Posted Tuesday, Sep 14, 2021
Owning a truck can be a huge life and labor saver. It’s much easier to throw something in the back of your truck versus trying to get it loaded in a trunk of a car. You end up with more vertical space as well. The issue lately is the increase of prices on vehicles. Cars have increased at an average of 18% while truck prices have increased by a whopping 40% since 2004! There are thousands of moderately priced and mileage trucks on the market but which ones are reliable? Premier Used Cars and Trucks has taken some to do some research and here are the top 10 most reliable trucks under $10,000 in the 2000’s we think you may enjoy.
The years to avoid on this model would be 2004-2006. These models had tremendous issues with their rear differentials leaking that were so bad that they needed to be replaced all together. 2005 has to be one of the worst years of this model because they also had numerous consumer complaints about the drivetrain. By 2007 Nissan was able to get these issues resolved.
Debuted in 2005, the Mitsubishi Raider was based mostly on the large Dodge Dakota. The name was also recycled from the Dodge Raider SUV. Unfortunately that truck wasn’t as successful as other trucks in the market at that time, even though it is one of the only ones that has very little consumer complaints.
Don’t let the size of the Ford Ranger fool you. This beauty can haul wood/dirt and can tow more than 5,500 pounds! The low price and durability of the truck is considered two main advantages to purchasing this vehicle. Although the last Ford Ranger to be produced was in December 2011, it is coming back in 2019!
Debuting in 1997, the Nissan Frontier has managed to keep itself in front of the pack. In 2001 the Frontier had some significant upgrades which included a modern exterior body style and also a supercharged V6 engine! This model was also offered in King Cab, Crew Cab and configurations such as 4x2 and 4x4.
Debuting in May 1999, the Tundra is the first full sized pickup currently being manufactured in San Antonio, Texas by Japanese manufacturer Toyota. The Tundra shares many similarities to the older bigger Toyota Tacoma such as the 3.4 Liter V6 engine being the main one. The First Generation Tundra had features such as 2 door regular cab, 4 door access cab or 4 door double cab. It also came in and automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. By 2003 the Tundras grille was updated as well the new Stepside Cab models being offered.
Although it may seem that this year had many complaints for this model, the majority of those complaints had to do about the side windows not rolling up. Compared to the 2007 model which has fewer complaints but those complaints were about engine problems. This is one case where it pays off to do your research and read the complaints because although one may have more than the other, it doesn’t mean that the problem is as big as the one with fewer complaints which in this care is very costly to replace.
This year was a great year for the Chevrolet Colorado. It received a gorgeous facelift, new colors were offered such as the beautiful Deep Ruby, Pace Blue and Imperial Blue. Minor changes to the front grille, newer engines, tires and wheels were also added.
Efficiency was clearly on the minds from the Dodge Manufactures this year. Remote Start and an Electronic Stability Program became options for the Ram truck this year refining the stresses of safety and efficiency. Reduced drag brake calipers and low rolling resistance tires were also added for fuel efficiency. They clearly took the steps and made changes to the Ram to make it more efficient for its customers!
The Dodge Dakota is offered with two different engine choices, the 3.7 liter V6 and the more powerful 4.7 liter v8 engine. In its 3rd generation, the Dakotas towing capacity increased from 1,800 pounds to 7,050 pounds! Although smaller than its bigger brother the Dodge Ram, this truck has some comparable powerful similarities.
The GMC Canyon is the twin to the Chevrolet Colorado. Both received facelifts, new powerful engines, newer tires and wheels and offered in 3 new colors; Sonoma Red, Sport Blue, and Midnight Blue. Only minor changes to the grille and interior were made for the LT and LTZ models while the LS models kept the same pre-facelift look.
These are just a handful of reliable trucks that we have spotlighted. We also have many other trucks in different price ranges that are just as reliable. Don’t hesitate to stop by or call our friendly staff to help you with any questions you may have or to set up a time to come down and look at our trucks.