Looking to buy used 1500

[buckeyesfan77]

I am looking at a 2017 1500 Hemi Quad Cab, is there anything I should know good or bad about this model?

 

[CamperMike]

Make sure they let you start it cold. Note if it has ticking on cold start (usually broken exhaust manifold bolts). When warm, ensure it isn't ticking as that would be more expensive lifter and cam work. Otherwise, water leaks are somewhat common and not too terribly hard to fix - check under the rear seats for moisture to see if it's an issue with this truck and look at the headliner for evidence of water spots.

 

[cammed]

Make sure they let you start it cold. Note if it has ticking on cold start (usually broken exhaust manifold bolts). When warm, ensure it isn't ticking as that would be more expensive lifter and cam work. Otherwise, water leaks are somewhat common and not too terribly hard to fix - check under the rear seats for moisture to see if it's an issue with this truck and look at the headliner for evidence of water spots.

Yes the brake light on cab the seal can get weathered and start leaking

 

[CamperMike]

Yes the brake light on cab the seal can get weathered and start leaking

And the cab vents... that is where mine has leaked from. Also some have reported the shark fin antenna leaking.

 

[NETim]

Yes the brake light on cab the seal can get weathered and start leaking

It's an easy fix though. Some weatherstripping will fix it. I'd replace it pre-emptively. I did.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I1QHA8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

When I bought my '14 used, the dealer was waaaayyy ahead of me. They always made sure they started it before they let me near it.

Fortunately it turned out to just be a leaky exhaust manifold.

The truck has treated me pretty good though.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Are you buying it from a dealer or private party?

Turn the ignition to the 'run' mode and make sure all the pertenent lights come on, esp the "engine" light. And that the engine light goes off after you start it. I've seen people defeat these to mask expensive problems. It would probably be a real good idea to take it to the dealer and have them look at it. ...or a good local mechanic.

These trucks are pretty reliable but here are a few weak areas:
1) Exh manifold studs breaking (manifolds warping). A $1,200 fix
2) Air suspension (if yours has it) go flaky and is a lot of trouble as they age (I'd avoid it).
3) ABS valve block goes bad
4) Electronic Steering is starting to be a problem.
5) Cam/Lifter failure. Some never have a problem, others do. (Ram says run synthetic)

If it is lifted or has big tires, the oversize tires are hard on hubs and lifts tough on CV joints.

 

[Ckidd_21]

1) Exh manifold studs breaking (manifolds warping). A $1,200 fix

Second this. Just had mine fixed and was about $1,000. Check for any leaks, especially around water pump.

 

[Travelin Ram]

When I bought my '14 used, the dealer was waaaayyy ahead of me. They always made sure they started it before they let me near it.

That’s why I never make appointments to see a used car. Show up and surprise them.

 

[A_mod_too_far]

I am looking at a 2017 1500 Hemi Quad Cab, is there anything I should know good or bad about this model?

2017 is 1 year before they put CarPlay in the radios if that matters to you at all

 

[Shawn Burns]

2017 is 1 year before they put CarPlay in the radios if that matters to you at all

I have that in my wife's mazda. It is a nice feature. Too bad ours isn't easy to upgrade to android auto/carplay.