Used Shopping confusion

SmithT · Sep 18, 2022

We are out shopping for a new to us truck, have decided we want a fifth gen 1500 Crew Cab, not looking at the classic really. I know a quad would save some dollars, need the crew vs Quad for the little better interior space.

We just can not budget a new one right now, really can not much go over 40K. We see many 2019 models that are off of leases all "certified". I am seeing a few 2020 trucks out there we can get Even a couple 2021s but they have high miles, their std warranty is shot for miles.

Reading online have seen many issues with 2019 models and yet seen many people seem to be pleased with theirs. What do you all think roll the dice with the 19 models, or should we try for newer I am driving myself crazy worrying and hoping to get a decent truck not a problem case. I have been reading and learning many things to look out for but some oof the things are not so easy to "see" I am leaning towards the 8 over the 6, most that I am finding are e torque models which seems to me to be another thing that could go wrong.

Any advice or suggestions, we just can not swing new, But I do need to get a truck, I really do appreciate any guidance and you all know the trucks!

phantomfan35 · Sep 18, 2022

SmithT said:
We are out shopping for a new to us truck, have decided we want a fifth gen 1500 Crew Cab, not looking at the classic really. I know a quad would save some dollars, need the crew vs Quad for the little better interior space.

We just can not budget a new one right now, really can not much go over 40K. We see many 2019 models that are off of leases all "certified". I am seeing a few 2020 trucks out there we can get Even a couple 2021s but they have high miles, their std warranty is shot for miles.

Reading online have seen many issues with 2019 models and yet seen many people seem to be pleased with theirs. What do you all think roll the dice with the 19 models, or should we try for newer I am driving myself crazy worrying and hoping to get a decent truck not a problem case. I have been reading and learning many things to look out for but some oof the things are not so easy to "see" I am leaning towards the 8 over the 6, most that I am finding are e torque models which seems to me to be another thing that could go wrong.

Any advice or suggestions, we just can not swing new, But I do need to get a truck, I really do appreciate any guidance and you all know the trucks!

I just went through the same thing. New trucks are too expensive, so I started looking at used 5th gens. Did not want to deal with the Etorque for the reason you stated, which limited my choices.

Ultimately found a 2016, super clean, 1 owner sport trim, with only 44k miles. It is practically like a new truck and was $40k. Took about a month of searching several dealers in my area, but these unicorn used trucks are out there if you look long enough.

SmithT · Sep 19, 2022

Congratulations on your purchase! I wish the hunt was over, Have seen several beautiful 19s, just really worried about the reports of all the first year teething issues. So I keep searching may consider gen 4 but also figured that's another year older to worry about rust issues, So searching is still on and worrying as well!

IvoryHemi · Sep 19, 2022

I wouldn’t be scared off from 2019, I’d rather have a pre-COVID build.

50k miles on my truck and even with the typical ‘19 issues so far (A/C TSB and rear window frame crack), I’d still highly recommend it.

SmithT · Sep 19, 2022

Did you purchase new, or used?
Never thought of the COVID build!

Rlaf75 · Sep 19, 2022

SmithT said:
Congratulations on your purchase! I wish the hunt was over, Have seen several beautiful 19s, just really worried about the reports of all the first year teething issues. So I keep searching may consider gen 4 but also figured that's another year older to worry about rust issues, So searching is still on and worrying as well!

I completely understand your concerns but I really wouldn't over think it too much. Those "teething" issues still pop up on brand new trucks from time to time. The rear window leak, exhaust manifolds and the hemi tick are still concerns to this day even on brand new trucks. I bought my 21 new and it was not without some faults that I had to use the warranty to get resolved. Since then its been fantastic. My personal suggestion would be to find a truck that you like thats close to stock (not lifted or modified) as possible and fits within your budget and has some sort of warranty and run with it. Good luck

aaronedmonton · Sep 19, 2022

If you go slightly older, you can buy a Mopar extended warranty for the truck. Maxcare is usually a good plan to cover as much as possible on the truck.

zrock · Sep 19, 2022

You are really not saving anything in payments when your looking in the 2020 and up range. Slightly cheaper payments when your under 2019 but then usually you are out of warranty. The payments between my 15 and a new truck are only $200 a month difference and the only reason i did not do it when i purchased the 15 is this was the first ever truck i had purchased with payments and i hate payments.. Hind sight i should have purchased new and just been done with it. Now im looking at trading in my 15 and going with new as in the long run its cheaper

mikeru · Sep 19, 2022

phantomfan35 said:
I just went through the same thing. New trucks are too expensive, so I started looking at used 5th gens. Did not want to deal with the Etorque for the reason you stated, which limited my choices.

Ultimately found a 2016, super clean, 1 owner sport trim, with only 44k miles. It is practically like a new truck and was $40k. Took about a month of searching several dealers in my area, but these unicorn used trucks are out there if you look long enough.

Beautiful truck Dan! Congrats! I see you're in my neck of the woods. How was dealing with Dishman Dodge? I've had less than favorable experiences there, but it's been a few years since I've shopped there.

@SmithT, I think you'll be fine with a 2019 if that's what you end up buying. The recalls should have been taken care of by now, and any other issues were probably fixed under warranty. Most dealerships will provide a carfax report if you ask for it. So any issues that involved a dealership should show up on that. Just remember, this is a forum where people mainly come to complain about problems with their vehicles. So you'll see all kinds of issues with these trucks. But by far, the vast majority of 5th gens have given their owners little or no problems.

PoMansRam · Sep 19, 2022

It's just overwhelming today IMO.

Paying cash is one thing, but I just cannot fathom financing 40 grand or more on a used, soon to be 4yr/old 1/2 ton pickup of any brand/make/model.

You might be able to find a new quad cab, 4x4, hemi for just shy of $50K. I'd rather do a 72-84mo decent interest rate loan on that than on a used. At least it will still be worth something decent towards the end of the loan.

mikeru · Sep 19, 2022

PoMansRam said:
It's just overwhelming today IMO.

Paying cash is one thing, but I just cannot fathom financing 40 grand or more on a used, soon to be 4yr/old 1/2 ton pickup of any brand/make/model.

You might be able to find a new quad cab, 4x4, hemi for just shy of $50K. I'd rather do a 72-84mo decent interest rate loan on that than on a used. At least it will still be worth something decent towards the end of the loan.

This isn't any more true now than it has been in the past. The thing that's changed is the volatility of the prices. Used vehicles are more expensive, but so are new vehicles. I can see your logic, but paying cash isn't an option for a lot of people. And while not economically feasible in the long run, the monthly payment on a $40k truck will be a couple hundred less than on a $50k truck. For a lot of people, that's a huge difference. I usually go with new myself. But I don't like the idea of possibly inheriting someone else's problems. And I like the idea of being the only one driving it. But I can understand why people buy used if they aren't as well off financially.

SmithT · Sep 19, 2022

zrock said:
You are really not saving anything in payments when your looking in the 2020 and up range. Slightly cheaper payments when your under 2019 but then usually you are out of warranty. The payments between my 15 and a new truck are only $200 a month difference and the only reason i did not do it when i purchased the 15 is this was the first ever truck i had purchased with payments and i hate payments.. Hind sight i should have purchased new and just been done with it. Now im looking at trading in my 15 and going with new as in the long run its cheaper

This is an unexpected purchase, we have a budget either paying all cash or we may finance about 10K but we can not go over a certain figure and that will only get us so far, I have seen some 2020 models and a couple 21s we could get on our budget the all are used certified warranty so far

SmithT · Sep 19, 2022

mikeru said:
This isn't any more true now than it has been in the past. The thing that's changed is the volatility of the prices. Used vehicles are more expensive, but so are new vehicles. I can see your logic, but paying cash isn't an option for a lot of people. And while not economically feasible in the long run, the monthly payment on a $40k truck will be a couple hundred less than on a $50k truck. For a lot of people, that's a huge difference. I usually go with new myself. But I don't like the idea of possibly inheriting someone else's problems. And I like the idea of being the only one driving it. But I can understand why people buy used if they aren't as well off financially.

Well said, we can not go much over the 40K and in todays market that is looking like it will only get us so much. It would help budget if I would go for the 6, but I do not think I would be happy with the 6.

barr0208 · Sep 19, 2022

my 2019 sport was built july 2018 either than the cracked window everything has been good for 3+ years

brian42 · Sep 19, 2022

Most of the "first year" issues of the new generation seemed to happen more on trucks built up to October 2018 from what I gathered.

That being said I've had a host of issues on mine (built December 2018) but nothing serious that required a tow or having to park it until something got fixed.

By now, though, those issues should be worked out regardless so it shouldn't be an issue.

Kickboxer · Sep 19, 2022

IvoryHemi said:
I wouldn’t be scared off from 2019, I’d rather have a pre-COVID build.

50k miles on my truck and even with the typical ‘19 issues so far (A/C TSB and rear window frame crack), I’d still highly recommend it.

2020's are also pre-covid, many of them, they started building them in the
fall of 2019.
I had my 2020 Bighorn for 2.5 years, trouble free. Traded for a new 2022
that was on the lot, because I wanted the 5.7, non-Etorque.
Only 37K miles, they are out there.

SmithT · Sep 20, 2022

Well, right now i have it lined up on Saturday to revisit and drive, a 19 Big horn 10/3/18 build, another 19 big horn/lone star 5/22/19 build, a 20 BH 3/2/20 build, and a 21 BH Lone Star 11-17-20 build. Hopefully, maybe one of these will pan out, if not the search will continue.

KeithP · Sep 20, 2022

Only issue with my 19 has been the power fold mirrors messed up. Dealer replaced both under warranty.

No cracked back window frame / no leaks destroying the headliner / no electrical issues of any kind.

5.7 Lonestar/Bighorn (non eTorque)
4x2 Crew Cab
8.4 screen with level 2 equipment option plus trailer brake.
Anti-Spin Diff w/392 gears

Check the build date on the driver’s door sticker. Mine was built in April 19. Without any proof to back this up; my theory is, the later in the year the 19s were built the less likely you are to have problems.

SmithT · Sep 21, 2022

I am curious where is the line , what month is general considered later production vs earlier have people ever agreed to a line?

brian42 · Sep 21, 2022

I don't think there's an agreed upon or "understood" differentiation between early and late.

As for any official differentiation it's a DT (All-New) or DS (Classic), nothing else.

There was lots of speculation back in the beginning about rushing to production to meet the timeline for launch. Not all options were available in the beginning but I think around October 2018 is when all the production options were able to be produced (but don't quote me on that).

All of this is just my personal opinion from what I read and researched when I bought mine back in early 2019. I considered October 2018 the decision point for me when I was shopping. Anything up to October 2018 build I considered as an "early" 2019 and shyed away from them. I only looked at November 2018 and later for my purchase.

Right or wrong, good or bad, smart or ignorant, that was part of my process.

Used Shopping confusion

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