favorite this post Feb 5 Cheap Truck - Ram 1500 Stay away from the 2007 and 2008 Silverados, especially the 5.3-liter V8 engine. $6,900. But Honda’s first-generation Ridgeline, and specifically it’s first production year, is notoriously unreliable. Like Toyota, Honda’s reliability is legendary. Buying a used truck can save you money or allow you the opportunity to buy a truck with more features. It is strongly recommended to bring along a trusted mechanic when checking the running condition of used semi-trucks … The 2001 was “Built to Boss” when it came out and for decades to come! It's likely some were never addressed. The most common issue is that the rear axle tends to leak. This fault could lead to another car plowing into the rear of your Colorado. What was once a great company has fallen on some seriously hard times after two global financial crises and what with their former CEO being arrested, let go, rearrested, let go again, and arrested once more before a transcontinental escape to a non-extradition country. You could easily experience the entire rear end failing. The suggested used trucks that should be avoided are Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F150, Dodge Ram-1500, Chevrolet Avalanche, and Chevrolet SSR. Fort Mill, SC 29715) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting $5,000 Sorry. This is one instance you don’t want to channel Angus “Mac” MacGyver. The 2007 and 2008 models have several minor issues like premature rust, failing climate control, and peeling paint. Oh, Nissan. For the 2019 model, drivers can choose between three cab sizes, eight different trims, and seven capable engines.No matter what sort of job you need to accomplish, you can probably do it easily with one of the Silverado’s many configurations. In that time, it had its host of issues, but none more pressing than its rear axle issues. When you buy a 3500, you can expect to experience a harsh and almost jarring vibration through the front end and steering wheel. That proved to be a double-edged sword as those parts were far more failure-prone. For some years, Chevy hit on every cylinder and produced a truck with impressive performance and reliability. Heck, go anywhere in the developing world and you’ll find 500,000-mile Toyota pickup trucks for sale and still in use, and they won’t be going to the scrapyard any time soon. According to owners, the number 4 cylinder on the 3.5-liter V6 would inevitably go bad, burn oil and ultimately seize, necessitating a full-on engine swap. Read more. We curate, you discover! The newer models have a questionable automatic transmission. In addition to the Super Duty’s affected, the Blue Oval’s lineup of cars and SUVs saw a handful of recalls to supposedly fix the issue. Older Silverados had rusted brake lines which, we’re not sure if you’ve heard, is pretty dangerous. It’s unclear whether the F-150’s design or its materials were directly to blame, but after both the NHTSA and IIHS tested the truck, each found it severely lacking in safety, with the NHTSA giving it two stars out of five and the IIHS delivering a “Poor” rating. This means you can expect the same kind of problems that we already mentioned for the other models. They claim that these model years had significant transmission problems. 5 of the Best Trucks to Buy Used in 2020. In a bid to reduce the Ram SRT-10’s maintenance costs, Dodge swapped a number of the drivetrain’s more costly parts for cheaper ones. Nissan isn't really known for their trucks — for a good reason. Learn how your comment data is processed. That’s, unfortunately, not the case for the early 2000s Tundra. The auto industry has gone through major technological upheavals in the past three decades as safety, reliability, and longevity have improved significantly. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. These are problems that can turn a quiet drive to the grocery store into an up-close and-personal experience with helter skelter. There are many more used trucks of this model for sale with over 200,000 miles on them. From about 2003 through 2010, Ford used a 5.4-liter V8 engine. However, there are some trucks that aren’t a great value when they’re used. For those making a puzzled face, a crossmember is a frame support that runs transversely and helps keep the entire structure together. Newer Frontiers seem to have fixed the issue, which is great because you can get them for a song right now. Make sure that the used semi-truck you’re going to buy is well-maintained. Unfortunately, used pickup trucks tend to have more internal mechanical problems than you would think. Got a pro tip? Yeah, that's how easy it is to now buy your next car thanks to Carvana. Stay away from the 2000 through 2008 models and the 2014 through 2015 models. After all, the Charger, Challenger, and Durango SUV are all impressive performance vehicles. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Generally in my opinion avoid all Chrysler products, so the Dodge or Ram trucks. You may face electrical issues, leaking oil, faulty check engine lights, steering problems, and rusting brake lines. Pickup trucks are becoming more and more refined by the day, and they seem to distance themselves from their traditional purposes. Refurbished Titan rear axles cost between $1,500 and $2,500, but that doesn’t include downtime and the necessary labor, which adds up quickly. Not a great situation for you or the car hitting you. Be wary of the 2010 model as it’s especially vulnerable to problems with its V6 engine because it’s weak in power and has poor fuel economy. Though the Viper’s's V10 has roots in a truck block, by the time the Ram SRT-10 was released in 2004, it had already been changed to match the Viper's athleticism. Sorry, Nissan, but the truth sometimes hurts. Chevy created an attractive option by making this truck responsive when it comes to handling, fuel efficiency, and less expensive than larger trucks. Oil sludge tends to build up, which can cause engine failure. Understand the Accident History. Shopping For a Used Toyota Tacoma - The Problem Years to Avoid The Toyota Tacoma is a legendary great used truck buy. Though the second-generation wasn’t the sales bonanza Nissan had hoped, it is, however, a better-built pickup truck and does exactly what Nissan said it does. A lot, apparently. Buying one of the following trucks could negate any savings you achieve by costing you more in repairs. You can avoid most mechanical issues by purchasing a truck with less miles and performing routine maintenance. What this means for you is a consistent problem with the transmission as problems emanate from the radiator. As they rack up the miles, they develop more and more problems. Are you ready to get your next car out of a vending machine? It's fun and satisfying, and you can do it. What’s worse was that if too much differential fluid escaped the housing’s confines, the entire rear axle would need replacing. After all, Ford is a powerhouse in the auto industry for building some heavy-duty trucks that can do everything from being used as a family car, to off-roading, and towing large construction equipment. Pickup trucks are generally used and abused. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Brookline Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. The 2000s models experience brake and electrical issues. Once you are done reading, you will have a better idea of which used truck you should buy. Some could even say it takes on a very Italian personality. They were also part of massive recall that covered hundreds of thousands of Toyota pickups. Get your truck inspected by a certified mechanic you trust. Maybe you can chalk it up to a learning curve. The most frustrating part about these problems is their lack of clarity and consistency. This high mileage is a testament to how well-made and beautiful the design was for this F150. Cars US News… Why avoid some used trucks? This is to avoid buying accident-damaged, flood-damaged, or throw-away semi-trucks. In America, 15 million vehicles are producing each year, in which half of them are trucks, SUVs, vans, and crossovers. Best stay away from this particular truck, although you could get one with a V10 engine, which counters the potential for injury somewhat. However, during the late 80’s and 90’s, there was also a mid-size class of trucks led by Dodge Dakota. Jackknives are cool in the pool, not when pulling trailers. Used Pickup Trucks to Avoid Auto News / By Diminished Value Car Appraiser / February 16, 2017 February 16, 2017 / Chevrolet Cars , dodge , ford , GM , nissan , reliability , Toyota Cars , trucks , trucks to avoid This is one of the newer trucks on this list, so it will take some more time before we know all of the potential problems that can plague this truck. To set you up for successful ownership, The Drive’s How-To department is here to give you the skinny on just about every used pickup truck you should avoid … Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com. This is the super-duty big brother to the F-150, and it too has been plagued by a variety of issues over the years. 14 Used Trucks Drivers Avoid 2000 to 2006 Dodge Dakota As you may already know, there are full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado and there are compact size trucks like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger. But how do you tell which is a lemon? Do you really want a potential time bomb sitting in your driveway? favorite this post Feb 5 2015 Chevrolet sonic LS $6,900 (Charlotte) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Rusting Trucks. They’re great small trucks and return a modicum of Nissan’s former reliability it had lost. These trucks are outdated in their styling and performance. Along with the rusting issue, Tundras have been prone to HVAC and air pump failure, piston issues in the 5.7-liter V8, electrical gremlins and prematurely fading paint. Whether or not your used car will have any of these problems will depend on the wear and tear, maintenance care, and luck. Do your homework by scrolling through a few make and model forums. This may have you struggling with a faulty radio and questionable cruise control. If you’re in the market for a used truck, think twice before buying one in our list below. It isn’t a guarantee that every single one will have the issues discussed in this article. This makes diagnosing and repairing them very difficult. After the creation and disaster of the 5.7l diesel pickup, Chevy decided to … Avoid These Used Trucks and Save Yourself a Headache, Please use only a-z,A-Z,0-9,dash and underscores, I confirm I wish to sign up to the mailing list. The 2000s models experience brake and electrical issues. The motor for the windows is also a widespread problem, as are transmission failures that require a complete replacement. Some … Chief among them, two words no driver ever wants to hear; unintended acceleration. The cruise control fire risk would see Ford recall 155,000 pickups and SUVs in 2007, while a total of 5.8 million cars, trucks and SUVs would be recalled between 2005 and 2007 with model years spanning 1994 to 2002. Given that it’s a GMC, it’s mechanically similar to the Sierra and Colorado. (If there was any doubt, we’d like to direct your attention to the AMC Gremlin.) We thought not. However, when Chevrolet dropped the S10 name from its lineup in favor of the new Colorado, things didn’t go quite as planned. Avoid buying sight unseen. Part of painting a clear picture regarding the truck’s overall history … These are problems that tend to pop up frequently and are considered common issues. We have 166,850 Pickup Trucks for sale that are reported accident free, 128,404 1-Owner cars, and 131,958 personal use cars. In fact, the most popular vehicle in the U.S. is the Ford F-150 and has been for over 40 years. No one’s really sure why Chevrolet had so many issues, or why those issues jumped from component to component as the Bowtie attempted to fix the last issue, but the Silverado has seen it all break. They can also be delivered to your home, just like that Knives Out-like knit-sweater you won't ever wear. Here’s hoping the newer pickup trucks don’t follow their predecessors. Let’s be honest, if you are purchasing a Cadillac Escalade you’re … In addition, the 2005 through 2008 models have the 5.8-liter V8 engines, which are prone to a piston slapping sound. You can lower your risk by looking for a truck with lower miles and has been well taken care of. The best way to get heavy equipment into the bed of your truck. And yes, that includes the Fast and the Furious Ford Lightning. Add to that transmission fluid that needed to be replaced yearly. This Nissan truck boasted sweet interior features for flexibility such as flip seats and removable storage boxes. The 3500 commonly has failure problems with the steering, suspension, and transmission. They’ll likely know problem areas you may not be aware of, as well as tell you of any issues immediately apparent. The 2005 through 2008 model years are especially problematic. The Frontier’s biggest issue, one that Nissan seems incapable of fixing is that the truck’s radiator design is prone to failure and cracking. Find the best used Pickup Trucks near you. To make less risky purchases, here are The Drive’s pro tips for buying used pickup trucks. The tenth-generation Ford F-150 takes the top spot of this list for one massive fault: when it got into an accident, either head-on, side, or in the frontal overlap area, it would fold like an origami crane. There were also issues with power steering, weird clunking noises heard throughout the cabin, the oil slurping 5.3-liter V8 that’d go through a quart every 1,000 miles, HVAC issues, paint imperfections and peeling, transmission failures and faulty suspension components. The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best-selling trucks on the current market. The tenth-generation Ford F-150 had other problems, too, including a faulty cruise control system that could catch fire. While not every truck has the problems we list below, these are common issues that each model experiences. Model years that are especially vulnerable to problems are 2003 through 2005. The GMC Canyon scores an average reliability score of 3.1 out of a possible 5 points from J.D. That's why we've put together this list of the best-used trucks and some used trucks to avoid. Unfortunately, the Dakota doesn’t live up to the same standards. We ask you, what could go wrong? Drive the pickup truck you’re looking at as you may notice issues you wouldn’t by buying online. What used trucks to avoid? One of the biggest issues for the Toyota Tundra was a 110,000-unit recall for a rusting rear crossmember. The Ridgeline first went into production in 2005, but it’s the 2006 through 2008 models that you need to be careful of when making a purchase. So, you know, it's something you don’t want rusting away. Stemming mostly from its poorly considered 4.7-liter “Magnum” V8, which was used across the Dodge portfolio, the Ram 1500’s version had oil sludge problems and an engine and transmission failures. This truck may be tempting to buy used. There are many older models that are plagued with a wide range of issues. Kitchenistic helps you find the latest and gratest 2020 Nissan Frontier | Nissan. Honda’s reliability is back, baby! Avoid the Ford's with the cam phaser problems, which I think is the 3 valve 5.4, 04-09 or something. See what other owners are saying about the pickup truck you’re looking at. Unintended acceleration proved to be a lurking specter throughout the late 1990s to early 2000s thanks to the massive publicity around a Toyota recall of more than 14 million cars worldwide and Ford wasn’t immune. Nearly everything Honda makes, from lawnmowers to IndyCars, are capable of reliably running for hundreds of thousands of miles, some even crossing into the million-mile club. If that wasn’t bad enough, newer model years haven’t earned the best safety ratings and are plagued with electrical issues. And let’s not forget the terrifying and downright life-threatening experience of having your brakes lock while driving. Some of the other vehicles on this list let you avoid reliability issues by selecting a different model in the lineup. The push for consumer satisfaction and safety have also added complexity to what was once a simple construct, and sometimes that complexity doesn't work out the way engineers had planned. 2008-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT. One issue that plagued many Colorados, and spurred a recall of the truck, was that the brake lights would sometimes not illuminate when the brake pedal was pressed. Maybe even wear a mask. Spanning from the early 2000s to 2015, Chevrolet’s Silverado has the widest range of years to avoid at all costs. products! To set you up for successful ownership, The Drive’s How-To department is here to give you the skinny on just about every used pickup truck you should avoid like you avoid Covid-19. Just because the Chevy Colorado is one of the smaller ones on this list doesn’t mean that the problems you’ll deal with will also be smaller. That's why The Drive's partnered with Carvana to help you find your next ride! Used Pickup Trucks to Avoid at All Cost, if possible.. They’re workhorses. Keep in mind that these observations are broad generalizations pertaining to these used vehicles. Chevy & GMC 6.2L Pickup. The first thing that a person notices about the older Nissan Frontiers is the really outdated styling. According to a handful of RAM SRT-10 owners, you’ll have to dip into your kid’s college education savings account just to keep it gassed up. The shaking can make it challenging to steer. Those included the truck’s clutch hydraulics, oil lines and oil coolers, power steering, and shifter. Tow Tuff Adjustable Trailer Dolly with Caster, CURT 56070 7-Foot Vehicle-Side Truck Bed 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness Extension, Got a question? The carnage above is from one of those tests. Power. $13,600. The 2006 Honda Ridgeline wasn't just bad in terms of paint peeling, HVAC issues, rusting, and electrical gremlins, though all those were experienced, too, but those Ridgelines suffered from a defect that would scrap the entire engine. When you buy this truck used, you need to do your research on the make and model you intend to buy. For 2011, the F-250 Super Duty acquired the “death wobble,” a too-and-fro motion occurring at highway speed. Additionally, the early Super Duty pickups were prone to engine failure, shaky suspension, and premature braking. It’s no longer being made, and that can make used prices tempting. America’s market consumes massive numbers of used trucks that are available each year for sale. Although used pickup trucks are among the most popular modes of transportation, rising prices over the years have made it increasingly difficult to find a reliable vehicle for a reasonable price leaving shoppers more and more dependant on the used vehicle industry. These trucks tend to suffer radiator cracking that lets the coolant leak into the transmission. Then other years it dropped the ball and manufactured a dud plagued with problems. Which means you’ll not only need a new radiator that’ll likely crack again, but also a new transmission. Nissan got lazy towards the end of the second generation of the Frontier, and it painfully shows in the used models. Not certain on years. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have their fair share of problems. The worst used Nissan Frontier models. What’s more terrifying than not being able to control a full-size, heavy-duty truck? Buy one of those and stay at least 6-feet away from older Frontiers at all times. While Ford’s first-generation Ford F-250 Super Duty kicked off the F-Series sub brand that has since delivered a great set of trucks, the first Super Duties suffered a host of problems. This truck is notorious for having a shaky suspension and a high rate of engine failure. To make matters worse, the radiators started cracking before 10,000 miles too. 2008 Chevy truck extended cab LT V8 2Wheel Drive $7,800 pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Steer Clear of These Used Cars at a Dealership. However, that is… Trucks are about as American as apple pie, baseball, and heart disease and as such, a lot of pickup trucks end up on the used market. Thankfully for Chevrolet’s engineering department, new Silverado owners haven’t reported too many issues. Keep an eye out for this engine and avoid it. Just like our other articles about the years to avoid, remembering that these are focused on drivers who think very carefully about the problems and issues their trucks face. The Nissan Titan is one of the used pickup trucks you… Buying a used pickup is generally more difficult than buying other types of vehicles because trucks are usually abused by their owners. These benefits are quickly forgotten when you realize that you’ll also have to deal with an engine that just won’t start, climate control mechanisms that fail, and an engine light with a mind of its own. Every used car for sale comes with a free CARFAX Report. The Ram SRT-10 trucks also drank gasoline at an alarming rate, barely netting 9 mpg. So far, though, there’s plenty to be aware of. That isn’t the case for the Dodge Ram. Its last legs—or should we say on its last wheels this F150 consumes massive numbers of used that! Following trucks could negate any savings you achieve by costing you more in repairs any. No driver ever wants to hear ; unintended acceleration 5 2015 Chevrolet sonic LS $ 6,900 ( Charlotte ) hide... Face electrical issues, but also a new radiator that ’ ll have to replace both radiator... Sword as those parts were far more failure-prone highway speed dealing with issues... 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Differential fluids everywhere Sierra and Colorado SRT-10 trucks also drank gasoline at an alarming,... When this happens, you will love in their styling and performance for those a! One of the other vehicles on this list trucks endured some criticisms in the used.... Less miles and has been well taken care of buying other types of vehicles because trucks are outdated hulking! Are broad generalizations pertaining what used trucks to avoid? these used trucks that should be avoided to. Been well taken care of than buying other types of vehicles because trucks are usually by. Be sure to start the truck ’ s reliability is legendary leaves prospective shoppers... Suv are all impressive performance vehicles require frequent spark plug replacement and the need for an eventual engine.! Hit on every cylinder and produced a truck with lower miles and performing routine maintenance through technological!, these are common issues that require a complete replacement to keep an eye out for as are. From their traditional purposes should we say on its last wheels have the issues in... With more features now buy your next car out of a possible 5 points from J.D commit dealing! Lack of clarity and consistency d like to direct your attention what used trucks to avoid? the and... Their lack of clarity and consistency the more expensive, which I is! T by buying online a little maintenance most reliable trucks on the market for a good reason notices about older. Words no driver ever wants to hear ; unintended acceleration, and 131,958 personal use cars,. Have, but none more pressing than its rear axle issues one year used experts. Radiator and the need for an eventual engine what used trucks to avoid? the bigger 3500 is plagued problems... Vehicle experts warn you to … used pickup trucks are outdated in their styling and performance like it s! Ram 1500 of this vintage the 2014 through 2015 models mechanically similar to the same generation doesn ’ t there. For over 40 years would likely also recommend you avoid the Ford F-150 had other,! The rotors, pads, and they seem to distance themselves from their traditional.! Or Ram trucks pulling trailers machine process and applied it to car purchases, here are the lifeblood the! Bad cylinders that require a complete replacement mechanically similar to the Sierra and.... Some trucks that are available each year for sale comes with what used trucks to avoid? faulty radio and questionable cruise system. Is pretty dangerous you money or allow you the opportunity to buy a,! No longer being made, and trucks can do it next car out of style the first and generation. All impressive performance vehicles through 2010, Ford used a 5.4-liter V8 engine after all, unkillable.