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Finding a used truck in Ohio isn't difficult, but deciding which one is best for you can be tricky. Between our brutal winters, salt-covered roads, and muddy jobsites, the wrong truck could leave you stranded when you need it most. You need a truck that won't quit when things get challenging, whether you're hauling equipment through Youngstown or battling Cleveland snowdrifts. Our Boardman Mitsubishi team has done the research for you, so let's look into the best used trucks for Ohio's unique climate and road conditions.
What Makes a Used Truck Reliable
Truck reliability comes down to key factors. Engines refined over generations of model changes, frame construction that can handle diverse environments, and repair costs and parts availability all contribute to dependability. Another indicator is the truck's maintenance history; regular, professional vehicle maintenance is correlated with longevity.
J.D. Power's reliability scores are revealing. Its scale ranges from zero to 100, with 91 to 100 as best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as average, and below 69 as fair. We'll be referring to this scale below. New technology is complicating the process, adding another dimension to the ratings. The J.D. Power 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study shows a 6% increase in problems per 100 vehicles; Android Auto and Apple CarPlay issues alone increased from 6.3 to 8.4 problems per 100 vehicles, demonstrating the effect new technology is having on reliability ratings.
Let's explore which pickups among our used truck inventory are the most dependable.
Ford F-150
America's favorite truck earned its reputation through solid performance and support. The 2020 F-150 scores 86/100 from J.D. Power with impressive capability and nice road manners. According to CarEdge, the average cost of owning a Ford F-150 for five years is $67,212, including depreciation, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and fuel and loan costs.
RepairPal gives the F-150 a solid 3.5 out of 5, average for a full-size truck, and annual repair costs average around $788. Only 15% of problems are serious, compared to 18% for typical full-size trucks.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2500
The 2022 Silverado scored 87/100 from J.D. Power. The midsize Colorado scores 85/100 if you're looking for something smaller.
Quality varies with the model year. The 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2014 models had several complaints, which comprised rough idling, stalling, and persistent check engine lights. The 2014 model experienced transmission failures, engine problems, and cooling issues. Better choices may be the 1996, 1998-2002, 2008-2010, 2012, and 2020-2021 models.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota trucks have a great reputation for reliability. The 2020 Tundra scored 88/100 from J.D. Power; it also has ample cabin space and a strong V-8. Edmunds calculated that a 2020 Tundra SR5 four-wheel-drive model's "True Cost to Own" was approximately $56,199 over five years, including depreciation, insurance, repairs and maintenance, as well as fuel and loan costs.
GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra shares the same engines, transmissions, and drivetrains with the Silverado, but offers a more upscale feel. The 2020 Sierra 1500 scored 86/100 from J.D. Power, and the estimated five-year cost to own one is approximately $62,591, including the factors we previously mentioned.
Ram 1500
Ram trucks compete head-to-head with Ford; the 2023 Ram 1500 earned a solid 88/100 J.D. Power score. Used Rams deliver better value than new ones thanks to depreciation — you'll find loaded models with luxury features and safety technology at significant savings.
Its awards demonstrate the Ram's worth. Car and Driver named the Ram 1500 one of its "10 Best" for seven years (2019 to 2025). Motor Trend awarded it "Truck of the Year" in 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021, and 2025. The 2023 Ram 1500 earned 10/10 from Car and Driver.
Mileage Thresholds To Aim For
The average driver travels about 13,476 miles a year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. As a result, trucks with annual mileage under 13,500 are considered low-mileage.
Today's used trucks easily reach over 200,000 miles with good care. This reality makes Toyota, Ford, and other automakers' trucks attractive even with six digits on the odometer, provided the previous owner maintained them properly.
Focusing on newer trucks from 2020 onward usually nets you better technology and reliability while still saving money compared to showroom prices.
Key Inspection and Maintenance Checks Before Buying
Regular inspections can save thousands in surprise repairs. Have a trusted mechanic, such as our Boardman Mitsubishi technicians, check any truck you're serious about. Pay attention to truck-specific areas, such as the bed, hitch, and drivetrain.
Examine the exterior for uneven panel gaps, rippled surfaces, or mismatched paint, all of which indicate damage. Test the brakes for pulsation or pulling, and pop the hood to look for leaks, worn belts, loose hoses, and battery corrosion. Check all the fluids: oil, transmission, brakes, coolant, and power steering.
Watch for soft brake pedals, grinding noises, warning lights, pulling to one side, or vibrations when stopping. Suspension problems show as leaning, clunking sounds, uneven height, poor stopping, or swaying through turns. Take a real test-drive on roads you're familiar with, including highways, parking lots, and stop-and-go traffic.
Tips for Buying Smart and Longevity
Target highly rated models, and inspect them thoroughly. Later model years typically outlast early ones as manufacturers have time to fix problems they've identified. Ohio's winters are hard on trucks — salt, snow, and cold cause rapid rust. Check the undercarriage, wheel wells, exhaust, and doors. Wash your truck frequently, wax it regularly, and repair paint damage fast.
Find the Perfect Used Truck at Boardman Mitsubishi Today
Picking the right used truck for Ohio's challenges doesn't have to be hard. Focus on proven models with good track records, reasonable miles, and thorough inspections. The F-150, Silverado, Tundra, Sierra, and Ram 1500 all offer solid options for different needs and budgets.
Once you've browsed our preowned inventory, contact us at Boardman Mitsubishi to schedule a test-drive. We can't wait to see you drive off the lot in the ideal pickup for your Ohio lifestyle.
Ford F-150 on Lakeshore at Sunset by Roberto Nickson is licensed with Pexels License