Top 10 Used American Pickup Trucks You Can Snatch Up For $10,000

Pickup trucks are awesome automobiles. There simply isn’t another type of car segment with such level of versatility, as they can be used not just as daily drivers to commute to and from work, but also to actually perform said work. With insane hauling capabilities and great cargo capacity, pickup trucks can be utilized as efficient delivery vehicles as well as off-road machines. One can always find some amazing Japanese pickup trucks on the market that offer ample reliability and performance, but for those that want to buy American cars only, there is a plethora of great options to choose from. American pickup trucks have a great reputation for being sturdy and rugged machines with insane performance prowess.

In case one is on a budget, however, they might find it difficult to get their pickup trucks from their favorite brands. Such times call for the used cars‘ market, where amazing and affordable pickup trucks can be found. Here are 10 such cheap yet competent pickup trucks that can be found for less than $10,000 on the used market.

All data related to specifications and pricing utilized in this list have been obtained from Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. Any other sources have been linked in the article itself.

10 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche

Starting Market Price: $9,922

The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is a big truck, and it can be found for $9,922 according to KBB’s fair purchase national average. Offering seating capacity of six, the most powerful variant of this truck comes with a 5.3-liter V8 generating up to 310 horsepower, which is more than enough to obtain a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 lbs. The Chevrolet Avalanche has some blind spots, making it difficult to maneuver this truck in tight spots. However, if one is willing to overlook that, or install rear cameras to increase visibility, they can have a truck that gives a smooth ride, comfortable seats, and great performance at an accessible price point.

Pricing

The Avalanche is a great example of form and function coming together in one machine as it is a handsome machine that is offered in several color options.

9 2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Starting Market Price: $8,407

Dakotas come and go, but there is only one mighty Dodge truck to tip your hat to, and that is the Dodge Ram 1500. Ford F-series have always faced tough competition from Dodge, and the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is a great example of why. Big, bold, and in your face, the Ram 1500 showcases great competence both on and off-road, and that too at a national average price of $8,407 according to KBB’s fair purchase pricing, which is ridiculously low as it offers a powerful Hemi V8 and a ton of interior space.

Pricing

When it comes to ride quality, there are hardly any trucks that match the Dodge Ram 1500, and when the engine can generate up to 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque, there is not much left to complain about. The 2009 Ram 1500 is one of the best 4th generation Dodge Ram trucks to buy.

RELATED: 5 Most Durable Ram 1500 Model Years (5 To Avoid)

8 2009 Ford Ranger

Starting Market Price: $7,429

The 2009 Ford Ranger comes with a compact body style and though it might not be the best choice for heavy load hauling, anything moderate should be just fine. It can be found on the used market for an average price of $7,429 according to KBB’s national average, and most variants lie in this range, so going for the best of them should not cost the buyer much higher.

Pricing

The truck showcases great performance when it comes to off-roading, and can be a great first truck to own for those just getting into the pickup truck scene. The Ford Ranger has changed a lot over the years, but the 2009 Ford Ranger might just be the one for you, as it is sufficiently competent and yet available at an accessible price point.

7 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Starting Market Price: $7,397

The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac offers a very spacious cabin, along with an optional V8 engine that may not offer great fuel economy but can be quite powerful. The hidden storage compartments and smooth ride quality make this model year of the Explorer one of the best.

Pricing

At an average base price of $7,397 (according to KBB’s fair purchase national average), one can get their hands on a reliable 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac that may not be much of a hauler but can do just fine with moderate to small loads. There is much to be loved about the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, as offers a timeless design without breaking the bank.

6 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Starting Market Price: $7,253

The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado can a great truck to own granted you check for pre-existing engine issues for some of these models can turn out to be quite the money pit. The used market price for a 2007 Silverado 1500 according to the KBB’s national average is just $7,253, and for a truck that offers a maximum hauling capacity of 10,500 lbs and a 5.3-liter V8 engine that can offer up to 315 horsepower, it can be a great deal.

Pricing

This model year of the Silverado 1500 was always affordable, even when it was first released, with the base variants available on the market for less than $20,000, and the performance of this machine is good enough to make you want to invest in it.

RELATED: From Classic To Cutting-Edge: The Evolution Of The Chevrolet Silverado

5 2008 Ford F-150

Starting Market Price: $6,616

The Ford F150 from the 2008 model year was so loved that it became the bestseller for its time, and even today, it can be found on the used cars’ marketplace for just around $6,616 according to KBB’s fair purchase national average. Buyers of the 2008 F150 can get customized options too, with all kinds of standard and advanced features.

Pricing

These prices are ridiculously low considering the durability and longevity this truck has showcased over the years. The engine can generate around 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque which should be more than sufficient for the average citizen that wishes to utilize this machine for hauling or long distance deliveries. So, for anyone looking to purchase a tried and tested pickup truck with great longevity and competence, they should try the Ford F-150.

4 2009 GMC Canyon

Starting Market Price: $5,872

The 2009 GMC Canyon does not offer many trims, but it can still be considered an underrated gem, as it boasts a bold look and good fuel economy. More importantly, the most popular variant of the truck comes with an inline-5 engine that is very efficient and can produce up to 242 horsepower and equivalent torque.

Pricing

The 2009 Canyon can be purchased with an inline-4 engine too, and regardless of the trim, handling is never an issue, albeit owners may have to compromise with comfort as the interior isn’t as good as it could have been. Nevertheless, for $5,872 according to KBB’s national average of fair purchase pricing, this is one good truck to own for those looking to buy a cheap but practical pickup truck from GMC.

3 2008 Dodge Dakota

Starting Market Price: $5,538

Dodge has already built up quite the reputation on the market when it comes to powerful muscle cars. The 2008 Dodge Dakota is proof that their trucks aren’t lacking in performance either, as this machine can generate as much as 302 horsepower. The base variants can be found for a national average market price of just $5,538 according to KBB’s fair purchase pricing (based on a national average), making this truck a great choice for Dodge fans who want a practical and rugged machine, capable of going off-road and yet costing less than $10,000.

Pricing

The fuel economy on these trucks is as bad as it is on muscle cars, the Dakota is one handsome truck that boasts good numbers as well as low average market price. There is even a Shelby variant of the Dodge Dakota, that was built in 1989, which can be quite cheap on the used market as well.

2 2004 GMC Sierra 1500

Starting Market Price: $4,877

The 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 is nearly two decades old, but with nearly a dozen trims to choose from and all of them available on the used market for less than $10,000, it is one of the best budget pickup trucks on the market today. According to KBB’s fair purchase pricing, the national average starting price for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 is as low as $4,877, which is accessible to say the least.

Pricing

The truck has stood the test of time and showcased great longevity and reliability over the years. If one is looking to purchase a dependable GM truck that does not break the bank, it simply does not get better than the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, as long as the buyer is willing to overlook the outdated interior features.

RELATED: 10 Reliable GMC Trucks That Will Last You A Lifetime

1 2004 Chevrolet Colorado

Starting Market Price: $3,474

The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado has always been as cheap as they come, with the original market prices being under $20,000. Their current base market price on average is just $3,474 according to KBB’s Fair Purchase Pricing (based on a national average), and the Colorado does more than enough to make up for it. For decades, Americans have used trucks as daily drivers, like as if they were regular cars, and the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado is a great example of why, showcasing all the practicality of a truck and yet good daily driver livability.

Pricing

Unfortunate as it is, the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado does not have any V8 options, and it can not tow as much as some of its competitors, but the great safety features and decent fuel economy make this truck a viable option.