Best Used Trucks to Buy

The best used truck is the one that fits how you'll use it: daily driving, towing, hauling or getting up a canyon road in January. Here are the trucks we'd shortlist, what each does best, and what to check before you buy.

Best used half-ton trucks

Ford F-150

The most versatile pick. The 3.5L EcoBoost is the towing engine (up to 14,000 lbs on 2021-2023 trucks), the 5.0L V8 is the simple, proven choice, and the 2.7L EcoBoost is a strong everyday engine. 2018 and newer trucks have the 10-speed automatic. See our F-150 towing capacity guide and used Ford trucks.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500

Mechanically close cousins. Both offer V8s, comfortable cabs and good towing. The Sierra leans more upscale, especially in Denali and AT4 trim. Shop used Chevy trucks and used GMC trucks.

Ram 1500

Known for the smoothest ride in the class, thanks to coil-spring rear suspension, and for one of the nicest interiors. A great daily driver that can still tow. Shop used Ram trucks.

Toyota Tundra and Tacoma

Strong reputations for durability and resale value. The Tacoma is the pick if you want a midsize truck that fits in a garage and a trailhead parking lot.

Best used heavy-duty trucks

If you tow a fifth wheel, gooseneck or heavy equipment, a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck is the right tool. The big three diesels are the 6.7L Power Stroke (Ford F-250/F-350), the 6.7L Cummins (Ram 2500/3500) and the 6.6L Duramax (Silverado and Sierra 2500HD/3500HD). Our used diesel trucks guide covers what to check on each.

Known trouble spots worth checking

Every truck line has a few well-documented issues. These don't rule a truck out, but they're worth asking about:

  • Ford 5.4L Triton V8 (2004-2010 F-150): cam phaser and timing-chain problems. Listen for a ticking or knocking at idle.
  • Ford 6.0L Power Stroke (2003-2007 Super Duty): head gasket, EGR cooler and oil cooler problems. Look for records of "bulletproofing" or major repairs.
  • GM 6.2L V8 (2021-2024 Silverado/Sierra 1500 and GM SUVs): covered by a 2025 engine recall. Confirm the recall work was done.
  • Duramax LML (2011-2016 HD): CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump failures. Ask about fuel quality and any pump replacement.
  • First year of a redesign: brand-new generations tend to collect the most recalls. Check every truck's VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

What to check on any used truck

  • History report: accidents, title brands, number of owners and whether it was a fleet truck.
  • Frame and underbody: Utah's winter road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and hitches. Surface rust is normal; flaking or soft spots are not.
  • Towing wear: a worn hitch receiver, a brake controller and the 7-pin plug tell you it towed. That's fine if the maintenance kept up.
  • 4x4 system: make sure 4-high and 4-low engage, and listen for clunks from the transfer case.
  • Transmission: shifts should be smooth, with no flare or hard bang between gears.
  • Maintenance records: especially oil changes, transmission fluid and, on diesels, fuel filters.

Frequently asked questions

How many miles is too many for a used truck?

There's no hard cutoff. A well-maintained gas truck can pass 200,000 miles, and diesels often go further. Maintenance history and condition matter more than the odometer. A 120,000-mile truck with records can be a better buy than a 70,000-mile truck without them.

Half-ton or heavy-duty?

Half-tons (F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500) ride better and cost less to run. Choose a 3/4-ton or 1-ton if you regularly tow over about 9,000 lbs, pull a fifth wheel or gooseneck, or carry heavy loads in the bed.

Gas or diesel?

Diesel makes sense if you tow heavy and often. For mostly daily driving with occasional towing, a gas engine is cheaper to buy and maintain.

Shop used trucks in Sandy, UT

See all of our used trucks, value your trade, and apply for financing online. National Auto Plaza is at 10790 S State St in Sandy (get directions). More guides are on our Truck & Car Buying Guides page.