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If you are hunting around for a decent used pick-up, chances are pretty good that your reason for doing so is to use it as a work truck. In the slight chance it is not, then you probably chose this mode of transportation because it made financial sense for you to do so. Great, now you get to drive around as some farm hand from out west and all you needed it for was to get you from point A to point B.


However, if work is the reason to add a used pick-up truck to your fleet this coming year, or even if it’s your first one to get your side business going. Now, most people will tell you that a used Toyota Tacoma is a safe choice, but being a Toyota means it still carries a premium even in the used car market and this is where these three budget alternatives come in.

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RELATED: 10 Work Trucks That Won’t Let You Down


Ford Ranger

Red 2009 Ford Ranger
Ford

A front 3/4 studio shot fo a 2009 Ford Ranger

The only American pick-up truck of the three that was chosen is the Ford Ranger. After being introduced in 1982, this Ford model has been a mainstay in reliability and durability. Everyone trusts Ford and knows they are tough, just like their slogan states. These trucks have been around for a very long time and the familiarity that mechanics have with its inner workings lets owners know that one way or the other if something goes wrong with it, it can be fixed.

Depending on the issue will determine the cost of the repair. The good thing is, with the Ford brand, you will not have to be waiting on parts. If something like the air conditioning malfunctions, you just might find yourself rolling down the windows as opposed to forking over a grand to have it fixed. If you were able to pick up a used Ranger for $1500, that would probably not make any sense. You’ll more than likely be happy enough with the fresh air. If you can, get yourself a four-cylinder as opposed to the six, do so; it will last longer and give you better gas mileage.

If part of the reason for you to get a pick-up is to tow, then going the way of the six would benefit you for the better towing capabilities that it produces. Being able to tow 7500 pounds is good for any sized pick-up let alone one of this size. The Ford Ranger comes with four-wheel drive and can be taken off-road without issues and is also great for hauling. With every year that passes, Ford continues to perfect the pick-up truck at every level, that is one of the reasons they are on top of the game.

Check out the market for a used Ford Ranger here.

RELATED: 10 Most Reliable Pickup Trucks

Nissan Frontier

Blue 2010 Nissan Frontier
Nissan

A front 3/4 shot of a Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is relied upon by many hard workers in the United States, it is a truck to be on the lookout for even though some feel that the design is dated and too old school for the modern driver. Well, guess what? The modern driver shouldn’t care how it looks if the pick-up does what it’s supposed to do. It has four wheels and a bed in the back, it’s built to haul, and the Frontier is good for that. It is easily repairable and reasonably priced.

Even used it will cost about $6000 less than a Toyota, and just as dependable. When this Nissan truck first launched in 1997, the Japanese automaker claimed that the Frontier pick-up was made for you to choose your adventure. The Frontier will serve its purpose and quite frankly, Nissan makes better trucks than cars, so by choosing this ride, you are already ahead of the game.

Check out the market for a used Nissan Frontier here.

RELATED: 5 Trucks To Consider for Hauling Heavy Loads

Honda Ridgeline

White Honda Ridgeline
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A front 3/4 shot of a 2014 Honda Ridgeline

The youngest of the budget, mid-sized pick-up trucks to be on the lookout for is the Honda Ridgeline. With the first-generation making its debut in 2006, the Ridgeline has never been one of Honda’s best-selling models, but they do well enough to make the cut and stay on the production line. It came in first place in the category of trucks most likely to last to 200,000 miles so the trustworthiness of this car to start and drive every morning is there.

It is the more powerful of the three pick-ups in this comparison with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine being able to blow away the other two. A negative on this truck and perhaps something that can bring the price down on a used one is that the Ridgeline is fairly limited on how much it can tow. It can handle 5000 pounds, but that is significantly less than the Ford Ranger. The USA wins this round. Overall, just like the rest of the Honda models, they hold their value well

Check out the market for a used Honda Ridgeline here.

RELATED: 10 Work Trucks That Won’t Let You Down

Best Budget Work Trucks

When it comes to buying a used pick-up truck there are a plethora of options out there, both foreign and domestic. The decision needs to be made on what you need it for, either to show or to tow. Work trucks are meant to be simple and functional. Not something with too many gadgets that are going to give you a ton of headaches. You need something that will turn over quickly and get you to the next job where you will be able to perform your duties and haul when necessary. Further down the road, a well-maintained truck will tend to be worth more than the average vehicle.

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