Used Pickup Trucks for Under $35K
These three current and former 10Best-winning pickup trucks are available with not a lot of miles for not a lot of dollars.
Pickup trucks are like a morning cup of coffee: Not everyone needs one, but some people really benefit from having one. We view ourselves as part of the latter group (for both pickup trucks and morning coffee), and odds are that if you're on this page, you feel the same way about yourself.
And if you've got right around $35,000 to spend, then you'll find plenty of great pickup truck options on our used car marketplace, from small compact options, large full-size ones, and everything in between. Below are three current and former 10Best-winning pickup truck models that we routinely see selling for under $35,000 with less than 60,000 miles on their clocks, clean titles, and accident-free history reports.
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2022–Present Ford Maverick
Not everyone needs a big pickup truck, and the Ford Maverick, which includes used 2022 Ford Mavericks and newer, caters to buyers looking for the versatility a pickup's open bed offers with the dimensions and driving dynamics of a small crossover SUV. Mavericks with the gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain are the fuel misers of the model line; however, so-equipped Mavericks were front-drive-only affairs until the 2025 model year, at which point Ford offered optional all-wheel drive.
Opting for the available turbocharged four-cylinder engine brings extra oomph at the cost of some fuel efficiency. No matter the model year, Mavericks with the turbo four came with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Truth is, you can't go wrong with either powertrain option, which is why we've awarded the entire Maverick line a spot on our 10Best list for the past four years.
2020–Present Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size pickup that appeals to a certain kind of truck buyer. Specifically, the type that values the off-road capability and open-air driving of the Jeep Wrangler, but needs a bit more cargo space than the brand's rough-and-tumble SUV offers.
Used 2020 Gladiators represent the earliest model year for the model, which Jeep continues to sell today. Most Gladiators rely on a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 for motivation, though some sport a diesel-drinking turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. Unfortunately, Jeep pulled the plug on the latter engine option after the 2023 model year.
Unlike the Wrangler, there are no plug-in hybrid or V-8 options for the Gladiator, but gas-powered models are available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The fact that you can nab a used Gladiator with three pedals is arguably reason enough to give this truck a look.
2019–Present Ram 1500
Ever since it entered the market, the current-generation Ram 1500, meaning used 2019 Ram 1500s and newer, has secured a spot on our annual 10Best list. Take one of these full-size pickups for a spin, and you'll understand why.
Credit the truck's coil-spring coddled rear axle that nets a shockingly untrucklike ride quality, all the while maintaining the capability buyers expect from a pickup truck. There's plenty of engine options available, too, including a naturally aspirated V-6, a short-lived diesel-drinking turbocharged V-6, a rowdy V-8, and, in used 2025 Ram 1500s and newer models, a smooth and powerful twin-turbo I-6. There's also the supercharged V-8 that powered the late (but reportedly soon to return) Ram 1500 TRX, but don't expect to find one of these high-powered pickups with low miles and a clean history report for less than $35,000.
One caveat: take note of Ram 1500s with the "Classic" nomenclature. So-badged 1500s were sold between 2019 and 2024. Despite their coinciding model years with the current-generation 1500, the 1500 Classic is actually the previous-generation truck, which Ram sold alongside the current one.
We won't dissuade you from checking out a Ram 1500 Classic, as it's still a solid pickup with reasonable refinement, but we think you'd be wise to look past any 1500 Classics that aren't going for an insanely low price.
TIPS AND INSIGHTS
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
The best thing you can do before purchasing a used vehicle is have a pre-purchase inspection (or PPI) done. It's a simple process: find and pay a local mechanic to give the vehicle you're considering a lookover to ensure there are no hidden issues. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Get a Vehicle History Report
The second-best thing you can do before purchasing a used vehicle is to get its history report. Make sure there are no mileage inconsistencies or major car accidents on the record that could jeopardize the value or safety of the vehicle.
Be sure to get under any used car if possible. You'll want to make sure there's no sign of rust setting in. Be sure to look and feel under the wheelwells, too.
Underbody Beatings
Get a good look underneath any truck you're looking at and make sure any uncovered portions are free from damage. If there's underbody shielding, then take note of its condition, too. Lots of dings and dents on the underbody likely signal that the trucks you're looking at did some off-tarmac adventuring.
The presence of such abrasions is not necessarily a bad thing; however, it does mean issues from these may later present themselves. If you were on the fence about getting a PPI, then well-worn underbody shielding should be the final straw that convinces you to get one.
Check the Condition of the Top
If you're looking at a drop-top truck like the Jeep Gladiator, make sure to check the condition of the folding soft top (if equipped). Rips, tears, or lots of wear on the fabric or plastic windows are things you'll want to fix, so be sure to factor those costs into the price when negotiating a deal with the selling dealer.
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg's career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend.
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