Checking out the least expensive new pickup trucks
Take advantage of the end of season to get a vehicle — just don’t expect many frills
Much like temperatures in November, the prices on 2017 model-year trucks have dropped. With 2018 trucks on the horizon, 2017 models are being given significant discounts as automakers clear out old stock. And not just on mediumsized trucks, but full-size pickups that can do almost everything an $80,000 truck can do — except provide sticker shock.
So if you’re buying with cash or cheque (or bitcoins?), below are the least expensive trucks you can buy today, if they’re not already gone. These trucks are base models, of course, and some come with manual transmissions, some with automatics and all are 2WD. Some offer extended cabs, some come equipped with V6s and two get a V8. Most have decent payload and towing capabilities and, for a low base price, will cover all of your basic pickup needs.
(All prices are before freight, fees and taxes and are for cash purchases, with discounts based in Ontario.)
2017 CHEVROLET COLORADO — $22,130
The good-looking Chevy Colorado is a medium-size truck with decent fuel economy from its 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine, rated at 10.8 L/100km city, 7.9 highway. The base 2SA model gets an extended cab and 6-foot-2 box to go with its six-speed manual transmission and 16-inch wheels. Inside, there’s seating for two, power windows and a stereo with 4.2-inch display.
2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 — $22,350
The price of the full-size Chevrolet Silverado is normally $30,335 but current credits of at least $7,985 for regular cab, standard box, and 2WD bring the amount down to $22,350. A 4.3-L Ecotec3 V6 powers this truck, but stepping up to a V8 adds only $1,425 to the sticker. Either way, the base Silverado comes with a six-speed automatic with overdrive and 17-inch wheels. Expect these to sell out quickly.
2017 GMC CANYON — $22,830
GMC’s Canyon, the nearly identical sibling to the Colorado, is as well equipped as the base model Chevy truck, but because it’s a GMC, the Canyon SL costs $700 more. Base model Canyons get an extended cab and long box to go with its six-speed manual transmission and 16-inch wheels and two seats up front.
2017 GMC SIERRA — $22,985
Like the Silverado, GM’s other full-size truck, the Sierra, is currently offered with $7,985 off the $30,970 MSRP for cash buyers. That money buys a regular cab, standard box (1SA model with 2WD, powered by a 4.3-L Ecotec3 V6 and six-speed automatic). These, too, aren’t likely to last at this price.
2017 NISSAN FRONTIER $23,648
With a new Frontier in the works for a possible debut at the Detroit auto show in January, the mediumduty 2017 Nissan is indeed long in the tooth. But with a base S model King Cab with rear access doors and a 6-foot-1 bed, the Frontier is plenty capable with a full-length boxed ladder frame upon which is mounted a 2.5-L four-cylinder engine. There’s even forward-facing rear flip up seats, but heated side mirrors cost extra.
2017 NISSAN TITAN $26,598
Nissan’s Titan, currently the truck with the best warranty in the business, comes in a base S model that is being offered with an $8,900 discount for cash purchasers to bring the price down to $26,598 from its usual $35,498 sticker. The S gets the very smooth, 5.6-L Endurance V8 gas engine with 394 pound-feet of torque and sevenspeed automatic transmission. The base model also gets an eightfoot box for the ultimate drywall or lumber hauler.
2017 RAM 1500 ST - $26,895
As much as $4,500 in cash credits (applied before tax) are available on remaining in-stock Ram 1500 ST models, bringing the price down from $31,395. That means living with a vinyl front 40/20/40 split bench seat, but at least there’s the delicious 5.7-L Hemi V8 with MDS (technology that shuts down four cylinders when all eight are not needed.) The Ram also gets a six-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch wheels under a 6-foot4 box.
2018 FORD F-150 - $29,499
With most 2017 F-150s now sold and plenty of the refreshed 2018s already on dealer lots, the discounting isn’t much, although there is a $1,000 delivery allowance off the $30,499 retail price of a base XL. That gets you a 2WD regular cab with a 6-foot-6 box, 3.3-L V6 PFDI engine with auto start/stop along with a six-speed automatic transmission with selectable drive modes.
TOYOTA TACOMA - $29,660
Redesigned in 2015, Toyota’s lowest-priced Tacoma comes in Access Cab trim with 2WD. Powered by a 2.7-L four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic, the Tacoma gets a six-foot box, 16-inch wheels and damped, locking tailgate and rear-view camera. Opting for the 4x4 version raises the cost to $32,925.