Maximizing Value With a Pre-Owned Pickup

Used trucks represent a particularly good deal for drivers who are in the market for maximum value. Like all used vehicles, pre-owned trucks have already been through their most rapid period of depreciation, but it’s the relative longevity of the pickup segment that really makes these models such a bargain. According to a recent study by iSeeCars, seven of the top ten longest-lasting vehicles on the road were pickups, with the top-ranked truck achieving a nearly 50% chance of exceeding 250,000 miles. Those are some encouraging numbers that should go a long way toward improving driver’s confidence when shopping the pre-owned market—and when it comes to picking a specific make and model, the team at Rusty Wallace Honda is here to help. 

We offer a wide selection of new and used Honda Ridgeline pickups, as well as pre-owned offerings from some of the industry’s other top-rated brands. We’re always on the hunt for great used trucks for our West Knoxville drivers and constantly refresh our inventory with exceptional deals that are sure to meet your needs without breaking the bank. From the roomy Ridgeline and powerful Ford F-150 to the safety-focused Silverado 1500, join us as we see what makes each one of these used trucks for sale worthy of a test drive. 

The Ford F-150

Few models have come to dominate a segment—or even the entire industry—quite as thoroughly as the Ford F-150. This truck has long been a favorite of drivers and critics alike, and the numbers make it hard to argue with its appeal. The F-150 is not only the industry’s best-selling full-size truck, it’s the best-selling vehicle of any kind, with over 750,000 units moved in 2023 alone. The long-running F-150 kicked off its 14th generation in 2021, integrating some important updates that have kept the best-selling truck relevant in the ultra-competitive full-size segment. 

The truck’s lightweight aluminum construction cuts the truck’s curb weight while upping its towing and payload capacity, but it’s the F-150’s sheer versatility that’s won it so many accolades throughout its long career—and its wide range of engine options might be one of its most notable features. With five options to choose from, including V6, V8, twin-turbocharged, and diesel engines, it’s easy to find an F-150 that meets your unique driving needs. 

Do you want to prioritize towing and hauling? The 2021 F-150’s 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 will allow you to tow up to 14,000 lbs, while the 400-hp 5.0-liter V8 is a close second at 13,000 lbs. The truck’s 2.7-liter Turbo V6 might not be able to match those kinds of numbers with its 325 hp, but it’s certainly a solid choice from an efficiency perspective, with an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. 

The 2021 debut of the F-150’s 14th generation also saw Ford roll out the truck’s first hybrid powertrain, pairing a 3.5-liter PowerBoost twin-turbo V6 with a 35-kW electric motor to give drivers a stellar 25 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway; in addition to providing 700 miles of range on a full tank, the hybrid setup also allows the F-150 to pull off an electrifying trick… The hybrid pickup can pull double duty as an auxiliary generator, with its 7,200-watt Pro Power Onboard providing enough juice to run power tools, appliances for a pre-game tailgate at Neyland Stadium, or even an entire house in the case of a blackout or emergency. 

Are you looking for a full-size truck that can hold its own in challenging off-road environments? The Tremor trim packs an overhauled suspension, locking rear differential, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and the same four-wheel drive transfer case as the F-150 Raptor supertruck for unparalleled off-road performance. The Tremor is also one of the speediest F-150s on offer, with a zero-to-sixty time of 5.3 seconds.   

The Honda Ridgeline 

Honda’s midsize pickup might just be one of the most well-rounded models on the market. The truck’s unibody design offers some real advantages in terms of both comfort and fuel efficiency, allowing the Ridgeline to earn bragging rights as one of the most fuel-efficient V6s in its class, with an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The truck’s coil-sprung independent rear suspension delivers an exceedingly smooth driving experience as you’re cruising down Kingston Pike, especially when compared to the rockier ride provided by some of its midsize rivals. 

The Ridgeline offers plenty of power with a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, but it’s this pickup’s utility, cabin, and cargo space that really set it apart. The second-generation Ridgeline features a longer wheelbase than the first-gen models, allowing the pickup to offer an ample interior that leads the midsize segment in a few important categories. Not only does the Ridgeline offer more rear-seat passenger space than any other midsize model, but it’s also equipped with a unique weatherproof, locking in-bed storage trunk that provides 7.3 cu.ft. of extra space for tools, emergency gear, valuables, or whatever other equipment you want to keep safe and secure. 

Those looking for a slightly more rugged version of the Ridgeline should consider the new Trailsport trim. Debuting in 2024, the Ridgeline TrailSport might still be a little hard to come by on the pre-owned market, but it might be worth waiting for when you factor in its arsenal of off-road goodies. An exclusive set of 18-inch General Grabber A/T all-terrain tires maximize traction, allowing the TrailSport to venture where this pickup’s other trims wouldn’t dare. 

Honda has also outfitted the Ridgeline TrailSport with a reinforced front bumper and an upgraded set of springs and anti-roll bars, not to mention a steel skid plate designed to protect the oil pans from the sort of bumps and bruises that come with any off-road excursion. The TrailSport is designed with the same ground clearance as the standard model but is a little more adventure-ready with all-weather floormats and a standard i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system that can seamlessly shunt 70% of the engine’s power to the rear axle for improved handling and traction. 

The Chevy Silverado 1500

The Silverado 1500 ranks a close second to the F-150 in terms of popularity, representing almost 18% of all used truck sales over the last five years. That sort of ubiquity can really pay dividends for those browsing the used market, giving drivers a wide selection of affordable pre-owned Silverados to choose from. The Silverado 1500 is also one of the most decorated pickups in its class, with a trophy case that speaks to the model’s legendary performance, reliability, and value. 

Just take the 2021 model, for example. This full-size pickup took home Vincentric’s Best Fleet Value in America award, beating out dozens of competitors to notch its sixth win in the category. Judging trucks based on numerous factors—including depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repair—the Vincentric award speaks to the Silverado 1500’s longevity and value. While most drivers aren’t in the market for dedicated fleet vehicles, these same factors can be just as important when searching for a daily driver or reliable family ride. 

The Best Fleet Value Award is just one example of the Silverado 1500’s impressive track record. The full-size pickup has also been recognized as one of the safest pickups on the road, with the 2023 model earning a vaunted five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This stellar rating can largely be credited to the Silverado’s impressive list of standard safety features, a sizable roster of advanced tech that includes both the expected advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the decidedly cutting-edge. Many fourth-gen Silverado 1500s are offered with IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, an HD Rear Vision Camera, and the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, but it’s the relatively recent addition of GM’s Super Cruise hands-free-driving technology that is really turning some heads. 

Since 2022, the hands-free driving system has been allowing Silverado owners to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride on over 750,000 miles of compatible roads across the US and Canada. That number easily gives Super Cruise the best hands-free coverage in North America, but it’s not the only superlative the Super Cruise system has notched since its 2022 debut. 

The Silverado 1500 has always been one of the hardest-working trucks on the market, whether your itinerary includes trips to the job site or a weekend full of family adventure out at Norris Lake. With 13,300 lbs of max towing capacity, the Silverado 1500 can excel in both roles, even while using Super Cruise. This immediately separates the Silverado 1500’s Super Cruise from the rest of the pickup pack, as most hands-free driving systems can’t be activated when there’s a trailer in tow. 

Excellent Options for an Affordable Truck

There are a couple of factors to keep in mind when browsing Rusty Wallace Honda for your next pre-owned pickup. While the three models listed above represent a good starting point, picking the right model is just one part of the equation; drivers should also consider a truck’s mileage and warranty coverage and thoroughly read online reviews while keeping an eye out for any recalls or known issues that might plague a certain make or model. A little research can allow drivers to find a pickup that can easily surpass the 200,000-mile mark and offer years of top-tier performance. 

It’s also important to find a trusted partner in the buying process. At Rusty Wallace Honda, we strive to be just that sort of partner, offering West Knoxville drivers a friendly, pressure-free experience that’s made us one of the most trusted dealerships in the area. Whether you’re in the market for a pre-owned pickup, a Honda car, truck, or SUV, or even one of the brand’s enticing new EV and hybrid models, Rusty Wallace Honda is here to help.