If you are the kind of pickup truck owner who wants to save some money and likes hands-on projects, this list of trucks is for you!
Hardworking pickup trucks are usually tough and low-maintenance, but even the toughest truck needs some work, now and then. Here are the most reliable, easiest-to-repair trucks out there.
The easiest pickup trucks to work on by yourself are the Jeep Wrangler, the Chevrolet Silverado, the Ford F-150, and the Toyota Tacoma. These trucks have uncomplicated, easy-to-navigate parts, and do not require any special tools. The Ford F-150 is also a good choice for a low-maintenance, low-cost pickup truck.
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What Are the Easiest Trucks to Work On?
Pop the hood, and you’ll find the inside of these trucks easy to work on. They are straightforward and don’t require any special tools for basic repairs and maintenance.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wranglers have a loyal following. You won’t have to look far to find advice or tutorials when it comes to working on this beloved off-road vehicle. Also, parts are easily visible and accessible, which makes working on it a breeze. No hoist needed! On the other hand, Jeep Wranglers are known to need frequent repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevy Silverado is an extremely popular pickup truck. Known for its reasonable price, reliability, and tough exterior, it is a solid truck choice. All the major parts are easy to locate under the hood.
One downside is that the Silverado does require special tools and an engine hoist. Once the engine is on the hoist, though, it is easy to take apart and put back together.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is America’s classic truck. This sturdy, basic truck is also very easy and intuitive to work on. The engine is clearly marked and does not require special tools for mechanical work. It is possible to work on the engine without a hoist, though it will make it much easier to work on the engine.
Toyota Tacoma
The price tag on the Toyota Tacoma is a bit higher, but it is a truly simple vehicle. It doesn’t require any special tools or an engine hoist.
What Are the Cheapest Trucks to Maintain?
If you’re working with a budget, it’s good to know which truck will cost the least to maintain.
Ford F-150
The sturdy Ford F-150 is at the top of the list. This reliable truck tends to visit the mechanic less often than other similar trucks. In particular, the 2019 model year has great reliability and repair ratings.
GMC Sierra
Though not quite as reliable as the F-150, the GMC Sierra does have lower than average annual repair costs. The Sierra is rugged, reliable, and full of the latest technology. If you are looking for a full-size truck with a low annual maintenance cost, the Sierra may be a good choice.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevy Silverado is the sister truck to the GMC Sierra. You will find a lot of similarities between the two trucks. The Chevy’s trim packages are slightly less upscale and may cost less to maintain in the long run than a GMC truck.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota represents foreign trucks with the dependable Tundra. It has much lower than average repair costs and is equipped with advanced safety technology.
What Are Some Low Maintenance Trucks?
No one wants to spend all their time and money on truck maintenance. These trucks get the award for reliability without a lot of work.
Ford F-150
Again, the Ford F-150 proves to be a reliable workhorse of a truck, that won’t cost a lot of time and money for upkeep. Not only does it visit the repair shop less often than average, but it costs less per year for routine maintenance and unscheduled repairs.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon comes with lots of user-friendly features. It also received an 80/100 score from J.D. Power for reliability and dependability. This places it solidly in the above-average category and makes it a great low-maintenance truck.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado is durable and sturdy inside and out. It has a great towing capacity. As far as dependability, it scored an impressive 81/100 from J.D. Powers, which means it has above-average reliability.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado made it into J.D. Powers’ “Great” category with a reliability score of 85/100. It’s a full-sized truck with great towing capacity and lots of extras, depending on the trim package. U.S. News and World Report gave it an 8.0/10.
As an added bonus, it also has good fuel economy compared to other full-size pickup trucks.
Final Thoughts
A pickup truck should work for you, not the other way around! Choose one of these reliable, low-maintenance trucks that you can work on yourself. Happy driving!
