Looking to pick up a pickup? Before you beef out a hefty amount on a new set of monster wheels, it may be better to buy a used vehicle first, especially if you're a truck virgin. Many a new driver has managed to get his ride trashed or stuck or basically turned their driving skills viral because they weren’t able to handle a new truck or SUV.

Buying a used vehicle does a few good things for you–it lets you get used to the monster you're driving to the point that a couple of scratches or dents here and there don’t pinch all that much. Plus you don’t need to mortgage the house to finance the car! While you can buy a great used pickup truck for under $10,000, we suggest you lower your sights even further down to big vehicles you can buy for under $5,000. Sure, these trucks aren't the new models with new-fangled features you may not even need, much less understand, but as long as they have a solid engine under the hood, come with a dealer’s guarantee, and cost you less than $5,000, they're definite steals for the pickup newbie in you. These trucks were built solid and were meant to last many a decade, so even as a well-used seconds vehicle, they can still give you all that you hope to get from your first pickup truck or SUV. They have great engine power, ride well on the road, and can handle pretty much everything you throw at them. So, here’s a list of all the great pickups or SUVs you can manage to land for under $5,000…

25 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe

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What’s good about the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe? Other than its robust 4.8L V8 engine producing 275 horsepower and 290 ft-lbs of torque, its roomy interiors and sheer engine reliability make it a good choice for any pickup newbie. According to Edmunds, this isn’t a car that likes to break down much, and most owners praise it for its sturdiness and truck-like durability.

Most of the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles will have an excess of 200,000 miles on the vehicle simply because this is one vehicle most owners don't want to sell off.

The four-speed automatic routes power to all four wheels and makes it a car capable of handling just about the worst-laid roads with ease. Most models come equipped with fog lights, heated outside mirrors, side-mounted assist steps, and a programmable Home Link transmitter for opening garage doors or automatic gates. Also, if properly equipped, the 2002 Tahoe can tow a whopping 8,700 pounds. While the interiors of this model aren't swank, they do have power adjustable driver and front-passenger seats and a fairly roomy car space. Some 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space makes it a well-loaded car, and the fuel economy is a decent 13 miles per gallon in the city, 16 on the highway.

24 1998 Ford Ranger

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The Ford Ranger remained a rather popular choice with many for a while, and it stayed in the market for the longest as well, from its introductory year of 1982, till the very millennial 2012. Most experts agree that the last meaningful update that the Ford Ranger got was in 1998, so if you like this car, buy it from the year 1998 upwards because of the added safety features. A user on CarGuru praises the 98 Ford Ranger in stellar words: “Bought the Ranger, and so far, it has been fun to drive. Even with 205K, it's still running strong. Minimal rust and body damage, but there is some. Being a stick shift, it gets great gas mileage. Not much performance, but that’s not the purpose of it.” And that’s just about as perfect a review as it'll get. The Ranger is perfect if you love old trucks that have decent running power but not much tow power to speak of. When found with the 4.0L V-6 engine under the hood, the vehicle can tow up to 6,000 lbs, which is close to what a full-size truck can do. There are jump seats in the back, which means that this isn't a great vehicle for family driving.

23 2001 Dodge Durango

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The Durango was launched in 1998 with a 5.9L V8 engine. At the time, a Durango could tow up to 7,300 pounds, which gave it the same tow power as much larger SUVs.

According to Autobytel, it was renowned for reliability, and owners praise the Dodge's durability.

While the engine was as powerful as ever, the fuel economy wasn’t great, and that remained one of its cons. In 2001, the Durango lost its engine and came up with a 4.7L V8 as standard, with a 4x4 and a 4x2 powertrain. This routed 235 horsepower and 295 torque. Fuel economy was at 12 miles per gallon in the city and 17 on the highway. The Durango could seat up to eight people, and tow 4,100 pounds. Additional features included interior revisions, including a new dashboard with an oil-level indicator, a new center console, and a dashboard control for the 4-wheel-drive system. Most owners said that the Durango rode like a large car, which means the rides were comfortable even on bumpy roads. Correction is needed to stay the course on highways, but even then, the Durango doesn't feel like a ponderous drive, though it's a bit noisy. The air conditioner is another trouble spot.

22 2010 Chevrolet Colorado

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One of the later models, the 2010 Chevy Colorado can still be bought at a rather low price. When it first came into the market, it didn't win rave reviews, and for sure, GM could've done up the interiors better. While the fully loaded model was still okay, the lower models were an interior disaster. To begin with, with a rather compact size, the Colorado is a great option for those who don’t need too big a vehicle. If you manage to get the V-8 engine with 300 horsepower and 320 torque, you have yourself the perfect vehicle that can reach 0-60 mph under seven seconds. Plus, it can tow up to 6,000 pounds. The interiors are dismal at best, and there's wind noise at top speeds. Many users also complain about the air conditioner that has a simple defect—the compressor works on a relay/thermostat setup. So, if you have the controls on high, the compressor shuts off, and it doesn't blow cold air! But overall, most users call it a great little truck that rides well on all roads and cranks out unbelievable power. The mileage runs between 18-26 miles per gallon, which is pretty okay for a car this size.

21 1999 Ford Expedition

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The Ford Expedition is one good family car with a good ride quality that makes it a great choice for short trips or longer hauls alike. The car was some 17 feet long, but it had more driving ease and maneuverability than other full-size SUVs. Roomy interiors and some 120 cubic feet of cargo capacity made it the perfect family ride.

For the 1999 Expedition, Ford did a good thing by increasing the power in its Triton V-8 engines. So, you could buy the original 4.6L V8 with 240 horsepower and 280 torque or get a cooler 5.4L version with 260 horsepower and a whopping 350 torque.

For trucks under $5,000, you may not get the latter high-powered version, though. So, if you want to shell out a bit more, it might be well worth it. The high-powered engines let the Expedition have a towing capacity of an amazing 8,000 pounds. A four-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels made it a roadworthy car, but the fuel economy was a low 11 miles per gallon in the city and 16 on the highway. Overall, it was a great car to have if fuel wasn't so much an issue.

20 2001 GMC Sierra

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When the GMC Sierra C3 came out, it may have looked pretty much like the Chevy Silverado, but the difference lay in not just the sparkle and paint. The premium model also came with a power-packed 6L Vortec V-8 engine with 325 horsepower and an amazing 370 torque. The Sierra C3 was later rechristened as the "Sierra Denali" and boasted a full-time all-wheel-drive system, very different from GM's usual Autotrac four-wheel drive. In case you opted for the extended cab with rear demi doors, you got space enough for five, plus leather insides and great audio. Now, while the C3 isn’t a sports truck, it isn't a ponderous giant either, and despite a heavy curb weight, the truck will get faster once the mileage adds up. Obviously, there's no fuel economy with the truck giving 11 miles in the city and some 14 miles on the highway. According to a user on Edmund, “Whether you're hauling the boat to the lake for the weekend, driving up to the ski area, or taking the wife out to a nice dinner, the C3 does it all. The C3 is the ultimate truck.” And there you have it! Apparently, this is the triathlete of all trucks.

19 1999 GMC Yukon

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The GMC 1999 Yukon is another great truck to get for under $5,000, especially if you manage to get its high-end Denali range, which is like the Escalade in luxury. But the Denali might be rare at this price, so even if you get the base version, it’s cool because being a GMC, even the base model tends to give all the power accessories and decent comfort and convenience features as well. The engine is a standard GMC 5.7 Vortec V8 that delivers a 255 horsepower and 330 torque. The four-speed automatic routes power to all four wheels, plus it has an impressive towing capacity of 7,000 pounds. Fuel economy is pretty standard for this kind of a heavy vehicle, ranging from 11 miles in the city and some 15 miles on the highway. Users describe it as a great and durable vehicle that can give you a luxury ride but also tow some heavy weight behind it. Obviously, for a 2001 model, there’s aren't a lot of electronics in the car, but then, fewer electronics also mean you end up breaking less stuff, especially if you have clumsy kids in the car. Overall, it's a great buy for a pickup newbie!

18 2000 Toyota Tundra

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The funny thing about the Toyota Tundra was that it was first announced in May 1999 as a 2000 model but was named the "T-150." That sounded suspiciously similar to the American sweetheart Ford F-150, and even automotive magazines noted the same with unease. Ford, of course, in true-blue American style, filed a lawsuit against Toyota, so the Japanese manufacturer conceded and instead named their truck "Tundra." The lawsuit troubles didn't stop it from picking up the truck of the year award by Motor Trend Magazine in 2000.

You could buy two versions of it: one with a 3.4L V6 engine with 190 horsepower and 220 torque and a stronger 4.7L "i-Force" V8 engine that gave the car 245 horsepower and 315 torque.

It’s a great choice for anyone looking to buy a truck under $5,000. It gives you around 15 miles per gallon on city roads and increases to about 18 on the interstate. Users like it for it offers all the comforts of a sedan in a truck, so it’s a good buy for anyone looking to make a transition from a sedan to a truck. Safety-wise, it does better than any other truck of that model year.

17 1999 Honda CR-V

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There’s a certain reliability when it comes to the brand name "Honda." And Honda’s CRV or Customizable Resource Vehicle becomes a steal if you're looking to get a truck under $5,000. With a 2L engine, the Honda CRV cranks out 146 horsepower, and if you use it within speed limits, it gives an impressive mileage in the early 20s. The good thing about the Honda CRV is that it looks and feels like an SUV but rides like a car, and you can choose between a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual. The only con to this car is that the timing belt often shows wear, and it might need to be replaced in a used vehicle to avoid any highway breakdowns. The all-wheel drive works beautifully on all roads since the engine torque gets split between the front and the rear wheels–this helps in maintaining traction at all times, be it on city-slick roads or the rather rough terrains of state highways. Remember that the Honda CRV isn't built for very challenging terrain because of the low-range gear, as well as the absence of protective undercarriage plates. User reviews at Edmund recommend that the valves be adjusted every 20-30K miles to avoid any costly repairs.

16 2004 Toyota Tacoma

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While the 2004 Toyota Tacoma isn't terribly stylish, it’s a sturdy vehicle high on Toyota reliability, so it's a good option if you're looking to buy a truck under $5,000. The Tacoma came into the market in 1995, and the 2004 is a pretty good option if the under-$5000 tag is important to you. The Tacoma is a basic pickup truck that's been manufactured by Toyota since 1995, and it was introduced with three different engine options.

A 2.4L with 142 horsepower and 160 torque, a 2.7 with 150 horsepower and 177 torque, and finally, a 3.4L V6 that gave 190 horsepower and 220 torque.

There was no v8 option, so the v6 was what most buyers preferred. Most users would call it a capable, long-lasting, and economical pickup with good fuel economy. Another great thing about the Tacoma is that until the 2004 models, due to inadequate rust-proofing, Toyota will either repair the frame or buy back the truck for 1.5 times its retail value. In case a frame is found to be rusty to the point of perforation, the frame is replaced with a new one instead of a buyback. And there’s no mileage cap to this offer.

15 1999 Infiniti QX4

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One user at Edmunds called the Infinity QX4 "the truck that cannot be killed." And while you may find it to basically be a Nissan Pathfinder in disguise, it did come with far better and luxurious interiors. A 3.3L V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission routed its 168 horsepower and 196 torque to all four wheels, making it a great truck to buy for under $5,000. While it’s not very high in fuel economy with 15 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway, it did stick to the standards. Most users call it a very comfortable car to drive and ride in. If you fold the rear seat, the QX4 offers 85 cubic feet of cargo space. Else, it can seat up to five passengers in comfort. Another plus point for this car is that there's hardly any road noise in it, which seems to be a common enough problem with pickup trucks and SUVs. Some users at EveryAuto have pointed out to the rather cramped leg space in the back that makes getting in and out a bit tough for any large-sized adult. Plus, there are the rust issues that have also prompted a few recalls by Nissan in the past. But otherwise, it’s a dream to drive.

14 2001 Dodge Ram 2500

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Anybody who's ever owned a Dodge Ram 2500 will tell you that the best thing about this muscle truck is the 5.9L Cummins ISB diesel engine and that the only downside to this car is the parts, which aren't Cummins! It may not fit into the classic car mould, but the Cummins Diesel Ram did get many a driver hooked to it. This model had the fuel injection pump added to it to spruce up performance but, over time, only proved to be a weak link. The electronically controlled Bosch VP44 injection pump has often failed, as users lament, and so, it needs to be replaced every now and then. Another shortcoming was the 53 block on the driver side of the door, which tends to crack over time, but this was purely a cosmetic side effect.

And while most used Dodge Ram 2500s will have quite a bit of mileage, they're powerful workhorses and will pull almost anything if you're in need of a muscular vehicle capable of doing a lot.

If you want to crank up its horsepower to 500 plus, you’ll need to upgrade the injector, the turbo, and the programmer. And if you do end up getting a high miler, replace the VP44 pump, to start with, to avoid getting disappointed. Consider yourself lucky if you get it under $5,000 as well!

13 1998 Jeep Cherokee

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The 1998 Jeep Cherokee is one solid truck, and you can get it for under $5,000 if you look around hard enough. The engine is a 4L inline six-cylinder one that cranks out some 190 horsepower on an automatic transmission. It's loud enough to gain attention when you're on the road, but the jeep is solidly built, so it won't let any road noise in. The fuel economy is a reasonable 14 miles on city roads and 19 on the freeway, the average for a truck of this kind.

It can pull almost anything, so it's a good tow vehicle. But it also handles well in snow and off-road, so it has sports utility as well.

Most users love the 98 Jeep Cherokee, and perhaps, the only downfall to this vintage is the rather faded paint jobs and rust on the doors in its later years, all of which can be easily fixed. In case you cannot find this one fitting your budget, try looking for the 125-horsepower four-cylinder engine option with a manual transmission–if you can drive stick comfortably. As user reviews on CarGurus have it, it’s again an unkillable vehicle and can belt out many a mile without any repairs needed.

12 2003 Nissan Frontier

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Nissan's Frontier is a compact pickup, and the 2003 model came equipped with plenty of fancy enhancements. If you get the Crew Cab model, you get a power-operated retractable top, basically a giant sunroof. Engine-wise, a supercharged 3.3L V6 cranks out 210 horsepower and 246 torque on a four-speed automatic transmission. The 5-speed option drops the torque to 231. Another V6 option gives you 180 horsepower or a manual 2.4L four-cylinder with 143 horsepower. What works in the Frontier’s favor are its good looks, its durability, and its decent size. A downside may be that it’s a gas guzzler because of an engine that’s good but not terribly powerful in the lower models. User reviews at Edmund point to the fact that its knock sensor, as well as its timing belt, is often a problem and may need a change. It was always an affordable truck, so you could get a pretty sweet deal on a used vehicle. However, unlike the Ford that offered a regular can with a 7ft. bed, the Frontier offers you only a 6ft. one. The great point? Most users recommend its decent mileage of about 18-20 in the city and 25+ on the freeway. If you're hauling a heavyweight, that would drop down to some 10-15 miles per gallon.

11 1999 Lexus RX300

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If you do manage to get a 1999 Lexus RX300 for under $5,000, consider it a steal deal. Why? Because the Lexus RX300 is the first of its kind luxury crossover SUV. But do remember, it's intended only for street use. This isn't a vehicle you can use to haul things around or off-road in but is a comfortable ride for those long highway trips. The moment you drive the Lexus RX300, you realize one thing–it’s one quiet drive with almost no road noise filtering in.

A 3L V6 engine works at delivering 220 horsepower and 220 torque, with a four-speed automatic transmission feeding the front or all four wheels on AWD models.

It looks like an SUV and drives like a car and gives you decent fuel economy of about 17 in the city and some 22 on the highway. And if you still doubt its safety features, one user on Edmunds owes her life to the Lexus. She and her husband were hit from behind by a full-size pickup truck doing some 45 mph. While the couple received some back and neck injuries, the cops told them they were lucky they were driving their little tank, the Lexus RX300–else, it could've been far more serious for them.

10 2003 Ford F-150

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With a 2003 Ford F-150, you simply cannot go wrong, especially if you manage to find one under $5,000. The Ford F-series cars have been bestselling vehicles all over the world, and there’s a strong reason why. The F-150's standard Regular Cab and SuperCab 4.2L OHV V-6 engine cranks out 202 horsepower and 252 torque, and that optimizes engine response and fuel efficiency via a split-port induction system.

The more powerful 4.6L SOHC Triton V-8, mated with an F-150 SuperCrew but optional with Regular Cab and SuperCab models, churns out 231 horsepower and 293 torque.

Another high point is the single overhead cam (SOHC) design that has a camshaft in every cylinder head, thereby giving perfect valve control for responsive performance and dependable power. In case you want a beast, there’s an optional 5.4L SOHC Triton V-8 engine that puts out 260 horsepower and 350 torque. Despite being a road monster, it still manages to give about 14-15 miles per gallon in the city and some 18-22 on the freeway. It rides well on all roads, and powerful brakes make it stop when you want. Plus, it can also tow heavy weight with ease–all this vehicle needs is maintenance and repairs, and they're few and far between.

9 1997 Toyota 4Runner

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Toyota knows how to make big trucks and SUVs just fine, and this huge body on the frame of an SUV is as solid as they come. The engines are robust, and if it’s a Toyota, well, it's reliable to a fault! You could buy the Toyota 4Runner in a low 150-horsepower, 2.7L inline four-cylinder option with a five-speed manual or a get an AWD automatic transmission option on the 183-horsepower, 3.4L V6. Fuel economy was 15-17 within city limits but opened out to 18-22 on the highway, depending on the engine and the transmission. Getting this truck under $5,000 may prove to be a bit of a task, as it was always steeply priced, but look around hard enough, and you can land a great deal. It’s one rugged vehicle that looks very outdoorsy and charming, but it doesn’t ride all that well on highways since it tends to bounce around a little too much. Most users comment on the sheer sturdiness of this car and how they simply don’t make them like this anymore, so it’s a long-lasting favorite with many. Thus, despite its price tag and slightly bumpy ride, it'll prove to be value for your money.

8 2005 Dodge Dakota

Via motoropia.com

The Dodge Dakota ran a long run from 1987 to 2011 and was the largest midsize pickup truck till it finally rested its laurels. According to Autoblog, there were many new improvements in 2005, including a hydroformed boxed steel frame, a coil-over front suspension, three excellent engine options, a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, revised styling, and improved build quality. The Dakota rode smoothly and drove quietly and had excellent maneuverability, be it in crowded parking lots, mountain roads, or long, straight highways. It basically competed against the Ford Ranger, the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Nissan Frontier.

Its real power lay in its engine variability, with two options of the V8.

The standard engine was a 3.7 L Magnum V6 with 210 horsepower and 235 torque. Then, there was a standard 4.7L Magnum V8 that cranked out 230 horsepower and 295 torque. Finally, there came a high-output 4.7L V8 with 260 horsepower and a massive 310 of torque. All options were available with a six-speed manual transmission, and the fuel economy ranged between 14 and 19 in the city and on the freeway. The towing capacity was a huge 7,000 pounds-plus, which made it one very popular car up until 2007-08, after which it languished in the market.

7 1998 Toyota RAV4

Via motortrend.com

The RAV4 was Toyota’s mini SUV offering and basically looks like a jellybean on wheels. And that's what may work against it even though you can get this truck under $5,000. Despite its smaller size, the RAV4 has off-roading capabilities built in and can handle relatively rugged terrain and still offer a plush ride. Look for the traditional four-door hatchback or even the two-door convertible. Engine-wise, it remains a simple car to buy because of its single offering of a 127-horsepower, 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine producing 132 torque. The only transmission you could get was a five-speed manual transmission, but you could choose between front- and all-wheel drives. The 1998 Toyota RAV4 also gives you good fuel economy at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 highway and can easily run all day without having any sputters or knocks. Users recommend its good AC, its low highway noise, and its decent power even on low gears, making it a fun drive even on mild off-roads. It may feel a little cramped for large-sized adults, though, and the rear doors knock on high speeds. But other than that, it’s a pleasure of a mini SUV to buy.

6 2005 Nissan Titan

Via cardomain.com

If you're tired of reading about the Ford-150, the GMC Sierra, the Chevy Silverado, and the Dodge Ram, then turn your thoughts towards the Nissan Titan. This is Nissan’s full-size pickup and the first truck from foreign shores to hit the sales of the big three. With a 5.6L, twin-cam V-8 with some 32 valves, it makes even horses look weak with the impressive 305 horsepower it generates. If that isn’t impressive enough, factor in the 379 torque, which means that if it’s not towing anything, the Titan can go from 0-60 in around 7-8 seconds–worthy of a sports car! According to The Car Connection, what works beautifully in its favor is its six-and-a-half-foot truck bed that’s the most versatile on the road because, until 2005, only Nissan understood that every payload was different. They say, and we quote, “There’s a cushy, grabby, rubberized coating on the inner surfaces of the box that protects items from sliding and scuffing. Then, a pair of aircraft-style slotted rails runs longitudinally along the floor, to which heavy-duty cleat-hooks are attached in a variety of positions for securing all manner of ungainly cargo. Twin outdoor lamps amply illuminate the bed for night work, and a 12-volt socket provides outdoor power for tools or playthings. For accessories such as ropes, bungees, and work gloves, Nissan has thoughtfully located locking cubbies within the inner panel of one of the bed walls.” So, if you need a pickup truck under $5,000, look for the Nissan Titan.