Soon to be new owner with 2500 hemi 2016 vs 2018 question.

[TJohnson]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking to buy a Ram 2500 for my son who recently got out of the Marines. He has his heart set on a 2500 Mega Cab so that's what I'm looking for. It will mostly be a daily driver around town, some towing in the future. I've been doing quite a bit of research and hunting and have two trucks in mind, hoping y'all can provide some input on which would be the better choice. Both are from southern states, have reasonably low mileage, one owner, personal use, no collision damage (per Carfax), 4WD, 6.4L Hemi, Laramie trim, 3.73 axle ratio, etc.

The 2018 looks like it's set up to tow, not so on the 2016. Any good reason to buy one of these over the other? Mainly thinking it would be a 2016 vs 2018 features/reliability question?

2016
40k miles
$40k

2018
70k miles
$38k

Thanks for your help,
Todd

 

[dieselscout80]

Get 4.10 axle gears if you can and really look at 2019 and newer ones as they have the ZF eight speed transmission that is really nice.

 

[Papa Red]

Welcome to the forum.

Red

 

[RodeoRam]

Assuming both have the 8.4 radios since they're Laramies, verify the screen or the whole radio in the 2018 has been replaced.
- Plus, the 2018 radio was the first model year with Android Auto/Apple Carplay.

Has the double Cardan joint in the front driveshaft been lubed regularly on both?

Has the drag link recall been done on both? With the half- weld or new drag link?

Any signs of water leaking into the cabs?

 

[Docwagon1776]

Get 4.10 axle gears if you can and really look at 2019 and newer ones as they have the ZF eight speed transmission that is really nice.

Strongly agree. In the 2500, the 8 speed is a very noticeable upgrade.

OP, drive one back to back. Passing on a 2 lane, merging on a short ramp, etc all feel way more effortless with the 8 speed. Durability is improved as well. If you can swing a 2019-2021, I think they are the best years. All the upgrades without the later COVID supply chain QC issues.

 

[Harley Harrold]

 

[TJohnson]

Strongly agree. In the 2500, the 8 speed is a very noticeable upgrade.

OP, drive one back to back. Passing on a 2 lane, merging on a short ramp, etc all feel way more effortless with the 8 speed. Durability is improved as well. If you can swing a 2019-2021, I think they are the best years. All the upgrades without the later COVID supply chain QC issues.

Thanks for the input. I passed on both of the trucks I mentioned and am now looking for a 2019 or newer. Staying in the 2019 - 2021 range will help me keep within my budget.

 

[TJohnson]

Get 4.10 axle gears if you can and really look at 2019 and newer ones as they have the ZF eight speed transmission that is really nice.

Thanks for that. Passed on both the trucks I was originally looking at. Going to look for something in the 2019 - 2021 range.

 

[TJohnson]

Assuming both have the 8.4 radios since they're Laramies, verify the screen or the whole radio in the 2018 has been replaced.
- Plus, the 2018 radio was the first model year with Android Auto/Apple Carplay.

Has the double Cardan joint in the front driveshaft been lubed regularly on both?

Has the drag link recall been done on both? With the half-View attachment 574253 weld or new drag link?

Any signs of water leaking into the cabs?

Thanks! I ended up passing on both of the ones I posted. Decided that the 2016 was 10 years old and I should look for something newer, the 2018 looked like it had a hard life as a tow vehicle. So I'm going to look for something newer. I'm assuming that the lube of the Cardan joint applies to newer 2500s as well. Will be sure to keep your other points in mind when looking. Thanks again.