Whether you’re looking for a workhorse, a flexible family car or hardcore performance, a pick-up could be your answer. With new models at rock bottom prices, plenty of used bargains and considerable tax benefits, pick-ups have it all.

From the ‘indestructible’ Toyota Hilux to the supersized Dodge Ram, here’s our pick of the best pick-ups – all for under £15,000.

Search for these cars on Auto Trader>>

Full gallery: the £15,000 pick-ups

Ford Ranger

The Ranger is one of the more civilised pick-ups to drive. Its cabin is roomy and there’s a large load space, as you’d expect.

Build and interior material quality aren’t up to the standards of the rest of the Ford range, but it is robust and there’s little to go wrong.30

The 2.5-litre diesel engine is strong, if not the most refined.

Our pick: 2.5 TDCi Double Cab XLT

Mitsubishi L200

The L200 is one of the most stylish pick-ups around, with its swoopy cab and distinctive face.

Mitsubishi’s pick-up has found favour amongst those looking for a slice of utilitarian lifestyle chic. Unfortunately the driving experience doesn’t quite match the image.

The main problem is the suspension which offers a bouncy ride and poor high-speed stability.

Our pick: DI-D Double Cab Warrior

Dodge Ram

Slip a country and western CD into the stereo, kick back and waft along in supersized, V8-powered comfort.

The Ram isn’t for shy and retiring types or those who place fuel economy anywhere near the top of their priority lists. And for those who find the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 a little weedy, the SRT-10 uses the same 8.3-litre V10 engine as the Dodge Viper.

The Ram is a truck that wears its heart on its sleeve: you’ll either love or hate it for that.

Our pick: V8 Hemi Laramie

Nissan Navara

For those looking for a car-like driving experience in their pick-up, the Navara comes closest. It rides and handles as well as many large SUVs, and its diesel engine is powerful and refined, especially when hooked up to the optional automatic gearbox.

The double cab version offers much better rear seat space than the standard version, which features an uncomfortable and cramped bench.

Equipment levels are generous and the more upmarket models are positively plush, with their leather trim and integrated sat nav.

Our pick: 2.5 dCi Aventura automatic

Isuzu Rodeo

The Isuzu Rodeo is better looking than most of its competitors and, with the Prodrive Performance Pack fitted, it’s quicker than a three tonne truck has the right to be.

Engine-wise, you can pick between 2.5- and 3.0-litre turbodiesels, while there are also single and double-cab bodies.

The Rodeo is used in a lot of countries as a family car so Isuzu have majored on safety. The Max LE also comes with a surprising range of creature comforts, including a two or four-wheel-drive selector, air conditioning, bluetooth and a touch-screen sat-nav.

Our pick: 2.5TD Double Cab Denver Max LE

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is one of the most iconic British cars of all time, and has been the ultimate go-anywhere vehicle for almost six decades.

The ultimate of pick-up thanks to its offroading abilities and, though it may not make a good family car, it is definitely a contender for a brilliant workhorse.

Engine-wise, there is a choice of just one, which is a powerful and refined 2.4-litre diesel unit.

Our pick: 110 2.4D Pick Up Double Cab

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is known as ‘The Indestructible Car’. Even when subjected to severe abuse at the hands of Jeremy Clarkson – who famously dropped a caravan onto it before placing it on top of a tower block, which was promptly blown-up in a controlled demolition – the engine was still running.

It also set the record for being the first car to reach the North Pole.

A brand-new entry level 2.5-litre single-cab Toyota Hilux will set you back £14,280. It’s not the most luxurious vehicle on the road but it should go on forever.

Our pick: 2.5 Double Cab HL2 4X4

Mazda BT-50

Mazda might be better known for its sporty ethos, but it’s had a long history of producing commercial vehicles. The BT-50 is the replacement for the B-Series – which sold more than 3 million worldwide.

The Mazda BT-50 forms the basis of the Ford Ranger, meaning it’s comfortable, practical and offers plenty of load space. It’s also one of the more well-equipped pick-ups available.

Power is provided by a choice of 2.5-litre and 3-litre turbo-diesel engines.

Our pick: 4×4 Double Cab TS 2.5 D

Volkswagen Amarok

The Volkswagen Amarok is VW’s first pick-up and gets a classy, aggressive interpretation of the manufacturer’s front grille.

It will be powered by a twin-turbod 2-litre diesel unit, tuned for 161bhp and 295lb/ft of pulling power. It features a six-speed gearbox, four-wheel drive, locking centre and rear differentials as well as traction control as standard.

It will launch this autumn as a double-cab pick-up, with a single-cab version to follow a year later.

Our pick: N/A – not yet on sale

Holden Maloo

The iconic Holden Maloo is the car of choice down under. It is only available in the UK to import but the fact it is the world’s fastest production pick-up – with a top speed of 168mph – earns it a mention.

Produced by Holden’s independent performance division HSV, it is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 425bhp.

In the words of HSV, the Maloo R8 is a “two-door coupe with a damn big boot”.

Our pick: HSV R8

Search for these cars on Auto Trader>>

By Owen Ready and Rhian Jones