What Is the Best Pickup Truck to Buy Used? 6 Great Used Truck Models

February 05, 2021 · 3 min read

Brand new trucks are expensive, and if you want one of the best, you're going to have to pay even more. Fortunately, there are plenty of used trucks that are just as reliable as the day they rolled off the assembly line. The best pickup truck to buy used is one that won't leave you in a lurch when you need it most. Try one of these great used truck models the next time you're in the market for one.

Honda Ridgeline

Not only is the Honda Ridgeline the most reliable used truck available, but it also provides superior handling and a smooth ride. When a pickup truck has a smooth ride, you know you've hit gold. The truck bed itself is a bit short, but there is a hidden lockable storage area under the cargo box floor which allows you to haul more than you think you can. Moreover, the two-way tailgate makes the truck simple to load as well.

Cadillac Escalade EXT

You knew there had to be a luxury pickup truck on this list, and here it is. The Cadillac Escalade EXT provides a luxury ride while still offering a truck bed to haul just about anything you need. Its cargo box is fairly short, but the midgate on later models easily allows you to carry longer cargo as long as you secure it. As with most luxury vehicles, there is plenty of space in both the front and back seats.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger has proven to be such a popular truck that Ford made the decision to put it back in its vehicle lineup. However, used Ford Rangers are still in high demand. When you visualize a pickup truck, the Ford Ranger is what you see. It doesn't offer much in the way of fancy features, but it performs exactly as a truck should. It's reliable and durable, making it an overall great choice for hauling all sorts of stuff.

GMC Sierra 1500

This full-sized pickup truck is considered a best-used buy because of its relative fuel efficiency. You get all the awesome power of a V8 engine, but you also save on gas money, which is an anomaly for a truck of this size. Additionally, the hauling and towing capabilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 are second to none for a truck in this class. You won't have any regrets with this truck both in terms of size and usefulness.

Chevrolet Avalanche

Essentially, the Chevrolet Avalanche the same vehicle as a Chevrolet Suburban with a short truck bed instead of an enclosed cargo area. Even though the cargo box is short, the midgate allows you to haul longer cargo when you fold down the rear seats. This is an ideal choice for someone who needs both a pickup truck and a family vehicle.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevy is known for its trucks, which explains why two of them make this list. If you're looking for a top choice for towing and hauling while still having a nice passenger cabin, this is the truck for you. Reliability and durability round out the qualities that make the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 one of the best-used pickup trucks you can buy.

If you're in the market for a pickup truck but are having sticker shock over the new truck prices, consider one of these six used trucks instead. Come by Rath Auto Resources today to see our fantastic used vehicle inventory and take one for a test drive!

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Sep 27, 2026 in Best Used Cars (by Auto Brand)

How to Buy a Used Car in Fort Smith, AR

How to Buy a Used Chevy: A Guide for Fort Smith, AR Shoppers Are you in the market for a “new to you” vehicle? Are you wondering how to buy a used Car? You’re already making a good decision to check out used Chevys near you in Fort Smith, AR. Chevrolet has a long-standing reputation for building dependable trucks, SUVs, and cars that hold up well over time. So, if you're drawn to the durability of a Silverado or the practicality of an Equinox, the used market gives you access to quality vehicles at a more accessible price point. Figure Out What You Need Before You Shop Before you start browsing inventory, it helps to get clear on what you actually need. Think about how you use your vehicle daily - do you transport equipment, shuttle kids to school, or simply need reliable transportation to and from work? Chevy's lineup covers a wide range of needs. Trucks like the Silverado and Colorado are good choices if you need towing or payload capability. If you want something more fuel-efficient, a used Equinox or Trailblazer might be the better fit. Set a Realistic Budget One of the most important steps in learning how to buy a used car is understanding the full cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. Factor in insurance, registration, fuel, and potential maintenance costs before you commit to a vehicle. A used Chevy can offer real value. Many models are known for their reliability and have widely available parts, which can help keep maintenance costs reasonable. Setting a firm budget range before you visit a dealership makes the entire process feel much less overwhelming. Know What to Look for During the Inspection When you're shopping for a used vehicle, a thorough inspection is essential. Ask to see the vehicle history report, which can reveal previous ownership, accident history, and service records. Pay attention to the condition of the exterior, the interior, and under the hood. Check for signs of rust, worn upholstery, or anything that seems inconsistent with the mileage on the odometer. If possible, have a trusted mechanic take a look before you finalize your decision. Take It for a Test Drive Never skip the test drive. This is your chance to get a real feel for how the vehicle performs. Pay attention to how it accelerates, brakes, and steers. Listen for any unusual sounds and make sure all the technology and controls inside the cabin are working properly. Chevy vehicles are known for intuitive layouts and solid build quality, so if something feels off during the drive, you should ask questions about the issue. Work With a Dealership You Can Trust Choosing the right dealership makes a significant difference in how smooth and transparent the buying process feels. Look for a dealer who is upfront about vehicle history, pricing, and financing options. You should feel comfortable asking questions and never feel rushed into a decision. At Rath Auto Resources, Fort Smith, AR shoppers can explore a selection of used vehicles and get guidance from a team that prioritizes straightforward, helpful service. Visit Rath Auto Resources to browse current inventory and take your first step toward finding the right used Chevy for your needs.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox in Stunning Red color

Apr 28, 2026 in Best Used Cars (by Auto Brand)

Discover the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox in Fort Smith, AR

Performance and Trim Levels Rath Auto Resources offers the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox in Fort Smith, AR. This compact SUV is designed for daily driving and provides several options for different needs. This model features four trim levels, which are the L, LS, LT, and Premier. Interested buyers should contact the dealership to learn more about the current inventory. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offers three engine choices. The standard 1.5L 4-cylinder engine produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. For more power, the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine provides 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. There is also an available 1.6L turbo-diesel engine that delivers 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is available to provide better traction in different road conditions. Interior Technology and Cargo Space The cabin is designed for utility and comfort. It offers 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded flat. Standard models include a 7" touchscreen, but an 8" screen is available on higher trim levels. The Chevrolet Infotainment System supports Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® for smartphone integration. Other available features include a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging for mobile devices. The exterior features vary by trim level. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox comes with 17" wheels as a standard feature on most trims. However, 18" and 19" wheels are available on the LT and Premier trims. These larger wheels provide a different look and handling feel for the vehicle. Safety Systems The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox includes several safety features. Every model comes with a rearview camera and Teen Driver technology. This technology allows owners to set limits on speed and audio volume for younger drivers. Additional driver assistance systems are available on higher trims. These include Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert are also options. These systems help the driver monitor the area around the vehicle while driving or reversing. Contact Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, AR to ask about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The sales team can help you identify which features are included on specific models in stock.

Apr 25, 2025 in Best Used Cars (by Auto Brand)

Looking for Affordable Luxury? Check Out the Top 5 Used Luxury Vehicles on the Market Today

Image via BMW Used luxury vehicles provide exceptional performance and style without stretching your budget. Overwhelmed by your options? Our team here at Rath Auto Resources is here to help kickstart your search with these premium pre-owned selections. 3 Used Luxury Vehicles That Offer Quality at an Affordable Price 1. 2019 BMW 7 Series The 7 Series is a spacious, stylish large sedan with an athletic 320-horsepower base engine and standard adaptive air suspension. Higher trims have powertrain options that include a potent V12 and a plug-in hybrid. This model features a standard Harman Kardon audio system, a touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation, and desirable comfort features such as power-adjustable heated front seats. You'll also have two front-seat USB ports and Bluetooth. The 7 Series gives you more than 18 cubic feet of trunk space, which is generous for a luxury car. It also incorporates standard driver assistance tech such as pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic emergency braking. The 2019 7 Series lineup earned an above-average predicted reliability rating from JD Power and Associates. 2. 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 550 Consider the GLS 550 for a powerful SUV that can easily accommodate up to eight people. The GLS-Class lineup was redesigned for 2017 and includes a new 8-inch infotainment screen with a user-friendly touchpad controller. The high-end 550 trim provides leather upholstery and multi-contoured sport seats with ventilation, heat, and massage. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, a driver drowsiness monitor, LED headlights with automatic high beams, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. The 550 has 16 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear, which expands to nearly 94 cubic feet when you fold down the second and third rows. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class was ranked 2017's top large luxury SUV by US News and World Report and has an outstanding JD Power Predicted Reliability rating. 3. 2023 Land Rover Defender S The Land Rover Defender is a rare luxury vehicle that can handle truly tough terrain. This two-door model features a turbo-four that gets 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes with a four-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a two-speed transfer case. A standard water depth sensor provides key data if you decide to ford a stream with your Defender. The interior includes dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a 10-speaker Meridian audio system with satellite and HD radio, and a large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assistance tech in the Defender includes trailer sway control and traffic sign recognition. The base trim seats five, but some models in the 2023 lineup seat up to eight passengers. Used luxury models give you unmatched value and time-tested reliability. Visit Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR to browse our impressive inventory and bring home your perfect match today.