Best Used Cars
Pickup Trucks Under $5,000

Chris Shunk | AOL Autos

Aug, 27 2010

Introduction

When its time to move or haul or tow something, everybody loves pickup trucks. But at some point that buddy whose truck you keep borrowing is going to start screening your phone calls and you'll be left without America's favorite four-wheeled tool. That's when a solid, dependable used truck comes in handy. We put together a list of some of the best used truck buys for under $5,000. They may not be shiny and new, but they can out-tow and haul your family sedan.

2001 Dodge Dakota

Mileage: 94,900 
Price: $4,871
 If you bought it new: $14,010-$22,370
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 120 hp, 145 lb-ft
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3 

Selling points:  The Dakota is capable of meeting the needs of most recreational truck owners without the massive size of full-size pickups. As an added bonus, a four-cylinder Dakota will net you a couple extra miles per gallon, too, making truck ownership slightly easier on the pocketbook. 

2001 Chevy Silverado

Mileage: 110,288
Price: $4,994
 If you bought it new: $16,045-$32,600
Engine: 4.3-liter V6, 200 hp, 260 lb-ft
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3.5 

Selling points:  There is a reason there are so many older Silverados on the road: They're built for the long haul. The 4.3-liter V6 engine isn't a powerhouse, but it is nearly bulletproof. A full-size, six-foot truck bed can hold a lot of tools, antiques or anything else you plan to haul.

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2001 Ford F-150

Mileage: 93,991 
Price: $4,995
 If you bought it new: $17,245-$31,745
Engine: 4.6-liter V8, 231 hp, 293 lb-ft
JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5 

Selling points:  The F-150 is a good-looking truck with a good reputation for long-term reliability. The 4.6-liter V8 engine will deliver solid towing and hauling capabilities as well. There’s good reason this is the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. year after year.

2003 Dodge Ram

Mileage: 161,704
Price: $4,909
 If you bought it new: $18,735-$29,165
Engine: 4.7-liter V8, 240 hp, 300 lb-ft
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3 

Selling points:  The Ram has a strong V8 engine and aggressive styling that still looks fresh nearly a decade later. With an 8,650-pound towing capacity, you’re not likely to need anything larger, no matter what you want to haul.

2001 Toyota Tacoma

Mileage: 100,416
Price: $2,999
 If you bought it new: $11,845-$21,965
Engine: 3.4-liter V6, 190 hp, 220 lb-ft
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3 

Selling points:  The Tacoma is a great small pickup truck for drivers who don't need to tow or haul anything over 5,000 pounds. Fitting in smaller parking spots and garages is easier with a small truck as well.

2001 Nissan Frontier

Mileage: 169,010
Price: $4,000
 If you bought it new: $11,749-$24,549
Engine: 3.3-liter V6, 170 hp, 20 lb-ft
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3 

Selling points:  The Frontier is a smaller pickup, perfect for drivers who just want a bed without major towing or hauling capability. And with four doors in the crew cab model, you’ve still got room for the family.

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2001 Ford Ranger

Mileage: 91,732
Price: $4,995
 If you bought it new: $18,640
Engine: 3.0-liter V6, 145 hp, 180 lb-ftbr/> JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5 

Selling points:  The Ranger's extended bed (6.75 feet) and 5,800-pound towing capacity makes this little Ford truck the perfect tool for the weekend jet-ski tower or the landscaping pro. 

2003 GMC Sierra 2500

Mileage: 225,189
Price: $4,250
 If you bought it new: $23,850 - $35,550
Engine: 6.0-liter V8, 300 hp, 360 lb-ft
JD Power Dependability Rating: n/a

Selling points:  We wanted to add one heavy-duty truck to this list for industrial-grade work or play, and the Sierra 2500 certainly fits the bill. GM's ¾-ton pickup trucks are built to last and can take quite a beating while towing just about anything you can find.