Which Used Truck Is Right for You?

Shopping for a used truck can feel like an uphill battle where you constantly struggle to find what you need, especially if you try to tackle everyone alone. Here at Riverton Chevrolet, we love getting the chance to help people find the perfect pickup, especially when keeping a fantastic pre-owned model on the road longer. One of the easiest ways to narrow down your options when looking at different used trucks for sale is to consider some of the most popular models and which years or generations you should focus on for each one. That way, it’s easier to ignore trucks that won’t work for you and check out a couple that can meet your needs, ultimately finding the right one. So, let’s look at some of the best used truck models you should look for and which model years are among our favorites.

Chevy Silverado 1500

First released for the 1999 model year, the Chevy Silverado 1500 is a full-size truck built on an incredible legacy going back much further than the last 25 years. We’re a Chevy dealer, so it should come as no surprise that we’re fans of the Silverado 1500, but we’re far from the only ones. Year after year, the Silverado remains one of the most popular trucks on the market. You’ll find many of them when looking at used models, with an incredible variety of trims and generational features at your fingertips.

The Silverado 1500 has gone through numerous generations, but you don’t have to go far back to get a fantastic used model if you’re after good features at a reasonable cost. We like the current fourth generation of the Silverado, which started with the 2019 model year. Looking at used Silverado 1500 options from the last few years, you’ll find powerful engines (including a diesel engine, the last available on any light-duty pickup), impressive technology, and robust capability.

Ford F-150

Of course, we can’t talk about the most popular trucks without mentioning the Ford F-150, the best-selling pickup in America for decades. We recognize quality when we see it, and Ford has worked hard to maintain its position at the top. The F-150 has been around for about 50 years, which is a tremendous achievement, demonstrating consistent power and capability that pushes its fellow pickups to go further than ever before.

You don’t have to go back 50 years when looking for an excellent Ford F-150; you have plenty of options just from the last decade. When looking at used F-150 models, we recommend the 13th generation, which ran from 2015 through 2020 and featured great options year after year. You can look for something from the current 14th generation if you want the latest tech and features, but the combination of power, value, and proven capability from the updated 2018 to 2020 models is hard to beat.

GMC Sierra 1500

If you like what the Chevy Silverado 1500 has to offer but you’re interested in a slightly more refined experience, then you should check out the GMC Sierra 1500. The Sierra shares a platform with the Silverado, offering the same kind of power and capability with some differences here and there. In general, you can expect enhanced comfort and luxury options in the Sierra, making it a gorgeous and sophisticated option if you’re looking for something like that in a full-size truck. Much like the Silverado, we love the current generation of the GMC Sierra, which launched in the 2019 model year. As you look at recent Sierra models, watch for the Denali trim if you want the ultimate luxury experience or the AT4 if you’re looking for something with rugged capability perfect for leaving paved roads behind.

Chevy Silverado HD Models

Light-duty trucks like the Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 are fantastic for a wide range of uses, but some drivers want something with even more power packed into it. That’s where the Chevy Silverado HD comes into play. These trucks share many of the features of the standard Silverado 1500 but with boosted capability and greater performance. The Silverado 2500 HD is a significant step up from the standard model if you need more towing or payload capacity, while the Silverado 3500 HD offers massive capability and robust performance.

In general, generations for the Silverado HD models come along one year after the Silverado 1500, so while the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 launched for the 2019 model, the Silverado HD pickups weren’t updated until their 2020 model years. You’ll find powerful V8 engines on these trucks, including a turbo-diesel V8 on some models, with serious capability to tackle anything you throw at them. If you want a refined experience, look for a High Country model, which shares interior comforts similar to trims like the GMC Sierra Denali. If you’re really looking for the most robust truck you can get from our used lot, the dual rear-wheel Silverado 3500 HD offers the best payload and fifth wheel towing capability you’re likely to find.

Chevy Colorado

Full-size trucks are an excellent option for a lot of people, but if you’re looking for something a little smaller or you don’t need all that capability, then a midsize pickup could be the perfect choice for you. First released in the 2004 model year, the Chevy Colorado started as a compact truck and ran for several years until it was discontinued after 2012. A couple years later, it returned with a complete redesign and new looks, and it has grown into a midsize truck that’s incredibly popular with a wide range of drivers.

The second-generation Colorado hit the road for the 2015 model year, and it’s been a favorite of many people ever since. The infotainment system was updated for 2017, while the manual transmission that was initially available was discontinued for 2019, so keep those years in mind if you’re interested in such features. If you want to take your pre-owned Colorado off-road, then watch for a ZR2 model for incredible capability.

Toyota Tacoma

Domestic trucks aren’t your only option when looking for a great used pickup—the Toyota Tacoma has found many fans since it was first released in the 1990s. Much like the Chevy Colorado, it started its run as a compact truck, but an update for the 2004 model year saw it grow into a midsize pickup. It’s remained a midsize model ever since, and if you’re interested in a smaller truck like this, then it’s a great option to look for.

The second generation for the Tacoma ran from 2005 through 2015, marking an incredibly long run, so you’ll find many of them as used models. Going back that far means missing out on some modern amenities, but these are great trucks to look for if you’re on a tight budget. The Tacoma’s third generation launched in 2016 and ran through the 2023 model year, making these our favorite options for newer features and outstanding performance; a facelift for 2020 makes a Tacoma from that year or later particularly appealing.

Find the Used Truck You’ve Been Looking For

As you can see, you have a variety of fantastic options as you’re shopping for a used truck; even if you narrow things down to just a couple of models, there are still plenty of terrific years and generations to consider. That’s why it helps to have someone on your side to assist you with navigating everything available and ensuring you find the perfect pickup. No matter what you’re looking for in your next truck, whether it is a full-size HD model ready to haul massive weight behind it or an off-road beast hungry for the trail, we can help you find it and make sure you drive away completely happy. That way, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your pickup and everything it offers.