10 Things to Know When Shopping for a Used Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 has long been one of America’s favorite pickup trucks, making it a popular find during any search for quality used trucks for sale near Mason. It’s praised for its blend of muscle, comfort, and everyday practicality, offering Ram’s signature luxuries and potent heartbeat to create an impeccably balanced road warrior that can manage it all.

Whether you’re looking for a workhorse, a weekend toy hauler, a comfortable daily driver, or a truck that can do it all with ease, a used Ram 1500 can be a fantastic choice. That said, not all trucks are created equal. As your trusted Ram dealer, we’re here to highlight ten things you should know when shopping for a used Ram 1500 to add to your garage.

#1 – Stellar Reputation and Legacy

The Ram 1500 has been a staple in the lineup for decades, earning numerous awards, including multiple “Truck of the Year” titles from Motor Trend. Known for its unique blend of capability and refinement, the Ram 1500 embodies the American automaker’s dedication to offering drivers far more in their trucks. The Ram 1500 stands out for its plush seating, exceptionally smooth ride, upscale interior design, and modern technologies—all characteristics that skyrocket its appeal on the used lot.

#2 – Diverse Powertrain Options

Mason drivers are treated to Ram’s ingenuity when they discover the Ram 1500’s diverse powertrain lineup has something for every need. Depending on the model year and trim, options include:

• 3.6L Pentastar V6: This award-winning powertrain is known for being an all-around performer and is typically the Ram 1500’s base engine, making 305 hp on 2020 and newer models.
• HEMI V8s: Ram’s legendary HEMI V8 is known for its power and longevity. You’ll see the HEMI’s evolution on the used lot, with options like the 5.7L Eagle and its eTorque MHEV sibling.
• Hellcat: Those with a penchant for speed won’t want to miss the supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat, an excellent and rare find on the used lot that’s equivalent to hitting the automotive jackpot.

#3 – The Best Ride in the Segment

For decades, the Ram 1500 has stood out from rivals like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 because of its exceptional ride quality and handling. Ram’s secret is its reliance on a coil-spring rear suspension.

Ram introduced the fifth-generation Ram 1500 in 2019, debuting the newly updated five-link rear coil suspension. The third-generation suspension is exclusive to the Ram 1500, ensuring the truck keeps you in control, provides better articulation, and offers exceptional support when testing the truck’s towing and payload abilities.

For a truly remarkable experience, shop for a used Ram 1500 with the class-exclusive Active Level Four-Corner Air Suspension. This addition heightens the truck’s already smooth ride, automatically adjusting the suspension to improve handling, efficiency, and accessibility.

#4 – Incredible Workhorse Capabilities

As you shop for a used Ram 1500, it’s crucial to know what’s under the hood and how it impacts the truck’s towing and payload capacities. Our team will walk you through the differences, noting their impact on your time behind the wheel. For example, a Ram 1500 powered by a Pentastar V6 is excellent for everyday driving in Mason, but a more powerful option like the 5.7L HEMI V8 can competently tow heavier loads.

#5 – Interior Has Improved Over Time

Ram is known for its penchant for luxury, and Mason drivers reap the rewards when shopping for a used model. The Ram 1500’s interior has improved over time, with Ram consistently upgrading the truck’s interior since 2010. You’ll find a more upscale cabin, thoughtfully designed to prioritize your comfort and keep you engaged, connected, and informed.

The 2019 Ram 1500 introduced the truck’s fifth and current generation, making this an excellent starting point for your search. With the new generation, Ram redesigned the truck’s interior to make it more spacious, functional, and feature-rich. Depending on the trim, you’ll find reclining rear seats, a flat-loading floor, a customizable center console, and a vast digital landscape.

#6 – RamBox Maximizes Functionality

How will the Ram 1500 complement your life in Mason? If you’re looking for maximum versatility, shop for a used Ram 1500 equipped with the RamBox Cargo Management System. This built-in system utilizes the wasted space above the wheel wells, adding lockable, waterproof, and drainable storage. It’s the perfect place to store tools and gear, with the bins even doubling as coolers that can take your tailgates to the next level.

#7 – Generous Modern Technology

Navigating Mason is far more exciting and rewarding in a truck like the Ram 1500. Shopping for a used model gives you a front-row seat to Ram’s ingenuity and ongoing efforts to integrate modern technologies to transform your driving experience. Since the Ram 1500’s fifth-generation debut in 2019, the full-size powerhouse has had an expansive digital landscape and premium features.

Depending on the trim and package, you can find a used Ram 1500 with an expansive 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system. The configurable display offers split-screen capability, seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and many in-vehicle apps. It’s the perfect complement to the Harman Kardon audio system, with Ram making history by introducing the most powerful audio system in the truck segment with the 2019 model’s 19-speaker setup.

#8 – Diverse Trim Level Lineup

Shopping for a used Ram 1500 is rewarding because it gives you far more options to explore than what you’ll find in the current lineup. How so?

As you shop for a used Ram 1500, you can shop across various model years and trims. Budget-savvy shoppers can see their money work harder beyond the entry-level Tradesman, exploring viable options like the Big Horn and Laramie. Mason drivers looking for more features, conveniences, and capabilities will find everything they need and more in trims like the Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited.

Additionally, each Ram 1500 trim is distinctly styled with unique features, technologies, and interior materials. Because of this, finding the perfect Ram 1500 to align with your budget, fit your performance needs, and reflect your style is straightforward. There’s a Ram 1500 for everyone, with used models offering more without requiring you to compromise or settle for less.

#9 – Advanced Safety Features

Ram prioritizes safety, and it shows in every used Ram 1500 on our lot. The Ram 1500’s active and passive safety features have improved over time, with Ram expanding the suite again in 2019 with the truck’s fifth-generation debut. Since then, 2019 and newer Ram 1500 models have offered over 100 safety and security tools that rivals can’t match.

As you shop for a used Ram 1500, consider your driving habits and what you expect from the truck. For example, if you spend most of your time cruising at highway speeds, shop for a used Ram 1500 with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Go, and Hold to mitigate fatigue and improve your experience. LaneSense Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning are also essential, improving your situational awareness and mitigating the potential for collisions.

#10 – Strong Resale Value

What does driving a Ram 1500 mean to you? For many, Ram is synonymous with luxury and capability, and every used Ram 1500 on our lot showcases as much. Yet, the perks don’t stop there. Ram trucks hold their value incredibly well, especially HEMI- and diesel-powered models. Trims like the Rebel and Limited also command higher resale prices, which can be beneficial for you. How?

While you may pay more initially for a well-kept used Ram 1500, there’s an excellent chance you’ll get more when it’s time to sell or trade-in. It’s a win-win that puts you in the driver’s seat of an incredible truck without paying a premium.