Pickup trucks are known for being pricey, but you can sidestep the most costly depreciation by buying used. On our well-stocked lot, you can search for the best used truck under $20,000 for sale in Lancaster, PA. Here's what you need to know to identify the best options and select a pickup truck that will suit your needs.
Criteria for Selection
There are many points to consider when you're choosing a used truck. Ponder these key elements.
Size
Trucks come in a wide range of sizes, with different benefits and drawbacks at every point. A smaller truck like a compact or midsize pickup can't haul quite as much, but it's much easier to maneuver. If you're looking for a daily driver that's easy to park, you'll probably want something like a Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, or Nissan Frontier. If you choose an older model, you can easily get these used trucks under $20,000.
If you're looking for a sizable bed and spacious cabin, you'll likely want a full-size truck. A 2015 Toyota Tundra can tow up to 10,500 pounds and haul as much as 2,080 pounds. A double cab can comfortably seat five while still providing over 78 feet of length and 66 feet of width in the cargo bed. The Ford F-150 is a great go-to for a used full-size truck as well, with a plethora of configurations to explore.
Towing and Payload Capacity
If you're looking for a powerful truck to perform specific tasks, you'll need to carefully consider the towing and payload capacity of your top choices. Payload capacity is the total weight that you can add to the truck. This includes any people or items in the cabin, so you need to include your own weight and that of everyone inside to determine how much you can load in the bed.
For reference, half a cubic yard of mulch weighs 300 to 400 pounds, the same amount of dirt weighs about 1,000 pounds, and the equivalent amount of gravel is up to 1,450 pounds.
Towing capacity is the amount that you can pull behind your truck. Your trailer axles support most of the weight you tow, so you can pull a lot more than you can load in the bed. Keep in mind that you need to consider the full weight of whatever you're towing. While a fifth-wheel camper is between 5,000 and 15,000 pounds empty, this usually increases to 17,000 to 20,000 pounds once it's loaded with belongings. Make sure your truck is up to the jobs you have for it.
Off-Road Abilities
If you want to romp off-road, you'll need a truck that's built for the job, like the rugged Ford F-150 Raptor, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, or Nissan Frontier Pro-4X. Your best bet is a used truck built with the manufacturer's off-road package. This will likely include features like skid plates, heavy-duty air filters, enhanced traction, and a higher clearance.
Fuel Economy
Trucks aren't known for being fuel-efficient, but you may want to prioritize fuel efficiency as much as possible if you're trekking on a budget. If you're not careful, you could end up with a gas guzzler that breaks the bank anytime you drive it. A used hybrid like the Chevy Silverado Hybrid or GMC Sierra Hybrid will give you some of the best results, though you still shouldn't expect more than about 21 MPG. A Ford F-150 EcoBoost is another compelling choice. Thanks to its widespread popularity, the F-150 is often easy to find.
Top Picks From Our Inventory
Our used truck inventory is always changing, so you never know what gems you might find on the lot. Some of the more popular makes and models that you'll see often include:
- Chevy Silverado 1500: Model years between 2012 and 2016 are within the second generation, making them among the more affordable options.
- Ford F-150: Well-known for being America's best-selling line of trucks, the prevalence of F-150s means that there are a lot of used options out there. You can find well-equipped models at lower prices between the 2012 and 2016 model years.
- Honda Ridgeline: The Ridgeline offers SUV-like amenities in the interior and great handling. Model years between 2009 and 2012 are among the best deals.
- RAM 1500: The RAM 1500 is a powerful beast that often has compelling technology and infotainment. The 2016 model year is your best option for a good amount of features under $20,000.
Benefits of Buying From Us
At AutoOne, we strive to streamline your shopping experience so you can get into a new-to-you vehicle as quickly as possible. We'll take your trade-in to help offset the cost of a down payment, and then help you navigate the ins and outs of auto financing. Our finance center can work with bad credit or no credit to help you get into the vehicle you need.
Our knowledgeable sales team can help you navigate all the current options for used trucks on our lot so you get the best deal for your needs. If we don't have what you're looking for now, just keep an eye on the ever-changing inventory and you may see your ideal truck pop up in no time.
Tips for Buying a Used Truck
It's important to know what to look for when you're comparing used trucks. These tips will help you identify the best options:
- Look for rust. Though body rust is often just a cosmetic issue, it's often an indicator of rust in more important areas like the muffler or frame rails.
- Inspect the engine cold. Look over the engine before your test drive for the best idea of its condition.
- Test drive in different conditions. Take the truck through its paces fully during your test drive so you see how it brakes, accelerates, maneuvers, and handles obstacles.
Explore Our Stock of Used Trucks Under $20,000
If you're ready to start exploring your options for a used truck under $20,000, come visit us at AutoOne. We have an impressive selection for you to consider.