Market is tighter than usual. But still plenty of trucks out there. probably less 2wd available, but they are at a better price point because of less demand. and generally quite a bit less expensive to begin with. As for year to buy. Depends on your budget. But you will get more for your money the newer you go. So my point is a good 2015 is still 30 and 2019 high 30s - low 40s equipped well. basically after the first 30 you can get a lot more or newer truck for another 8-12k. 2wds go about 4k less than equivalent 4wd and 6 cyl, also doesn't demand as much as the hemi. You really need to decide whether you are chasing a DT (new) or DS(4gen) model. The DT are lighter, ride better, and have much more room in interior. Just better interior layout as well., they also have better sound deadening. But the classics are so good, Ram held them over. Don't discount them, people love them. including myself though , i pulled for the DT because of interior. I actually like the classic better in over-all style - and ride feel, just feel right to me.
Regarding the red flags. That is hard to say as the truck has better than average reliability and lower than average repair costs and lower than average critical urgent service issues. Whether the 6 cyl or 5.7 is more durable is up for debate. Both are strong but not free of issues. the 5.7 is definitely much more popular. I wouldnt let gas mileage be the deciding factor, I think use would be. if lots of heavy towing look at the diesel. As far as years, 2018 is a good year. and 2014 below par. lots of issues with the 2019 DT in recalls for some of the models. Mostly minor issues. ( again first of a new model year. ) recalls are generally for safety issues. things that cause fire, or failure while driving but may just simply a loose ground wire ( which was a recall for the steering )
regarding how much equipment, there were lots of packages, but to say what is base is really subjective. There is an express model that is sort of like a value model but not base by any means. it would have some of the things people wanted most like larger wheels. Tradesman could be considered base or work truck, but I have seem some pretty well equipped as well. The sport gets you into leather is most cases, but not all and a lot with sunroofs. Bighorn though sounds like some generous package, can really be pretty basic, or it can have some decent options. Laramie starts to get you to better equipment and interior comforts and fancier trim and styling outside. Headlamps etc. Since you are not into the lavish stuff, skip the longhorn and limited. ( don't dare look at these, because this is where Ram excels making a truck into a luxury automobile ) Things you should want, dual exhaust, larger rims ( unless you have reason for softer side wall tires ) touch screen infotainment. premium EVIC. heated seats. then you can get into really useful stuff like towing packages ( if needed ) The 360 surround view ( if towing or just great for parking etc ) accident avoidance stuff. etc.
Anyhow , just things to consider and think about. I went through this a few months back. It didn't take me long to know what I wanted, it took me much longer to find what I needed.
