Please help me choose

[phlram]

As some of you noticed, I've been lurking in the forum since I need to decide within the next two months what car or truck I am going to get.

Here is my situation: Currently driving a leased Charger Scat Pack, fully loaded. The car has 12,700 mls on it. Buyout price is $36k, I'd say this is about market price for private sale. I need to return this car on Nov 24th, which is a very good time for buying, since it's end of the month, holidays, etc.

I had a leased RAM 1500 Sport 2013 before this car, and now I am missing driving a truck which brought me to look at the new 2019 RAM. This time around I don't want to lease, I want to buy the vehicle and keep it for 6+ years at least.

The dilemma is: Should I get a used RAM (2016-2018, low miles) fully loaded, or a mid-tier 2019 RAM? I was thinking of spending up to $38k, although I have a horrible habit of overspending what I plan. Last week my plan was 25k...

For those who traded to the new Gen, was it worth it? Is it really a huge difference?

Thanks for the help!

 

[phlram]

Found my 2013 window sticker. I really want the new truck to be at least the same level of equipment.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

There are some deals on new 2018's around. Go to your dealer and put them to work and give you some options.

 

[stimpy433]

Get a 4th gen truck, you'll get way more truck for your money.

 

[Firebird]

Get a 4th gen truck, you'll get way more truck for your money.

This. You can find great deals on 2018's

 

[troutspinner]

I agree with the others, if you can find a 2018 highly equipped Big Horn, Laramie or Limited hanging around a lot somewhere, I’d have to think you could get a killer deal right now. As long as you are not the type of person that “has to have” the latest and greatest type of thing, I think you’ll get what you want at a price you like.

 

[phlram]

Thanks guys, I am going to start making a list of trucks around the dealers in my area. There's still a lot of time until November.
So there is really no major downside of not getting a 2019 right? I've read the improvements, and there was some interior space added, the noise cancellation, suspension,etc..
I was wondering for those who made the jump to a 2019, if they really felt a difference.

 

[John813]

Thanks guys, I am going to start making a list of trucks around the dealers in my area. There's still a lot of time until November.
So there is really no major downside of not getting a 2019 right? I've read the improvements, and there was some interior space added, the noise cancellation, suspension,etc..
I was wondering for those who made the jump to a 2019, if they really felt a difference.

What's important to you?
No real changes to power but instead a nice refresh of the interior and some exterior changes.
If you like both exteriors and don't care too much about interiors, maybe the 4th Gen is a better buy. They shaved some weight for 19, but not like Ford did going to aluminum.
If you need to maximize interior room for kids or dogs, the extra 4" helps, trust me.

 

[troutspinner]

I was wondering for those who made the jump to a 2019, if they really felt a difference.

I think they best way to describe it is go drive a Ford and then Drive a Chevy, or any other opposing brands. You know you are driving one or the other. I think the same could be said between a 4th Gen and 5th Gen Ram. I always liked the way the Ram rode vs. other brands and the 5th gen is no exception, it rides better than the 4th gen.

Additional interior room is nice but let's be honest, this is more marketing than anything else so they can say they have best in class in that aspect. Is it nice? absolutely but nothing I would use to weigh in on a decision.

If you are not intending to buy a 12" screen or 19 Speaker system, the tech is not much different than the 18s. Interior fit and finish is nice and ultimately what made me make the jump from my 14 to a 19. Hands down, there is no truck on the market that can currently compete with the 5th Gen. Ram interior.

In summary, nicer ride, more backseat room, nicer interior. Are they enough to force you to a 19? Only you can decide.

 

[phlram]

Yes, you guys are touching exactly on the points that I was thinking. One thing that I didn't like on my Gen4 was the headlights, not sure if it improved from 2013 to 2018. I liked how they looked but didn't think it was that good at night. I almost bought a xenon kit to see if you improve.
Interior is important to me and since my plan is to really keep this truck for a minimum of 5-8 years, I think maybe getting the newest model may make more sense.

 

[troutspinner]

Yes, you guys are touching exactly on the points that I was thinking. One thing that I didn't like on my Gen4 was the headlights, not sure if it improved from 2013 to 2018. I liked how they looked but didn't think it was that good at night. I almost bought a xenon kit to see if you improve.
Interior is important to me and since my plan is to really keep this truck for a minimum of 5-8 years, I think maybe getting the newest model may make more sense.

The lights on my 14 were just ok...doesn’t help that I’m getting older I guess but this time I wanted the LED’s and I have to say, they are excellent.

 

[troutspinner]

I should really bail out of this thread....I am spending your money! Lol.

 

[phlram]

Too late, got the wife to agree to extend the budget to 50k.. lol.

 

[troutspinner]

Too late, got the wife to agree to extend the budget to 50k.. lol.

Lol. Well then, while we’re at it. You know what really looks good on the back of a Ram? A boat! Lol

 

[troutspinner]

Too late, got the wife to agree to extend the budget to 50k.. lol.

All jokes side, depends what model you want but for comparison sake, my Big Horn has every option of the sticker you posted earlier in the thread except for leather though it does have the Off Road Package, LED lights, 8.4c radio and 9 Speaker + Sub Alpine system. Stickered at $53,465 and I paid $42,465 before tax and tags.

 

[Nola]

I'v had buyers remorse a time or two. Bought a vehicle and then wished i had got an option i did not have or had an option i didn't need. Last couple trucks i ordered what i wanted. If you can afford it, get what you want so your not sorry about it later. Can't wait to enjoy my new Ram when it gets here.

 

[gofishn]

... since my plan is to really keep this truck for a minimum of 5-8 years, I think maybe getting the newest model may make more sense.

Uh, that would be a huge Negatrive, Red Ranger.


Bottom line, there simply ain't much difference between a 2009 and a 2010 Ram with about the same miles and equipment.
However, there is a noticeable difference between a new 2018 and 2019.

Regarding the lights, I agree with you. Hated my headlights, I drive a ton, at night, and we got insane numbers of vehicle totaling, huge Deer, round here.

Google H9 H11 upgrade. Id id it and love the difference, Basically you put a high beam, more powerful than your OEM highbeams, into the low beam slot. Since the l;ow beams have an anti-glare cone in front of the bulbs, you will never get flashed acct of too bright headlights.

I did it 3 years ago or so and could not be happier.

 

[Kukailimoku]

My personal opinion is not to get used, unless you were VERY handy shade-tree mechanic. My in-laws got a great used previous-generation but still-youngish 2500 last year, and now we're suspecting that it was a washed (pun) vehicle from the Texas - possibly Houston - flooding a couple years ago. Weird electrical happenings, and it's slow-creeping into increasing frequency and spreading to other symptoms.

Ignoring all the typical and well-discussed pros and cons for/against used, I wouldn't even do used anymore where its too easy to pass disaster vehicles en masse from one region to another.

If you do go used tho, DEFINITELY get one BEFORE the currently flooded N.C./S.C. trucks get rehabilitated and dispersed and sold as otherwise great looking youngish used trucks. I don't know what the turn-around time would be for washed titles to appear on the used market, but my guess would be right around the holidays.

 

[Mudders Beast]

2017 loaded 4wd Crew Laramie used, 6700 miles, Certified, like new, extended warranty included. $37700. Let someone else pay depreciation. Flood vehicle demand may raise prices soon IMO, especially on leftover year models. Bet there is going to be alot of vehicles shipped/swapped among dealers.

 

[aladin_sane]

Lol. Well then, while we’re at it. You know what really looks good on the back of a Ram? A boat! Lol

Thats true.