7 Tips to Buy a Used Ram 1500
Ram is among the most popular truck brands in the country. The company has been making trucks for many decades under the name Dodge Ram but became an independent entity in 2009. Since then, Ram has made some of the best-selling trucks. One of the most popular in its lineup is the Ram 1500. Now in its fifth generation, the Ram 1500 continues to attract people looking to bring home a pickup truck.
About the Ram 1500
The fourth-generation Ram 1500 was produced from 2009 to 2019, and the fifth-generation series has been in production since 2019. Initially described as crude and uncomfortable, Ram has continuously upgraded the 1500’s design, safety, tech, and performance features, making it one of the most popular and highly rated trucks.
Tips to buy a used Ram 1500
Buying a used truck is a good idea when on a budget. Individuals may find many Ram 1500 models in the used market, which they can consider. These models are available through multiple sources, both offline and online. It is important to buy from trusted sellers who guarantee the quality and authenticity of the vehicle.
- Visit auto-related websites online
Many auto-related websites offer information regarding used cars and trucks. One can visit them and compare used Ram 1500 models by year, trim, condition, features, and location. Doing so can help one shortlist the models that are best for them.
Finding an authorized Ram truck dealer is important because they will likely provide good-quality used vehicles. One can get a list of the authorized sellers from Ram’s official website and then call them to verify if they have used Ram 1500 models. If they do, individuals can request to see them and understand their features.
Buying a used truck from Ram’s Certified Pre-Owned program has several benefits. Vehicles sold under this program undergo a thorough inspection and have a manufacturer-backed extended warranty. Ram offers a five-year/100,000-mile Maximum Care Limited Warranty and a stringent certification process.
After looking at the used truck’s pictures online and browsing through the dealer’s catalog, one can make an appointment for an inspection. During the inspection, individuals should check the truck’s overall condition and look for signs of damage. Buyers must assess the body, look under the hood, and check the doors and windows. Taking a test drive is also useful for feeling the quality of the car. One must watch for unusual or abnormal noises and sounds while test-driving the Ram 1500. Buying a used truck without inspecting it can be risky.
Many websites help people learn about the history of a used vehicle by entering its Vehicle Identification Number. These websites list details about the vehicle’s ownership and let buyers know whether it was involved in an accident, stolen, or damaged. Besides reading this information, one should verify the title, look for pending loans, and check whether the used Ram 1500 has valid insurance.
Repossessed vehicles are vehicles lenders seize when the owner defaults on loan payments. These vehicles are usually auctioned or sold for a lower rate in the market. The benefit of buying repossessed trucks is that they may be of better quality. Many dealers buy repossessed vehicles when the insurance companies or finance companies auction them and then resell them to individual customers.
Although used Ram 1500 trucks will be cheaper than new ones, comparing prices at different dealerships is important to get the best deal. One can visit auto websites to understand the current average selling price of a used Ram 1500. The prices depend on the year of the truck, model, trim level, cumulative mileage, and exterior and interior condition. The prices also depend on the number of used Ram 1500 trucks available for sale. If there is a huge demand, the prices may go up. To get the best deal, one should look for offers, incentives, and clearance sales of the Ram 1500.
Key specs and features of the Ram 1500
The features buyers get in their used Ram 1500 will depend on their chosen model. The most recent model is available in two cab configurations: Crew Cab and Quad Cab. One can choose from two six-cylinder engines: a basic V6 or a twin-turbo inline-six with eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission. It has a combined MPG of 22 and a maximum payload capacity of 2,020 lbs. The specs may vary based on the trim level and style.
Some additional tech and safety features one may get in the Ram 1500 include:
- Four-wheel ABS
- Emergency braking assist
- Engine immobilizer
- Post-collision safety system
- 12.0-inch touchscreen
- Massaging seats
- Quilted-leather upholstery
- Cruise control
- Keyless ignition
One can visit the brand’s official website to learn more about the Ram 1500 and determine whether it is the right fit.
