The Five Best Light-Duty Trucks to Buy Used

There are plenty of things to love about trucks: they’re versatile, capable, and easy to configure for your needs, with plenty of bed sizes, cab styles, and trim levels available. On top of all that, trucks are built to last for years and years, even with heavy daily use, which means you can save money by opting for a used model without sacrificing quality. If you’re looking for used trucks for sale near Sandy, we can help you out here at Riverton Chevrolet, your go-to dealer for both new Chevy vehicles and used vehicles of all makes and models.

Our South Jordan dealership is conveniently located right on the other side of I-15 from Sandy, so it’s easy to drop by and see what we have in stock. But we also know that many drivers like to be prepared before they come in by doing research online, and we’re here to help you with that. If you’re looking for a used truck but don’t know which model is right for you, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you the highlights of five trustworthy models that are perfect for work, play, and everyday driving alike.

All of these models are full-size, light-duty trucks (the most popular style of truck in the country). They strike a great balance between affordability (heavy-duty models can get pretty pricey, even used) and power (midsize and compact models are cheaper, but you’ll get way less towing and hauling capability). Each of these models has a range of trim levels to choose from, including basic entry-level trims that are affordable and simple, luxurious trims that have extra creature comforts, and off-road capable trims that let you explore the wilderness, from the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake up north to the sandy deserts southwest of us. Whatever your priorities, we’ll help you find a model that fits the bill.

#1 – Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a well-rounded option that has just about anything you could want from a pickup truck, including a wide range of powertrain choices, high towing and hauling capacities, and a cabin that’s comfortable enough for both everyday errands and long-distance drives. A new generation was introduced for the 2019 model year, so if you stick to models from that year or newer, you can take advantage of modern storage cubbies that make it easy to keep the cabin neat and organized, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, and a modern exterior aesthetic that’s both rugged and refined. Driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert have been included on some trims since the 2019 model year and became standard fare across the lineup in the 2022 model year. That year also saw the introduction of the Silverado ZR2, a rugged option that can handle serious off-roading.

If you prefer a more retro look and feel, you can opt for an older truck. As long as it’s been well-maintained, a Silverado can last for quite a long time. At Riverton Chevrolet, we provide you with a complimentary AutoCheck report for every used model on our lot so you can make sure that previous owners have set you up for success. Chevy trucks are so well-known for lasting a long time that there’s a community called Chevy Truck Legends for owners of Chevy trucks that have logged over 100,000 miles. Some drivers have gone far beyond that, getting as much as a million miles out of a Silverado. While most Sandy drivers probably won’t go to such extremes, these true stories can help you drive an older model with confidence.

#2 – GMC Sierra 1500

If you love the Silverado’s capability but are hoping for more of an upscale look and feel, the GMC Sierra is a perfect match. The Sierra is based on the same platform as the Silverado but offers more luxury, especially in the top-tier trims. However, trim levels like the iconic Denali and the even more plush Denali Ultimate can get a bit pricey. While they’re well worth it for the quality they offer, the price tag can keep them out of reach for many drivers. When you opt for a used model, it’s easier to afford these upper-level trims, so you can have features like ventilated front seats to help you beat the Utah heat and an adaptive air suspension system that transitions easily between the urban streets of Salt Lake City and the unpaved back roads of rural areas. If you want to go completely off-road, you can look for the capable AT4 trim. Like the Silverado, the Sierra got a complete remodel for the 2019 model year.

#3 – Ford F-150

The Ford F-Series is the best-selling vehicle in the US and has been for many decades, so it’s a reliable option that’s been time-tested. A new generation was launched for the 2021 model year, and that’s where you should start looking if you’re interested in the fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, the off-road Tremor trim, and the SYNC 4 infotainment system capable of over-the-air updates. Of course, there are plenty of benefits to buying an F-150 that has been around longer. For instance, the 2015 F-150 was the first truck to offer adaptive cruise control and a lightweight aluminum body based around a high-strength steel frame. Any F-150 trim will be fine for getting around Sandy, but if you want to head deep into the desert for an off-the-grid getaway, you’ll want to look for the Raptor variant, which has been in production since the 2010 model year.

#4 – Ram 1500

Ram has long been known for making tough trucks with impressive stats and above-average ride quality, but it hasn’t always matched that power with a comfortable interior. That changed in the 2019 model year, when the truck got bigger to provide more interior space and vastly improved the cabin overall, with more clever storage nooks and upscale materials on higher trims like the Longhorn and Limited. If you want to head out into the wilds of Utah and perhaps see some big horn sheep, you can opt for the Rebel trim, which has been around since the 2016 model year and is capable of handling rocky trails and sandy stretches. The even more beefed-up Ram 1500 TRX was introduced for the 2021 model year, pairing a supercharged V8 engine with more aggressive styling.

#5 – Toyota Tundra

When you’re buying used, it’s a good idea to stick with automakers known for their reliability. That’s certainly the case with Toyota, which has a well-earned reputation for making trucks that can stand up to years of heavy use without showing their age. Still, there are perks to choosing a more recent model of the Tundra. The 2022 model year got a complete redesign that feels much more modern than the previous generation, which debuted way back in 2007 (though the truck has certainly been updated significantly over those years, including a major refresh for the 2014 model). The 2022 Tundra has a new high-strength frame and an enhanced suspension system, making it more rigid and stable under a wide range of conditions, and boasts higher towing and payload capacities than older models. As you might have guessed, there’s also better tech inside, from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to new camera angles to help you stay aware of your surroundings while towing a big trailer down busy I-15.