Your Next Truck: Which Should You Get and Why?

Are you shopping for a high-quality pre-owned pickup? Well, you need to consider what each model offers, why, and what you're getting for the price point. It's easy to think that maybe you should just buy whatever is available, but there are some important factors you should take into regard; this way, when you come by our used car dealership to shop for your next vehicle, you know exactly what you're going to get and why.

We're going to break down the pros and cons of different types of used trucks, which ones you might consider, and why you might consider them. The purpose behind a truck plays a huge role in what sort of used truck should be your next one. Lots of variables come into play—from size and features to capacity and utility—so let's look them over...

Midsize or Full-Size?

The big determiner that will alter how much you spend on a used pickup truck is whether you opt for a compact, midsize, or full-size truck. Compact or midsize trucks are smaller and are typically powered by I-4 or V6 engines, in four-door formats with short cargo beds, and have rear-, all-, or—in some cases—four-wheel drive. These models are designed to accommodate basic trailering and hauling and can usually haul just over half a ton's worth of cargo. You can expect midsize trucks to trailer just under 10,000 lbs.

Since midsize trucks aren't as big or as capable as full-size trucks, buying one used gives you an opportunity to own one for a fairly low price, and this is one of the biggest lures for those who want a truck but don't want to spend much to own one. Some midsize trucks include the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma, all of which are very popular and cost-effective for what they have to offer.

Full-size trucks offer more room and capabilities compared to their smaller counterparts. They are usually available in more cab and bed configurations, along with being available in rear- or four-wheel drive. Because full-size trucks are more popular than midsize trucks, they are also more readily available on the used market. You also have higher towing, trailering, and hauling capabilities compared to midsize models, especially with full-size trucks like the Nissan Titan, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, or the Ram 1500.

Now, the downside of a full-size truck—even when used—is that they are more expensive. But you can seat up to six people in certain models, and you get additional utility, so that's important to consider. If you're doing more than just daily driving and need something for work and other purposes, then a full-size truck might be the better option, especially if you can afford the price hike that comes with a used full-size truck.

Light-Duty or Heavy-Duty?

Among full-size trucks, you have light-duty and heavy-duty models. These are differentiated on a couple of factors, including how much they can tow and haul, as well as their powertrain configurations. You get some impressive stats with light-duty trucks, and they are obviously well-regarded both for their looks and utility. Also, if you were shopping for a luxury pickup, you get some nifty options in trims of the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, or the Ram 1500.

When it comes to light-duty trucks, you definitely get the most variety with used models—and in some cases, if you shop smart, you might even find a capable and well-rounded model cheaper than a midsize truck. Most light-duty trucks will tow more than 10,000 lbs and can haul over a ton of cargo in their beds. So, if you were in need of a truck to do regular towing and hauling, a light-duty makes for a good used option if your budget allows it.

Obviously, for heavy-duty variants of full-size trucks—such as the Ram 2500 & 3500, the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD & 3500 HD, the GMC Sierra 2500 HD & 3500 HD, or the Ford Super Duty F-250 & F-350—you have a lot more power and capabilities to work with. These trucks come with bigger engines and heavy-duty frames, so you can tow tens of thousands of pounds and haul multiple tons of cargo in the bed.

If you are doing a lot of farm work, construction work, or transporting that has heavy-duty demands, then going with a used heavy-duty truck is what you should be aiming for. You will get the most functionality out of a heavy-duty truck if you have a lot of work tasks or you need it for upfitting.

For Utility or Recreation?

When thinking about buying a truck for a specific purpose, you have to ask what your motivation is. Is it going to be your daily driver that you use for commuting and running errands? Will it be used for work only? Will you be using it primarily for recreation, like racing or truck meets, or as a fixer-upper project?

If you're going for a utility truck, sticking with a light-duty model with a base trim will save you a lot of money and get you what you need. Getting the bare minimum bells and whistles is perfect for upfitting, such as for tradecraft work like plumbing, electrical work, or construction. Some midsize trucks can be outfitted this way, but light- and heavy-duty trucks are perfect for this kind of work and offer you the power you need to get the most out of your truck for the long term.

If the intent is to have something more for recreation purposes, then having a more malleable truck trim makes sense. See the mid-tier trims that give you more options and customizing, especially if you plan on lifting it, swapping the tires, or improving its performance capabilities. If amusement is your goal, a midsize truck might be the better option, as you can save a lot of money upfront with a used midsize or compact model and focus more of your finances on upgrades.

Family Model or Off-Roader?

If you aren't necessarily shopping for a utility truck, or you're not looking for something just to fix up, you might be looking for a truck for the family as a daily driver or as a truck to take to the trails for some weekend fun. The difference between shopping for a family vehicle and a rough-and-tumble truck determines not only what you will pay but how long you're expecting to own the vehicle.

If you're going for something with longevity—for the family—then a midsize or full-size truck is a fine choice when shopping used, and you can find a decently packaged truck with a focus on gas mileage and comfort to get the most out of it as a daily driver. The Tacoma, Tundra, Silverado 1500, Colorado, Canyon, Sierra 1500, F-150, or Ram 1500 all have trim variations designed to give you comfort and functionality without breaking the budget. You're basically looking for a crew cab with four doors, palpable cabin comfort, decent infotainment, notable safety features, and good gas mileage.

However, if you're all about the rugged off-road lifestyle, buying a used truck that's already lifted is the way to go—and whether midsize or full-size, you'll want a truck with a lot of low-end torque and configured in four-wheel drive. These models might not be the most comfortable, but they are durable in off-road scenarios. Off-road trucks will require more maintenance than a typical truck, so if you're opting to shop for a used truck designed for off-road use, you will also need to consider the additional costs of maintenance and tinkering required to keep it functional; otherwise, it won’t last very long in your driveway.

Get Help Finding the Right Used Truck

If you're still debating about what sort of used truck you want to buy, we can help you out with that. We have staff on hand who are well-versed in the trucking scene, so whether you're looking for a truck designed for upfitting or off-road use, we can help you find what you need. Call or chat with us if you have any questions about a truck designed for daily driving, towing, trailering, or utility work. We're here to help you find the best fit.