13 Most Macho ’80s Trucks You Can Buy For Cheap

The qualities that make up the perfect pickup truck in the mind of a gearhead are simple: size, power, and most importantly, whether it’s one of the toughest pickup trucks on the road. A popular example of this is the Ford F-Series Super Duty, of which there is no shortage of examples if you scour the used car market.

Updated July 2023: This article has been updated with even more information on tough pickup trucks from the 1980s, as they increase in popularity for their dependability and affordability.

The eighties were a decade noted for the sheer quality and quantity of the pickup trucks it produced. Not only were they strong and dependable, but often large size of many ‘80s pickups, such as the Chevrolet K10, made them instantly distinguishable from pickups that came before them in the ‘70s, and after them in the ‘90s.

With modern pickup trucks commanding premium prices, a great alternative is to opt for an example from the ‘80s. It’s possible to find several credible models for under $20,000, and, if your negotiation skills are sharp, you could even find yourself a bargain for under $10,000. In this guide, HotCars looks to identify 13 of the best cheap pickup trucks that are tough and reliable, but also have an element of ‘machoness’ about them.

We used sales data from J.D. Power, Hagerty, and Classics to determine some of the most assertive, yet affordable ’80s trucks on the used market.

RELATED: 8 Reasons Why Gearheads Should Check Out The 1985 Chevrolet K10 Silverado

13 1984 Dodge Rampage

Starting Used Price: $1,525

The Dodge Rampage lived a short life, however, it made a pretty sizeable impact. The Rampage appeared in 1982. Production stopped in 1984, and in total, Dodge produced 37,401 units of the Rampage. This two-door pickup has a 1,145-lbs cargo load. The front of this Rampage appears like a face with its pop-up headlights resembling eyes and its grille, which got updated to a two-slot grille on the ’84 Rampage.

Pricing

The light 2,293-lb curb weight of the Rampage contrasts with many of the other ’80s trucks with their masculine bulk. But lightweight does not take away from its aggressive style. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 powered this ’80s legend. You can grab one of these feisty ’80s pickups for a reasonable price. For example, a Dodge Rampage can cost about $1,525 to $3,375 on J.D. Power.

RELATED: Dodge Rampage: The Little Truck The World Forgot

12 1989 Dodge Shelby Dakota

Starting Used Price: $7,875

The story behind the Dodge Shelby Dakota helped to build the legend of this pickup. Dodge produced it for one year only. A 5.2-liter V8 engine was under the hood of this pickup, churning out 175 horsepower. The graphics along the tailgate, sides, and upper windshield distinguished this ride. The blacked-out grille, fender flares, and bumper contrasted with the paint job.

Pricing

The 1989 Dodge Shelby Dakota is a rare pickup, with only 1,500 units produced. Dodge painted about 995 of those in exotic red. Despite limited production numbers, you can still find a 1989 Dodge Shelby Dakota for a reasonable price, depending on the condition. For example, J.D. Power records the average price as $13,350, while it also retailed for as low as $7,875.

11 1989 Chevrolet S-10 Baja

Starting Used Price: $2,825

The Chevrolet S-10 Baja package came along in 1989, flaunting an Apple Red, Midnight Black, or Frost White paint job. The roll bar, the distinctive graphics, and the tubular rear bumper were part of the Baja experience. The Baja lettering on the side certainly stamps this pickup with its own identity. Its sporty style is unmissable. However, a 4.3-liter V6 under the hood makes this a very cool ride.

Pricing

The cost of the 1989 Chevrolet S-10 Baja is not beyond reach, and in fact, Bring a Trailer records a Baja selling for $5,100 in 2019. Let’s not forget, the Baja is one of those pickups to buy before they skyrocket in price.

RELATED: Here’s Why The Chevy S10 Is An American Icon

10 1988 Jeep J10

Starting Used Price: $7,425

During the ’60s, the Gladiator was the pickup that shaped the future of pickup trucks. During the ’70s, the company retired the ‘Gladiator’ and the J10 hit our streets. However, every gearhead should know about the 1980-1983 Jeep J10 Honcho. The Honcho trim package featured bold graphics and a striking paint job. Produced in the early ’80s, Jeep offered the J10 with several engine options, including a 4.2-liter inline-six.

Pricing

In terms of price, the J10 is relatively affordable. J.D. Power value a 1988 Jeep J10 at about $16,400 on average, and even as low as $7,425. Hagerty values a good-condition 1981 Jeep J10 Honcho at $22,800. Hagerty also values a good condition 1984 Jeep J10 1/2 ton at $18,200.

RELATED: Here’s What You Should Know About The Jeep J10

9 1987 Ford Ranger GT

Starting Used Price: $1,621

The Ford Ranger GT came to our attention in 1986. A 2.9-liter V6 was under the hood, delivering 140 horsepower. Ford paired the five-speed Toyo Kogyo manual transmission with it. There was also the optional four-speed automatic transmission. Ford added front and rear sway bars to the vehicle, while also adding bucket seats to the interior.

Pricing

The Ford Ranger GT came in white, red, or blue. They never lasted long. The 1989 model year was its last. In terms of the cost of a Ford Ranger GT, you can pick up one for less than $10,000, depending on the condition. In 2018, Barn Finds recorded a cheap 1988 Ford Ranger GT selling for $1,850, while a 1989 Ford Ranger GT sold for $5,500 in 2016.

8 1982 Ford F-Series (Seventh Gen)

Starting Used Price: $4,425

The eighties saw a new era for the Ford F-Series. The F-Series was now redesigned. Their squarish features distinguished them. Ford made new cab choices available on the model. The Ford blue oval grille emblem identified it. As an option, the dashboard was now complete with a full set of instruments. Engine options included the basic 4.9-liter inline-six and the 351 Windsor V8, among other options.

Pricing

Parking one of these pickups in your garage is not necessarily a costly exercise. For example, a 1982 Ford F-100 will cost on average about $9,265, according to Classic. Hagerty values a good-condition 1984 Ford F-250 at $11,500. A 1980 Ford F150 costs about $12,300 on average on J.D. Power, and also as low as $4,425. Depending on the condition and what you want, a seventh-generation Ford F-Series pickup is a solid option.

7 1986 Jeep Comanche

Starting Used Price: $3,800

The Jeep Comanche appeared in the mid-eighties and ran until 1992. A range of engine options were available, including General Motors LR2 2.8-liter V6, among others. The Comanche adopted the Cherokee’s ‘Quadra-link’ front suspension setup. The 7-foot cargo bed offered the space, and a 6-foot option became available for the 1987 model year. The Comanche was capable of handling loads of up to 2,205 lbs.

Pricing

Even though one of the issues with the Comanche is rust damage, many owners love these trucks. The Comanche set international records, which many may not know. Not only that, the Comanche is a work beast, with some lasting over 300,000 miles. According to Hagerty, a 1987 Jeep Comanche in good condition is valued at $6,700. However, many will sell for more. On J.D. Power, a 1986 Jeep Comanche sold for as low as $3,800 and another went for as high as $11,500.

6 1986 Dodge Ram (First Gen)

Starting Used Price: $7,207

The Dodge Ram appeared in 1980. The Ram hood ornament distinguished it. Sometimes called the Dodge ‘Square-Body’ truck because of its design, the first-generation Dodge Ram started a new breed of pickup. It’s uncluttered in its design, while the crosshair grille was flat and prominent.

Pricing

The engine options included the 3.7-liter slant-six, the 140-horsepower 5.2-liter V8, and the 170-horsepower 5.9-liter V8. According to Classic, the average price for a 1985 Dodge Ram is $20,906, but the model also sold for as low as $7,207. Meanwhile, Bring a Trailer recorded a 1986 Dodge Ram D150 selling at $9,400 in 2022.

RELATED: Looking Back At The First Generation Cummins-Powered Dodge Ram Truck

5 1984 Toyota Pickup

Starting Used Price: $1,950

Toyota produced the redesigned fourth-generation Toyota pickup from 1983 to 1988. This tough-looking truck featured the Extra cab option. Among the engine options were the 3.0-liter V6 and the 2.4-liter turbo-diesel inline-four. Toyota refreshed the interior, and the blister fenders distinguished this truck.

Pricing

The Toyota pickup is a tough and reliable truck. As such, buying a used Toyota pickup is a solid option. The fourth-generation trucks are among some of the best Hilux model years to buy used. On J.D. Power, a 1984 Toyota Pickup costs as much as $4,800, while some sold for as low as $1,950.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Used Toyota Hilux

4 1987 Chevy C/K series (Third Gen)

Starting Used Price: $10,550

The third-generation Chevy C/K series appeared in the early seventies. 1987 was the last model year for the third generation. These trucks were well-known for their new design. They are sometimes called ‘square body,’ and their size was considered intimidating.

Pricing

You can still pick up a great example for a reasonable price. For example, on J.D. Power, the 1984 Chevy C10 has an average value of $21,800 and a low value of $10,550. Even some of the rare pickups are still surprisingly cheap.

3 1981 Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8)

Starting Used Price: $20,000

A compact pickup truck that sought to capture the attention of the wider market, the 1981 Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 is certainly a vehicle that we love. Sadly, it didn’t quite go on to be the commercial success story that many had hoped for it. Despite this, it is known for being extremely durable, and how can one not love its eccentric styling?

Pricing

Of course, almost all classic pickups are expected to be worth more than their original MSRPs, given the time they’ve had for inflation to occur, but few have seen a bigger rise than the CJ-8. Despite its poor market sales, it retains a huge cult following which has led to examples going for as much as $50,000. You can find cheap examples for as low as $20,000, but you may need to get your haggling boots on.

2 1989 Dodge W250 (Third Gen)

Starting Used Price: $13,000

The Ram lineage has come so far since its debut and has even led to the creation of some real monsters, like the mammoth 6×6 Ram TRX. Most modern variations of the Ram moniker are still affordably priced, but not quite as sensible as opting for a classic W250 from the late ‘80s. Besides, you’d feel a lot less guilty about putting an eager, uber-reliable W250 through its paces than you would a shiny new alternative.

Pricing

The W250 remains pretty close to its original MSRP, and base models can still be found hovering at around $15,000. We’d recommend forking out closer to $18,000, though, to find an example that has been thoroughly cared for, with plenty of life left in it for years of service still.

1 1987 Ford F-250 (Seventh Gen)

Starting Used Price: $10,000

One of the definitive generations of the big Ford truck family is the 1987 Ford F-250. In fact, there have been plenty of Ford restomods from this era that impress Jay Leno, and the foundations upon which they have been built are the reason for that critical success.

Pricing

For as low as $10,000, you can snatch yourself a pretty clean example of an ‘80s F-250. Even if it has 200,000 miles on the odometer, you needn’t worry; these things are known for being able to get to 500,000 miles with good maintenance and care. It’s pretty hard to find a more macho ‘80s truck than this for the money involved.