New to the RAM World -- 2016 RAM 1500 5.7 HEMI Crew Cab

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KATfishing

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2016
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HEMI 5.7
Happy New Year! I wanted to say hi as a newbie to this forum. I am coming over from a Tahoe/Yukon forum because I finally said goodbye to my '08 Yukon Denali 6.2 L. with 193K in trade for a '16 RAM Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 5.7 HEMI, 38K on odometer. Yesterday, December 31, was my last day as a GM owner, and day 1 to RAM. I am really happy with my purchase. We tow a travel trailer at 5,600 lbs., so with 8,010 tow capacity, it's a great fit for my wife and I as we enter "empty nest." Our RAM is equipped with the 8HP70 transmission, and the standard 3.21 axle ratio. Really wanted to just say hi, but also float the ever controversial question of whether to purchase the aftermarket powertrain warranty. We have until Monday to redact our "decline" decision with the RAM dealership... we were offered 6 years/65K power train for $2,500. In the past I would say "yes," but thinking of just saving the money for repairs instead. The warranty is a product of ZURICH (also new to me), but is quite comprehensive for powertrain. Based on your experience, save money for repairs, or buy service contract? Thanks!
 

Mister Luck

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If you don't have documentation in writing that states your vehicle service record for itemized systems as the transmission or engine and cooling system then maybe you should look into some sort of insurance.

If you have no service records in writing
then it is safe to say the service record is unknown and with that the degree of service severity and therefore instead of hopes a dreams you should only trust what you see with your own two eyes.

Service the cooling system, the brakes, the differentials, the engine, and the transmission.

The lifetime oil in the transmission sticker on the side of the fluid pan is placed there by FCA not the transmission designers ZF
Although they recommend 60,000 miles they also state practical service to be done for instances of unknown service or use history.

There is no guarantee preventative maintenance or service will be the silver bullet against catastrophic failure of any mechanical or electrical system.

Check with your current insurance provider an see if they can provide you with a comprehensive addition.

I have no knowledge of the Zurich insurance that the dealership is offering maybe someone on here can comment or your insurance provider can enlighten you.
 
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Dredger

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Hemi 6.4
Welcome! I never consider those extended warranties. But boy do they try to sell them. I'd replace all the fluids, as @Mister Luck suggests, for peace of mind there if the vehicle history is unknown, then enjoy the ride and keep my $2500. Congrats!
 
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KATfishing

KATfishing

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2016
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HEMI 5.7
Get a mopar max care 100k warranty and should be about $2500-3k. shop around for best price
Thanks for this suggestion. Is the mopar max car you are thinking of more than powertrain? I've always rolled them into the loan, so it would be out of pocket in this instance, but sounds like you have some experience with this recommendation. Thanks!
 
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KATfishing

KATfishing

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Welcome sir!! I'm hoping to purchase my first ram today. Guys here have been great so far... Enjoy the new hot rod!!
Thank you! Let us know if you made the purchase, and if a warranty/service contract is part of your deal, or whether you plan to purchase one separately.
 
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KATfishing

KATfishing

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Ram Year
2016
Engine
HEMI 5.7
If you don't have documentation in writing that states your vehicle service record for itemized systems as the transmission or engine and cooling system then maybe you should look into some sort of insurance.

If you have no service records in writing
then it is safe to say the service record is unknown and with that the degree of service severity and therefore instead of hopes a dreams you should only trust what you see with your own two eyes.

Service the cooling system, the brakes, the differentials, the engine, and the transmission.

The lifetime oil in the transmission sticker on the side of the fluid pan is placed there by FCA not the transmission designers ZF
Although they recommend 60,000 miles they also state practical service to be done for instances of unknown service or use history.

There is no guarantee preventative maintenance or service will be the silver bullet against catastrophic failure of any mechanical or electrical system.

Check with your current insurance provider an see if they can provide you with a comprehensive addition.

I have no knowledge of the Zurich insurance that the dealership is offering maybe someone on here can comment or your insurance provider can enlighten you.
Thank you for this great advice. The only service records are what showed up in the Car Fax, and it appeared to be dealer serviced with the oil changes. No record of differentials, transmission or coolant flushes, but with only 38k on the odometer, I didn't really expect to see any of those. Brakes were serviced by the dealership prior to sale, and that's on the Car Fax as well as visually noted.
 

Mister Luck

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The brake service may or not be from severe duty and could be caliper and piston maintenance . You could say the dealers insurance that at least you can stop.

I’m at 32,000 and I’m planing plugs thermostat coolant transmission filter and oil.

(I’ve seen way too many salvage yards and service bays)

I like my 5.7 Hemi and I want to keep her for a while.
 

huntergreen

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2016
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hemi 5.7
Happy New Year! I wanted to say hi as a newbie to this forum. I am coming over from a Tahoe/Yukon forum because I finally said goodbye to my '08 Yukon Denali 6.2 L. with 193K in trade for a '16 RAM Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 5.7 HEMI, 38K on odometer. Yesterday, December 31, was my last day as a GM owner, and day 1 to RAM. I am really happy with my purchase. We tow a travel trailer at 5,600 lbs., so with 8,010 tow capacity, it's a great fit for my wife and I as we enter "empty nest." Our RAM is equipped with the 8HP70 transmission, and the standard 3.21 axle ratio. Really wanted to just say hi, but also float the ever controversial question of whether to purchase the aftermarket powertrain warranty. We have until Monday to redact our "decline" decision with the RAM dealership... we were offered 6 years/65K power train for $2,500. In the past I would say "yes," but thinking of just saving the money for repairs instead. The warranty is a product of ZURICH (also new to me), but is quite comprehensive for powertrain. Based on your experience, save money for repairs, or buy service contract? Thanks!
Bought my 2016 newnew, but did purchase the lifetime warranty. Research broken manifold bolts and can lifter issues
 

duckman631

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New Jersey
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2016 Big Horn Crew Cab
Engine
Hemi 5.7 K&N Cold Air Intake.
Thanks for this suggestion. Is the mopar max car you are thinking of more than powertrain? I've always rolled them into the loan, so it would be out of pocket in this instance, but sounds like you have some experience with this recommendation. Thanks!
My 2016 had 50k on it when I bought it certified pre owned. I signed up thru mopar for the max care 100k which was pretty much bumper to bumper not just power train. It was an initial payment then about $200/mo for 18 months. I’m close to 95k now and getting letters to contact them so I’m guessing they might offer same coverage and maybe extend it to 175k. I’ll do it if the price and mileage is a good deal. They used to offer an unlimited mileage one but stopped shortly before I got my ram. I would recommend it and you can do a search on here for max care warranty and you will find a ton of info.
 

Tracy in IL

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engine (hemi=some problems, search threads). tranny=more reliable, especially is you have a tranny cooler (get one if you don't). Extended warranty is a must for me, but I tend to keep vehicles a LONG time.
 
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KATfishing

KATfishing

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I would check into the mopar max care warranty online from haroldzegiler.com. This is my dealer and their online warranty is the same as the one the dealer wants to sell you in the dealership, except it is around 800.00 cheaper.
I will check that out! Thank you for the info. Wondering how it would work being in WI. Would vehicle need to be inspected somewhere? Edit: just tried web address and it didn’t work. Is there a typo? Tried searching it online, too. Thanks
 
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KATfishing

KATfishing

Junior Member
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Jan 1, 2022
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Location
Wisconsin
Ram Year
2016
Engine
HEMI 5.7
engine (hemi=some problems, search threads). tranny=more reliable, especially is you have a tranny cooler (get one if you don't). Extended warranty is a must for me, but I tend to keep vehicles a LONG time.
Thanks for your thoughts. I drive vehicles a long time too, so I think I need to shop for a good warranty.
 

Dodge 1500 4X4

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I would get the Max Warrantee, with all of the things that can go wrong you're covered, I took out the Max when i purchased my truck new, I don't like any surprises with all of the electronics on these trucks and engine and driveline, It could run into the thousands for repair.
 

Murphy Slaw

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Extended warranties are simply paying up front. I NEVER do it.

Think of it this way. The odds are with the insurer, they make a fortune betting you'll be fine.
 

CamperMike

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I never buy extended warranties. Usually I win but every once in awhile I have to pay.. if you have money set aside in case something happens it is definitely the way to go. There are a few hemi issues but most would happen past 65k. Except maybe the exhaust manifold bolts which can break sooner. However the manifold bolts repair costs a lot less than an extended warranty.
 

Ram Night

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I will check that out! Thank you for the info. Wondering how it would work being in WI. Would vehicle need to be inspected somewhere? Edit: just tried web address and it didn’t work. Is there a typo? Tried searching it online, too. Thanks
Try this link, it should get you directly to it. i never had any problems with repairs, just go to a Dodge dealer, and you will be on their system. But I carry a copy of the warranty just in case I am out of town, :)
 

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