The Truck Market in 2026 is Still Expensive, But $35,000 Gets You Something Solid
Used truck prices have come down from their 2022 peak, but they're still higher than pre-pandemic levels. A used Tacoma that would've been $22,000 in 2019 is now pushing $28,000 with similar miles. The market is what it is.
The good news: $35,000 buys you a genuinely capable truck in Wilmington NC right now. Here's what to look for.
Toyota Tacoma (2016-2021)
The Tacoma holds its value better than any other midsize truck. That's great if you're selling. Less great if you're buying. You'll pay a premium, but there's a reason.
What to buy: 2018-2021 SR5 or TRD Sport with under 80,000 miles. The 3.5L V6 is the only engine worth having. The 4-cylinder is sluggish and doesn't get much better fuel economy.
What to avoid: 2016-2017 first-year 3.5L models had early transmission hesitation issues. Most were fixed under warranty, but it's worth checking service records. Also skip anything with a lift kit installed by the previous owner — suspension mods are often done wrong.
Sweet spot: $28,000-$33,000 for a 2019-2020 SR5 with 50,000-70,000 miles.
We regularly carry Tacomas at Swell, including TRD Sport trims. Check our current truck inventory to see what's on the lot.
Ford F-150 (2015-2020)
The F-150 is the best-selling truck in America for a reason. It does everything well. The 2015-2020 generation (13th gen) with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is the value play.
What to buy: 2017-2019 XLT with the 2.7L EcoBoost. You'll get 20-24 mpg combined, which is solid for a full-size truck. Tow rating around 8,500 lbs. Enough for most people.
What to avoid: Early 3.5L EcoBoost models (2015-2016) had intercooler condensation issues that could cause shuddering under hard acceleration. The 5.0L V8 is reliable but thirsty. The 3.5L V6 (non-EcoBoost) is underpowered for the truck's weight.
Sweet spot: $25,000-$32,000 for a 2018-2019 XLT SuperCrew with 60,000-90,000 miles.
Chevrolet Colorado (2017-2022)
The Colorado is the most comfortable midsize truck on a long drive. The crew cab has a genuinely usable back seat, which you can't say about every midsize.
What to buy: 2018-2021 with the 3.6L V6 and 8-speed automatic. The diesel is tempting for fuel economy but adds complexity and maintenance cost. The 4-cylinder is fine for commuting but not much else.
What to avoid: 2017 models had transmission programming issues with the 8-speed. 2017-2018 models were recalled for a transmission fluid leak. Verify the fix was done.
Sweet spot: $24,000-$30,000 for a 2019-2020 LT with 50,000-75,000 miles.
Ford Ranger (2019-2023)
The Ranger came back to the US market in 2019 after an eight-year absence. It's simple, tough, and holds value well. Only one engine: a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder making 270 hp.
What to buy: 2019-2022 XLT SuperCrew. The 4x4 system is solid. Tow rating of 7,500 lbs is competitive for the class.
What to avoid: The base XL is too stripped down. You'll end up adding options that cost more than just buying the XLT. No real mechanical red flags on this generation yet.
Sweet spot: $26,000-$32,000 for a 2020-2021 XLT with 40,000-65,000 miles.
Nissan Frontier (2017-2024)
The Frontier is the value pick. It's not the most refined, not the most powerful, and the interior feels a generation behind the competition. But the 4.0L V6 is one of the most reliable engines you can buy in a truck.
What to buy: 2019-2022 SV or Pro-4X. The Pro-4X has a factory suspension lift, Bilstein shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential. It's a real off-road truck for the money.
What to avoid: The 2022 redesign had some early-build quality complaints. The old-generation Frontier (through 2021) has an outdated interior, but the mechanicals are bulletproof.
Sweet spot: $22,000-$28,000 for a 2020-2021 SV with 50,000-80,000 miles. Hard to beat this value.
What We'd Actually Buy
If it were our money and we needed a truck in Wilmington:
- Under $25K: 2019-2020 Colorado LT or 2020-2021 Frontier SV
- $25K-$30K: 2019-2020 F-150 XLT or 2020-2021 Ranger XLT
- $30K-$35K: 2019-2021 Tacoma SR5
All of these will run for 150,000+ miles with basic maintenance. The differences are in comfort, fuel economy, and resale value.
Coastal NC Consideration
Salt air is hard on trucks. When you're shopping, check the frame, bed bolts, and exhaust for corrosion. A truck that lived its whole life in Raleigh will be in better shape underneath than one that's been in Wrightsville Beach for five years. Undercarriage rust isn't a dealbreaker, but flaking frame rust is.
Before You Buy
Get a pre-purchase inspection. Check the history report. Don't skip either of these on a truck — people beat on trucks more than they beat on sedans. Pull the oil dipstick and look for milky residue. Check the transmission fluid color. If anything seems off, it probably is.
Stop by Swell Car Company at 3709 Carolina Beach Rd in Wilmington. We carry trucks at real prices with no games, and we're happy to walk you through what to look for.
The Swell Car Company team runs an independent used car dealership at 3709 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412. Call or text 910.218.9100 or visit swellcarcompany.com.