I'm in the market for a truck to support my family of 4 + 1 large dog for all sorts of typical outings. If you were in my position which trucks would you be shopping for in terms of make / year / mileage, etc.? I live near the mountains in Colorado, so 4x4 is a must.
Edit: Love the replies and appreciate the wide range of suggestions. I'll do some research into some models I hadn't previously considered and see what sticks. Cheers
Please find me a $20k Tacoma that has less than 200k miles lol
And can fit a family of 4 and a large dog? The rear seat of a crew cab Tacoma is worthless for anyone besides an infant
You’re obviously not a parent. Infant rear-facing seats take up a TON of space.
I didn’t say a car seat because obviously that wouldn’t fit. Only a human the size of an infant can fit back there
I should’ve been less of a dick and said “not even an infant. Rear-facing seats take up a TON of space.”
Well at least you are self aware about you dickishness,
(I just wanted to type dickishness)
You guys bashing on the Tacoma rear seats have it all wrong. Humans much larger than an infant can fit. I could totally put a mid-sized toddler in mine. (Well, with the front seats pushed forward, of course.)
That's totally true. My gf dad has a 06 and I'm not even 6 foot and it's incredibly uncomfortable back there.
I have a Tacoma. When my daughter’s boyfriend rides in the back I make sure it’s as uncomfortable as possible physically, mentally and emotionally. ;)
People need to stop trying to cram a family of 4 and a large dog into a pickup truck and just get an SUV. Most people don't need a truck.
I just sold my ‘07 double cab 4x4 with a canopy & Toytec lift for $16.5k. 162k miles & yes it was rust free. IMO if I were OP I wouldn’t buy a Tacoma for basically a family of 5, not enough space in the cab for that many people.
People are out of touch with the current market
Ha the dealer bought my dads 2019 Tacoma (whatever the turn just above base is) for his loan amount now I’m seeing the base models go for more than what he paid
I'm a GMC type of guy but my buddy's got a newer Tacoma & I'll be damned if not considering one for my next truck
The new tacomas look soooooo nice. They’d be my choice if I ditch my Silverado.
They are crazy expensive though. The equivalent trim of my 2018 is 40-50% more expensive than my Tacoma was in 2018.
A midsize truck for more than $50k is tough to swallow. I’m a complete slut for Toyota, but I’d be looking at 1/2 ton American trucks for that cost.
Absolutely 100% agree. That’s why I’m rocking the Silverado. Cant justify the price even slightly.
That and I go to Milwaukee Brewers games in hopes that someone hits a home run off of the “free if hit by a ball” Tacoma in right field. And then hopefully my seat gets it. Seems like the financially sound decision.
The frontier looks pretty nice and it's almost half the price of Tacoma's lol. I know Nissan isn't Toyota but they're pretty solid if you stay away from their 4 banger CVTs.
Tacoma's also ride like dogshit compared to the 1/2 ton trucks. I have a taco right now and I can't wait to get rid of it.
A midsize truck for more than $50k is tough to swallow.
Its a fucking scam. Mid-sized trucks are supposed to be cheap. Not the cost of a full sized truck. At that price point I'd be buying a Cummins Diesel Ram.
I did the opposite. I ditched my Silverado for a Tacoma in 2021. Would not buy another: - the V8 eco on the Silverado got better gas mileage than the Tacoma V6 with a lot more power - the Tacoma feels cheap. And as a midsize just a bit too small
I would not buy a Silverado again either. Nice looking truck but at 45k had to put a starter in. I know YMMV but I need better reliability than that
I know I'm the minority when it comes to trucks but the new Tacoma is freaking massive!
All the new small trucks are enormous. Seems silly to me to make a small truck that's not small anymore, but that's where the market is headed. If I were in the market for a small truck, I'd genuinely prefer something like the Dakotas and Tacomas and Rangers of old.
They can’t make ‘em small anymore because of CAFE fuel saving regulations.
I know, they'd have to neuter the power plant to meet fuel efficiency requirements.
True. The thing is, in North America, horsepower is such a flex. Most the trucks on the road today don't need even half the engine in them, and never use any of the power it has. You just need power for towing, and 95% of the trucks on the road aren't towing a thing and don't need a v8 or whatever
I would still be driving my 24yr old ranger if i didnt blow the engine. Upgraded to a 2024 frontier and they are the same length/width just way taller
Had an 00 Dakota, switched to a new 13' ram.
I love that ram but if I could slap that 5.7 into a clean Dakota I'd be ecstatic
It’s getting to be a good choice in place of a full size. Full sizes have grown too. I like the Maverick and would buy one if you could get em and if the quality wasn’t a problem
Tacoma all day IF they would just make the damn cab a liiiittle bit bigger. I have more space in my Elantra ffs. The quarter ton segment in general I think is missing out on a lot of tall and/or wide people
They have this but it's a secret option! You just have to say: "Hi, I'd like to buy a Tacoma. No, just kidding, I want a Tundra because I'm fat".
I want a truck the size of the 2006 Tundra
Seconded. Buddy of mine has a taco and that thing will go anywhere and it's reliable af
ITS A FORD FUDGING RANGER!!!
or a ford maverick.
Agreed. Maverick would he tight but manageable. The Ranger is probably what he wants.
Maverick has more room in the cab than the Ranger does
Really? Thatt surprises me! Cool!
I'm not a little truck guy, but I got to drive one of the 4dr mavericks and I really liked it
Maverick may be too small given his passenger requirements, they're shockingly small inside. Smaller than a subaru baja even
Nissan frontier
This is the best actual answer near the top. You aren’t buying a low mileage Tacoma, Ranger, or Maverick for 20K. Maybe a nice Gen 1 Ridgeline, but if you’re looking for cheap value in a truck platform the only answer these days is Frontier.
You can get a gen 2 Ridgeline with 80k miles for around 20 all day in my part of the woods.
I’m probably going to get a 2nd Gen Ridgeline with the 9 speed refresh when my Gen 1 finishes rusting out. I’m looking at $30k out the door minimum if I go buy now. I did see a ‘17 with 80k for about 22k OTD but the 6 speed makes me nervous.
This or 2012 and up Xterra for an SUV. They are seriously slept on hard
I thought Colorado residents all got a choice between a Tacoma, an Outback, or a sprinter van when declaring residency? Man, I assumed wrong.
On a serious note, 5-10 year old full size crew cab truck is probably right for your situation. Tundra or Chevy/GMC would be my go to. I’m from MN and search the Denver marketplace often for trucks, there are some gems hiding in the depths for a decent price. Tacomas are great, but might be tight with your family of 4 and a large dog.
More like 4Runners and Wranglers.
Ford f150 2011 to 2016 with a 5.0. 2015 to 2016 model years have no issues with body rot so if you are buying in the 2011 to 2014 years watch for rust or buy a southern truck and take rlly good care of it.
X2, if well taken care of you can get easily 500k miles without a major issue and they run awesome year round on E85.
In my area, I can get E85 $0.75 to $1.00 cheaper than 87. So my DPM (Dollar Per Mile) is far more than 87 Octane while producing more power than 93 Octane.
Octane doesn't give you more power unless you have problems with knocking. E85 gives a jump in hp for sure.
99-06 Silverado or Sierra. Lots of parts around, bulletproof engine, easy to work on, not complicated. Cheap. have ten grand left over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VbxnaQh_Pk
Didn't consider this - appreciate the link. I'll dig into this.
Definitely what you want, it will run forever if you find a minimal rust version. I've got 280k on my 03
'02 Yukon with 285k miles here.
Can confirm, if you take care of them, they will run and run and run.
I miss my 03 Silverado more than almost any previous vehicle I've had. Shame I totalled it, can confirm it was easy to work on and parts dime a dozen.
Love Car Wizard
I know. I almost want to buy a LaSaber.
😂 same
I have 225k on my 5.3 vortex
Yup... Bought my '02 with 150k on it, drove it for 5 years, and sold it for what I bought it for with 270k on it. Ran like a champ still, but the Michigan winters finally caught up to the body.
This is the way.
GMT800's: the best value trucks you can find.
I own multiples of this gen truck. A 260k mile dually, a 280k mile Yukon xl, and a 402k mile 2500HD. Unbreakable trucks, and can find parts in any parts store across the country.
My daily is a 2000 silverado 1500 with the 4.8L w/ 3500NV standard trans. It's extended cab, with a 5" suspension lift and a 3" body lift on 33" tires. I've had it since 2007. Over 300k miles and while I have had to repair things here and there, overall a solid truck. I'd have no concern driving across the country with it. It drinks a little oil between changes, but it is probably the best generation truck ever made.
I would be looking at a 2007-2013ish Silverado, a 5.0L Ford, or an older Tundra. You will hate a Tacoma or smaller truck for four people and a big dog.
It is laughable how many say a tacoma for 4 people and a dog. These 4 people must all be tiny as the tacamo really don't have the space inside them.
That’s what I was thinking. I have a full four door Tacoma, I’m 6’0” and find it tight with just me, my wife and our 45lbs dog in the back. I couldn’t imagine two kids and a big dog trying to fit in the back
4 + a large dog I would not buy a truck at all. Get a mid-size SUV, it fits those passengers FAR better.
Family of four plus a dog? Suburban, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade ESV. All your gear plus the dog takes up a lot of room.
Agree on the SUV front - though I wouldn't recommend going so big. You aren't hauling 'all your gear' most of the time, and the occasional use of a rooftop cargo box when you do can make for a lot of vehicle cost and fuel costs savings on the difference between full size and mid size.
came here to say suburban. 4x4 plus room for luggage and gear, covered in case of rain.
only drawback is if you also need hauling ability for stuff like mulch, or materials for DIY projects. then a truck bed becomes necessary.
Not really without the rear seat there is at least 6 ft and drop middle seat you have a full 8ft and 4 ft between wheel wells . Lot of lumber can fit in that . You may not be able to stand up a fridge or over large furniture but you can move a 12' wide carpet completely protected from the rain . The only compromise that has enough leg and head room for teenagers and some place for the dog and a bed that can haul upright fridges is an avalanche but the dog is in the bed .
I'm not sure if you should be looking for a 20k Truck with a family of 4 and a large dog. Not too many older trucks in that price range have the interior space you'll need. Even double cab first gen Tacomas will be pretty tight with 2 kids in the back and a dog in the middle. And I wouldn't even think about buying an American truck out of warranty period unless you got a steal on it and it was grandpa owned & garaged with a stack of maintenance records and 3k mile oil changes.
I'd look for a used Lexus GX.
You can get a slightly newer GX for around that price as well but that's a decent option if you don't need the bed
American trucks are the most reliable cars america produces. Plenty of examples of Silverados and f150s with 400k plus miles on them.
Get a minivan. You're a cheap family guy. Embrace it.
Slightly older Tacoma if you rarely ever wanna fix it. My ex had a 2012 that at 240k miles only needed routine stuff like oil changes, tires, brakes, and then an alternator. That was it. No other repairs needed.
Suburban 4x4 square body they’re cheap and cheaper to fix. If you can find one in good condition.
Family of 4 and a large dog needs a full-size SUV.
Look at Toyota Sequoias.
You could easily get a 2015, 2016 Platinum model with less than 200k for under $20K.
This is the correct answer
Are you set on a truck?
Lots of 1/2 ton 4x4 SUVs out there. We went with a Yukon for the space, cargo capacity, towing etc. We can seat seven. Groceries, bags, dogs etc aren't in the bed of a truck, although you can buy a canopy. We remove one of the back seats and have a good sized area for whatever.
They are great all around family vehicles if you need a bigger vehicle. I'm way happier with it than any truck I've driven.
Since noones saying it, gmt 400. Get a fully redone k1500 around 100k, odo meaning little in this case, for 10 to 15 grand. The 80s trucks and older demand at least double because of nostalgic cool factor. These trucks are where I feel the 'valley of value' lies, they're the most underappreciated in this market. People have said 99 to 06 Gen, but they are built more cheaply, are already 20+ year old trucks anyway so they'll need to have been redone, they're slightly more annoying to work on, and topping it off you still pay a premium above bottom dollar 90s trucks, that are the same condition or better, for the newer Gen. I say, why buy a 22 yo truck for 30 or 40 percent more, when you could have 28 yo machine that gets the job done just as well. Obs is the way to go imo, I dislike the new round chic style of design, and I think alot of people feel the same, but considering that the last Gen obs trucks goes a little undervalued in the market rn, people don't fix these trucks simply because they can buy another for cheaper, before too long the market will dry out more, and these trucks will start demanding 2500 bucks wo engine Trans etc etc, and start a 5k for a running truck, in line with exactly where the 70s and 80s trucks are now. You can get a c1500 for damn near $1500 in running and driving shape in a lot of places in the country now, I say take advantage, get a fully decked out one, edit: just looked, I see a white one that's nice for 18, a blue one-that may be my choice- for 15, and a 'super clean' red one, says they want 23500. I'd go blue, similar miles, just hasn't been scrubbed down as hard, more fair price check it out-https://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/d/castle-rock-1997-chevrolet-k-1500/7743467767.html
Cocaine and strippers
Personally, I would be looking for something like This.
Get you a pre 2020 Tundra with the 5.7V8, with your requirements I'd suggest looking into the crewmax cab
Avalanche! You could pick one up for 12 k or less and have some money left over for maintenance and mods. You get a V8 and same gas mileage as a frontier, with way more room and the midgate.
99-06/07 Silverado/Sierra 4x4
My dad had one (extended cab) for our family of 4 (didn’t bring the dog though) and it was big enough to go places and pull a trailer. Although, the crew cab is more comfortable with 4 people I just bought a 2005 extended cab this week actually due to wanting a little longer bed.
The dog makes a truck not a great idea. Get a pre 2015 suburban with 4 low. Add a 4" lift to better get over rocks and get to better camping spots. My rig can do most forest roads without a problem. My Rubicon with 35s still puts the burb to shame off road but it can't carry 3 kids, a large dog, and camping gear for the weekend.
J10 or comanche
SUV for family
Land Cruiser
Not a truck
The nicest Ford Ranger you can find for $10k and put the rest in $$O.
Hmmm, are you towing? Carrying 1500lbs of stuff in the back consistently, doing heavy heavy truck things?
There's a nice 4wd Frontier in Greeley with 65k miles. But check the back legroom. It's a few inches less than a Ford Maverick by comparison.. Same with Tacomas... as a regular hauler for 4 and a dog I don't know if you'd go away with that.
Probably looking at 5-6 years old for a full size and looking around 100k miles or more. The Ram does ride really smooth. Tundra might be an option. I see a 12 year old Tundra with 110k miles for 16 out by you... though it's the double cab, not the full crew, so again, check the back legroom.
Gosh this titan looks tempting too.... probably all highway miles with 100k in 3 years.
Used Toyota Tundra
A car
I would just not buy a truck.
Do you do truck things? Like putting stuff bigger than what could fit in a CUV or towing a lot? If not, get a Forester/Outback. As a fellow Coloradan, with some good tires you'll be far less likely to get stuck or slide in one than any truck
Tundra
Tundra, Tundra and probably a Tundra. I almost forgot to mention Tundra.
Tundra or frontier
Tundra
A set of tires because 20k doesn't buy shit these days
F150 non eco boost
The nicest/lowest mile previous gen Ford Ranger I could lay my hands on
10 Ford rangers
I'd find a 2016-2017 F150 with the 2.7 or 5.0 with about 100k miles. I had one for a couple years and it was great. I'd take the previous body style as well if it was really nice and low miles. A nice 2014 with the 5.0 would be great.
two 10th gen f150s
Are you gonna be pulling anything?
Avalanche
I'd get a higher mileage F150 2015-2017 with the 3.5l Duratec. They are phenomenal trucks and will do everything you need it to. You will want more power, but it's the most reliable powertrain in that gen of F150
Old school whatever for half that in case you need to fix some stuff
Tacoma
Define truck because many will be confused. Do you need to be able to dump 500 lbs of gravel/dirt in its bed or is towing/cabin space more important?
A lot of people use truck interchangeably with suv of which many are also 4x4.
I don’t know why so many people are recommending a quarter ton truck for 4 people AND a large dog
Personally I’d say a mid 2010’s tundra or f150 should be within that price range and give you ample space for your family. Maybe even the SUV variants of those depending on your needs
$20k will buy you a nice 2001 4x4 Tacoma
Id save a little bit more and get a dodge ram
An SUV, dog can chill in the third row or split the kids up
Tacoma
F150
Colorado
Hard to get one with a high trim and low miles but if you're willing to search and travel then it's possible. I got my Colorado for 18k at 70k miles . Great truck
low miles 2014 f150 with a 5.0 or 6.2.
A used Silverado.
I have an 06 F150 with 360k on it that I would be willing to let go for 15,000, if that helps.
Tacoma
Dodge/Ram Something in the 1500 four door series with a tow package. But deff used.
I have sold them all, Ford makes the best Truck. Each Brand has its positives and negatives. Ford has most power and best fuel economy, towing and payload. Negative is interiors are cheap looking and plastic
Do you need a truck bed specifically? Sounds like an SUV would fit this case better. Older Lexus/4runner or maybe even a 15-18ish Tahoe or whatnot.
The cheapest possible thing I could find, in the best condition (including not just sitting), like working condition. Stuff just works. Make sure it isn't making a noise I've never heard before. And plan on if something breaks in the next 5 years I plan on fixing it right away and just keeping it in good condition. Consider what you might be able to sell it if you actually maintain it. The difference will be negligible.
The value of just making sure the shit just works properly is the key. Even brand new cars break. 20k is a lot of vehicle when in reality most people are going to use their truck to move their potted plants once a year to justify owning it.
If it’s not a daily driver, 07-up gmc/chevy Silverado Sierra 2500 with the 6.0L gas engine. They’re bulletproof and do everything except pass a gas station. If it’s a daily, I’d look at half tons and just find your own preference.
A Toyota. I would consider importing to get money's worth too
Tacoma
Isuzu P'up Spacecab
I'd buy a k20 square body and use the rest of the money to get a winch and a 5th wheel installed and put a big block in it. Old chevy trucks make the best work trucks. No need to spend 20k on a brand new plastic POS when you can spend 5k on an all American steel workhorse from the 70s and use the rest of the money to make it even better
Silverado or sierra between 08-18
F150 Crew Cab
I'd import a Kei truck and pocket the $16k.
Half /s. The only reason I've not done this myself already is because Kei Trucks aren't allowed on highways and roads of 55mph speed limits and above in Colorado.
$10k for the old tacoma with a flatbed, $5k for the samurai to tow behind, $3k for the kei truck on the bed of the tacoma, and a little spending money left over to treat myself.
A 07-14 Silverado crew cab, the NNBS not the cat eye... I have an 07, so I'm pretty biased lol. Can pick one up for way less than 20k with decent mileage. But I'm cheap and also fear change, I'm modding the one I have now and plan to get a second to keep stock lol
$20k for a truck with 4x4 and a 4th row? I'd look into a 10 year full size truck with high miles.
Five, 4-cylinder manual transmission extended cab ford rangers from 93-2011.
Toyota
Gen 1 Raptor.
The finest 90s chevy. For 20k you could have the 5.7l, 4x4, and maybe even reasonable mileage..
Either a first gen Cummins or a squarebody Chevy.
Is be looking for a tundra or Tacoma, especially with a v8.
I have a 2012 F-250 crew cab 6.2L with 137k I run E85 in. 4x4 w/ locking rear diff and studdable snow tires. That thing will go through anything and never let me down. Selling for $19k. Wink wink.
A Nissan Xterra
But I guess an f150 xlt is cool too
Can get a newer gen Ridgeline for that price with 80kish miles on it. F150 is good too. Newer Silverados I haven't heard good things about. A nice tundra as well. For ride comfort nothing tops the Ridgeline, for space the f150 is king, tundra probably best for reliability not that any of these are unreliable
Toyota Tundra crew cab I’ve had a 4Runner since 2004 and I swear these things just don’t break, frames do seem to rust more than other brands, but I mean if you see a lot of rust in your area, just about every brand has rust issues. My brother is pro American, union sheet metal worker, and he’s replaced engines, transmissions and tons of other stuff on Fords and Chevy’s. Between kids, vet bills, and lift passes, I’m sure you don’t want to add mechanic bills to that list
A second gen (2000-2006) Tahoe or suburban. Will never fail you
I would find a nice 1997-2004 (heritage) ford f150 with the 4.6 2v. Those things were tanks. And then pocket the other $6-8k and use it to fix what was needed. This engines were in everything and were just great.
Taco
15 or newer F150. I have a 200k in Maine that's all original, no rust, and going strong.
Van
Do you mean your budget is $20K or you have $20K to put towards a truck?
If I had $20K cash I’d buy a gently used Toyota Tundra and never look back.
If your budget is $20K total…you’re looking at options >100K miles and several years old. It’s a crapshoot for anyone but the most experienced of the automotively inclined.
Older (2014-2017) 2.8 diesel Colorado
I would look for a dodge ram with the 8spd and 5.7 hemi, any f150 with the 5.0, or a silverado with the 5.3, or if domestics aren't your deal, 5.7 tundra
Used raptor
Ford Ranger for cheap, and spend the rest of the money on a couple mods to make it more capable for what you need. With whatever's left over, throw it in a GIC to get more money back when/if you need to buy a bigger truck in a few years
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Tacoma. Worth every penny.
Get an early 2000's diesel F250 pre emissions equipment..or a gas nissan titan..I have a deleted diesel nissan titan, but the amount of $$$ I put into to get rid of emissions equipment, tuning, I would just go old diesel or a v8 gas w/ 4x4
15-17 f150 5.0
GM truck pre AFM engines. Ford maybe. 20k isn’t gonna get you much. Might look at Colorado or Tacomas, but even then, gonna be tough to touch anything at least a decade old and high mileage.
I’d buy an OBS ford or square body Chevy.
Mileage may not be as good, but they are infinitely easier (and cheaper) to work on.
Whatever Toyota the talibans use
I'd search for a really clean older V10 RAM or f250. A more sensible me would find a really clean gmt800 or 2011ish 5.0 f150. The f150 for back seat room, gmt800 for reliability, and the other two are work trucks.
Everyone’s wrong. Honda ridgeline. Unless you’re really doing serious hauling or wheeling.
Colorado or Canyon with a V6. Owned one for several years and they are fantastic
Do you actually need a truck?
TACOMAAAAAA
I got a 2010 silverado ext cab wt with the 4.8 v8 (no AFM or its associated issues) 4x4 and it has been rock solid. It had 60k miles when i got it 2 years ago. Paid 13k for it and id do it again any day. Does everything i need and i dont care if it gets banged up a bit. Last owner was an older gentleman and used it as a beach truck but he took great care of it. Had just serviced the diffs and trans. It had a creaky bushing so i just rebuilt the front end (upper and lower control arms with bushings and ball joints already mounted from moog, tie rod ends, kyb coils and struts). I could have let it ride for years but i wanted to freshen it up while i had the funds and time. Does great on some of the trails i neee to drive on and hauls like a champ. Never was a chevy guy but brand lotalty doesnt pay so i took this steal when it was presented.
2011 Ford F-150, preferably the V8. Preferably blue. There's one near me with less than 100k miles for $15k. 5K leftover for any of the inevitable extra repairs to the vehicle. I thought about trading my car in for it, but I want both.
I'm going to be honest big dog, a Tacoma is not the move. 4 people and a dog. I've got 3 people, and 2 big dogs, and we semi bitch in our Montero which has more room than a Tacoma. We have a diesel Suburban that is way more comfortable and convenient with 3rd row ac/heat. Even my Scout II is honestly a better fit. A fullsize truck will have more breathing room than a Tacoma, but you'll be stuffing all your shit into a bed, and not have a 3rd row. Our dogs like to switch back and forth. We have a couple XJs and the Montero and they work great mostly. Having the inner cargo deck space means the dogs can go all the way back, we have SOME interior space. The Montero even supports a 3rd row. Our Montero is a 2nd gen, for the record.
Toyota Landcruiser very similar in size to the 2nd Gen Montero, 90s model specifically, FJ80, or even early 2000s.
Any chevy silverado. Those fuckers last a lifetime.
I’d get a loan
Nissan Condor
Honestly 99-2019 Silverado/sierra 1500 crew cab, just a matter of what’s around you.
Nissan Frontier
The nicest GMT800 Silverado $20k could buy.
2007-2013 5.3 Silverado/sierra. Bought one new and is still ticking with 225k and no major issues. KBB is only 10k on mine, so you can probably find a nice, low milage one for 20k
For the amount of people hauling you need and the price you have find a really nice first gen Sequoia. You can get em cheap and fix it however ya want for that price. Just buy a utility trailer for your truck bed needs and I believe you are set.
New tires, front parking sensors and camera, darker tint,
Silverado/Sierra 2001 to 2006, 2500 either the 6.0 and a 4l80. Then take the left over 12k and do upgrades.
Prices are insane still. I paid $21k for a 2013 F150 Ecoboost Supercrew with the long bed and max payload package just before the prices climbed. It would still be worth more than that if my ex hadn't run the side down a pole.
Of the crew cab pickups, that was the best of my options at the time. It was a mature model, had pretty good reliability, big brakes, plenty of payload and towing capacity, and looked pretty good.
Nissan Titan
A Cummins
excursion
Tacoma