First time Ram Owner - Help Deciding between two please

[TheFaytalist]

Hi All,

So I have the opportunity to buy one of two Rams this Monday and I'm having a really tough time deciding. I was hoping to get some opinions from you fine folks. I am coming off of driving a 3rd gen 5.7L Tundra for the past 5 years.

Option 1:

2009 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab. STX4 Off-Road package. 4.7L V8. 105,000 miles. $13k. Driver-side seat fabric has an 8 inch tear, otherwise no damage.


Option 2:

2011 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab. Big Horn Package w/ dual exhaust & running boards. 5.7L Hemi. 145,000 miles. $14k. No damage anywhere.


According to Kelley Blue Book, the trade in for the 2009 4.7L is $11,992, so I don't see getting them down much past the $13k. The trade in for 2011 5.7L is 10k, so they are high at 14k, which means I stand a decent change in my opinion of getting it for about 12k. I'm paying cash up front.

At face value, it seems obvious to go with the vehicle that has 40,000 less miles on it, but when I dig into the research, I've seen a lot of people say that the 4.7L overheats and is less reliable than the Hemi, so is a 4.7L w/ 105,000 miles on it really that much better than a 5.7L Hemi with 145,000 miles on it in terms of how much life I'll get out of the truck?

I don't tow presently, but that could change. I mostly use it for hauling in the bed (payload). The only experience I have with Rams is I took a ride with my dad in one when I was 14 (now 36). It had a Hemi in it and it was fast as hell.

 

[chris1126]

Hi All,

So I have the opportunity to buy one of two Rams this Monday and I'm having a really tough time deciding. I was hoping to get some opinions from you fine folks. I am coming off of driving a 3rd gen 5.7L Tundra for the past 5 years.

Option 1:

2009 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab. STX4 Off-Road package. 4.7L V8. 105,000 miles. $13k. Driver-side seat fabric has an 8 inch tear, otherwise no damage.


Option 2:

2011 Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab. Big Horn Package w/ dual exhaust & running boards. 5.7L Hemi. 145,000 miles. $14k. No damage anywhere.


According to Kelley Blue Book, the trade in for the 2009 4.7L is $11,992, so I don't see getting them down much past the $13k. The trade in for 2011 5.7L is 10k, so they are high at 14k, which means I stand a decent change in my opinion of getting it for about 12k. I'm paying cash up front.

At face value, it seems obvious to go with the vehicle that has 40,000 less miles on it, but when I dig into the research, I've seen a lot of people say that the 4.7L overheats and is less reliable than the Hemi, so is a 4.7L w/ 105,000 miles on it really that much better than a 5.7L Hemi with 145,000 miles on it in terms of how much life I'll get out of the truck?

I don't tow presently, but that could change. I mostly use it for hauling in the bed (payload). The only experience I have with Rams is I took a ride with my dad in one when I was 14 (now 36). It had a Hemi in it and it was fast as hell.

i vote for 2011 because of the 5.7.

 

[NJMOPAR]

Don't take mpg into consideration as IMO the 4.7 is just as bad as it's big brother in that department.
Listen to a cold startup on the 5.7, if it's noisy & doesn't quiet down after warm-up I'd suspect lifters are bad. Check the 4wd functions, look under for rust/leaks, check ALL electronics.

 

[jawzs2]

What does the carfax or autocheck on each show? I agree if you're planning to tow down the road the with the 5.7 is the way to go.

 

[daveray9]

+1 on the 2011 5.7
Just listen for any ticking from lifters first.


Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Zoe Saldana]

5.7
But remember on both you will be doing a lot of maintenance - spark plugs, trans, differentials, oil, brake, power steering fluids

 

[GTyankee]

After warm up the lifters should quiet down

Don't buy anything that service intervals are not up to date
new spark plugs, & especially the complete transmission service
If the salesman says that it is, have them state that in writing & get the sales managers initials on it.

Don't let them know that you are paying cash, go along with what they say about price.
Then after you have worked them down to their final price, ask them how much more they are willing to go down if you pay cash

 

[GTyankee]

Ram 1500 Service Intervals

• 8,000 Miles- During this service interval, the primary focus is changing out your oil and oil filter. During this time, you should also rotate your tires to even out the tread wear.

• 20,000 Miles- At this mileage, you'll want to have your front suspension, tie rod ends and brake linings inspected and possibly replaced if they don't meet the technician's standards.

• 30,000 Miles- When you hit this mileage, you'll want to have your CV/Universal joints, transfer fluid case and your front/rear axle surfaces inspected. You should also replace your engine air filter.

• 60,000 Miles- If you're using your Ram 1500 for a lot of trailering and towing, this is where you'll have your automatic transmission fluid and filters replaced.

• 100,000 Miles- At this service interval, on top of the many replacements and inspections, you'll have to add a few new items to the list. You'll need to have your spark plugs replaced. You'll also need your PCV valve inspected and possibly replaced.

• 120,000 Miles- If your Ram 1500 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this is the point where you change out the fluid and filters. You'll also need to change the transfer fluid case.

• 150,000 Miles- During this service interval, you'll need to have your engine coolant flushed and replaced. ( the 2011 Ram likely never had the 150,000 mile coolant in it, so it would have to be serviced at a lower mileage point )

 

[joeygster]

Do you have pics or website links for them?

As others have said, based on what you told us I'd be looking at the 2011 with 5.7 Litre Hemi.

 

[RoadRamblerNJ]

+1
5.7
I had an '09 SLT QC 4X4 5.7 5-SPD.
I beat the pants off it for 6 yrs
I did all the maintenance myself (recorded with photographs/dates/etc. Kinda like a kidnapping with the victim holding todays newspaper, LOL)
All else being OK, If that 5.7 has no tick or noise after warm-up, go with it.
RR