If you’re in the market for a new pickup truck, there are countless options available to you. If you’re like most Americans, you’re likely seeking a domestic manufacturer.
While Europe and Japan are well-known for their sedans, hatchbacks, and sports cars, no one makes trucks like American manufacturers. This narrows down your options.
Let’s dig a little deeper. The Dodge Ram 1500 is well known for its capabilities, reliability, and performance. It might just be the best pickup truck for your needs.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about buying a used Ram truck.
Savings
First, let’s talk about how much money you can save by buying used Ram trucks.
Obviously, when buying used, you save a substantial amount of money on the price tag alone. However, your savings don’t end there.
Did you know that brand new vehicles can lose anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of their value in the first year? For the next few years, it drops 10 to 15 percent. When you buy a used Ram 1500, the worst of the depreciation will have already happened.
Furthermore, depending on the state you live in, registering a used vehicle is much more affordable than registering a brand new vehicle. Some states charge based on how new the vehicle is, while other charge based on total value. If you live in a state with those stipulations, registering a brand new truck would be expensive.
The same goes for insurance. Insurance companies are created to make money.
As such, if you want a brand new expensive vehicle fully covered, you’re going to pay more for your policy. Used vehicles, on the other hand, are much less expensive to insure.
Loan Approvals
Did you know that roughly 63% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Most of us have too many financial obligations and don’t make as much money as we’d like. This can make getting approved for a brand new vehicle quite difficult.
Fortunately, because they are so much more affordable, you shouldn’t have a problem getting approved for a used Ram truck. You’ll also have plenty of options to choose from. If your first choice isn’t within your budget, scale down to a slightly older model.
Top-Shelf Suspension
One of the best things about Dodge Ram 1500s is their upgraded suspension system. While most other trucks on the market use the antiquated leaf-spring, the Ram has a coil-spring rear suspension. It also has an optional self-leveling air suspension package.
This makes for one of the smoothest rides you’ll ever find in a pickup truck. This might not be such a big deal if the Dodge Ram couldn’t still hang with the best of them in terms of performance and capabilities. But it can.
Comfort and Technology
If you want comfort and convenience, you need to be looking for used Ram trucks for sale. Dodge Rams come with a Uconnect infotainment system that allows you to connect through Bluetooth. This system also comes with a large touchscreen with an intuitive interface.
Other comfort features include heated and power seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic windshield wipers, and more.
Capabilities
If you’re thinking about buying a used Ram 1500, odds are it’s because you need a capable vehicle. Depending on the used Ram truck you choose, you can expect towing capacities from just under 7,000lbs to over 11,000lbs. In terms of payloads, the Ram can handle anything from 1,000lbs to 2,000lbs.
These capabilities make used Ram 1500s ideal for work trucks. However, they’re also great for daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Their towing capabilities provide enough power to pull boats, trailers, and campers.
Options
Looking at used Dodge Ram Trucks provides you with tons of options. As noted above, you can choose a larger engine for more power or a smaller engine for better fuel economy.
You can also buy a used Ram 1500 that’s fully-loaded for maximum comfort, features, and technology. Because you’re buying used, these high-end packages will be much more affordable.
Additionally, you have the option of buying a certified pre-owned Ram 1500. CPOs are relatively new vehicles that have limited miles. They’ve been lightly used and fully refurbished.
As such, they come with renewed warranties. Power train warranties are typically for 5 years or another 60,000 miles. Limited bumper to bumper warranties are generally 36,000 miles or 3 years.
While CPO used Ram trucks are a little more expensive, they also come with peace of mind. Warranties like those listed above can be a massive blessing in the event of a mechanical or technical failure.
Reliability
Traditionally, Dodge Ram 1500s are incredibly reliable. However, when buying a used Ram truck, you may be wondering about its condition and dependability.
Fortunately, vehicle history reports are more advanced and accurate than ever. They track the vehicle from the day it leaves the manufacturer. The vehicle history report will tell you:
- Commercial use history if applicable (lease, rental, fleet vehicle)
- Number of previous owners
- Locations of registration
- Factory recalls
- Maintenance history
- Major accidents and repairs
- And more
As long as you’re buying a used Ram truck from a credible dealer, there’s nothing to worry about. They should provide you with the vehicle history report. They may also have on-site mechanics who give their vehicles a once-over to make sure they’re ready for the buyer.
Driver Features and Safety
One of the most important factors of the Dodge Ram is its safety ratings. The Ram’s five-star safety rating makes it a truly superior pickup, particularly as a family vehicle.
Use Rams offer a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, a backup camera, blindspot monitors, and parking sensors. It even comes with advanced features like trailer-sway control and hill start assist.
Are You Ready to Test Drive a Used Ram Truck?
As you can see, there are a ton of things to consider when buying a used ram truck. There are a lot of good pickups out there, but the Ram 1500 seems to tower over the rest of them.
If you’re ready to start looking at your options and want to know where to buy a used Dodge Ram 1500, come down to our dealership. If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, take a look through our inventory of used vehicles online. We hope to hear from you soon!
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