Buying one of the used diesel trucks in the market is a commitment to longevity, serious hauling power, and better overall fuel mileage.
While heavy-duty trucks don’t require EPA ratings for fuel numbers, it’s hard to argue with the impressive figures put up by half-ton and midsize trucks with diesel engines under the hood. Add the longevity of these trucks; they can often drive for more than 300,000 miles, and the impressive hauling power, and you’ve got a truck you want to drive every day. Let’s look at the ten best options for you.
2006-2007 Chevy and GMC HD models
The Duramax 6.6-liter diesel V8 engine is a monster, and it gives the heavy-duty Chevy and GMC trucks incredible power and performance. Looking back to the 2006 and 2007 model hears should give you a truck that’s affordable and powerful at the same time. Don’t worry if there are 100,000 miles or more on the odometer; these trucks are just getting started. Load the bed, hook up the trailer, and enjoy the comfortable ride to the jobsite in your Chevy or GMC HD truck.
1999-2000 Ford Super Duty
Going back even farther than we did with the GM models, the 7.3-liter Power Stroke engine is one of the largest diesel power plants to make its way under the hood of a truck. Ford has a history of making some of the best used diesel trucks in the market, and you can find a gem from this era. The forged-rod setup of these engines is a proven performer, ensuring you’ve got a truck that will keep on going long after you’ve finished the job.
2003-2004 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
Before Ram was its own brand, the Dodge Ram name was tied together to bring some sweet trucks to the market. This era of the heavy-duty models used a 5.9-liter Cummins six-cylinder engine with 460 lb-ft of torque and 12,000 pounds of towing power. These trucks are strong and ready to be the workhorses you trust for every job. You’ll be glad to step inside one of these impressive Dodge trucks when the day is over. The cabin is comfortable, making it the perfect place for your ride home.
2008-2010 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty
If you want a Ford Super Duty that’s a bit more modern, the 2008-2010 models are impressive. The 6.4-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel engine returns 360 horsepower and is an easy engine to enjoy. This impressive engine also gives you 650 lb-ft of torque, which is a massive number. Even though it has an impressive level of power, the cabin remains quiet using the Quiet Steel built into the firewall. This means you’ve got all the power you want without the noise, making these Fords some of the best used diesel trucks in the market.
2014 Ram 1500
Going a little more modern brings us more features we want during a drive today. This is the first half-ton truck in the market, and it delivers the goods with 520 lb-ft of torque and towing of up to 9,200 pounds. This impressive truck brings you a USB port and standard six-speaker stereo system, which allows you to enjoy the connectivity you want in a more modern truck. If you’re looking for excellent half-ton power, this Ram could be the right truck.
2012 Chevy Silverado HD
A more modern touch to the Silverado HD from the first one mentioned is found in this truck. This Chevy brings the benefits of a comfortable ride, a high-quality interior, and the power you want during your drive. Your crew will love the roominess of the Crew Cab models, while the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 handles the job with 397 horsepower and 765 lb-t of torque. This engine mates to an Allison six-speed automatic transmission, which is easily one of the best in the market. The 2012 Silverado HD is the complete package and one of the best used diesel trucks you can buy.
1981-1986 Toyota Pickup
It’s a long shot and a much older truck, but if you can find one of these rare models, you’ve found a real gem in the truck world. These small Toyota pickups return more than 30 mpg in the city and up to 40 mpg on the highway, insane numbers for the 1980s. The power isn’t high for this truck at only 93 horsepower, but the torque and fuel mileage make up for it.
2017 Nissan Titan XD
A surprise among the Detroit Big Three is the Nissan Titan XD. Even though Nissan no longer uses the Cummins diesel engine, in 2017, they did. This truck gives you a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft o torque. There wasn’t a true class for this Nissan, but that didn’t stop it from being one of the best used diesel trucks you can buy and enjoy on any road.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
You’ll pay more for a modern truck than some of the older versions on this list, but you might want the modern conveniences. The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 gives you the strength of a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine to deliver up to 13,300 pounds of towing power. This truck should be on your shortlist of models to drive. If you want some proof as to how good it is, consider it’s been tested in the hottest and coldest climates on Earth and came out like a shining star.
2018 Ford F-150
Today’s F-150 doesn’t offer a diesel engine under the hood, but all you’ve got to do is step back one generation, and you’ll find what you want. The 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 engine found its way under the hood of this 2018 Ford. Mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, this F-150 delivers the goods as one of the best used diesel trucks you can buy. If you’re looking for excellent power in a half-ton diesel, you can’t go wrong with the 2018 F-150.
Which of these used diesel trucks do you think is the best one? Will you pick an older model with a low price point or select a truck with modern features from a more recent model year?
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