BEST CHEAP TRUCKS YOU CAN BUY (in 2025!)

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Learn how make money buying any of today's ideal trucks in our new FREE workshop! bit.ly/FREEICSWORKSHOP Which truck are you eyeing?!

[@cactneir]

F150 sucks. Only sells well because Americans wouldn't buy the V8 TUNDRA. If I was lying why was ford's 6.0 on whistlindiesel channel crying like a bitch? Also ford transmissions do not have a 100k mile warranty because they failed the inspection test and has a big ass article on it

[@greengoblin99999]

My mother had a ranger a couple of years ago and we were on the highway and the engine exploded shooting a piece of piston through the passenger side tire.

[@3419joelafave]

Good times

[@BowtieBoy05]

FORD

[@Mr.HunterXx]

General maintenance

[@Mickocarbomb]

So you'd say the vehicle was Found On Road Dead?

[@Dats_ethan]

Make sure it has oil

[@GarrettStrickland]

Hot take: The 11th gen F-150 is also a good choice. While yes the cam phaser issue is a big deal, if you put on a lock out kit, then the trucks get insanely reliable.

[@That_5.4Lariat]

Coming from a 2001 Ford F-150 with the 5.4 being my first truck, i can completely confirm that these trucks are bulletproof if you maintain them well like you said. Inherited mine from my great grandpa so i knew it was taken well care of, highly recommend one of these 10th gens. Some awesome trucks

[@RaidersX95]

Same but I got a 98 with the 5.4 she my baby

[@thedonutmiata5135]

I’ve known people with every one of these trucks and driven all of them except the srt10. As for the chevys, as you mentioned be weary of the 4l60. Other than that you’ll be fine. Tacomas are generally good (my second pick on this list). The 10th gen ford is one to stay away from. This is the one I’ve known the most people with (other than the first gen Chevy). Every single person had major reliability issues. And if you wanna do your own spark plugs on the 5.4, have fun with the large risk of them snapping off in the block. The most reliable one was my buddy that had the v6 manual and he was OCD about keeping up with maintenance. 3rd gen dodge rams transmissions are garbage. Engines are fine though. Not the best towing capacity but not the worst. Ford ranger is my number 1 pick on this list and I plan on buying one on the near future. Extremely reliable and never ending aftermarket support (the last part can be said for almost any American truck though). The first gen tundra is decently reliable. I’m not the biggest fan of how it looks, but that’s my only complaint. I only knew one person with a Nissan frontier. They didn’t have to many problems and none were that serious. The v10 ram in stock configuration feels anorexic. Needs help breathing. But once you fix that, you just gotta worry about the auto trans. The srt10 is pretty sick but comes with the normal Chrysler auto trans worries. I would add 9th gen ford f150 and get rid of the 10th gen on this list. Yes, it steers like a piece of equipment, but it’s more reliable imo. And I’d suggest a 2nd gen dodge over the third gen. Just upgrade the steering box because the steering is pretty sloppy.

[@namemcnamerton4249]

I personally prefer the 2000-2003 Silverado over the cat eye. Mostly for the taillight configuration.

[@guero9093]

99-02 bubble eye 03-06/7 cat eye

[@callingallbassmorgan339]

2000 Chevy S-10 had over 300,000 and rebuilt trans twice in that time.

[@brianfreeman5257]

Got a 99 Chevy Silverado 2500 centurion edition quad cab with 350 motor. All original with 250k miles and running strong. Paid $7,500 used. downside is 13mpg with small 25gal fuel tank. Also have a 2003 F-150 5.4 Triton with 245k miles. Best $3400 I ever spent. Runs perfectly, and everything works including 4wd. Love these old trucks!

[@marcust.1212]

So would you say millage on trucks is higher than regular cars because I’m looking at some trucks for a 3k budget

[@brianfreeman5257]

@@marcust.1212 Not necessarily. Any vehicle can have high mileage if it was used mostly for highway driving and maintained. You should be able to find a nice 2wd truck for 3k, especially if you don't mind a manual transmission. A Ford Ranger, F-150, Nissan Frontier, or Chevy Colorado might be in your budget. A 4wd for that price will probably have damage or need some work.

[@marcust.1212]

@@brianfreeman5257 thx for responding even after 6 months 🙏😭

[@brianfreeman5257]

@@marcust.1212 that's odd, I didn't get the notification until this morning. I hope you found a good truck that meets your needs.

[@densonjc]

this couldn’t have come at a better time. just bought my first truck 2 weeks ago. 2002 f150 5.4 with 97k miles. i love it so far

[@lancesecrest7577]

My Best First Ideal truck was a 1966 Ford F100 step side. Inline 6.

[@uncommonsense5876]

Ive owned everything thats a truck over thr last 30yrs, I mean everything. Without a doubt for sheer truck simplicity and functionality and reliability, my top pick is the 2002 to 2006 Chev/Gmc 2500HD with the 6.0L Vortex engine WITH cloth interior not the leather. Absolutely awesome truck. Amd Ive owned and own everything up to modern Duramax 3500, Powerstroke 3500 Platinum, and Ram 3500 Cummins and everything down thru 1500 1/2 old and new l.

[@uncommonsense5876]

I've owned almost 90 vehicles, mostly trucks in that time. ☝️😎👍

[@uncommonsense5876]

My 2nd fav trucks are these baby diesels, 1/2 ton trucks with 3L turbos. Love them, have one now. Chev and Ram both good. Prefer the ZF based transmissions in the Ram for 2nd to none shift quality and reliability. (They DO require maint, regardless what the stupid dealer says. The transmission is a German designed transmission and are bulletproof when serviced according to what ZF recommends. It's just tricky to DIY it.)

[@brianfreeman5257]

Good to know! I had a 2003 suburban HD with the 8.1. It was awesome, but horrible fuel economy...not that I bought it to save money, but 5mpgs towing 7,000lbs was pretty disappointing. What mpgs did you get with the 6.0 when towing and not towing?

[@mcnielentertainment]

First truck I've unofficially had was a 2004 Ford Ranger XLT 3L 2wd. First truck I bought and titled was a 1992 Chevy Silverado k1500 long bed with the 5 speed manual transmission (4 banger with OD) and it was a single cab.

[@taramclaren4162]

We had a 67 power stroke for five years and nothing has it wrong with it and it has over 200,000 miles

[@pastperformance2285]

Staying with the most popular makes can also keep your expenses down. The independent shops can do repair and maintenance without just throwing parts at a problem because they see so many. Love my GMC.

[@Thebestbassclarinet]

My grandma had an 01 red Silverado single cab. And now that serves as my farm truck, it’s so nice to have.

[@bread-gz3rl]

10th gen F150s are junk. 4.6s make no power and drink gas and 5.4s are a greasy block of shit. King ranch 4x4s end at 4500$ around here

[@JustAnotherEagleScout]

I have a 3rd gen ranger no real complaints I definitely want a gmt 400

[@chrisvinson9579]

Stop buying the nissan ,honda,toco for one year make them lower prices

[@Mason-fv1zl]

The Nissan frontier was a really cheap truck but now that everybody wants one the price is going up, I should’ve kept my 2014.😂

[@loudmein6591]

Fords are so easily broken into. Worked as a valet for just 4 months and we had at least 4 break ins for fords that I knew of. We had to make a specific spot for Fords closer to buildings.

[@jackwyatt4184]

3 weeks ago I bought a 2002 GMC Sierra S. L. T only has 55000 miles 1 owner garage kept. I paid top dollar for it. But it was worth it Pristine condition inside and out. Awesome truck love it will have it forever

[@ryanperalta6409]

What happened to putting the Dakota on the list?

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Trav here. I don't wanna talk about it. - Thanks for watching!

[@Mason-fv1zl]

The Nissan frontier is definitely a good truck to buy, fourth place is a good spot for it.

[@camarofan8460]

Definitely my fav truck is the #1 in the gmc form and I love it, just started to building it best gift that I ever had

[@darkthrone5481]

for sure a silverado i grown up with a 2006 6L and i still got it for a farm truck 14years later

[@Wbfuhn]

Any vehicle can be great under the condition that you have the right quality parks. The more reliable out of the factory the less you need to spend to make it great. I got my 99 F150 XLT with the 5.4L stock 4X4. It needs some work but I nabbed mine for 3k. I had the AC fixed and had a backup camera installed. It met my requirements of 4WD and road clearance. Going over curbs is satisfying. In this day and age it isn't going to exactly matter what you pay as long as it's not over 10k. Get these trucks as soon as possible because once prices shoot up your options are going to tank.

[@billypoot3504]

Besides a taco the Dakota would be the best used truck you can buy! Wake up Ideal!!!

[@ThrowyaXup]

Aftermarket support actually suck for frontiers/xterras. But definitely the best value, you can get a nismo off road edition with a rear locker and hill decent for under 10k

[@Yamommasblubber]

Just grabbed a 98 ranger with 88k miles no rust, driving it till the wheels fall off for sure

[@xx_killakoda_xx392]

Ford Ranger is amazing I had a 99 Ford Ranger 2 will drive with 200000 miles on it that I traded for a Mercedes SLK320 Title for title

[@Thefrostedslime]

OBS Ford/Chevy and NBS Chevy really are out there as my ideal trucks They tow well, all reliable, and all look bitchin’

[@BadEconomyOfficial]

I’m going to be honest here: The Frontier is an AMAZING first truck 🛻, I used to drive work trucks 🛻 last year at my old job. You can tell a pickup when it’s rugged and beat down at how reliable it is. You’re talking to a guy whose dealt with driving these kinds of trucks with airbag sensors on and etc. Out of these I would NOT recommend the Tundra OR (not on the list) the F150 extended cab. The Tundra is SMALL on the inside, the interior wears out faster and the headlights aren’t bright. If you do go with the Tundra, get the headlights replaced ASAP. Especially if it’s in between 2001-2004. The F-150 Extended cab rear wheel drive from 2008-2009, the steering wheel 🛞 SUCKS as it’s just feels like a thick wire. Also it’s terrible for driving long distances, I was on the highway and it pulled slightly to to the left. …..Also might I add that you forgot the older Titans, the Silverados from the 90s AND The Chevy Avalanche. But kudos on putting the Ford Ranger on here.

[@angelinacandelaria7518]

The tundra has some of the most bulletproof V8s on the planet . Only issue is the rust since I’m in NY but since the frame got fixed it’s a great truck . Horrendous gas mileage but that’s not why I have a truck. Wish the bed was a little bigger but the full cab has plenty of room. I can’t speak for the 1st gen tundras cab space. Source: 2013 Tundra TRD with 280,000.

[@BadEconomyOfficial]

@@angelinacandelaria7518 Never said it was unreliable, just noticed little things from experience.

[@drewkelmen]

What was everyones first trucks? my first truck was a 2010 F150 xlt.

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Trav had a Dakota, Brad had an F150. Thanks for watching!

[@sostrongineedmoreofyourmon974]

2006 F-150 Harley Davidson edition. Unfortunately I sold it before heading out for a year long deployment. A decade later I recently got a 99 F-150 XLT at a steal from an elderly neighbor. Just finished upgrading the lights all to LEDs and fixed the dying paint with a full two-tone bed liner paint job.

[@coreyallgyer-sv1ie]

my ford has an timing chain and it cost about 300 for a timing kit and also im getting an F150 i saw one for 2000 but it has rust in frame and tires and brakes it would cost about 2500 will be wourth it yes i think

[@mannyrosado9887]

Gents, phenomenal video. Please do one for the best winter beaters.

[@damilolaakanni]

Concerning the F-150, I've heard that Ford combines sales of the entire F-series lineup.

[@coreyallgyer-sv1ie]

how about a ford four door ranger called a sport trac i have one and also is my first truck it gets about 25 combined sweeeeet going off road soon with it and it has 4wd awesome

[@ImaYam]

Doesn’t come with a tow hitch, just a ball on the bumper

[@truckdude8080]

I have a 1999 Toyota Tacoma prerunner with the 3rz and it has 305,000 miles

[@tzhaygarrett2397]

That was pretty flipping ideal!🎉

[@maykolr.n7369]

Thank you for talking about problems

[@boxingtherapy87]

Its hard to come by those 4 door f150 in that generation. Been looking more toward a tundra

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Tundra is a SOLID choice. Thanks for watching

[@boxingtherapy87]

@IdealMediaChannel of course keep bring good content 👌

[@Mickocarbomb]

Im about to buy a ranger larriat here in the next year or so

[@ДмитрийСбер-е7д]

I'm now looking for a truck to buy... I don't know where you find prices like this - I can't see ANITHING less then 20K...😢

[@COSMOCREME]

MY TRUCK MADE IT TO NUMBER 1 LETS GOOOO

[@Theamzaningdreamteam]

I got a 2006 Colorado In-line 5 still going strong at 270k miles.

[@juanflores2328]

I also have a 2006 colorado with the I5 but I already replaced the engine in the finals of April and even with the engine it's still shakes and I think it's the fuel injector harness but what do you think? Because I already replaced the fuel injectors a week ago. it's still misfiring

[@hooks_and_horns]

My only problem with #1 is the 6.6 is a bitch to work on. Everything is in a hard to reach place.

[@christopherlowery855]

Umm... Nissan D21? 1st gen S10? Hilux? What about the 4th gen Mazda B series? You know, the one you showed us a clip of. Minitrucks are so win! Why is the Chevy C/K not on this list? My grandfather had a 3spd Sierra that was so awesome. Man I loved that truck. And the 4th gen C/K (88-02), AKA OBS models. Made during a time when chevy's slogan was "like a rock". What about the 97 PowerStroke F250? The one with the Navistar International engine? Those were the golden years for trucks I swear. Why are only like 3 of these ideal? 90% of them are automatics to boot. Also, the ranger over the S10, really? Have you guys looked under the hood of the I4? 8 spark plugs for 4 cylinders? Needs at least 1 universal joint and a 6" extension to replace. Engineering failure. Why are most of these picks automatics with ass transmissions? So the 1st gen Ram I agree with, but with the cummins engine. You know, the 1M mi motor. Do an Allison swap and you'll have a drivetrain that will easily outlive the truck. While the D21 and the S10 have much more power in the V6 models, I was able to butnouts for days with the 4cyl variety of the D21. Its top speed was about 90mph, but that thing was such a blast to drive. Front torsion bar suspension meant this thing handled great. I would routinely slalom in the middle of the road while driving in 30mph zones. (I was 17) I really wish I had another one of those trucks. Doing crazy 8s in an elementary school parking lot and doing 180s in the middle of the road (cul-de-sac) by yanking the hand brake was the definition of a good time. Man those were good times. Plus, the thing was narrow enough that I could be driving and lean over to the passenger side and roll down the window. I can't do that in my F150. Unless you need torque, most of these aren't great picks IMO. A $4K trans, or $1.5K rebuild ($2k realistically) aren't exactly ideal. Neither is coolant contaminated trans fluid. One of the major benifits of having a manual is not needing to deal with embedded trans coolers. Drain the coolant and rip out the rad. Thats it. Other than that, the 350ci Chevy small block is the staple of reliability. I'm not with you guys on this one. Call me old, but I'm not about it. So much for "save the manuals". This video is more like "save the autos"... because they all seem to need automotive CPR. They're dying faster than a pitbul barking at an officer. I've said my peace. Cheers mates.

[@sandhilltucker]

Damn, for real you just cleansed the air completely with that. Rueage.

[@andreydrekinakh]

1st gen tundra is expensive af now, sold mine year and a half ago for 14,500 wish I kept it would of got almost 20k now 😆 only had 120k miles too with Dobinson lift and 33s

[@isaac144]

My Dakota is at 175,000 thousand miles and hemi v8 4x4 is running like a clock still

[@mwilson7097]

I love my 2000 extended cab Silverado 1500 4.3 Will like to swap it out for 5.3 but will it be costly!

[@livelong6685]

great fkn vid mane, ya knocked it out the ball park with this one

[@jaymanjayman594]

I like how the thumbnail for a good first truck video was a new tundra

[@DementedDistraction]

I wouldn't say 3rd gen Rangers are ugly. Painfully generic in their styling? Yes, but not ugly.

[@davidjackson2524]

I live in Ireland where I'm not familiar with some of these pick up trucks. How about the Mitsubishi L200 or the Toyota Hilux?

[@IdealMediaChannel]

Those are both SOLID options! Unfortunately we don't get them in the US. Thanks for watching

[@ludeman]

Getting a good used truck here in So Cal if almost impossible

[@lenordbrazil9580]

I will stick with a toyota or a 1rst gen Silverado thank you for the info

[@somethingonyt3668]

This is the first channel to never mention the spark plugs with the 5.4 triton

[@davidjackson2524]

Ford Ranger? Is that the same one that's available in UK/Ireland/Europe? Watching in Ireland.

[@JonahSeaOfficial]

“ford rangers don’t pull as much” meanwhile i saw one towing a full-size rv down the interstate 😂

[@krysfranklin4750]

I’m getting a v8 lq4 Escalade for my first truck soon, first car in general kinda. 👍or👎

[@justinperalta6280]

My Hilux may be basic, but it is by far reliable and can last forever.

[@angelinacandelaria7518]

Toyota forever

[@guero9093]

99-06/7 NBS Silverados & Sierras LS powered easy to swap and make hella power and aftermarket is huge

[@jonathanmoua9971]

The good oldies are hard to find

[@RockyRaccoon3281]

The best truck ever made? Any ford that has the 7.3 powerstroke. Hands down. Slightly behind the 7.3 would be any ford gasser from 97 or earlier. Including the 300 straight 6. Any 7.3 owner will tell you that the biggest mistake they ever made was selling their 7.3 powerstroke. Right now in 2023 i can sell my 97 f250hd for close to or more than i paid for it in 1997. With 257,000 miles on it. Not many trucks can hold value like that. Besides, i have never gotten stuck or broken down with it ever!

[@lenordbrazil9580]

On the chevy silverados does that include the gmc models too?

[@wesleymanning1223]

The 4.6 will still blow a spark plug

[@erasmussen14]

Is Travis related to Seth Rogen? They have the exact same voice and inflections.

[@gobogeek]

Son just got a 2000 Silverado. Beautiful truck only thing wrong is the ABS is out.

[@junior3355]

Cat eye chevy

[@403patriot3]

1980 gmc heavy half, my friends dad has one in Kamloops since brand new, still minty all original. Now gimme yer mamma’s card boiiiiii

[@omarmandujano6772]

None of these trucks should be anywhere near 10k 1.5k on the low end to 8k at the highest

[@thefreshprinceofgreenhills]

Still regretting selling my 01 F150 Lariat back in 2011, one of the worst decision i made in my life if i may say

[@chrisvinson9579]

Everytime we buy a honda or tocon we are telling them they do b it better than we do.

[@pistons_n_pizza]

Why didn’t yas put the years in

[@7.3_power_stroke]

ppl who watch the cboys know rangers can tow a train

[@colbypimentel8348]

How on first gen gmc canyon

[@colbypimentel8348]

No

[@rheser]

It's going to be very similar to the 720S & Gintani built a better engine for it so wont be long before you do some damage tou the Senna if you tune it, I'm not sure😅 jtdnsnhngood

[@atomicred604]

Chevy Avalanche

[@chrisvinson9579]

I would pay more for a vehicle made in America.

[@qooch481]

in what world is a decent tacoma anything less than 15k

[@LoveThrowed]

BMW need to make pick up trucks 🤣

[@Twinflame915]

Any car over 10k is not a first car that’s like your 2nd car lol

[@boyscouts5000]

Truck gang

[@paulbrosky5262]

I have a v8 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab. U want it I'll give it to u. All u have to do is hit me up. An come get it. It i lost my license because of a seizure not while driving an has been sitting for about ten years now. It was running perfectly but the driver side door frame is bent and like all pick-ups the bed is rusted. My name is Paul.

[@buzz9296]

I think that I don’t care what TRAVIS THINKS! The little biased Toyota hater! He does not give Toyota its due respect. Toyotas truck and SUV’s are one of the best, reliable and well performing off-road vehicle YOU CAN BUY! EVEN WITH STOCK PARTS!( now I’m not gonna be rock or mud crawling in it with stock parts) either way Travis does not do Toyota justice in explaining how mechanically sound they all are and on how they perform. I Sorry Travis but not all American trucks are better.

[@kingsweettea9231]

Then why are they behind all the American Trucks in sales numbers? Toyota makes very good vehicles but they are out of touch with truck guys. All the full size trucks are more than reliable enough for the average joe. Looks,comfort, and function matters most. I've never had ant transmission issues with any of my chrysler vehicles. Its lack of maintenance. My Ram has 255k and shifts like new. My chevy has 324 k and is on its second transmission. Id buy another one too. My brothers Toyota has had issues too but overall very reliable.....but it doesn't hold a candle to the Ram or the Chevy in Ride quality or comfort.

[@haydintroutman3596]

dont buy a ford ranger i have one its worth like 1500 and ive put like 4000 into it and its stock

[@chrisvinson9579]

I thinkbit is sad vhina and japan can make a more reliable vehicle than usa

[@kieffer9048246551]

You missed the 5.6 liter Titan from Nissan. Also a good first truck.

[@alexcurtis8132]

I'm picking up an 06 to replace my 92 Chevy(blown trans go figure)on Thursday....out of like 100 trucks I searched the nissan was one of the 2 that was actually decent in my price range lol definitely slept on

[@clementlonghurst7701]

truuuucks

[@chrisvinson9579]

Don't worry china and. Japan will show you how to do it.

[@Miles-wy1zr]

Dodge rams have a ton of problems. You’re playing with dynamite.

[@flannyclips2545]

No s-10

[@bobbylite8394]

Don't like the energy, stopped watching in the first 20 seconds.

[@DragunovSVDreaper]

10th gen f150 is the only trash pick, worst looking generation in my opinion.

[@drewkelmen]

exaxtly

[@mileskobab3523]

Can u buy me a truck ?

[@robbinsjake530]

Thats why i dont like fords

[@JamesBarnes-q2z]

I must have got an 01F150 dud. There’s rust everywhere and my 5.4 2 valve has 2 misfires that aren’t fixed by coils and plugs 🫤.

[@TheBorathon]

13:43 you are never paying 12grand for a srt-10 in good shape. That thing probably has a blown transmission which will set you back another 10grand lmao. I got mine two years ago for 4 times that price and it's in near-mint condition with 15k original miles.

[@tls5669]

No S10?

[@dare_dabeast9138]

98' F-150, and the comment about seattle and trucks has never been truer 🥲