Every year, auto manufacturers release new models of vehicles loaded with advanced tech and features. These upgrades come at a price, so the cars’ prices keep rising. Buyers on a budget are left to seek older versions since they are cheaper.
Although the used market has a variety of reliable and affordable cars and trucks, it has some drawbacks. Some vehicles on the used market have many hidden issues that only an experienced mechanic can help identify. When budget shopping for a used truck, remember that it may have a good repair history and look good from the outside, but still be expensive to maintain in the long run. This list has compiled ten cheap trucks plagued with reliability issues that any potential buyer should stay away from.
10 2004-2005, 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
A Chevy Colorado sounds promising as a cheaper, more fuel-efficient, and easier truck to handle than the conventional half-ton truck since it’s smaller. That might be a good option for those not planning on heavy towing with their pickup truck; however, it’s not all a bed of roses with the Chevy Colorado.
For one, the 2004 and 2005 models were infamous for faulty AC systems that randomly stopped working. At the same time, the engine would fail to start, or it would start but always with a check engine light that never seemed to disappear. These automobiles also had an issue with water leakages into the cab, a sign that many used Colorados might have water damage or rust issues.
9 2000-2008 Chevrolet Silverado
The Silverado might be a solid truck today, but it had a long period of problematic releases. One of the most popular issues is their tendency to have rusty brake lines. They are not devoid of engine faults, but transmission problems and steering issues plague them.
A 5.3L V8 2007 or 2008 Silverado might sound like a good idea for truck power, but it is heavy on consumption and also guzzles oil. More issues include a faulty auto transmission and a wobbly suspension. These problems can range from mild to extreme but need expensive repairs.
8 2002-2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevy discontinued the Avalanche in 2013, but many second-hand samples are out there, tempting unsuspecting potential buyers. The plastic cladding was subject to discoloration with time due to exposure to heat. GM tried to resolve this issue, although some older models still suffer from the problem.
Another annoying issue with the Avalanche is a faulty speedometer, which would display the wrong speed. Not only is this very dangerous, but the chances of getting an unintentional speeding ticket are very high. The 2004 and 2005 Avalanches often experienced costly transmission failures. Finally, these trucks are prone to excess oil consumption.
7 2000-2008 GMC Canyon And Sierra
These two vehicles were practically mechanical twins and therefore shared the same problems. It’s easy to find either braking or electrical system faults. The automatic transmission tended to jerk when downshifting.
One peculiar problem with the 2014/15 Sierra 1500s was a bad headlight setup that resulted in dimmed lights and poor night visibility. Perhaps if GMC produced these two separately, they’d have paid more attention to these issues and made better pickup trucks.
6 2001-2003 Dodge Ram 1500
Anyone seeking an older Dodge Ram would want to avoid anything from 2001 to 2003 like a plague. Think of constant engine and transmission failures, extremely sludgy oil, and cracking on the dashboard.
These model years got over a dozen of recalls on different occasions. Even after all the recalls and the revisions, that 2011 Dodge Ram had very bad safety ratings. These cars also had poor electronic systems, and drivers constantly ran into problems with the infotainment, radio, and cruise control systems. Diagnosis alone could cost you close to $200, while a replacement for these items can range around $2,500.
5 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 2500
It’s not uncommon for a RAM 2500 from the years above to run into problems with the AC/heater, which didn’t function properly. The suspension, transmission, and uncontrollable steering are also major issues of concern with these vehicles.
Although the 2007 version had the AC system rectified, the more profound steering and suspension problems persisted. Your best bet is to steer clear of these particular models to avoid ending up with a flat bank account.
4 2004-2005, 2010 Ford F150
The Ford F-150 is a beloved American truck, given that it’s one of the bestsellers. Despite these sales volumes, the vehicle suffers from bad model years plagued with costly problems. The 2004-2005 F150s, in particular, presented worrying nightmares for owners.
Some complaints were about engine problems, and boy, were they serious. Spark plugs were notorious for breaking off inside the head. The motor has been reported to make loud noises and fail several times. The power window motor could also stop working at any moment. The transmission is also known to have failed multiple times, prompting Ford to issue over a dozen recalls for these model years.
3 2005-2008 Toyota Tundra
The rear cross member of the 2002/03 Toyota Tundra was heavily problematic for it was prone to rust, accounting for over 110,000 recalls. The final years of the first generation Tundra and the first years of the second generation were troublesome for owners.
It was common to run into one at the garage with a secondary air pump failure, cold piston slap, or check engine lights. The roof paint was also subject to fading and degradation. The radio also had various malfunctions from time to time.
2 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier was notorious for a catalog of problems, including engine noise, failure to start, and a faulty level sensor causing a recurrent check engine light. Other common problems are a rattling and even explosion of the sunroof on the 2008 model. There have also been reports of coolant leaking into the transmission, a problem that could call for a new and expensive transmission replacement.
The timing chain was not only noisy but also defective and occasionally led to engine damages worth thousands of dollars. Finally, like many other Nissan vehicles, it got a defective fuel gauge that doesn’t show accurate readings.
1 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline
Common problems with Honda Ridgelines from these production years include a faulty AC, peeling paint, and premature rust. In some cases, drivers will experience noise and stuttering when turning due to a breakdown of differential fluid. The timing belt also seems to produce an irritating chirp, indicating that it might break.
Another issue common with Ridgelines is a defective fuel pump. The pump in the gas tank can develop rust and break down, meaning it won’t be able to pump gas to the engine. This problem is costly to fix and could leave you with an empty wallet.