Ram 1500 has its own set of weaknesses, but it offers something special that its rivals do not have. It has its own particular flavor. Ram 1500 is best known and commended for its potent engines and quiet cabin. It belongs to upscale pickup trucks and comes at a hefty price tag that may dissuade some buyers from purchasing it. This is why many people would rather buy a used one. If you found yourself in a dilemma of whether to buy a new or used Ram 1500, read on to make the right decision.
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Is it okay to buy a used Ram 1500?
Yes, it is okay to buy a used Ram 1500 in certain situations and because of particular unavoidable conditions such as depreciation. Depreciation rates affect all vehicles, but the Ram 1500 has a depreciation rate that is 3 percent more than the average rate of other popular pickup trucks. In this aspect, you might see buying a new Ram 1500 as not a wise choice.
When you buy a used 2017 Ram 1500 instead of a new 2020 model, you’ll save over $16,000. The 2017 model also offers refined powertrain options and a luxury-focused interior that the newer version has. In this case, buying a used Ram 1500 might be a better option as long as the used truck is properly cared for.
A common misconception about used vehicles is that they are automatically less reliable. But the truth is when a used truck like a powerful Ram is still in phenomenal shape it still can hit over 200,000 miles.
Should you buy a new or used Ram 1500?
The redesigned Ram 1500 was introduced to the 2019 model. Go with a new 1500 if you want the new diesel engine that is new for its 2020 model. Otherwise, you are better off with a 2019 money to save money. There were few updates for 2020, so you won’t really miss out a lot if you go for a used 2019 model instead of a new 2020 model.
The 2020 Ram 1500 also has a number of not-so-stellar reviews for being less distinctive than its predecessors. Sparsely equipped entry-level trim/base model. Expensive top trims. Too firm air suspension. Common driver-assist features are only found in higher trims. But despite these weak points, the 2020 model year was named by cars.com as the Luxury Car of the Year. So if you have the money, eliminate the risks of going for a used Ram 1500 and buy a brand new model.
If you opt for an older model in the previous-generation, you’ll be missing some valuable powertrain, safety and tech enhancements that are only found in the new generation which began with the 2019 model. The previous generation started with the 2012 model.
Nonetheless, the 2017-2018 Ram 1500 models are among the better options to purchase used according to Consumer Reports.
Is it better to buy a new or used truck?
Unless you have a big budget, buying a new truck might not be the right decision. A base trim may be affordable but most of the time it lacks desirable features. You would need to spend more to get those additional features, or cut back on those and found yourself driving a new truck but with less than you hoped for. These are some tips on whether to buy a new or used Ram 1500.
You start regretting buying a new truck, but it’s rather too late because you are stuck with a new truck with limited features and that is depreciating in value. You maxed your budget and compromised on features, but your truck’s value will never be near what you paid for.
You should not worry about buying a used truck since most trucks are built to handle daily commuting, intense labor, heavy-towing and off-roading terrain. They are made to endure rigorous activities. In general, trucks are also more durable than other vehicle types. It can last 200,000 miles on the average.
If you are concerned about the wear and tear of a used vehicle, you can use online tools such as Carfax to check a vehicle’s maintenance and repair history. This gives you an idea if the truck is in a good condition. And of course, you can have your trusted mechanic make a thorough inspection of the used truck before deciding to purchase it.
As mentioned previously, depreciation hits you hard when you buy a brand new truck. You take the biggest hit in the first year. Whereas when you buy a previously owned truck that has already taken the biggest hit, you will have a much smaller loss.
Learn more about how depreciation works, click here.
You can get the dream truck that you want at a much cheaper price when you buy a properly cared for used truck with all the features that you want.
Which year Ram 1500 is the best?
Way before it dropped the label “Dodge” from its name in 2012, the Ram 1500 has already proven itself as a powerful pickup truck. It’s no wonder why many buyers opt for a Ram 1500 thanks to its high performance, competitive price and functionality. However, not all models are made equal. There’s one model that has proven to be more dependable than any other. The 2018 model year is the best of all Ram 1500 based on dependability.
Carcomplaints.com gathers data from different sources to let owners and potential buyers know of the issues or complaints on a particular model year. After compiling all research on the Ram 1500, it’s been found that some model years may be a better investment than others. Out of all used model years, the 2018 model year has the least number of overall complaints and is named the best used Ram 1500 model year.
It only got a total of 12 complaints, making it the most reliable used Ram 1500. The most common issues are with the fuel system. Aside from problems with the fuel system, there are 3 complaints regarding interior accessory, 2 complaints about engine problems and one complaint in each of the paint/body, transmission and electrical categories.
There are 9 total recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but it is most likely to be resolved at the dealership.
The 2018 Ram 1500 is an impressive used full-size pickup truck. It is a good option for anyone looking for a basic work truck as well as for anyone looking for an upscale everyday truck to haul adults.
Pros of the 2018 Ram 1500:
- Sporty handling and comfortable ride
- Trio of potent engines
- Fuel-efficient turbo diesel engine
- Handsome interior
- Spacious, comfortable seats
- User-friendly available infotainment features
- Lowest list prices in class
Cons of the 2018 Ram 1500:
- Limited available driver assistance features
- Poor crash test results for class
- Lower towing and payload capacities than competitors
2018 Ram 1500 Performance
The 2018 Ram 1500 offers three engine options. One of them is its standard V6 engine producing 305 hp and 269 pound-feet of torque, making it ideal for daily commute and light work duty. If you want more power, go for a V8 or a turbo diesel V6 which has better towing ability and acceleration. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is available as an option.
The Ram 1500 provides the smoothest ride in its class. It delivers accurate steering and engaging handling. The brakes are also impressive, providing good stopping power even when pulling a trailer. An active-leveling air suspension is available to further improve the ride and to keep the truck poised.
When it comes to fuel economy, the V6 base engine gets an average fuel economy for its class with 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg in the highway. The V6 turbo diesel engine has an impressive fuel efficiency for its size, getting 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The four-wheel drive version uses slightly more gas than its RWD counterpart.
A properly equipped Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,640 pounds which is mid-range for a full-size truck.
2018 Ram 1500 Interior
The 2018 model can seat up to 3 people in Regular Cab configuration and can seat up to 6 in two-row Quad Cab and Crew Cab models. The seats at the front give excellent support and comfort for long drives and the back seats have plenty of legroom. Taller adults have no problem riding in the back even if it’s a long drive. They can ride comfortably, especially in the Crew Cab model.
Vinyl upholstery comes standard. These features are also available: cloth upholstery, leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory functions, heated steering wheel, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
In models with 2 rows of seats, the 2018 Ram 1500 has 2 complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors on the back outboard seats and an upper tether on the back middle seat. All tether anchors are difficult to find, and chances are you’ll confuse them for other cabin hardware.
The 2018 Ram 1500 has a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, which is one of the best interfaces today. The bigger screen shows large virtual buttons, and comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto give you an alternative to making phone calls, turning on music, and navigating maps through your phone.
Standard Infotainment Features:
- A 6-speaker stereo
- USB port
Available Infotainment Features:
- a 5-inch infotainment display or an 8.4-inch touch screen
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Satellite radio
- Navigation
- 10-speaker Premium stereo
- An additional USB port
Other Available Features:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 7-inch digital instrument display
- Keyless entry’
- Proximity keyless entry
- 115-volt household-style power outlet
- Push-button start
- Remote start
- Sunroof
What Ram 1500 model year do you have to stay away from?
All year models of Ram 1500 have their own set of problems, may it be transmission problems, or any other issue. Excluding model years when the car manufacturer was still under Dodge brand, the model year you should veer away from is the 2014 models because this model year has the most complaints. This is just another one of the important bits of information about whether to buy a new or used Ram
Which Ram engine is the best?
Many doubted the capabilities of a V6 engine in a full-size pickup truck, but Ram proves that size doesn’t always matter. If you are currently looking for a Ram 1500, experts think you should go with the V6, particularly the six-cylinder eTorque engine.
The V8 may be quicker, but if you are not planning on racing your pickup truck then there is no point in getting it for its added power.
The V6 engine has enough power to give ample performance for a full-size pickup without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The Ram 1500’s V6 eTorque engine is first made available for its 2019 model year. This engine helps the big truck keep up with the fuel economy ratings of smaller trucks. It earns EPA ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 24-26 mpg on the highway.
An important question to ask is, does the enhanced fuel efficiency compromise power and performance? The V6 eTorque engine does not disappoint. It was made to help create enhanced power at start/stop and at the same time provide more torque at lower RPMS to help the engine.
It also recycles brake energy to increase responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The V6 generates 305 hp and 269 pound feet of torque which are less than the V8’s 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Nonetheless, it still gets the job and has better fuel economy than the V8.
The 2019 Ram 1500 ranked second-best in full-size pickup ratings on Consumer Reports. It also has responsive handling, a serene cabin and a comfortable ride. Depending on the trim and powertrain, the Ram 1500 has a towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds.
The standard Ram 1500 is already topnotch, but you can also upgrade to a more impressive air suspension system.
Conclusion
The decision to whether to buy a new or used Ram 1500 ultimately depends on your budget. If the money is not an issue, you can go for a new one and opt for an upper trim to get more features you’d want in a pickup truck.
However, in most instances, when considering the depreciation of a Ram 1500, the durability of a truck and the sparsely equipped base models, it is better for you to go with a pre owned Ram 1500. This way, you won’t be impacted so much with its higher-than-average depreciation rating.
On top of that, you can get a better-equipped pickup truck with your budget if you go for a used one. You don’t have to worry so much about its reliability as long as you are sure that the used pickup truck is properly cared for.