The USA makes its most popular pickup in an electric version, but second-hand diesel and petrol are priced as much as a new Porsche 718

With the arrival of new electric pickups on the US market , older models with large diesel and gasoline engines are seeing a steady rise in price on the used market.

At the same time, American manufacturers are electrifying their most iconic pickups , leading to a growing bubble in the used pickup market, with situations just as extravagant as for some compact sports cars.

More expensive than current versions

RAM 1500 REV

The Ford F-150 's continuity as America's best-selling car for 40 years is a clear testament to driver preferences in the country. Vans have always dominated this market and their success over the years has not required a significant evolution.

A massive size and powerful engine were enough to ensure success, as evidenced by the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and RAM 1500 which took the top three spots in sales.

However, after decades of stability, the pickup market is currently experiencing a revolution, initiated by the arrival of the Ford F-150 Lightning in 2019, which is a 100% electric variant of the F-150 .

Ford F-150 Lightning

Then the Chevrolet Silverado EV was launched, followed by the Rivian R1T , and recently the RAM 1500 REV was introduced, confirming fierce competition in the field of electric pickups. Additionally, the pickup variant of the GMC Hummer EV has just been released, joining this league. Although the Tesla Cybertruck is still to come, it will take longer than expected, while Volkswagen plans to launch its Scout brand.

Interestingly, in the land of big Cummins diesels and huge truck-displacement gasoline V8s , major US automakers are turning their flagship models into all-electric vehicles.

However, it's worth pointing out that customers looking for an authentically American pickup aren't necessarily interested in Teslas, Toyota Prius or other partially or fully electrified cars.

Partly understandable, because in these regions pick-ups are often used not only as the main car, but also for work, unlike in France where we have cars like the Citroën Berlingo or the Renault Kangoo for the same purpose, but we understand that these are different markets.

Despite this, new models of electric pickups are gaining popularity, as evidenced by the Ford F-150 Lightning , which garnered 44,000 reservations in 48 hours, even the police acquired it. Its initial price of less than 40,000 euros and its 563 CV certainly contributed to its success, even if its price has since increased.

However, because the US market is huge, many customers either don't want or can't afford an electric pickup, so traditional models remain the preferred option for thousands of drivers. Some of them even have a preference for older versions, without restrictions, where a 7.3-liter V8 engine was the most popular option.

This Dodge RAM 2500 sold for $76,000.

Older American pickup trucks have seen increased demand in the used market, as have other car segments where certain models are spiraling out of control in terms of price.

There have been examples of exorbitant prices for used pickups in recent months, and these cases are on the rise. In 2022 , a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500HD was sold for $76,000 on Bring A Trailer , whereas the current RAM 2500 starts at $44,205 and goes up to $72,395 for the top model.

The 2002 Ram 2500, powered by a 5.9-liter six-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel engine, only had 69 miles on the odometer, but the selling price is hard to justify.

Someone just bought this 2004 Ford F-450 for $55,500.

On Bring a Trailer, a 2004 Ford F-450 Chassis Cab was sold for $55,500 , despite having nothing in particular except the low mileage of 13 miles (20 km) driven at the over the years. Last year, a 2007 Dodge RAM 3500 with 888 miles (1,429 km) sold for $46,000 , if you prefer that option.

Another recent example is a 1997 Ford F-350 with the 7.3 liter Power Stroke V8 engine that Ford used at the time, advertised by Gateway Car Connection on their social media.

Its range is limited to just 2,536 km (1,576 miles), but its price is relatively affordable at $84,800 . However, for just over $86,000 , one can acquire a 2002 Dodge Viper GTS with only 885 miles sold by Bring A Trailer.

By converting this amount into euros, or 84,600 dollars, this is equivalent to 76,800 euros according to the current exchange rate in France. With this amount, you can afford a Porsche 718 Cayman from 74,126 euros or a Porsche 718 Boxster from 76,434 euros . It is also possible to acquire the new , cheaper Ford Ranger Raptor from 73,200 euros with a diesel engine or from 76,400 euros with a 292 hp six-cylinder petrol engine.

If one opts for a new model, the current Ford F-350 starts at $41,960 and is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that has nothing to envy to that of the model dating from almost 30 years.