Looking for guidance

[Kazzi]

I currently have a 2013 Big Horn with 94k miles that has only seen 2 winters. It was my husband's truck and now that he's passed I am wondering if I should look into buying a new truck or if I should keep this one. It has always been serviced by the dealer and has no problems, but I remember he would buy a new truck so we always had a reliable vehicle. I really would want another Big Horn quad cab with long bed and a Hemi V8, but not sure if it's a wise decision. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[rzr6-4]

If you want reliability, I wouldn't buy anything made after 2019 (covid era), from any manufacturer. Ram has tons of electrical bugs, Ford has transmission, GM has transmissions and motor issues, Toyota has engine issues, etc etc.

If you like yours and you know it has been well cared for, keep up on maintenance and it will out last anything made in the last 5 years.

10 years ago your husband would have been right, keeping things fresh to avoid problems. That is not the state of manufacturing anymore though.

 

[ExpressRules]

That's an almost impossible request based on the lack of information provided. Only you know the maintenance history and condition as it sits. You state it has 94k on it, but with proper and timely maintenance it could still have many more years of use. As an example, the 14 I recently sold had 175k. Not sure what you mean by saying it only had 2 winters. What condition (rust wise) is the frame and body? Maybe submit a few pictures of exterior and interior.

 

[Kazzi]

It's only seen two winters and been garaged means no rust! It runs great always serviced at the dealer, just wondering if it's time to upgrade.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Keep what you have. Go buy a beater vehicle for your quick trips. Just about anything made these days is slapped together junk. Am lucky my 2021 3500 with 51,000 is rock solid. Got lucky. Reading some of the nightmares I read on this forum scares the crap out of me. Getting replacement parts for the newer vehicles is scarce. You could get lucky if buying new but the odds are against you. Good luck on your decision. My condolences.

 

[Burla]

The answer is real easy since you commented on staying with a V8, the new ones arent worth owning and are very expensive. Even if a fix came up it will be cheaper then new. If you live in snow state you need to fluid film or it will rust garage or not. The challenge will be doing all of the maintenance if you don't have a resource or cant do it yourself. You have knob on the dash for transmission and not a shifter? If so means you have the 8 speed and it likely needs service and I wouldn't attempt it unless I had decent dyi skills.

 

[jws123]

for sure keep that 2013 run her into the ground! my 2014 is at 140k and it takes a beating ahaha newer vehicles in general dont hold up and are over priced.

 

[1stindoor]

My 2018 had over 100k when I traded it without a single issue. I absolutely love my '23, but I've already replaced the starter.

 

[Wellcraft]

If the truck has been well maintained and you trust it there's no need for you to trade your truck in and buy a new one. When/if the truck starts acting up and you find yourself spending money on numerous repairs then it may be time for a new truck. If you do decide to buy new wait until December when dealerships are making their final push to achieve sales quotas for the year and will be more willing to cut you a good deal. I bought a 2025 Bighorn 1500 but only because my 2010 Toyota Tundra needed 5 grand in repairs so it made more sense for me to put that 5 grand towards a new truck than spend it on repairing a 15 year old truck with 121000 miles. If it wasn't for expensive repairs I's still be driving my Tundra. Sorry to hear about your husband

 

[Dusty]

I currently have a 2013 Big Horn with 94k miles that has only seen 2 winters. It was my husband's truck and now that he's passed I am wondering if I should look into buying a new truck or if I should keep this one. It has always been serviced by the dealer and has no problems, but I remember he would buy a new truck so we always had a reliable vehicle. I really would want another Big Horn quad cab with long bed and a Hemi V8, but not sure if it's a wise decision. Thank you in advance for any advice.

My condolences on the passing of your husband.

I don't necessarily agree that new trucks are less reliable, especially since the Ram 1500 just recently was found to have the best, three year reliability.

That being said reliability can suffer with the more intensive use of electronics, but that applies to all makes. Currently, you can purchase a new Ram 1500 Big Horn in Quad Cab with a 5.7 Hemi V8. the only big difference between your current truck and a new one is a system called eTorque, which is a Start/Stop function. This has shown to be problematic, especially in earlier builds.

Generally, though, miles affects reliability more than mere age.

I'm guessing you are looking for piece of mind and that is what has triggered your inquiry. A new truck would provide you with a warranty, but you're current truck may be in exceptional condition and still have a lot of life left. You then need to find the balance between piece of mind and the cost of a new truck (be prepared for sticker shock).

I would suggest having a reliable auto technician examine the current truck and give you appraisal on condition as a starting point before you consider something new.

Best of luck,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 147030 miles.

 

[Kazzi]

My condolences on the passing of your husband.

I don't necessarily agree that new trucks are less reliable, especially since the Ram 1500 just recently was found to have the best, three year reliability.

That being said reliability can suffer with the more intensive use of electronics, but that applies to all makes. Currently, you can purchase a new Ram 1500 Big Horn in Quad Cab with a 5.7 Hemi V8. the only big difference between your current truck and a new one is a system called eTorque, which is a Start/Stop function. This has shown to be problematic, especially in earlier builds.

Generally, though, miles affects reliability more than mere age.

I'm guessing you are looking for piece of mind and that is what has triggered your inquiry. A new truck would provide you with a warranty, but you're current truck may be in exceptional condition and still have a lot of life left. You then need to find the balance between piece of mind and the cost of a new truck (be prepared for sticker shock).

I would suggest having a reliable auto technician examine the current truck and give you appraisal on condition as a starting point before you consider something new.

Best of luck,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 147030 miles.

Thank you for your condolences. It is difficult to make some decisions on my own sometimes, and although I'm somewhat knowledgeable regarding vehicles, and some motorcycles ( I use to drive my own), it helps getting opinions from other Ram owners and I certainly appreciate your input, and will now, more than likely, keep the Ram I have as I do not want e-torque! Appreciate your taking the time to explain it to me. Thanks again.