Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Shopping for a Used Ram 1500

October 18th, 2024 by

A red 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is shown parked under an overpass after viewing a used Ram 1500 for sale.

Pickup trucks are versatile vehicles that can be used for everything from towing and hauling to heading off road. Since they’re built to tackle tough jobs day in and day out, well-constructed pickups can last for a long time, so you can shop for a used model without worrying about getting stuck with a lemon. If you’re looking for a used Ram 1500 for sale, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a quality model that will serve you well for years to come.

However, you might have a hard time making a decision. The Ram 1500 has been in production for well over a decade, so you’ll find options ranging from nearly new to distinctly retro. On top of that, there are different configurations, trim levels, and powertrains. To make your search easier, it’s best to ask yourself a few key questions upfront so you can use the answers to guide you to a used Ram that’s perfect for your individual needs. Let’s take a look at a few of those questions and how they can help you shop smarter.

Ram 1500 vs Ram 1500 Classic

Before diving in, we want to clear up one point of confusion up front. We’ll be looking at some features that were added or dropped for certain model years or generations of the Ram 1500, which can be helpful to remember when shopping for a used model. However, there is one thing that can muddy the waters here: the Ram 1500 Classic. Basically, when Ram launched a new generation of the 1500 for the 2019 model year, it continued to produce and sell the last generation as the Ram 1500 Classic. So when we say that certain features or options were added or dropped starting in the 2019 model year, know that this doesn’t apply to the Classic.

#1 – How Much Room Do You Need?

Whether you’re buying a new or used truck, you need to figure out what configuration you want. Unlike other kinds of vehicles, trucks are generally offered with different body sizes that change how much space you have for passengers and cargo. There are three basic types of cabins and cargo beds. A regular cab has two doors and one row of seating, while an extended cab (called a “quad cab” by Ram) has two rows of seating and typically has four doors (though the back seat may be smaller than the front). With a crew cab, you’ll have more interior space than a quad cab, with four full-size doors and two generous rows of seating. Bed sizes are even simpler: short, standard, and long beds are differentiated by length but are generally the same width and depth.

It’s worth remembering that not all of these options can be paired with each other. Typically, for example, you can’t pair a quad cab with a long 6’4″ bed because it would simply make the overall truck too large. And not every model year gives you all three options to choose from for each category. While the 2018 Ram 1500 can be had with a full set of options, the new generation introduced for the 2019 model year dropped the regular cab and long bed options.

A black 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is shown towing a boat near a lake.

#2 – What Kind of Fuel Do You Prefer?

Gasoline and diesel both have their pros and cons. Gasoline is familiar and easy to find, and technicians are generally more familiar working with gas engines. Diesel, however, packs more energy into each gallon, which can make a truck more fuel-efficient without negatively impacting performance. Diesel engines are often more durably-constructed than gas engines, requiring less maintenance, though they can be more expensive to repair when they do have problems, and they tend to provide high torque, which comes in handy for towing heavy loads. Ram dropped its diesel engine from the 1500 lineup for the 2024 model year, but when shopping used, you can still find both gas and diesel options and pick the one you prefer.

#3 – How Much Do You Need to Tow and Haul?

You’ll definitely want to know how much weight you need to be able to tow in a trailer or haul in the cargo bed before you start shopping. If you only need to move the occasional piece of furniture or a small boat from time to time, then you can save money by opting for configurations that have lower capacities. But if you have heavy trailers and dense cargo that needs to be moved, you’ll want to make sure you get something powerful enough to suit your needs. These figures are strongly affected by the powertrain, so keep a close eye on what’s under the hood. For the 2020 model year, for example, the base 3.6L Pentastar V6 was capped at under 8,000 lbs of towing, while either the 5.7L HEMI V8 and 3.0L EcoDiesel turbo V6 let you tow well over 12,000 lbs. As with many factors, these stats also vary based on configuration and model year, so look closely if towing and hauling are high priorities for you.

#4 – How Much Will You Be Heading Off-Road?

Planning on heading off the paved path with your truck? If so, you may want to narrow your search based on trim level. While just about any trim can handle dirt roads, gravel driveways, and perhaps even some light off-roading, there are some levels that are designed with uneven terrain in mind. The Rebel trim is the entry-level option—it’s been around for a while, and while it’s by no means the most affordable trim in the lineup, it’s not the priciest either. While the Rebel’s exact equipment varies from year to year, you can expect an off-road-tuned suspension, protective skid plates for underbody components, a factory lift, and useful features like Hill Descent Control. Some of these features can also be found on more affordable trims that have been outfitted with the Off-Road package or those that have been customized by their owners.

If you’re looking for something showier and ready to tackle the toughest trails, you’ll want to look for a Ram 1500 TRX. This high-performance trim was Ram’s first answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor, featuring a powerful Hellcat engine, a supersized body, and a cornucopia of special equipment. It was replaced by the Hurricane V6-powered RHO for the 2025 model year, so if you prefer the V8 under the hood of the TRX, then you’ll definitely want to look for a used model.

The black 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is shown parked off-road.

#5 – How Much Luxury Do You Want?

The Ram 1500 is available in a wide range of trim levels, from barebones and basic options to those with cabins so luxurious you won’t want to leave once you reach your destination. When you’re shopping used, you can find top-tier luxury at more affordable prices. If you’re looking to pull out all the stops, you’ll probably want to stick to the 2019 model year or newer. The truck got a big overhaul for the new generation, adding convenient driver assist features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, useful tech like a larger touchscreen, and comfort features ranging from 24-way adjustable massage seats to an air suspension system that improves aerodynamics, efficiency, and ride quality.

While models from 2018 can’t offer all that, you can still find comforts like heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, real wood trim, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Between model year and trim level, you should be able to find an option that strikes just the right balance between your desire for luxury and your budget. If you have a particular must-have feature in mind, whether it’s leather seats or a moon roof, you can find it in our massive online inventory that covers the entire country. Use our filters to narrow down the features that are important to you and find the perfect Ram 1500 tailored to your needs. Check our selection out today!