The best pick-up trucks for £12,000 or less

What are the best pick-up trucks for £12,000 or less? Dan Powell of Honest John Vans has searched the market to find the best second-hand trucks for sale right now.

Ford Ranger
Most versions of Ford’s pick up will tow three tonnes, while the large and practical load bed will accommodate tools, materials and equipment weighing up to 1,000kg. The Ranger has been the UK’s best-selling pick-up for a number of years, which means finding one on the used market is quite easy. We’d recommend finding one of the Wildtrack models, as these have the best levels of standard equipment. We’d also choose the gutsy 3.2-litre turbodiesel, too, as it’s a real peach of an engine with lots of low-gear acceleration.

Toyota Hilux
Tougher than a coffin nail, the Toyota Hilux has a legendary reputation for reliability. Jeremy Clarkson was famously unable to destroy a sixth-generation model in a series of Top Gear stunts, which culminated with him driving one to the magnetic North Pole.

You don’t need to travel to the Arctic to find a good quality Hilux for under £12,000, however, there are thousands for sale in the UK. Both the 2.5 and 3.0-litre diesel engines are strong runners, but we rate the latter as the best all-rounder owing to the fact it develops more power and features a limited-slip differential to improve its road manners, too.

Mitsubishi L200
The Mitsubishi L200 is a plush but capable workhorse that pairs car-like road comfort with van-rivalling carrying capacity. All L200s are strong towing vehicles. You can also get the L200 with Mitsubishi’s world-famous Super Select 4WD system, which was developed in partnership with its World Rally Team.

The L200 is popular with 4×4 enthusiasts, which means it isn’t too difficult to find one with a full service history and a folder full of receipts for the work. With a budget of £12,000 you will be looking at a fourth-generation L200 with the excellent 2.5-litre turbo diesel. Barbarian models offer the best value for money, with climate control, sat nav and LED interior lighting being fitted as standard.

Volkswagen Amarok
Due to its desirability, you’ll be looking at a model from 2011/12 for £12,000. Typically, the Amarok offers a payload in excess of 1.1 tonnes, though the comfort-orientated Highline model with permanent four-wheel drive – rather than the selectable 4×4 as standard on every other Amarok – only has a payload of 750kg.

Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max is a robust working vehicle that majors on carrying capacity and low running costs. The 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine won’t win any prizes for refinement, but it delivers a punch of power that makes it perfectly suited for towing and off-roading.

The D-Max’s tough nature makes it desirable for everyone from builders to farmers. So don’t be surprised if you find vehicles for sale being snapped up in the classifieds within hours of the listing going live. But time it right and you’ll get a great 2012 or 2013 model for comfortably under £12,000.