Today I go over buying a used Ram 1500! My Car Build/Mod Channel: / @tronautolab Second Channel: / @thebenhardyshow Instagram: ben_hardypl Facebook: @benhardycar
Thanks for posting. Presently in the market for a new truck. Always been a chevy guy. Got 280K miles on my silverado. I love the new Ram, but wasn't sure about the durability.
Had a 2003 Dodge ram 1500. Besides the dash completely crumbling to pieces. I needed a transmission at 75k. My brother needed one at 110k. Love the look of the ram. Better looking than any other truck but complete inferiority in materials.
My last 07 had 640,000km when I sold it and it’s still on the road 3 years later. My 09 now has 435,000km and it’s still running well. I love these trucks!
I have a 2015 Ram 1500 SXT 4x4 with 5.7 hemi I bought new. Now have 400,000 km (250,000 miles) and mine still runs fine and no major issues. Repairs have been trans shift solenoid, water pump, rad, both front wheel bearings.
Interesting timing of this vid for me. I was in the market to buy a used power wagon because that is my dream truck but after many discussions with the wife we’re going for a new 2020 1500 big horn crew 4x4 with 5.7L & 3.92 gears black out package. I still have my 2006 1500 single cab 6-speed manual which I just recently upgraded with a stage one clutch and 410 gears so I’m excited to turn that into a trail rig. I’ll have the best of both worlds. Once my 06 becomes purely an off-roader I’ll have the dilemma of a Cummins 2500 or the PW lol.
Ben, thanks for this review. I am in the market for a used truck and I really like the drive performance of the ram but am concerned about long term durability and reliability. I would greatly appreciate more used truck reviews. New trucks probably get more clicks but everyone is doing them. There is a huge market for used and good info isn’t easy to come by. Yes most are dependent of previous owners care but general concerns can be addressed. A quick search for problem areas and pros and cons can be addressed with recommendations. Plus it allows for commentators to provide real life experience just like this video. I take it all in but again thanks.
Been doing some research into buying my first truck ever and I think Ram is the way to go. I won’t be doing any towing, mostly driving city for everyday use to and from the hospital (where I work) and then the handful of times I get up to the mountains during the winter for snowboarding. Also helping any of my friends move whenever needed lol
just careful who you buy it from,if its abuse you will have a ton of problem like the number one problem camshaft which comes with a hefty repair bill. i have been driving these trucks from the early 90s they are great until abuse but that repair bill can run you over $6000 alone plus trying to find it, trust me i have been there so be careful.
Bought a used 2012 1500 RAM LoneStar and it has been flawless. 175k miles and one owner. Had it for 4 years and 60k miles. Expect to keep for another 50k minimum🙂👍🏻😎
Have had a 08 ram 1500 since 2012 or so. Will likely be getting a 2018 sometime this year.. Prices are all over the place though. Definitely need to get a crew cab this time though
Other than my truck having 3.21 gears, our trucks are identical. Its been a very reliable and fun truck to have. Bought it new in 2017 and have 73K on it so far (though very little towing). Love the look of the 5th Gens, but planning on keeping my Ram for a long time.
Just bought my 1st Ram a 2014 Outdoorsman with the 5.7 Crew cab 3.92 rear and a 6’4 bed. It only has a single exhaust and maybe with that package? it has some skid plates for off road. I got it with only 62,000 miles and may update the exhaust to get that hemi sound. The towing mirrors on the rams offer great view when towing my camper. Glad you mentioned the door remote as it works better than the handheld that came with my door opener. Also the center console in my truck is awesome. Only paid $25,500.
Have the same truck but with dual exhaust just hit 203,000 it’s been a great truck and have had a dump trailer on it for the last 50k miles before that everything went in the bed
In 165k miles on my '14 the only things I've HAD to replace due to failure were manifold bolts, a ball joint and the fuel pump (the fuel level sender shit the bed, pump still worked fine). I put on short tube headers when I fixed the broken manifold bolts. I replaced all of the ball joints and tie rod ends when the driver lower failed, because why not? It all had 120k miles on it already, rather do it all at once than a piece at a time over the next 30k miles. It is starting to develop interior squeaks and rattles, though, but I'm not at all interested in tearing apart the dash to fix them. Love the air suspension, too.
I bought a 2017 Hemi Ram Express last June with 36,000 miles for $23,000. So far no problems and my mechanic I took it to said everything was solid and it looked like it had never been on a dirt road. Living in Montana I could hardly believe that. Rides so much better then the 98 F-150 I had before.
Unfortunately my experience indicates its one of the more problem prone vehicles I've owned. I have a 2012 1500 Big Horn I bought with 32k miles on it (certified used) from a dealer in 2015. It now has 93k miles on it. Here's the repairs I can recall easily, there are probably more. Front wheel bearings. All four brake calipers failed and sized at different mileages starting around 65k miles, ruining all discs and pads, requiring all new calipers, discs, pads. Serpentine belt at 65k; water pump at 65k, starter at 70k. Battery at 85k. Here's the killer- lifter failure which ruined the cam at 80k- this required an entire top end rebuild - all lifters, rods and camshaft. $6500 bill- thankfully it was covered under the pre owned certification warranty and I only paid $100. It would have otherwise forced me to invest 6k in a truck that was worth 15k at the time or to sell it with a bad motor and take a huge hit. . Oil was changed every 3k miles at the dealer since I bought it in 2015. Rear sliding window water leak at 34k miles. variable speed control unit for heating/AC fan at 93k. Now it's at the dealer for either a new lifter tapping noise or an exhaust manifold leak that sounds like a tapping lifter. MORE REPAIRS ON THIS TRUCK than any car I've owned in 40 years. Despite still liking it, I won't buy another- I have the cell phone number of the service manager at my dealer and see him often enough I feel I should invite him for Christmas dinner. Inexcusable build quality in my opinion and considering its a truck built to be "tough" it certainly should not have this many expensive and unusual repairs at under 100k miles. Won't be buying another and will at minimum buy an F150 or a Tundra.
Only certain model years has this problem and they were exactly the same as the same years chevy full size trucks had because they were practically the same engine. 2003 and older didn't have that issue with the lifters. The car wizard on RU-vid talks about that perimeter with the 04-13 model ram
@@aaronautry1981 I don't think Chevy and Ram shared the same engine / block or top end. For ANY modern vehicle - particularly a "Ram Tough" one to have this known issue is outrageous. Factor in all the other issues and now the rust appearing on the front and rear wheel wells- again- the only vehicle I've ever owned that's started to rust- and its inexcusable.
I own a 2014 1500 SLT with 110k miles bought it used with 70k and I used it as a daily, no major issues, I do the oil change myself and recently did the spark plugs myself. Recently drive from Houston to DC, 23 hour drive no issues what so ever I avg 17/18 mpg. Will buy a newer model in the near future maybe a 2022 Big Horn midnight edition.
One thing I have to say about the 4th gen with the hemi is that doing repairs on them is actually quite simple compared to others. I have replaced all the brake pads, water pump, radiator, and even the camshaft and lifters all in my driveway. I also pulled the dash to replace the heater core. The truck now has 200,000 miles on it. It is a 2012, 2wd. If you are someone who does your own maintenance, like I said before, they are quite easy to work on.
I've owned my 03 dodge from day one still have it.. Never a problem 175. Thousand miles oil changes on time.. Services on time.. I've done mods to the air induction, a chip, tires, exhaust.. Runs and drives like new.. The only problem with 03 dodge.. The dash cracks
Those mountains in the background are beautiful. I've never been to Utah, but the mountain range reminds me of Colorado. I have the 2010 Ram 1500...It's a very nice truck.
Bought a used 2015 ram sport with 180k miles , had it for 3 years and my only problems have been lights replacement and a new battery. Absolutely would get another one
I bought a brand new Ram in 2019 . I had lots of problems with it. It had brake and electrical issues. My local dealers were terrible and couldn't fix it. I had to trade it in at a huge loss. I would avoid 2019 up ram. 2010 to 2018 seem to be the best used rams .
@Marcos E. I wanted a classic but wife saw the new one and wanted that. I wish I would have bought the classic. Mine was the new style. I only had it a year. I really liked the truck but it was having way to many issues.
Ive got a 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn. Bought it new in 2015. I tow a 7500lb travel trailer, haul firewood, garbage, move stuff and commute in it. Its been solid and reliable, no major repairs. Only bad thing is the factory choice in tires, the Goodyear SRA does not belong on a 4X4. I would recommend it.
I bought a 2016 ram 1500, Big Horn, with 32,000 miles from car max. lucky I bought the extended warranty for 5 yrs ran about an extra 2,000 buck now my ram has 64,000 miles no issues at all but at 62, 000 miles all the little demons started to appear so far they had to replace the AC compressor and the AC coil that goes behind the dashboard, the upper and lower suspension arm on the driver and passenger side (had this annoying noise from the suspension) the left and right cam rocker arm and lifters. the radio had to be replaced to (turn itself off many times) still have till April of 2022 on the extended warranty left. but overall I love my ram truck.
Your radiator will be next, the "coil" you speak of is the evap core, and it always goes out after 7 years or so, next will be your radiator, but after that you should be good for a long time
But the air suspension rides so much better. Better for off road and towing too! Rides like a full size luxury car when equipped with the air suspension.
No comments on making sure you replace the cab air vents behind the back seats? Mopar changed the Part Number, the original design had flaws and they will leak over time. The pain is you have to take out the rear seats, but $60 fix if you do it yourself.
Rear suspension is trash. Rear spring or air bags is a must to tow. All suspension bushings are trash, front and rear. A leveling kit is a must. Crew cabs are great for a family but horrible to work out of, can't even fit a 6ft ladder. Back up sensors are trash along with the LED taillights, can't change a bulb you have to change entire taillight. Exhaust manifolds suck as well. 6 years I've been through 3 including all the broken bolts that are associated. You must use quality motor oil, royal purple with Lucas is a must if you want to get over 100k without the hemi tick! Maybe your unaware of these issues, but once you've past 60k I promise you'll feel what I've felt. Aside from the suspension components it's a great truck.
09-2019 are minium changes. Usually comes down to treatment. You can get lemons and good. But these engines are prone to cam and lifters if idling a lot.
I have a 2019 new body style Laramie and a 2014 Ram sport and while the newer body style has lighter steering and smoother with better refinement I would have to say for the price of these new trucks it’s not worth paying 30k or more over a 2013-2018 style. I understand people like me will sign our lives away for a new truck at any price they ask but it’s not good practice. They will only get more expensive until a big horn is 100k and the wages are still the same. People like me are way prices get out of hand and consumers get screwed because people like me will pay any price to get a new truck just because it’s new unfortunately.
Just broke 100k miles. No problems up to 75k, then things just started crying for tlc. Fuel level sending unit failed (need to drop the tank to access the pump), shortly after that it developed the “Hemi tick”. Some little nuances are not being able to close the rear sliding glass when ambient temps reach 95 and above, interior lights in rear will blind the driver if rear passengers needs to use them, truck doesn’t have tailgate assist (could add on aftermarket) and lastly the one touch lock on the door is tricky to lock. You have to push a the tiny button without touching the rest of the handle otherwise it unlocks. Unlocking is a breeze though. Things I do like are the rear floor compartment under the mat, flip up rear seats with fold out floor boards, seat coolers (Laramie edition), and the accent lights that illuminates the doors , handles, cup holders. To be honest it’s been a great truck but once you get close to 100k, be prepared to do some maintenance as expected.
I have been researching trucks for a few years. I go back and forth between an Ecoboost F150 and a Hemi Ram. Rams are much more affordable than the Fords. We've only owned Fords and Dodge vehicles and Ford has always been just a little bit more reliable than Dodge/Chrysler/Ram. We currently have a Town and Country and a Fusion. The T&C has had issue after issue. Transmission had to be rebuilt, head gaskets, brake calipers constantly have to be replaced, coolant leaks, starter replaced. Not to mention it eats through tires like nothing else I've seen. Suspension absolutely sucks on it with the amount of body roll. We're going to drive it for probably another year before we trade it in for a truck. It's a 2010.
My 2020 Ford was in the shop three weeks after I bought it new. It was in the shop 9 times in the past 1.5 years and I was without for almost three months. Ford bought back this Lemon. Bought 2022 Ram 1500 instead. No issues.
@@Spartansrule118 A concern sure. But it has been noted that it mainly happens in engines that idles excessively. What is more concerning is engines with cylinder deactivation such as Ford, GM, RAM and so on. Time will tell but it’s the best truck I’ve ever had.
Bought my 2014 ram 1500 5.7 hemi with 130,000m over a year ago she currently sits at 167,000 no major problems beside those damn manifold bolts, also the wheel bearings are horrible on these trucks replaced mine 4 times! But it’s mostly because I run 24x14s on mine still a solid truck.
I did the same. Bought a 2023 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman, single cab, 8' bed in Granite Crystal with black package just to commute to my office job. Why? With the incentives, it was cheaper than a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla, and with the 5.7 Hemi, it is more fun to drive than both.
HERE ARE THE BEST CHEAP MODS. #1 - if you have regular 20’in wheels without chrome you can buy 100$ Come or Gloss black “wheel covers” that snap right on wheel, they look fantastic and don’t cost $1000s to replace when the chrome starts peeling unlike factory OEM wheels. The factory wheels aren’t actually “real” chrome wheels they’re chrome clad, which is basically chrome hubcaps glued onto the wheel. If you run your fingers on the back of the wheel you can feel the gap between the hubcap and the actual wheel. 2nd - 20-30$ Amazon Tailgate strut so your tailgate doesn’t slam down 3rd - $150 Remote starter on Amazon takes 10.minutes to install, it’s all plug and play no wire curing/splicing. Press lock button 3 times and truck starts 4th - if you have smaller 4 inch screen on gauge cluster you can upgrade for around $150(at salvage yard) + $100 for mileage programming to the 7inch lcd gauge cluster. Take 2miuntes to remove old one and new one plugs right in and works perfect. 5th - if you don’t like the big old school 3ft antenna you can get a stubby black plastic one for $20 on Amazon
Another great video. I just bought a 2015 Big Horn and I'm loving it, just a little worried about the cam/lifter failure that I'm hearing about. Oh, beautiful state you live in. Utah?
Google the cam failure and you'll be surprised at how many times it comes up and its all over the ram forums, as are the exhaust manifold leaks- $750 each side to repair.
I’d disagree on the hemi. 3.6L has 305hp and when matched with the 3.55 or 3.92’s it’ll move, but gets significantly better mpg. For better exhaust note, the hemi dual exhaust/ bumper will bolt right up.
The 3.6 with the tow package is more than enough truck for me. You can keep the 14mpg and Hemi tick. I get 19 around town 22.5 hwy. 36 gal gas tank on my outdoorsman.
Chrysler secretly fixed that issue in 2016 I'm not sure how true it is but that's what I've heard they use Hellcat lifters or just better updated lifters or something now
The design with the tight lifter bore and lifter angle as well as the oil passage between the cam and crank certainly doesnt help. Check out Uncle Tony's garage. Solid info.
Great video.....I can get a good deal on a 2017 4X4 5.7 hemi with 3.21 axle ratio.....do you think that would be ok for towing my 5000 (max load) pound 20' 10" travel trailer
I have a 2014 big horn edition is it mine came with heated seats seated mirror heated steering wheel, but I don’t have a dual climate zone which drives me just a little insane
are the Bi-Function Projector Black Headlamps in a 2017 Sport Midnight edition LED? They seem super dim and very poor lighting up the side area where you are turning into....
@@josh2yall Dad had an '05 with about 215K and it was still running perfectly when he decided to purchase a brand brew truck. That was three years back. A family friend is still driving it daily. It did need something replaced (can't recall what, exactly), but it was a quick fix and under $100 (with labor).
Mine is the 2019 1500 Ram Classic. 3.6 V6, 8-speed automatic, 4x2, and 3.55 rear end. Towing capacity is 8,600 lbs and you can’t beat the 21 mpg city for the gas mileage. The power is great and you wouldn’t know it wasn’t a V8.
I have a 2016 with 44,000 miles on it and it has proven to very reliable. So far it's just been in the shop once for something that was not scheduled maintenance. They had to replace a wiring harness for the rear camera and parking sensors, cost me around $500.
I bought a 2017 Ram 1500 loaded Limited 4x4 with Ram boxes and 3:92 gears it had 113,000 miles on it when I bought it, it literally feels, rides and looks like a new truck still and the steering feels new. I couldn't believe it. I paid $32,000 before TT&L. I thought it was kinda expensive at first but it was actually a good deal after some more research. Man I have to be careful about taking off from a stop, it will boil the new tires like crazy, I have to ease in to it soo softly. It's a BADASS TRUCK!!
No not every Ram '14 or newer had the 8 spd with the dial selector, don't forget there was still the 6 speed with column shift option which I have in my '16
@@osutx427 I change it as specified. You would be surprised at how many people who put over ten thousand miles between oil changes. I know a guy that owns an oil change place and he says people do it all the time because they are cheap or just don`t take care of anything. He had one guy come in and his oil light was on and the oil was so thick because he had 80k miles on the oil that it wouldn't flow anymore.
I had problems with the Sylvania bulbs. I was replacing about 2-3 bulbs a year. I got the base Napa bulbs and never had another issue. Also the brighter bulb you get the shorter the life, hence the base bulb.
I just got a 04 ram 4 door air no power seats or doors I miss but don't miss so many rides end up having prob. But do miss back window power for my dog he has to have one or both down. Lol. So far I like it. Runs great has 171k and sounds like new runs like new but just got it 2 months ago. What I hate so far my inc went up alot dodge inc rates higher than GMC and ford. So may find me a gmc again then sell the dodge don't no yet cause this does run good. Only need so far I think needs shocks when I hit a bump it like loud like metal on metal so I think there in need new bad. Don't no the size of the motor can't remember what he said hope it pulls a 24 to 30ft camper good I'm looking for one now. I wish mine had the center console may look for one but honest I may table out the middle seat add me cooler I'm in Louisiana so be nice to have ice water and some drinks. I like to fish and camp when I fill good so nice to have a cooler easy to get to. I paid 3k for my truck I prob paided over by 500 but he was a young guy has a small car lot from home and nice rides he only made 600 him self I did ask after I paid for it he wanted 3200 I asked his lowest was gonna offer 3k but he said that so I agreed. Does have some dents little damage bumper and tail gate has small hole or two and drivers mirror was broke but duct taped awesome. Lol. But if your reading what I said did I over pay by alot or do you think I did good. Air is so cold. O but. If I'm stopped it don't stay cold I was told the electric fan may not be working right but driving it's cold cold to me. My daughter don't think so but to me it's cold. Thanks for the vidoe thanks for your opinion. God bless
I got lucky with a ‘13 ram 1500 crew cab with 157000 miles. Only thing is it sounds like the exhaust manifold bolts broke so that has to be fixed. But other than that, it seems like a great purchase
@@TFK1197 I’m thinking about buying a 2012 ram crew cab has 153,000 miles on it buh idk if I should take the risk of getting it or try to get a 13 or 14 instead wit lesser miles what u think??
@@d_smoove1204 I know the 2010 && 2013 are notorious for having issues. Thankfully knock on dashboard I’ve lucked out, but 153k miles shouldn’t be an issue. Definitely check the fluids && the sound of a healthy motor. I’ve seen 1500’s going for like $10k for well over 220k miles on the odometer with a stock motor && transmission.
Bought a 2012 4.7 in 2017. Engine had lifter problems a year later then piston knock and timing components went bad. Warranty got me a used engine. I change oil every 2500 miles. Way more often than the 5k prescribed. Engines should last longer than 40k miles. Water pump went at 60k. Total miles on truck 60k!
Sounds like a good low maintenance truck My 1998 ford ranger (wasmy great grandfather truck) in 2014 only needed 4 new suspensions, 2017 one spark plug and that's it What a big difference huh?
Owned 3 Silverado's 2 tundra's 1 ford and just picked up a used 2011 ram 1500 . I must say its got the best ride and interior out of all of them .and every car company has some sort of issues here and there and I have the 4.7 and the exhaust notes are practically the same I just would not get the v6 .and why someone with any sense use one person's opinion based on one vehicle to buy a truck
I’m looking at a 2013 big horn with 120k miles, I wonder the same thing lol. Mostly everything I read about RAM is positive & seem to last forever if you keep up with the maintenance.
