State auction websites are one of the best kept secrets among used pickup enthusiasts. But with truck prices at used car yards and dealerships going through the roof, more and more buyers are turning to local and federal auction sites. Listed trucks range from light pickup trucks that have spent their lives on Army or Navy bases. But some makes and models appear again and again. Here are three of our favorites, and how to shop them.
1997-2006 GMC Sierra 1500
The 1997 to 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 / Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of the best deals on the used pickup truck market right now. This generation of GM trucks and full-frame SUVs was originally called the GMT400. It strikes a sweet spot between modern capabilities and low maintenance costs. Additionally, the resale values of this later, square body style hit rock bottom. But you’d better make your pick quickly, because the GMT400 will soon become a collectible classic.
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Ford F-150 and Super Duty square body
The Ford F-150 is often called “America’s favorite truck,” and one of the reasons for its strong sales is its popularity as a fleet vehicle. Often considered to be the 1980 to 1997 model years, Ford’s square-body truck is the perfect no-nonsense F-150 work truck. You’ll rarely see a “Bulldog Nosed” (1980-1986) F-150 still listed on government auction sites. But you see the same look 8yGeneration (1987-1991) and Ninth Generation (1992-1997) trucks occasionally.
Ford sold these two generations in different configurations: Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab, available with both short and long beds. The base engine was the legendary 300-cubic-inch I6, which got fuel injection in 1987. It’s often mated to a Mazda-designed five-speed manual. At the top of the lineup, today’s Super Duty featured a PowerStroke V8 diesel engine.
Read on.
2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
GM’s 2007-2014 pickup truck chassis is named GMT800. These trucks have a modern look, plenty of highway driving aptitude, and maintenance costs almost as low as the GMT400. They hold their value better than previous GMs. You may be able to offset this extra cost by choosing the Chevrolet Silverado Edition over the pricier GMC “Professional” Edition.
Each truck has its own weaknesses. But the great thing about the 2007-2014 Silverado is that a lot of the things that break are cheap. For example, the GMT400 and GMT800 are notorious for leaking coolant, but the water pump gasket fixes the problem. They can also burn oil, but replacing the driver’s side valve cover–and the PCV valve that contains it–will usually solve this problem. Other common problems include the engine sensor and throttle body position sensor. But again, these are cheaper and easier to fix than powertrain problems.
Purchasing a government pickup truck for liquidation
State liquidation sites, such as are an excellent way to find low dollar used pickup trucks. But pay attention to the vehicle you are considering, and how hard it is to use it. A plow truck from a northern climate, for example, will be in for a much tougher job than a light southern truck without a hitch installed yet. It’s never a bad idea to look at a truck before you buy. And if that’s not possible, you may be able to hire a local mechanic to check it out for you before you spend your hard-earned money.
Next, learn all about or learn how to get your hands on a government auction truck or Humvee in the video below:
