The Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $20k According to Kelly Blue Book

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Pickup trucks are great to work, play, and even daily drive thanks to modern innovations. The truck vehicle class has become extremely competitive over the years. Despite the many advances in the vehicle class, you don’t have to break the bank to buy a good truck. In fact, there are plenty of great used pickup trucks that can be found for under $20,0000.

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline handles like a dream

Honda Ridgeline | Don Kelsen/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The Honda Ridgeline is becoming increasingly popular because of its unique qualities. It is frequently at the top of its vehicle class because it is an all-around great truck. It has a peppy powertrain that makes 250 horsepower and provides an incredibly smooth ride.

Many trucks offer poor fuel economy and rough handling. The Honda Ridgeline changes everything by providing great gas mileage and a ride so steady you can forget you’re in a truck. It gets 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. The Ridgeline’s unibody design allows for a great suspension, making the Ridgeline’s ride much more comfortable than the average truck. The 2012 Honda Ridgeline is one of the best used pickup trucks that you can find for under $20,000.

RELATED: Which 2021 Honda Ridgeline Trim Provides the Most Value?

Some used 2012 Honda Ridgeline models can be found for under $20,000 with less than 90,000 miles. 2012 Honda Ridgeline models with less than 100,000 miles can typically last another six or seven years before needing major repairs. According to Kelly Blue Book, consumers gave the 2012 Honda Ridgeline a rating of 4.7/5 stars.

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is ready for adventure

A gray Toyota Tacoma is off-roading in the dirt.
The Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is built for fun. It can also rack up major miles and last for many years. The Tacoma affectionately referred to as the ‘Taco’ has become a staple in off-roading culture. Toyota Tacomas make great off-roading vehicles, especially manual transmission Tacomas. The 2013 Tacoma exemplifies everything off-road enthusiasts have grown to love about the popular truck over the years.

The Toyota Tacoma has many faults. Its affordability and the off-road fun make up for most of its major shortcomings. The 2013 Toyota Tacoma makes 159 horsepower using its four-cylinder engine. Its automatic standard model gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Its six-cylinder powertrain option makes 236 horsepower.

RELATED: Why the Toyota Tacoma Still Dominates as the Best Truck

Despite a recent surge in demand, consumers should still be able to find 2013 Toyota Tacoma models for under $20,000. The Taco is born to be wild. Thanks to great fuel economy, this truck can actually function as a decent daily driver if you can get used to its jerky acceleration and bumpy ride. The 2013 Toyota Tacoma also got 4.7/5 stars on the Kelly Blue Book website.

The 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty is the perfect work truck

A black Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck is parked outside of a home.
Ford F-250 Super Duty | Ford

Ford F-series trucks are legendary. The blue oval brand is one of the best truck-makers in the world and its F-series trucks are arguably the quintessential work trucks. They live up to the Ford slogan and prove themselves to be tough.

The 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty is one of the best used pickup trucks that can be found for under $20,000. It is a reliable and powerful work truck that can do it all. The 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty has a max towing capacity of 12,500 pounds. Its V8 engine makes a massive 385 horsepower.

RELATED: People Love Their Ford F-250s

Ford trucks aren’t always the most affordable so a used truck like the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty can be a steal. It has all the power and utility a consumer could hope for from an old truck. The 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty got a 4.5/5 star consumer rating on the Kelly Blue Book website.

How to find the best used pickup trucks under $20k

A white Ram 1500 Big Horn pickup truck is parked in the grass.
The Ram 1500 Big Horn | Ram

When buying a used pickup truck, the first thing to look into is reliability. Narrow down your selection by filtering your options and going for brands that have a reputation for producing reliable pickup trucks like Ford. Looking into specific model years and doing research is important because some model years could have experienced plenty of recalls.

The best way to find a used pickup truck under $20,000 is to make a short list of non-negotiables for your truck. Do you need power? Does the truck bed need to be a certain size? What about towing capacity?

Once you have your list of non-negotiables cross-reference it with a list of two to three most reliable truck brands (like Ford, Honda, and Ram) and you can find the truck of your dreams. It may be older but plenty of older trucks are built to last. Happy huntin’!

RELATED: The Best Affordable New Pickup Trucks Under $30,000 According to TrueCar

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The New Ford Ranger Could Become the Bronco Truck

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’re supposed to be holding our horses because the Ford Bronco pickup truck was officially canceled. However, the next-generation Ford Ranger could be transforming into a Bronco truck. This is just speculation but check out these clues about the 2022 Ford Ranger. 

The 2022 Ford Ranger is gaining Bronco parts 

2022 Ford Ranger teaser | Ford

Say hello to the Ford Ranger Raptor Bronco. Alright, so that’s not an official name. But we do know that the next-generation Ford Ranger will ride on the same platform as the Bronco. So, that’s putting a truck on the Bronco platform. 

Here is how the plot thickens. The Ford Bronco is available with two engines: 

  • The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. 
  • The 2.7-liter V6 engine provides 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. 

Rumors suggest that the Ranger will be available will both of these powertrain options. The truck with the more powerful engine will be known as the Ranger Raptor. However, there’s a chance that the upgrades could be for the 2023 Ford Ranger. 

What to expect with the next-generation Ranger 

There was a teaser of the 2022 Ford Ranger released for Europe. The next-generation Raptor can be seen kicking up dirt, mud, and snow. The video mentions that this Ranger will be available in the fall. 

However, in the video, the Ranger looks a little different from spy shots captures in America. The European truck still has more of a rounded shape. The camouflaged truck in the United States has a much boxier shape, like the Bronco. 

But it’s not uncommon for Europe to have different Ford Ranger models. They have turbo-charged diesel Rangers over there. We suspect that we could get a different Raptor as the successful models continue doing their thing in Australia, South America, and other markets. 

Also, despite being heavily covered in camouflage, you can see that the 2022 Ranger has C-shaped headlights like the Ford Maverick. The Maverick rides on the same platform as the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. 

What will the American Ranger be like? 

A red 2021 Ford Ranger off-roading, the Ranger is one of five midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021
2021 Ford Ranger | Ford

When the Ford Ranger was reintroduced in the United States, it was only new to us. Ford updated a truck that has been available in other markets since 2011. But we might get a brand new model in 2023. 

The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor could be specifically designed for the American market to battle the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. A Ranger Raptor that looks like a smaller Ford F-150 is expected to debut. 

Also, the new Ford Raptor could be gaining hybrid engines. Rumors suggest that there could be a 2.3-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid variant on the way. The setup provides 362 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. This is an exciting amount of power for a midsize truck. 

But to truly be a Bronco truck, the Ranger will need a removable roof and doors. Getting naked is a crucial aspect for Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and Bronco fans. The European model doesn’t look like the roof is removable. 

We will have to keep an eye out for more clues. Until then, the possibility for a Ranger Raptor Bronco truck is there. Evidence suggests that the next-generation Ranger will share Bronco parts.

RELATED: R.I.P: The Ford Bronco Truck Is Officially Canceled

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The Vintage and Award-Winning Custom Bikes of IMS Chicago 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Demo rides of new bikes aren’t the only things you could check out at the 2021 International Motorcycle Show in Chicago. Just like many car shows, IMS Outdoors Chicago was also a venue for displaying vintage and custom bikes. But it wasn’t just a display—the custom builders were also going head-to-head in a special contest. Given how many things there were to see and do at IMS, some might have missed the contest and the classic display. Luckily, MotorBiscuit has you covered there.

J&P Cycles’ custom bike competition returned for IMS Chicago 2021

IMS Chicago custom bikes with Yaroslav Lutsenko’s custom 2019 Harley-Davidson FXBB in front | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is a staple of IMS in Chicago and elsewhere. Now in its 12th running, UBCBS is one of the US’s largest custom motorcycle competitions, Cycle News says, and gives both professional and amateur builders a chance to stand in the spotlight.

As before, UBCBS entrees are divided into three classes:

  • Custom Street Class
  • Custom Classic Class
  • Freestyle Class
  • Fornarelli Motorsports' custom 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo next to two other custom bikes at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021
    Fornarelli Motorsports’ custom 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo next to two other custom bikes at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • Fornarelli Motorsports' custom brown-and-black 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo right side view
    Fornarelli Motorsports’ custom 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo right side view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A closeup view of Fornarelli Motorsports' custom 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo's V-twin engine and exhaust
    A closeup view of Fornarelli Motorsports’ custom 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo’s V-twin engine and exhaust | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • Fornarelli Motorsports' custom brown-and-black 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo left side view
    Fornarelli Motorsports’ custom 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo left side view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

IMS Chicago attendees vote on their favorite custom bikes in each class, as well as for the People’s Choice Award. The winners get cash prizes and entry into the UBCBS championship round in Atlanta, Georgia. And whoever wins the grand prize there is also crowned ‘the Ultimate Builder.’

The 2021 IMS Chicago UBCBS stop featured roughly a dozen custom bikes over the three-day event. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to snap photos of every single one. However, I did get photos of the winning motorcycles.

Behold Chicago’s 2021 UBCBS winners

  • The left side view of Robert Catanese's blue Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021
    Robert Catanese’s Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X left side view at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A low-angle rear 3/4 view of Robert Catanese's blue Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X
    Robert Catanese’s Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X low-angle rear 3/4 view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A closeup view of Robert Catanese's blue Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X's front brakes, engine, and chromoly-steel frame
    A closeup view of Robert Catanese’s Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X’s front brakes, engine, and chromoly-steel frame | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A rear overhead view of Robert Catanese's blue Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X
    Robert Catanese’s Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X rear overhead view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A closeup view of Robert Catanese's blue Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X's handlebars and gauges
    Robert Catanese’s Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X handlebars and gauges closeup | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A rear view of Robert Catanese's blue Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X's fuel tank and handlebars
    A rear view of Robert Catanese’s Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 R1X’s fuel tank and handlebars | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The front view of Robert Catanese's blue Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 headlight and cowl
    Robert Catanese’s Framecrafters 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1 headlight and cowl front view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • Mateusz Kubak's custom blue 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer
    Mateusz Kubak’s custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer bike | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The side view of Mateusz Kubak's custom blue 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer
    Mateusz Kubak’s custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer side view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The rear 3/4 view of Mateusz Kubak's custom blue 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer
    The rear 3/4 view of Mateusz Kubak’s custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A close-up view of Mateusz Kubak's custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer's engine and exhaust
    Mateusz Kubak’s custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer engine and exhaust closeup | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A close-up view of Mateusz Kubak's custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer's gauge and handlebars
    Mateusz Kubak’s custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer gauge and handlebars closeup | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The side view of Mateusz Kubak's custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer's headlight and left handlebar with another custom bike in the background
    The side view of Mateusz Kubak’s custom 1974 Honda CB550 cafe racer’s headlight and left handlebar with another custom bike in the background | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

RELATED: This Custom 2022 Indian Chief Rocks a Vintage-Style Hand Shifter

The topmost image features Yaroslav Lutsenko’s custom 2013 Harley-Davidson FXBB (Street Bob) in the foreground. His bike, with its carbon and black engine covers, riser handlebars, Cobra exhaust, and custom paint job won the Custom Street Class. Meanwhile, the runner-up was Fornarelli Motorsports’ 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo. Owned by Yovani Montoya, the cruiser has custom handlebars, stretched fenders, air suspension, a 23” wheel, and a paint job by Luis Lopez.

Meanwhile, local builder Mateusz Kubak scored the Custom Classic Class win and Mike Prete earned the runner-up award. Kubak’s 1974 Honda CB550 café racer took the win thanks to features like the custom pinstriping, Delkevic 4-into-1 exhaust, Motogadget switches, and a custom rear end. As for the second-place 1998 Suzuki Intruder VS1400, Prete hand-hammered all the copperwork out of salvaged water pipe. And it’s been his daily rider for over a decade.

  • The side 3/4 view of David Moreno's custom purple-and-black 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
    David Moreno’s custom 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide bike side 3/4 view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The seat and speakers on David Moreno's custom purple-and-black 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide bike
    David Moreno’s custom 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide bike’s seat and speakers | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A close-up view of the metal filigree on David Moreno's custom purple-and-black 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide bike's V-twin engine
    A close-up view of the metal filigree on David Moreno’s custom 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide bike’s V-twin engine | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The engraved front forks and front wheel on David Moreno's custom purple-and-black 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide bike
    David Moreno’s custom 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide bike’s engraved front forks and wheel | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A close-up view of the engraved headlight on David Moreno's custom purple-and-black 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
    David Moreno’s custom 2013 Harely-Davidson Street Glide’s engraved headlight closeup | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • Mike Prete's turquoise-and-copper custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder
    Mike Prete’s custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The rear 3/4 view of Mike Prete's turquoise-and-copper custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder
    Mike Prete’s custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder rear 3/4 view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The close-up view of the hand-beaten copper flames at the rear of Mike Prete's custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder
    The close-up view of the hand-beaten copper flames at the rear of Mike Prete’s custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The close-up view of the fuel tank and right handlebar on Mike Prete's turquoise-and-copper custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder
    Mike Prete’s custom 1998 Suzuki Intruder’s right handlebar and fuel tank closeup | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

Finally, the Freestyle Class award went to Robert Catanese’s 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1, customized by Framecrafters. Dubbed ‘Yamaha R1X,’ the sportbike has a custom chromoly-steel frame, aluminum axles, a titanium exhaust, as well as various switches and gauges from Motogadget and MotoGP suppliers. Plus, it has Dunlop Q4 Sportmax tires, Berringer brakes, and bodywork inspired by the Ducati 750 SS.

However, while David Moreno’s 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide was the Freestyle Class runner-up, his custom bike earned the People’s Choice Award. So, his Street Glide, with all its speakers, John Booth paintwork, air suspension, and 26” front wheel, is going to Atlanta, too. And so is the cruiser’s hand-carved metal filigree.

Vintage German and British bikes were also on display at IMS Chicago 2021

  • A gray 1969 BMW R69S at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021
    1969 BMW R69S at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The rear view of a gray 1969 BMW R69 S's handlebars
    1969 BMW R69S handlebars rear view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The left side view of a gray 1969 BMW R69S at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021
    The left side view of a gray 1969 BMW R69S at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • The side view of a blue-and-red 1983 BMW R80 G/S
    1983 BMW R80 G/S side view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A closeup view of one 1983 BMW R80 G/S's cylinder heads
    1983 BMW R80 G/S cylinder head closeup | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A white-blue-red-and-black 1987 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021
    1987 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A close-up view of a white 1987 BMW R80 G/S's handlebars, autographed fuel tank, and red-trimmed gauges
    1987 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar handlebars and gauges closeup | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A low-angle side view of a white-black-red-and-blue 1987 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar's rear half and engine
    A low-angle side view of a 1987 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar’s rear half and engine | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit
  • A black-and-gold 1974 Norton Commando 850 to the left of a green-and-white 1971 BSA A65 Thunderbolt at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021
    1974 Norton Commando 850 (left) and 1971 BSA A65 Thunderbolt at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

RELATED: The Myth Motorcycles Custom BMW R80 G/S Was Built to Cross Africa With Class

The International Motorcycle Show also regularly includes a vintage bike section in all of its stops. And IMS Chicago 2021 was no different. There were actually more classic motorcycles present than the photos suggest, but I couldn’t snap all of them in time.

Even so, the vintage metal that was still there on Sunday afternoon was worth checking out. Classic BMW motorcycles were well represented with a 1974 R69S as well as several R80 G/S bikes, including a genuine Paris-Dakar model. There were also several vintage British bikes on display, including several Norton Commandos and a 1971 BSA A65 Thunderbolt.

However, even if you didn’t get a chance to check these bikes out at IMS Chicago, the outdoor format will return next year, RevZilla says. So, mark your 2022 calendars so you can see custom and classic motorcycles like these in the sunshine.

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RELATED: Are There Any Good Affordable Classic Motorcycles?

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Rocket League: Ford F-150 Joins The Game

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Rocket League is one of the most popular games in the world, and for a good reason. It is basically football (soccer) with cars in a sci-fi environment. It is a game that is easy to understand but difficult to master. Its competitive play style makes Rocket League one of the biggest esports games in the world currently.

The multiplayer game’s popularity is an excellent opportunity for non-endemic brands to cross-promote with the game to reach a broad audience. Lamborghini, NASCAR, and Formula 1 have all joined in on the hype by having their cars featured in the game as playable vehicles. 

Ford is the latest manufacturer to team up with Rocket League for a non-traditional marketing boost. Unlike previous auto manufacturer partnerships, Ford decided to go further than just having the Rocket League developers create a virtual version of a current model.

Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition

Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition | Psyonix

Rather than choose a sports car like the Mustang or a hot hatch like the Focus RS, Ford elected to make the F-150 truck the star of their promotional partnership. That might seem weird to some of you but considering that the Ford F-150 truck was the best-selling vehicle in America for over three decades, it’s no wonder why Ford chose it to feature in Rocket League.

It should be noted that the F-150 in Rocket League is not just a stock truck rendered in 3D for the game. Instead, artists from Ford and Psyonix (the game’s developer) worked together to design an F-150 truck that fits the futuristic theme of Rocket League. The artists gave the F-150 exaggerated dimensions, large wheels with glowing tires, an eye-catching electric blue and neon green color scheme, and of course, rockets in the truck bed.

Ford F-150 Rocket League edition seen from the rear view in the hit game Rocket League.
Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition | Psyonix

As wild as the design is, it is still unmistakably a Ford F-150. The massive “Ford” logo on the front grill, the tell-tale headlights, and the “F-150” on the tailgate are all obvious giveaways.

“It had to be an F-150 but one that fits within Psyonix’s extreme virtual world pairing soccer and mayhem,” said Ehab Kaoud, chief designer, Ford trucks. “F-150 is already the most popular truck in the real world, and this F-150 Rocket League Edition is poised to be the most popular truck in the gaming world, too. It’s Built Ford Tough meets gaming.”

Ford builds real-life version of in-game truck

Ford was not satisfied with creating a virtual representation of a near-future F-150 truck. To build even more hype, the American brand decided to create a real-life version of the in-game vehicle. 

Unfortunately, the real-life version of the Ford F-150 Rocket League edition is not on sale any time soon or at all. Instead, it was a one-off custom build to bring more attention to Ford’s partnership with the game. Once the build was completed, it made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in July of 2021. 

Even though that real truck can’t be bought, anyone can buy the Ford F-150 Rocket League edition right now as in-game content. 

RELATED: Ford Creates ‘Gaming Transit’ Mobile Video Game Station

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