmission shifting and electrical gremlins. It’s better than some full-size trucks on paper, but costs stack up quickly once the factory warranty runs its course.

GMC Sierra 1500

A white GMC Sierra 1500 parked inside a white shop floor
GMC Sierra 1500 | Bull-Doser/Wikimedia Commons

The Sierra 1500 is often billed as a premium take on the Silverado, and unfortunately, that includes premium repair costs. Common complaints center on lifter failure, A/C malfunctions, and rough downshifts with the 10-speed transmission. Expect to spend around $10,003 over ten years, not counting unplanned wrench sessions.

Ford F-150

A red Ford F-150 in close right front angle view
Ford F-150 | Gold Pony/Wikimedia Commons

It’s the top-selling truck in America for a reason—but not because it’s maintenance-free. Heater core leaks, timing chain stretch, and rough idling tend to appear in older models. Estimated ten-year costs come in at $7,880 per RepairPal, though some sources like Caredge.com report higher costs around $11,367.

Jeep Gladiator

A red Jeep Wrangler Rubicon parked on a showroom floor
Jeep Gladiator | Optimuspedia/Wikimedia Commons

This Wrangler-turned-truck turns heads and climbs rocks, but ownership isn’t exactly carefree. Early models face issues with premature suspension wear, finicky electronics, and brake fade. With average costs around $12,478, you’re paying for the blend of utility and off-road capability—even when you’re not chasing trails on the weekend.

Ford F-350 Super Duty

A maroon Ford F-350 Super Duty parked in front of a dealership
Ford F-350 Super Duty | HJUdall/Wikimedia Commons

The F-350 was built for hard labor, and it shows in both performance and what it costs to maintain. Transmission problems and fuel system repairs are fairly common and pricey. Total costs over ten years land near $12,950, with average annual expenses above $1,200. It works hard, but your wallet works harder.

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