Buying a used Ram 1500 4x4

[gdstroud1865]

I'm looking at buying a used Ram 1500 4x4 and looking for feedback at the best year and model of 4th gen. I drive a 2017 2500 Tradesman work trick but can't afford one like it. Suggestions appreciated.

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[McBroom]

15 n 16 are both great years but if it's got the 4.7 dont walk but run away from it. That 4.7 motor is junk. Not even worthy enough to be a boat anchor.

Blue Mule

 

[PoMansRam]

V6 or hemi? 8spd or 6? Quad cab, crew?

To me, in terms of model year, the newer the better.

 

[McBroom]

V6 or hemi? 8spd or 6? Quad cab, crew?

To me, in terms of model year, the newer the better.

So very true. Info that we must have. We need the trim level also.

Blue Mule

 

[avantiguy]

14 and up Hemi will get you the 8-speed trans and 100,000 mile plugs. From there it's miles, condition and Carfax data. I know some 13's had 8-speeds.

Depending on trim level, a low mileage 14 would be $20K'ish if that fits your price range. Look at cargurus.com to get a feel for real price vs year/mileage/trim.

If you decide to buy from a private party, see if they have receipts if available and be sure to get the carfax.

 

[gdstroud1865]

15 n 16 are both great years but if it's got the 4.7 dont walk but run away from it. That 4.7 motor is junk. Not even worthy enough to be a boat anchor.

Blue Mule

I'm definitely going with the 5.7.

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[gdstroud1865]

V6 or hemi? 8spd or 6? Quad cab, crew?

To me, in terms of model year, the newer the better.

Definitely the 5.7 hemi crew cab just like the 2500 I drive for work.

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[McBroom]

Definitely the 5.7 hemi crew cab just like the 2500 I drive for work.

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Laramie or big horn?

Blue Mule

 

[bootss]

Piggy backing off the O.P

But for me I'm looking From 2011 to 2017
Looking to buy a 1500 crew cab 4x4 v8.

What are the good/bad years?

Common problems with the years and are they easily fixable

Thanks in advance

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[kurek]

13+ gets you electric power steering and the better traction control

 

[ram1500rsm]

I went with a 14 because that way I wouldn’t have to buy a new pcm to tune it. Did exactly the same with my wife 14 Durango SXT few weeks ago.
I have a Hemi with the 6 speed in the RAM with 3.92’s and factory LSD, 8 speed in the Durango with the Pentastar.

 

[PoMansRam]

14 and up Hemi will get you the 8-speed trans and 100,000 mile plugs. From there it's miles, condition and Carfax data. I know some 13's had 8-speeds.

Maybe with crew cabs?

A co-worker of mine has a 2015 Ram 1500 express, quad cab, hemi with the 6spd automatic (column shift). He bought it used maybe 1.5yrs ago.

 

[Octane]

13+ gets you electric power steering and the better traction control

I bought a 13...how is the traction control better?.I almost didnt buy mine because Im old school on wanting a pump and hoses for power steering but so far it works fine at 126k miles

 

[kurek]

'13 was the year they included the same BLD feature that Wranglers get, works in low range and tries to ensure left and right wheels on either axle are going the same speed. You can see it in this video on a wrangler.

 

[El Huapo]

Looks like you've got most of it sorted out here, lots of good ideas. I have one that might help since I'm an old fart with lots of car/truck buying behind me: look for one without a trailer hookup. Now I know most of the new trucks come with one already installed but you can tell if it has been used---look for unscratched paint inside the receiver is one way, maybe no marks on the wiring hookups, but the easiest is if you know the owner and they haven't ever pulled anything big, like loaded horse trailers. It only takes one heavy pull by someone who forces the vehicle to overwork or overheat and problems will be lurking inside. Find the "Creampuff" and take care of it. Happy Trails Y'all

 

[Ken226]

'13 was the year they included the same BLD feature that Wranglers get, works in low range and tries to ensure left and right wheels on either axle are going the same speed. You can see it in this video on a wrangler.

That is some very impressive traction control logic!

 

[Eng_alvarado90]

15 n 16 are both great years but if it's got the 4.7 dont walk but run away from it. That 4.7 motor is junk. Not even worthy enough to be a boat anchor.

Blue Mule

The 4.7 was discontinued after MY13, so as far as the OP gets a 2014+ he should be fine.
6 spd and 8 spd Autos were available on the HEMI, the Pentastar got the 8 spd as standard equipment.



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[ChevySlayer69]

Piggy backing off the O.P

But for me I'm looking From 2011 to 2017
Looking to buy a 1500 crew cab 4x4 v8.

What are the good/bad years?

Common problems with the years and are they easily fixable

Thanks in advance

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2011 is the only year to stay away from, and apart from that it's as simple as the newer the better.

 

[2019 Ram Classic]

I bought my 2019 Ram Classic SLT 4x4 with 5.7 Hemi for 25,400 the dealer I went to has several used Rams in stock at what I believe to be good prices https://www.tomahl.com/all-inventory/index.htm?compositeType=used&year=2017,2019&make=Ram&model=1500

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

2011 is the only year to stay away from, and apart from that it's as simple as the newer the better.

I have an 11, it is and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

138k, brakes (1), rotors (1) tires (4) exhaust manifold bolts (today).

OCI 8k Redline 5/30 SRT filter.

Trans every 30k, filter and fluid. Just switched to C+.

Transfer case with trans.

Diffs front and rear every 50k.

PCV every 40k

Oil catch can

K&N air filter

Tuned I3. 91 octane tune.

Krowned annually.

Otherwise, never turned a bolt on the vehicle. Still has original battery.

Now it may blowup tomorrow but today, it's a champ.