Purchasing a RAM 1500 Laramie - Current 5.7L Hemi Owner!

[ConqueringFools]

Fellas,

New to the forum! Excited to learn all I can about Dodge Trucks. Never owned a full size truck but always been a loyal Chrysler (Jeep mostly) fan. Not even sure where to begin but a little background might help. My current vehicle is a 2013 Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.7L. I bought this vehicle with 75K from a local dealership for $18K in 2019. I now have ~240K on it. I can't tell you how awesome this vehicle has been for me. It's been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. Never let me down. I've done nothing to the engine except replaced some ancillary stuff like alternator, some belts, radiator etc. Nothing ever wrong with the transmission but it's starting to go I think. It kicks, and hesitates etc. but nothing major as the dealership has looked at it a few times and won't do anything until it completely goes out I guess or it's evident it really needs to be replaced. It still drives nice. When I bought the vehicle I purchased one of those sketchy lifetime powertrain and engine so we'll see. The interior is very nice, all leather and has aged well. Exterior still looks good. It's really a timeless vehicle. But I think due to various reasons it might be time to get rid of it and my next vehicle I'd like to be a truck and preferably the 5.7 Hemi as it's treated me so well. The new Grand Cherokees look great but just not a fan of the V6 nor the cheap rear seats unless you get the 3rd row.

Everyone who owns a truck seems to have an opinion about all the brands. Gets super annoying. Tundras don't do much for me and not a huge fan of the V6 turbos and the foreign brands nickel and dime you for every little option especially leather. I'm not a huge fan of Ford but everyone seems to rave about their 5.0L. GMC makes some sharp looking pickups for sure, and look great but don't know much about them. I'm kind of a stick with what you know kind of guy and the 5.7L just seems like a good engine and the last of the V8's.

Anyways, I'm looking at the following at dealerships:

2021 RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab short box black on black Hemi V8, has a tonneau cover which is nice == $39K and 40K miles
2018 Sport 1500 Crew Cab (Leather) short box Ram Box Bed, black ext. black int. Hemi V8 = $32K and 65K miles

These are really the only two right now I have my eye one mostly because they are black exteriors. I'm open to white but I just can't get into a red truck for some reason.

I really like the 2018 for some reason. Just has a cool simple look to it and doesn't have all the safety bells and whistles I really don't need or care for.

I just started looking and already missed out on a 2022 Laramie I should have snatched up when I saw it. I'm debating whether I wait a year and see if the economy tanks and used vehicle prices slide further and just keep driving my Grand Cherokee hoping nothing major goes wrong and I can go another year without a car payment. I have two young boys and we camp and travel a lot so I don't want to get stuck somewhere in an older vehicle that breaks down.

Gas mileage isn't a huge deal as I've been driving a V8 already for the last 5 years but my Grand Cherokee does suck the gas. I would think a non all time all wheel drive V8 would be a bit better than my current Jeep?

I know it's kind of a long winded post but appreciate any feedback and advice.

 

[tron67j]

I am sure you will get lots of opinions. For me, I wouldn't touch any truck without a full mechanic inspection. Make sure you have it all inspected; fluids, ac, heat, engine, transmission, brakes. Are tires all matching in wear and type? Take for long drive on hills, highways, rough roads. Turn everything on and off. Get full history. If both pass I like less miles. As far as deals, it ultimately has got to be one you are happy with, doesn't matter what others get but if course aim for lowest. Good luck

 

[Jrod]

I'm on my 5th RAM. My 4th gen 2016 Sport had 134k miles on it before I sold it. I could have opted to keep it. There was nothing wrong with it. But after almost 9 years, it was time for something new. Sometimes I wish I had kept it..

 

[ConqueringFools]

I've narrowed it down to a Ford F150 3.5L Ecoboost 2018 with 86K for $28K vs. 2021 RAM Laramie 5.7L Hemi with 39K for $39K

 

[Nashveygus]

Depends on your budget of course, however my 2021 Laramie 1500 with 23k, 5.7 eTorque, etc has been excellent thus far so I would personally spend the extra bucks on a much better overall truck experience vs. the Ford. Unless the used Laramie has some hidden gremlins you won't be disappointed. I have never driven a vehicle as quite and smooth riding and plush interior as my Laramie, awesome sound system, tows my Harris Pontoon like no tomorrow, the list goes on.....

 

[ConqueringFools]

Depends on your budget of course, however my 2021 Laramie 1500 with 23k, 5.7 eTorque, etc has been excellent thus far so I would personally spend the extra bucks on a much better overall truck experience vs. the Ford. Unless the used Laramie has some hidden gremlins you won't be disappointed. I have never driven a vehicle as quite and smooth riding and plush interior as my Laramie, awesome sound system, tows my Harris Pontoon like no tomorrow, the list goes on.....

Thanks for the reply! I'm leaning more towards RAM after reading the ride comfort of the FORD. Ride is everything as I will be using it to go on road trips a lot. Looks like there is a current recall on all newer RAMs for this ESC ABS module a local dealer just told me today. Looks like a software fix or something?

If I can get 240K out of a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi 5.7L I figured I'd try another one and hopefully the quality and reliability is just as good. I'd think it'd be even better but I know the previous years before 2013 there were some problems with the Hemi or at least in the Jeeps.

 

[nlambert182]

If you like puking transmissions, go with the Ford.

Otherwise, I prefer the Ram myself. If you do happen to look at another 2018, just be sure that the radio isn't delaminating, as that is a common issue in that year model. Not really an issue in most of the other years. Solid trucks. <-- coming from a previous ride or die Ford fan.

 

[Taifun7]

Greetings Mr. Fools and welcome to the forum. In my humble opinion I don't think you'll find a more dedicated gathering of loyal may I say Pennastar owners anywhere except perhaps on the
Challenger talk forum. We love our Rams, Dodges no matter what they call them. Personally I'm driving my third. Traded in my 2007 Cummins 4door short bed 2wd for a 2022 Laramie 2wd 4dr short bed a year ago and I absolutely love it. It has everything I could ask for. As for someone like yourself the best advice I can give is find one that you can't wait to get behind the wheel each and every time you walk up to it. Have no regrets about purchasing it. I would add look for one that has low mileage. Above all enjoy the time spent looking. Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Marshall]

Welcome from Canada.
I was not into red when I needed a new truck, but It was the best deal by a long shot , it was a 14 model loaded up that I bought when the '15 where out , new all in was 40K .
So I can live with the red. It is easy to find in a parking lot. BTW ,I have 82,000 KM on it.
Club cab, as I like the longer box, and no one rides in back seat anyway.
Trouble free, as the last 3 have been, I have no clue how many trucks I have owned over the years.

 

[Kickboxer]

I've narrowed it down to a Ford F150 3.5L Ecoboost 2018 with 86K for $28K vs. 2021 RAM Laramie 5.7L Hemi with 39K for $39K

I would get the Laramie, the option package is very good having
most things you would need. And you have the Hemi without the
E-torque. And a better engine than the Ford..........

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

Welcome to the Ram Forum!! I would purchase the 2021 Ram Laramie, I have a 19 and love it, the 2018 Ford 3.5 EcoBoost had allot of problems W the cam phasers and the 10-speed trans on the one I owned had nothing, but problems replaced valve body and still had shifting problems.

 

[Dusty]

Welcome to the Ram Forum!! I would purchase the 2021 Ram Laramie, I have a 19 and love it, the 2018 Ford 3.5 EcoBoost had allot of problems W the cam phasers and the 10-speed trans on the one I owned had nothing, but problems replaced valve body and still had shifting problems.

The problem with the Ford 10-speed transmission is the factory flash might fix it for a while, but being a learning transmission it will re-learn back to the original algorithm. A valvebody replacement does not appear to work for most people. Due to cost, Ford does not want to replace the PCM/TCM.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 120191 miles.

 

[ConqueringFools]

Thanks for the replies! So I've researched the hell out of Dodge 1500s and Ford F150s. My god you just can't win with any of these. So many things about each I like which makes the decision even harder. But I really think I'm leaning more towards Dodge.

I'm looking at the following pretty seriously now as I can't find a Laramie anywhere right now. I really only want the Laramie for leather but evidently if I get the BigHorn I can have the dealer install Katzkin leather for around $1500?

So the vehicle that has my eye.......

2022 Ram 1500 BigHorn with 14K and asking $35K. 1 owner car fax. Has a V6 Pentastar with a 3.55 axle upgrade. Etorque. 5/60K warranty which would be really nice.

As much as I like the RAM 5.7 L I'm gonna try to like the V6. I tell ya, that Ford 2.7 L TT was awesome to drive!!!

I guess maybe I should really wait for a Laramie Hemi but they go quick. That 2021 I had posted earlier was a 2 owner and was in a collision (non airbag deployed). I just didn't get a good vibe from it.

 

[EdGs]

Take your time don't get rushed. Don't jump just because, make sure all is good.

 

[JHoward]

Thanks for the replies! So I've researched the hell out of Dodge 1500s and Ford F150s. My god you just can't win with any of these. So many things about each I like which makes the decision even harder. But I really think I'm leaning more towards Dodge.

I'm looking at the following pretty seriously now as I can't find a Laramie anywhere right now. I really only want the Laramie for leather but evidently if I get the BigHorn I can have the dealer install Katzkin leather for around $1500?

So the vehicle that has my eye.......

2022 Ram 1500 BigHorn with 14K and asking $35K. 1 owner car fax. Has a V6 Pentastar with a 3.55 axle upgrade. Etorque. 5/60K warranty which would be really nice.

As much as I like the RAM 5.7 L I'm gonna try to like the V6. I tell ya, that Ford 2.7 L TT was awesome to drive!!!

I guess maybe I should really wait for a Laramie Hemi but they go quick. That 2021 I had posted earlier was a 2 owner and was in a collision (non airbag deployed). I just didn't get a good vibe from it.

... RAM is the truck brand, DODGE is the car brand ...

 

[ConqueringFools]

Yeah it's a hard habit to break! lol.

 

[ConqueringFools]

Well, looks like a lot of these 22s are not able to be sold due to this ABS recall. What an effing mess shopping for a new car/truck is these days. Between Ford's recalls and bs and now RAM. Japanese automakers are all overpriced and Toyota has had big recalls. Manufacturing in the US is a disaster.

 

[Mojo88]

I would get the Laramie, the option package is very good having
most things you would need. And you have the Hemi without the
E-torque. And a better engine than the Ford..........

Where did you find the info about options and that it had no eTorque?? I didn't see that in his posts.

 

[Mojo88]

Thanks for the replies! So I've researched the hell out of Dodge 1500s and Ford F150s. My god you just can't win with any of these. So many things about each I like which makes the decision even harder. But I really think I'm leaning more towards Dodge.

After much searching and analyzing, I recently purchased a 2019 Laramie Longhorn. I have been a GM guy for a long time, but decided it was time to try something different. I drove a few GMC's, but the ride quality wasn't there. I didn't really look at Fords. All of these brands seem to have issues of some sort, which is sad to see.

I probably searched off and on for about 6 months, which seems kinda ridiculous, but I still have a good-running old Silverado (its rusting out), so I didn't need anything right away. I looked at literally hundreds of trucks online.

I learned more and more as the searching went on. Eventually my punch-list of options that I wanted was about 20 different items. I was fully prepared to purchase remotely, but ended up finding one within 2-hour drive from me, so I got to inspect/drive it myself, which was a big plus. It had every option I wanted except one (HUD).

I would say to take your sweet time, and be sure to get something you REALLY will be happy with. You may buy something in a hurry, and then discover it's missing option(s) you really wanted, or maybe it has something you didn't want (for me, that was eTorque).

Good luck!

 

[ConqueringFools]

Mojo88,

Yeah I'm getting nervous with my 2013 Grand Cherokee. It's got the Hemi and it's been an awesome vehicle. No tranny issues or major engine issues. I bought it used with 75K miles 5 years ago. It's got 240K. One of the best cars I've ever owned and I've owned imports and American. I really want a V8 but my budget for a used Ram is realistically under $40K. And I need peace of mind with my lifestyle i.e. kids and road trips, etc. I can't afford to have a vehicle breakdown or be in the shop here and there. I'm single, and no wife or gf to tote me around or borrow a car from lol. I really need reliability. So yeah I'd love to go out and by a used Laramie with a Hemi and 3.92 gears and a fat car payment I really can't afford if I'm responsible.

I've got my eye on a 2022 Ram Big Horn with 14K miles on it. 3.6 L Pentastar. Very nice clean 1 owner car fax. The dealer is asking $35K. I figured I might get a couple thousand for my Jeep and jew them down a little so $32-$30K? Would that be offensive to a salesman? I'm not sure why the thing is sitting on the lot. It's a very sharp looking truck.

It's just such a nice clean truck and low miles and a great price. Not a huge fan of the front jump seat but my boys would love to sit in it. Sure, I'll miss a hemi but the gas mileage and lower monthly payment sure would be better.