10 Cheap Trucks Every Gearhead Avoids

10 Cheap Trucks Every Gearhead Avoids

The cheapest pickup trucks are not always desirable. For example, Alibaba offers the cheapest pickup truck in the world. The 2022 Chang Li Explorer sells for $2,000. It may be cheap, but certainly not appealing. Like used cars, some of the cheapest pickups will ultimately bankrupt you with their maintenance costs. In the same way, some vintage trucks will bankrupt you through repairs and maintenance.

When choosing between the cheapest pickup trucks on the used market, price is not everything. Maintaining these cheap trucks is one factor to consider. Not to mention, previous complaints and recall history are important considerations. For example, many people don’t like the 2006 Honda Ridgeline because of issues with airbags and the electrical system, among other things. Let’s check out some of the cheap trucks many gearheads avoid.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado – $20,000

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 6.2-liter V8, delivering 420 horsepower. Its aerodynamic design and its functionality stood out. The noise reduction inside the cab was another selling point. However, this pickup was not without problems.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was recalled for numerous issues. Electrical problems were cited. Airbags were also an issue. Seat belts are also another reason. Service brakes are noted by Consumer Reports. On the other hand, there are some favorite features on the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. According to Consumer Reports, the average cost of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranges from $11,525 to $24,075.

2004 Ford F-150 -$12,000

There are many reasons why the Ford F-150 is a best-selling pickup truck. However, not all Ford F-150 pickups are the same. For example, the 2004 Ford F-150 is one of those model years to stay away from when buying a used pickup.

16 recalls were made for the 2004 Ford F-150, according to NHTSA. The recalls were related to numerous issues, including airbags and the fuel system. At the same time, many complaints were filed. Issues with the engine are included among these complaints. These major problems will completely write off the Ford F-150 pickup truck. According to Consumer Reports, the average cost of a 2004 Ford F-150 ranges from $3,325 to $13,450.

2002 Dodge Ram 1500 – $8,000

The Dodge Ram 1500 is a great full-size truck. It has stood the test of time through five generations. However, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 has exhibited some of the problems associated with some Ram 1500 model years.

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 offered the 3.7-liter V6 and the optional 4.7-liter V8 engine. The V8 churned out 235 horsepower. The roomy cabin was its boast. However, NHTSA notes twelve recalls for the 2022 Dodge Ram 1500. These recalls are for different issues, including steering and wheels. A raft of complaints are mentioned, including airbags, electrical system, and engine issues.

2007 Toyota Tundra – $15,000

When ranking the best Toyota Tundra model years to buy, some champions have emerged. The 2019 model stands out for its spaciousness and its off-road capabilities with its powerful V8 engine. Let’s not forget, the 2023 Toyota Tundra pickup literally raises the bar with a TRD 3-inch lift kit. On the other hand, the 2007 Toyota Tundra seemed to have missed the bar.

The NHTSA reports 14 recalls for the 2007 Toyota Tundra. These recalls are due to steering, wheels, and, seats, among other things. Two recall were even made due to problems with the accelerator pedal. NHTSA also cites many complaints made about the 2007 Toyota Tundra. These complaints include electrical system and engine issues. Consumer Reports, based on their reliability score, notes owners mentioning problems with brakes, loose exterior trim, and peeling paint. This is why the 2007 Toyota Tundra will bankrupt you with maintenance costs.

2006 Honda Ridgeline – $7,500

The Honda Ridgeline first came to our attention in 2005. Looking back at the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, a new generation emerged with its redesign. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline brings a V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower. This latest model can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Throughout its history, the Honda Ridgeline polarizes. Some may say, “The Honda Ridgeline isn’t as bad as people say.” Others may say, “Truck fans need to stop hating on the Honda Ridgeline!” On the other hand, a pickup like the 2006 Honda Ridgeline does not have the greatest reputation.

According to the NHTSA, 14 recalls were made for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline. Issues included frame corrosion that potentially could cause a fuel leak and problems with the airbags. According to Consumer Reports, owners highlighted problems with suspension, loose exterior trim, and the electric system. Today the average cost of a 2006 Honda Ridgeline is about $7,325 – $8,450.

2005 Nissan Frontier – $5,500

Since 1997, when it came out, the Nissan Frontier has come a long way. The Nissan Frontier is now refreshed with visual upgrades for 2023. Whether you are heading to the beach or exploring a forest trail, the 2023 Nissan Frontier presents as an adventure-ready vehicle. On the other hand, the 2005 Nissan Frontier is best avoided.

Nissan promoted the 2005 Nissan Frontier as having a “bigger, bolder body” with comfortable yet flexible interior. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powered the 2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab. It delivers 154 horsepower. On the other hand, the 4.0-liter V6 option churns out 265 horsepower. However, according to the NHTSA, complaints about the 2005 Nissan Frontier included issues with the electrical system, the airbags, and engine-related problems. Consumer Reports cites the average cost of a 2005 Nissan Frontier as $4,250 – $7,500.

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 – $22,000

When it comes to a light-duty pickup truck, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 ticks all the boxes. The choices are tantalizing. For example, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV is an off-road beast. However, not all GMC Sierra 1500 models are the same.

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 offered the enticements we wanted. It offered the range, including regular cab, crew cab and double cab. A 4.3-liter V6 powered this pickup. Or otherwise, there was the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 options. The latter churns out 420 horsepower. However, it must be noted that 5 recalls were made on the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, according to NHTSA. Problems with the airbags was one of the issues. Owners issued complaints about issues regarding the service brakes and the airbags. Consumer Reports notes complaints about the transmission and wind noise, among other things. The average retail cost of a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 ranges from $17,050 through to $32,600, according to Consumer Reports.

2016 Toyota Tacoma – $25,000

Gearheads cannot wait for the fourth-generation 2024 Toyota Tacoma. At the same time, the many Toyota Tacoma generations have great resale value. For example, according to Classic, the average value of a 1998 model year Tacoma is about $18,490. However, some Toyota Tacoma model years consumer reports recommend you should avoid. For example, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma does not fair well.

According to NHTSA, issues concerning the suspension and electrical issues were among the complaints made about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. According to Consumer Reports, issues with the transmission, in-car electronics, and brakes were among the complaints made about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer Reports also suggests that the average retail price for a 2016 Toyota Tacoma is $18,500 – $29,500.

2002 Lincoln Blackwood – $18,000

The 2002 Lincoln Blackwood is powered by a DOHC 5.4-liter V8, delivering 300 horsepower. This luxury pickup truck can tow up to 8,700 pounds. It featured a carpeted bed floor. The bed’s faux wood paneling is worth noting. However, the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood was a failure.

NHTSA reports three recalls for the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood. The reasons for those recalls include problems with the fuel tank and issues with speed control. In addition, this pickup is one of those astonishing vehicles that were only made for one year. Only 3,356 were produced from August 2021 to December 2002. It was a luxury pickup without the appeal. According to Classic, the average value of the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood is $18,923.

2013 Chevrolet Avalanche – $14,500

The Chevrolet Avalanche has a bad reputation for several reasons. For example, according to Consumer Reports, owners reported issues with the electric system and the suspension, among other things. On the other hand, owners were satisfied with their driving satisfaction. However, the NHTSA reports complaints about airbags and structural issues, such as peeling and cracking.

The used truck market is not only a gold mine of opportunities, but also a minefield of rides that gearheads avoid. Many of the cheap trucks everyone regrets buying have a notorious history of problems and complaints. At the same time, some of the cheapest trucks will bring you to your knees with maintenance costs.

Sources: Consumer Reports, NHTSA, Classic.com