Looking for my first Ram

[joshual1177]

I'm looking for my first Ram to buy. I'll be ready to buy in about another month. Currently looking at '13-'15 1500's. There are things that I won't sacrifice on. I have some basic wants and needs. Has to be V8, black, red or blue, a decent radio, 4wd. Fog lights are on my list. Seats must be in good condition. Dual exhaust preferably, either a spray in bed liner or cover. Other than that, I just want to get as much truck as I can afford. I see no reason not to get as many options as possible. I absolutely don't need heated or cooled seats or a heated steering wheel though. Leather seats would be nice.

There is a 2013 fully loaded Big Horn that basically looks like a sport without the leather for $18900 with less than 100k miles. Seems a bit high. I have seen trucks for less, they're further away, and are being sold at used car lots. This one is being sold at a Dodge dealership 10 minutes from my house and we bought our van from them.

Which brings up a good question. Is it better to buy from a Dodge dealership than a smaller used car lot because it's more likely to be more thoroughly inspected?

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[Algunz]

Nice looking truck. I love my 2017 big horn, real nice both inside and out. How many miles exactly? Close to 100 is quite a bit so I would try haggling that price down if you are dead set on it, and make sure it looks to be in good condition, well cared for.


I would definitely check for rust, look under the carriage thoroughly for it, and try to see if there is any proof of maintenance like oil and all of that good stuff, accidents, etc.

You obviously want to test drive it and if anything feels/sounds weird just then trust your gut instinct.

I will say if you plan on running bigger tires in the future, make sure it has at least 3.92 gears and V8, I cant stress that enough.

Cant speak on the Dodge dealership vs Lot.

Anyways good luck with your purchase, take your time!

 

[joshual1177]

Nice looking truck. I love my 2017 big horn, real nice both inside and out. How many miles exactly? Close to 100 is quite a bit so I would try haggling that price down if you are dead set on it, and make sure it looks to be in good condition, well cared for.


I would definitely check for rust, look under the carriage thoroughly for it, and try to see if there is any proof of maintenance like oil and all of that good stuff, accidents, etc.

You obviously want to test drive it and if anything feels/sounds weird just then trust your gut instinct.

I will say if you plan on running bigger tires in the future, make sure it has at least 3.92 gears, I cant stress that enough.

Cant speak on the Dodge dealership vs Lot.

Anyways good luck with your purchase, take your time!

Thank you. I just did a search and it has 3.55 gears. I wasn't planning on putting bigger tires on it, but in case I decided I wanted to, what would be the advantage of 3.92 over 3.55. Would it be something I could have changed out in the future? If I were to look for a Ram with 3.92 gears, what models usually have them?

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[joshual1177]

And also, all the other Rams I had saved on Car Gurus dot com have 3.21 gears. I found a website called North American Motoring dot com that gave me this info.

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[Algunz]

Thank you. I just did a search and it has 3.55 gears. I wasn't planning on putting bigger tires on it, but in case I decided I wanted to, what would be the advantage of 3.92 over 3.55. Would it be something I could have changed out in the future? If I were to look for a Ram with 3.92 gears, what models usually have them?

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There will power loss with the added weight from bigger tires not matching up well with the gears. Anything over 33in you will probably notice less power. I have 3.22s on 35s and the power is lackluster on the freeway. I wish someone told me about that when I was buying mine or I wouldve purchased the 3.92. .. gear swaps are expensive for 4x4s looking in the 2-3K range because the front requires a complete differential swap because the gear casing is welded. Definitely worth considering the gear ratio if you're potentially getting bigger tires.. but since it sounds like your not planning on the bigger tires I wouldnt sweat it

 

[Ryan J]

My '12 laramie has 3.55. My moms 14 or 15 longhorn has a different gearing. Im not sure what it is but that truck accelerates way faster than mine. Both 5.7L. Make sure it doesnt have any exhaust leak sounds or heavy ticking from the motor

 

[Puba08]

I have always bought my vehicles from actual dealerships. Never from the small dealers (that can close overnight). Always felt safer that way. As far as mileage...Personally I wouldn’t look at anything with over 65k in that year range. But it’s up to you.


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[Sled Freak]

My '12 laramie has 3.55. My moms 14 or 15 longhorn has a different gearing. Im not sure what it is but that truck accelerates way faster than mine. Both 5.7L. Make sure it doesnt have any exhaust leak sounds or heavy ticking from the motor

6sp vs 8sp will make a big difference on top of the gearing.

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[Coramie]

I'm looking for my first Ram to buy. I'll be ready to buy in about another month. Currently looking at '13-'15 1500's. There are things that I won't sacrifice on. I have some basic wants and needs. Has to be V8, black, red or blue, a decent radio, 4wd. Fog lights are on my list. Seats must be in good condition. Dual exhaust preferably, either a spray in bed liner or cover. Other than that, I just want to get as much truck as I can afford. I see no reason not to get as many options as possible. I absolutely don't need heated or cooled seats or a heated steering wheel though. Leather seats would be nice.

There is a 2013 fully loaded Big Horn that basically looks like a sport without the leather for $18900 with less than 100k miles. Seems a bit high. I have seen trucks for less, they're further away, and are being sold at used car lots. This one is being sold at a Dodge dealership 10 minutes from my house and we bought our van from them.

Which brings up a good question. Is it better to buy from a Dodge dealership than a smaller used car lot because it's more likely to be more thoroughly inspected?

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That sounds like a steep price for that many miles on a 7 model year old truck. There are pretty big discrepancies in prices though, depending on what region of the country you’re in. If you can get the price right for you, I would definitely get it checked out by a trusted mechanic prior to signing anything. You’ll also need to budget $ for the usual 100k maintenance, plus any surprises that may pop up. I bought my used 18’ Laramie in July from a smaller used car dealership, not Dodge. Other than possible preferential treatment for scheduling service appointments, I’m not aware of any benefits to buying from a dealership. That being said, I do use a Ram dealership for service and have not yet had any problems getting in for recalls. Everything else I needed for my truck was available straight through Mopar, not a dealership. Good luck on your search sir!!

 

[huntergreen]

Take your time and find the truck you're looking for. Make sure you know what you Want.

 

[joshual1177]

I have always bought my vehicles from actual dealerships. Never from the small dealers (that can close overnight). Always felt safer that way. As far as mileage...Personally I wouldn’t look at anything with over 65k in that year range. But it’s up to you.


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Any particular reason why? There's nothing in my price range with low mileage. Plus I don't plan on putting a lot of miles on it.

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[Ryan J]

6sp vs 8sp will make a big difference on top of the gearing.

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6sp vs 8sp will make a big difference on top of the gearing.




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I didnt think about that!

 

[joshual1177]

How would I go about getting it checked out by another mechanic before signing anything? Are there any risks or dangers in buying one with 100k miles? Like I said, I don't plan on putting a lot of miles on it for the most part. It will primarily be driven to and from work, which is 5 miles to work, and a two to three times throughout the week locally for kid's activities. If I had to guess, it's probably about 200 miles a week or less. On average. Some weeks will be more, some less. If I finance for 6 years, that 60,000 miles by the time it's paid off. Another option that is out there, and I'm not really Keen on, is a rebuilt salvage. That would require a lot more investigation and inspections. Just throwing it out there.

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[Ryan J]

I bought a 2012 laramie limited, 4x4, 5.7 2.5 years ago with 60k miles on it. Ive got it up to 120k now. The only issue ive had was the exhaust manifold bolts. Which some were broke when i bought it but i wasnt aware if the issue and thought it was just an exhaust leak. I did have to replace the rearend bearings about a month ago. Thats the only issues ive had and the bearings was just a wearing issue. Theres no way to tell when some things are gonna go out. You might put a 100k on that truck and never have an issue.

 

[Sled Freak]

A couple things to take into consideration with a higher mile vehicle's.

1. Most dodge dealer is unlikely to keep high mile vehicle on their lot. Most will take trade ins with miles and sent them to auction (around here anyway).

2. Small car lots are just selling the vehicle and most won't offer any kind of guarantee. They may sell you a third party warranty but read the fine print (not always what they're cracked up to be).

3. Consider buying private if you can find what your looking for. May be able to haggle a better price or have some extras thrown in. Owner will have knowledge of what kind of maintenance have been done (should provide receipts) and possible will safety.

4. If there is a dealer/salesman you can trust they may be able to find a truck for you with your given must haves and price range. Probably a small deposit will be required to show your serious.

Buying a higher mile truck isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some of the common issues/wear items should have been addressed already. Research and ask a lot of questions. And condition is key with any used vehicle. Pride of ownership goes along way.

I sold my 08 Ram with just under 100k. Truck was a 9/10 and sold within a week of being for sale and I got top dollar for it. One guy needed a work truck and said it was to nice lol.

Be patient, do your homework, ask questions and things will work out.

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[HammerHead]

I'm looking for my first Ram to buy. I'll be ready to buy in about another month. Currently looking at '13-'15 1500's. There are things that I won't sacrifice on. I have some basic wants and needs. Has to be V8, black, red or blue, a decent radio, 4wd. Fog lights are on my list. Seats must be in good condition. Dual exhaust preferably, either a spray in bed liner or cover. Other than that, I just want to get as much truck as I can afford. I see no reason not to get as many options as possible. I absolutely don't need heated or cooled seats or a heated steering wheel though. Leather seats would be nice.

There is a 2013 fully loaded Big Horn that basically looks like a sport without the leather for $18900 with less than 100k miles. Seems a bit high. I have seen trucks for less, they're further away, and are being sold at used car lots. This one is being sold at a Dodge dealership 10 minutes from my house and we bought our van from them.

Which brings up a good question. Is it better to buy from a Dodge dealership than a smaller used car lot because it's more likely to be more thoroughly inspected?

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In 2014 they went to the 8 speed transmission from the old 6 speeds. That's were the 3.21 and 3.92 gear set came in on the 1500's. I'd look for a 14 or 15 model year with less miles. 8 speed trucks are crushing the 6 speed truck at the drag strip.

 

[joshual1177]

A couple things to take into consideration with a higher mile vehicle's.

1. Most dodge dealer is unlikely to keep high mile vehicle on their lot. Most will take trade ins with miles and sent them to auction (around here anyway).

2. Small car lots are just selling the vehicle and most won't offer any kind of guarantee. They may sell you a third party warranty but read the fine print (not always what they're cracked up to be).

3. Consider buying private if you can find what your looking for. May be able to haggle a better price or have some extras thrown in. Owner will have knowledge of what kind of maintenance have been done (should provide receipts) and possible will safety.

4. If there is a dealer/salesman you can trust they may be able to find a truck for you with your given must haves and price range. Probably a small deposit will be required to show your serious.

Buying a higher mile truck isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some of the common issues/wear items should have been addressed already. Research and ask a lot of questions. And condition is key with any used vehicle. Pride of ownership goes along way.

I sold my 08 Ram with just under 100k. Truck was a 9/10 and sold within a week of being for sale and I got top dollar for it. One guy needed a work truck and said it was to nice lol.

Be patient, do your homework, ask questions and things will work out.

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I appreciate your help! So many good tips. Buying from a private seller would seem like it would be a good thing to do, but it would also mean that I would have to work out the financing myself. Which doesn't thrill me at all.

This forum continues to amaze me with the amount of useful information and advice from people who have experience with these things. It's not everyday that we buy vehicles.

Frankly the whole thing is starting to stress me out a bit. Probably because I'm seeing these deals and can't act on them. And also because I'm not sure what the best deal out there is. I also am trying not to take a loan out for longer than I need. So, maybe I will need to wait a few months longer to save up for a larger down payment. I have always gotten stressed out by money. Mainly because I want to make the wisest decision.

I know that I will eventually find the right truck. I just have to continue to be patient and not let this whole process consume me.

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[pacofortacos]

Join a credit union and do your financing through them - usually a lower rate and better customer service.
I would DEFINITELY ONLY get the 8 speed transmission.
Some credit unions also sell extended warranties.
Some 13-15's have experienced camshaft/lifter failures, that and exhaust manifold bolts are the two most common expensive failures probably - that I can think of off hand.

Private original owners are probably a better bet for price/value.

Good luck.

 

[Larry D]

If you plan to do any mods especially tuning for performance, economy or towing keep in mind in '15 they locked the PCM! Quite a bit more expensive to tune because you have to buy an unlocked PCM or have yours unlocked.

 

[Burla]

And also, all the other Rams I had saved on Car Gurus dot com have 3.21 gears. I found a website called North American Motoring dot com that gave me this info.

you want 3.92's for real. You can order a vehicle inspection from amazon if you are buying a high mileage truck, worth it before spending 20g's, and you can use a bargaining chip if he finds something.