What’s the Best Used Pickup Truck to Buy in 2025? Top Picks for Value and Reliability

Life in Pike County, Alabama, often requires a rugged, versatile vehicle — a workhorse that adapts to diverse needs — and pickup trucks are a popular choice. To get the most for your truck dollar, buying used can be a cost-effective option. However, deciding which one to buy can be a challenging task. In this guide, our team from Stivers of Troy explores the most reliable used trucks to help you determine the model that best suits your needs and lifestyle. 

Best Reliable Used Trucks To Buy in 2025 - Used Truck Buyer's Guide For Alabama Drivers

The used pickup truck market is dynamic. These vehicles are designed for durability and longevity, and many older models offer excellent reliability. With such an extensive array of models available, there's a range of options to fit various budgets. Deciding which truck is best for you depends on your driving preferences, needs, and priorities.

When considering essential factors such as reliability, value retention, and owner satisfaction, several models stand out. 

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

A solid all-rounder, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 delivers a fantastic blend of capability, comfort, and driving technology, particularly in recent models. However, older versions, such as the 2018 Silverado, are still well equipped. Even this pre-2020 model features a connected infotainment system that boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Used Silverado pickups typically come with various engine options, from more fuel-efficient V-6 configurations to more powerful V-8s. The 2018 model, for example, offers a standard 285-horsepower V-6 or an available 4.2-liter V-8 with a formidable 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. With a wide range of configurations and features, the Silverado 1500 fits diverse driving needs.

Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a strong option if reliability is your top priority. Toyota vehicles are generally known for their excellent build quality, low maintenance requirements, and long-lasting performance. The Tundra was the first full-size pickup built by a Japanese automaker in North America and has been gracing the country's highways for over a quarter of a century.

Toyota typically equips the Tundra with a spirited V-6 that delivers more than respectable figures in terms of horsepower and torque, making it a sturdy pickup capable of tackling most challenges. Where it excels is in its longevity. On average, a well-maintained Tundra will easily last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, with many still performing well with 300,000 miles or more on the clock. This means you can purchase a Tundra that's a decade old and still be confident of reliable performance.

Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevy Colorado is a budget-friendly pickup, considered one of the more affordable options in the midsize pickup truck segment. For reference, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado's entry-level trim has a starting MSRP of $31,900. This is lower than the sticker price of some used trucks from other manufacturers, indicating the cost-saving potential of a pre-owned Colorado.

This vehicle offers good fuel efficiency, which can lead to cost savings, particularly when you opt for a diesel engine. For example, the 2018 Colorado earns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The same year model with the diesel engine gets 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Ford F-250 Super Duty

If you need a heavy-duty truck, look no further than the Ford F-250 Super Duty. This proven workhorse boasts exceptional towing and hauling capabilities, and upper trim levels also offer an impressive suite of luxury features. There's plenty of power under the hood. The 2025 model base trim comes standard with a 6.2-liter V-8, while higher trims have a 6.8- or 7.3-liter engine. When properly equipped, it has a staggering 22,300-pound maximum towing capacity and can carry a payload of up to 4,246 pounds.

Strength is part of the F-250 Super Duty's DNA. The 2015 model exemplifies this, offering a maximum tow rating of 16,800 pounds and 4,240-pound payload capacity.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is an excellent compact pickup truck. Thanks to its size, it's easier to maneuver than its full-size counterparts. Surprisingly, the Ford Ranger doesn't compromise on power —  the 270-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood of the 2020 Ranger provides exceptional performance.

Being more compact, the Ranger can offer greater practicality and affordability compared to larger trucks, and its lightweight design enhances fuel efficiency. The 2020 model boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. Rangers may have modest towing and payload capacities compared to vehicles such as the F-250 Super Duty, but they're more than capable of tackling most everyday tasks.

Key Factors To Consider When Buying Used

While used vehicles can offer excellent value for money, they might have some wear and tear. You can shop with confidence at our Stivers of Troy dealership, knowing our vehicles meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and reliability. Expert technicians in our service center are available to address any issues and make sure your truck is in optimal condition.

For a high-quality pre-owned truck, consider one of our certified used vehicles. Each of these undergoes a comprehensive, multipoint inspection to ensure it meets our rigorous safety and dependability standards. Our certified experts perform repairs and maintenance using original parts, aiming to deliver a used vehicle that closely matches the quality of a new one.

Find Your Perfect Used Pickup Truck at Stivers of Troy Today

Choosing the best used pickup truck requires research and careful consideration of your needs and budget. Our dedicated team at Stivers of Troy will guide you through your options, answer any questions, and help you make a well-thought-out decision. Contact us or visit our dealership in Troy. Alabama, to schedule a test drive and explore your financing options online.

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