Things to Know About When Shopping for a Used Ram 1500

Every year, Ram does what it has been doing ever since it became a separate entity from the Dodge brand––reinvigorates the pickup truck segment and continues to improve on its vehicles. Many potential truck buyers are continually drawn to Ram trucks for their performance, prowess, and versatility. If you’re in the market for a new truck but have a desire for lower prices, then a used Ram 1500 for sale is the ideal solution for you. When it comes to shopping for one, there are a lot of things to consider. Such as how much you’ll be paying upfront, insurance, and the routine repairs that need to be taken care of at regular intervals. Here at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Georgetown, we’re happy to take some time to share some essential information when it comes to the truck-shopping process in hopes of assisting you in making the right choice.

Depreciation: Getting Higher Quality While Paying a Lower Price

The first thing you should be aware of is that you have the ideal opportunity to purchase a used Ram 1500 for much less than the starting MSRP of a new model. The advantage of buying used is that you have the chance to make depreciation work for you. In fact, this is the exact opposite of buying new, as new vehicle owners have to be wary about the reduction in resale value that occurs over time. All vehicles depreciate at their own individual rates, and the Ram 1500 is no exception. After just four years after the production date, you can expect a new truck to decrease in resale value by around 25%; after six years, this number can hit 40%, which equates to having the ability to pay much less for a used truck than you would for a newer model. A good way to gauge the ballpark of what you might be paying is by consulting publications such as KBB (Kelley Blue Book) to estimate what your upfront costs might be.

Expected Maintenance and Repairs

Much like the process of depreciation, all vehicles need routine maintenance to stay on the road and ensure their longevity. The Ram 1500, when properly maintained, can last for a long period of time and retain its capabilities. One of the advantages that the Ram 1500 has over other vehicles in its class is that the most common service, which consists of tire rotations and oil changes, only needs to be performed every 8,000 miles instead of every 5,000 to 7,500. The rate at which repairs are needed will vary depending on items such as driving habits and what you use the vehicle for.

When it comes to being a reliable truck, the Ram 1500 shines above the competition. In fact, many consider it to be the best in its class, ahead of other makes and models. This includes many of its most prominent competitors, such as the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra. On average, you can expect your annual maintenance costs to be quite low, even if you are driving a used model that is a couple of years old. The rate of uncommon or sudden repairs is also surprisingly low, making the Ram 1500 a worthwhile investment for those looking for a practical pickup to fulfill their needs.

Specific Model Years to Look For

Like everything else that pertains to the automotive industry, the Ram 1500 has undergone a variety of changes in the years since it was first introduced. To give you an idea of what recent model years might be ideal for you, we’ve taken the time to break down the changes in the most recent generation of the Ram 1500 to allow you to gauge which model year will suit you best.

2019 Ram 1500

The current generation of the Ram 1500 began in 2019. Inside and out, there were a variety of improvements made to usher in a bold new era of Ram’s flagship product. The weight of the vehicle was lowered by 225 lbs thanks to a new frame that was composed of high-strength steel. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 engines made a return to the fold, but more surprisingly, new technology was introduced to both powertrains that took performance in a bold new direction. This was the year in which Ram introduced eTorque, a mild hybrid setup that features a belt-driven generation to increase torque, assist with the start/stop feature, and recapture energy through regenerative braking technology. Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning came into the fold, ensuring that Ram had its eye on your safety when on the road.

2020 Ram 1500

The 2020 Ram 1500 introduced a new diesel powertrain, which was meant to go head-to-head with the Duramax line of diesel engines introduced for the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. The EcoDiesel V6 generates 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, which are impressive numbers, and its towing capacity of 12,750 lbs beats that of the Silverado 1500 diesel by a wide margin. For the driver who enjoys the finer things in life, Ram highlighted the new year with a refined and sophisticated interior that had an emphasis on luxury. Thanks to its 12-inch vertical infotainment screen, the truck offers a user-friendly experience with one of the most advanced software suites.

2021 Ram 1500

As the next year began, many of the improvements from the previous year were carried over. One of the most impressive features has to do with the fuel economy of some of the engines. The 2021 Ram 1500 with the diesel engine was rated at 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Even the gasoline-powered V6 offered the capacity for reduced fuel consumption, with fuel economy ratings of 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. This was also another year in which the Ram 1500 outperformed the Silverado 1500 in the towing department, the third year in a row that the truck was named a Car & Driver 10Best, and another year it received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA in collision testing.

The Perfect Used Ram 1500 Is Waiting for You

It’s seldom when the purchase of a used vehicle provides a wealth of advantages that surpass some of the newer makes and models from the current year. As we’ve seen today, a used Ram 1500 can do just that. With a trio of highly effective powertrains at your disposal, minimal repair costs, and depreciation that allows you to get more for your money, there’s no better time than now to get behind the wheel and experience first-hand everything that Ram has to offer you. When it comes to having the perfect truck buying experience, Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Georgetown is here to help. Not only do we have a vast selection of used Ram vehicles, but we also have a team of knowledgeable and friendly people who will gladly assist you in answering any questions or concerns you might have about the Ram 1500 and which model year and trim will be perfect for you.

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