7 classic trucks and SUVs under $20K
The collector-vehicle market’s pandemic boom may be over, but the classic truck and SUV market is still very competitive, with plenty of ’60s and ’70s models commanding high values. But what about those of us who want a vintage truck or SUV—and have a tight budget?
Short answer: There are still many collectible trucks and SUVs that remain affordable.
We combed through our latest valuation data looking for classic trucks that could serve as weekend workhorses or, on week-day evenings, project vehicles. Each needed to have an average value—across all engine options in a given generation—under $20,000, for an example in #3 (Good, or daily-driver) condition*. We also focused on the ’70s and ’80s, rather than the ’60s, hoping to include a few more creature comforts.
Here are seven vintage trucks and SUVs that fit the bill.
*Want to know more about our vehicle-condition rating system? Click here.
1972–80 Dodge D100
Average #3 (Good) value: $14,129
Nobody could have foreseen the wild special-edition models that Dodge would come up with its all-new pickup that launched in 1972. The Lil’ Red Express, Warlock, and Macho Power Wagon were just some of them.
Despite these ’70s Mopar pickups’ vast potential as muscle trucks or simply as weekend project machines, they remain affordable in 2wd trim. A Magnum small-block, plentiful at just about any wrecking yard, would make a fantastic swap that would add power and, depending on your camshaft choice, even fuel economy. Even the later ’80s models, including 4×4 versions, fit our sub-$20K budget.
1974–80 Dodge Ramcharger
Average #3 (Good) value: $17,198
Dodge was a little bit late to the full-size SUV market, coming in years after Jeep and Chevrolet had already joined. Dodge took the same approach Chevrolet did with the Blazer and built a four-seater with a removable top.
The second-gen Ramcharger looked much the same but gained a non-removable steel top, making the earlier ones more desirable thanks to the convertible crowd. Besides the shorter wheelbase and the removable top, everything else about the D100 applies to the Ramcharger, making it an excellent project vehicle.
1987–9 Ford F-150
Average #3 (Good) value: $11,429
The eighth-generation F-Series that debuted for 1987 was a mild refresh and its styling has aged very well, in our opinion. This was the generation before the first F-150 Lightning, which arrived in 1993, but more workaday F-Series of the late ’80s were still available with 302- or 351-cubic-inch V-8 engine options that used an instantly recognizable EFI intake similar to that on the iconic 5.0-liter found in the contemporary Mustang.
Extra power is just a cylinder head and cam swap away. With tough underpinnings, clean body lines, and durable, powerful Windsor V-8 engine options, these F-150s have everything a truck buyer could ask for. As a bonus, companies like National Parts Depot and Classic Industries offer an array of restoration parts to make your F-Series look as good as new.
1973–87 Chevrolet C10
Average #3 (Good) value: $11,640
Chevy’s long-lived “square-body” was available with at least a dozen different front-end and grille designs, and that’s not counting its GMC counterpart. Under the hood, you could find an array of powerplants, ranging from inline-sixes to diesel V-8s and small- and big-block gas V-8s.
The last of the square-body pickup run, in 1987 when the generation was actually dubbed R10, added throttle-body injection. If you can’t find the square-body with the look you are after, the aftermarket can help you build it; those fenders, hoods, and grilles are all interchangeable.
We’ve seen a mild resurgence in the popularity of this generation of Chevy and GMC pickups among truck enthusiasts as ’70s and ’80s nostalgia has fueled plenty of beautiful C10 customs.
1973–5 C10 Blazer
Average #3 (Good) value: $13,550
First-gen Blazers, along with first-gen Broncos, are among the most collectible vintage 4x4s, and prices reflect that. The second generation of Blazer, which lasted from 1973 through 1991, can also get pricey. However, there are plenty that are still affordable, if you’re willing to forego the transfer case and opt for a two-wheel-drive model.
These early second-gen models share their powertrains with their pickup brethren, but what the 1973–5 Blazers have that their pickup and even later Blazer brethren do not are fully removable tops. Like the 1969–72 first-gen Blazer, these early square-body Blazers have removable tops from the windshield pillar back and doors without window frames, making them rather unique.
In 1976, Blazer moved to a removable calf-cab top that worked with full doors. Fewer leaks, sure—it’s just not quite a convertible.
1976–7 International Harvester Scout Terra and Scout Traveler
Average #3 (Good) value: $16,850 (Terra) $18,250 (Traveler)
Adding 18 inches of wheelbase to the International Harvester Scout II created the Scout Traveler, a narrow SUV that International Harvester offered to give buyers more cargo room and take a shot at the larger SUVs on the market from Jeep, Mopar, GM, and Ford.
The Traveler presents a vastly different profile thanks to its sloping hatchback rear. Ditch that hatchback for a half-cab and you got the Terra, a compact pickup. The wheelbase, at 118 inches, is almost identical to that of a current Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and the overall length is similar as well. That might make it a good size for some off-road trails, but there is some bad news here.
Like the Blazer we previously mentioned, the affordable versions of the Terra and Traveler are the 2WD, less suited for off-roading, but no less handsome. With almost a wheelbase almost identical to a Wrangler’s, perhaps a wrecked Wrangler could give the Cornbinder a new lease on life with a chassis swap?
1984–8 Toyota Pickup
Average #3 (Good) value: $12,225
Back before the Tacoma split off from the Hilux family tree, American compact pickup buyers got the same rugged little truck as every other Toyota buyer around the world. These are truly mini trucks and are quite cozy in standard-cab form. An Xtra cab option offers up more space but no extra seats, not even center-facing jump seats.
These nimble trucks have modest but reliable four-cylinder engines and the early 4×4 models in particular (1984 and 1985) are prized for their solid front-axle suspensions. Whether you want to build a Back to the Future 4×4 clone or parts-hauler for your other projects, these pickups require only simple repairs thanks to their readily available engine parts.
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I haven’t seen a decent Ramchsrger in years.
They were all trashed a long time ago.
So finding one in #3 condition will be more difficult than paying for one.
At least with Fords and GMs, there are parts to fix the interiors.
No Jeep J10, J20’s or Comanche’s?
They seem to be well north of $20,000.
What? No Studebakers?
Show me a 1980 Studebaker truck.
If you looked at the first paragraph of the article you would have seen that they were talking about ’60s and ’70s trucks and yes there were plenty of Studebaker trucks in the ’60s.
“We also focused on the ’70s and ’80s, rather than the ’60s, hoping to include a few more creature comforts.”
^They included that line twofold I would guess:
-lots of generations of trucks prior to the 70s average out to well under the 20k cutoff (I love the R-series and derivative Studebaker trucks, not so fussy on the Lark-based –while some examples are bigger dollars most are not).
-the “creature comforts” line… pre 60s trucks are more like farm implements especially compared to the modern “lifted Impala with 4×4 and a bed” that is the modern consumer view of a truck. First gen C10 are still spartan in the comforts and probably not under the 20k line, 2nd gen C10 not at all (I agree with the other posters saying half the list you aren’t finding good ones under 20k)
—-
to a different comment later in the thread: most modern trucks don’t even have a bed with the capacity of a 1963 stepside shortbox.
You obviously have not seen the market, or the auctions! A SquareBody in the shape shown in your picture would definitely command more than you stated! AND any Chevy would would always get more than Dodge in the same condition!
Come out to Arizona to see plenty of old rust-free trucks. I have a ’73 F100 Ranger long bed with a recently restored (original) engine and transmission. I’m confident it’s north of $20k and is a solid, comfortable ride. Folks love the old look and often share a thumbs up. And the 8′ bed is more than most modern trucks have.
Somebody hasn’t been following BAT – these trucks (especially the International, C10 & Blazer) are well above the 20’s, some above 60k!
I bought a brand new 1987 F-150 XLT Lariat. It was the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. The paint started peeling off the hood and roof the moment I drove it off the lot. I must have gone through 10 exhaust manifolds and crossover pipes, because they were constantly cracking. It burned a quart of oil every 5 or 6 tanks of fuel. It got about 8 MPG, which luckily enough it had two tanks because you needed them! Ford didn’t stand behind any of these issues, and constantly used the usual Ford phrase “I’m sorry, there’s nothing we can do”. I vowed off of ford for the rest of my life after that truck.
Nothing says “truck” to me more than the 1987–9 Ford F-150. They were everywhere. Still see some from time to time.
Tacoma was the bets small pickup. sadly this class does not exist anymore.
1st gen 4runner although they’re getting expensive. 1st gen Tacoma double cab (crew cab).
You will have a hard time finding a “good” scout traveler for less than 40k. Everything at the 18k range is going to realistically be in rough shape and likely carry a fair bit of structural rust. Even a complete pile of non-running rust will run close to 10k.
I had a ’91 Dodge 1/2 ton and loved it. It was a Michigan truck and very clean other than the drip rail over the windshield. That was the only rust on it. I bought a used roof section, cut out the rust, welded in the new pieces, and painted the roof. Total PIA, but when it was done I had a heck of a nice truck. 318 Automatic 2wd with AC. What more do you need? And you could just sit your butt right down on the tailgate. No hopping up like my “new” ’08 Ram.
Let me know where to find the clean C10s for $11,000. Where I’m from, if it’s clean and rust free it certainly isn’t $11,000 anymore…
Oh man! Talk about going back a few years. I had a ”75 Plymouth Trailduster (like the Ramcharger), a ’77 Scout II, ’79 Power Wagon with a 360 and Quadratrac (talk about a gas guzzler, good 10 MPG on the road), ’80 D100 and an ’84 Ramcharger. What I wouldn’t do to have one of these again, in particular the Power Wagon. Then in my 20’s, good job, not married and a new vehicle every other year or so. If only…..