Shopping for a Used Ram Truck? What You Should Know

Before you begin shopping for a used Ram truck, there are a few things you should keep in mind. It’s never a good idea to go out and buy a new vehicle without doing some research so that you know exactly what you’re looking for, and that’s where we are here to help. These tips, when applied correctly, will save you a lot of stress on your truck shopping adventure. Additionally, they will also save you a lot of long-term hassle down the road. After all, there are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for a truck, like towing, payload, and comfortability, to name a few.

Ram Through the Ages

The Ram 1500 has been around a long time (since 1981) and has seen a lot of automobile changes and technological advances. After all, when Rams were first coming out, people had the choice of a basic manual or basic automatic transmission, and that was about as advanced as things got. Nowadays, you can buy a used Ram 1500 that comes with heads-up displays, Bluetooth capabilities, a plethora of safety features, and even a collection of cameras and sensors. Why, there are even vehicles that are beginning to drive themselves (not Rams as of yet but maybe someday).

All this to say, there is a lot to consider when you’re on the hunt for a good used Ram 1500. Do you want a basic, retro truck that isn’t too complicated but can reliably get you from point A to point B? The first generation Ram, which consists of the years 1981-1993, might be for you. While these early Rams did not have any fancy cameras or automated features, they did come with roughly 160 horsepower, depending on the specific year in question.

The second generation Rams, seen from 1994-2001, were a little more advanced. During this generation, the engine upgraded from the V6 to the V8, which allowed for an increase to 230 horsepower. Dual airbags were added, and rear doors were installed. These doors made for easier access to the back seat, and dual airbags, of course, made the truck’s passengers safer in the event of an accident.

Years 2002-2008 brought about the third-generation Ram, along with a bunch of changes and advances. Thanks to the new frame and suspension, safety features such as side curtain airbags could now be included. The cab got an extension, making for even more comfortable rear seats, and technological features such as a navigation system were installed. By the end of this generation, the Ram was sporting a Hemi V8 engine that allowed for 345 horsepower, a big jump from the Ram 1500’s humble beginnings.

While the fourth generation of Rams does not include the current year’s models, if you are shopping for a used Ram 1500, this is likely the latest generation you will be looking at. These trucks were introduced between 2009 and 2018. Now the Hemi V8 engine offers drivers 390 horsepower, which is pretty impressive, you have to admit. This generation also includes a few model years with an EcoDiesel option, if you are a fan of diesel-powered trucks.

The good news is, this generation brought about a series of changes designed to focus on driver comfort. A rearview camera was added, making backing up safer and easier, rear seats now had the option to be heated, and even the driver’s floor pedals had the option to be adjusted. If you’re looking for a used Ram that focuses on luxurious creature comforts, you’re looking for a fourth-generation Ram.

Warranties and Certifications

The final and perhaps the most important thing you should look for when shopping for a used Ram truck involves warranties and certifications. Many reputable dealers, Orange Coast CJDRF included, will offer customers what’s known as a certified pre-owned vehicle. If you have access to a certified pre-owned vehicle, you should definitely jump on that offer above anything else you may have looked into thus far.

When a dealer such as Orange Coast CJDRF shows you a certified pre-owned vehicle, you are getting so much more than just an affordable used truck. Before earning the certified stamp of approval, these pre-owned vehicles must go through an intense 125-point inspection. This careful inspection ensures your vehicle is leaving our care in the best condition possible.

We are so confident in our inspection process that a certified pre-owned vehicle from Orange Coast CJDRF also comes with a 7-year or a 100,000-mile warranty. You can rest assured that your new purchase will not break down anytime soon and that you can count on many years and miles of reliable service before it reaches the end of its life. And on the off chance you do have to bring your car in for repairs, thanks to this warranty, you know you’re covered.

So, would you prefer a dirt-cheap used truck you purchased off of Facebook Marketplace that ends up completely dying after only owning it for 6 short months? Or a reasonably priced certified pre-owned Ram 1500 that includes 7 years of coverage? If you prefer 7-years of peace of mind, then you’re going to want to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Money-Back Guarantee?

If you’re shopping for a vehicle, you might be worried about getting caught up in the heat of the moment and committing to a vehicle you will ultimately end up regretting. This can cause car shoppers a lot of stress and anxiety. Fortunately for you, dealers such as Orange Coast CJDRF are beginning to offer customers money-back guarantees.

For example, when you buy a vehicle at Orange Coast CJDRF, you have up to 72 hours to change your mind and bring it back, no questions asked! This includes any restocking fees. At no charge to you, so long as you have gone less than 250 miles within that 72 hour period, you can decide you didn’t want it after all, and it’ll be like the whole thing never happened. If that doesn’t take the stress out of car shopping, I don’t know what will.

Is There a Used Ram in Your Future?

Now that you’ve learned a little about used Ram truck shopping and also gotten a few insider tips to finding the perfect truck for you, you need only ask yourself one question – what are you waiting for? Is there a Ram in your future, or do you need to come on down to your friendly neighborhood Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat dealer and take a few trucks for a spin before you’re convinced? Because if that’s the case, you’re in luck. We’ve got plenty of used and certified pre-owned vehicles for you to take a look at so you can decide for yourself which one is for you.

With all the modern advances these vehicles are seeing, there has never been a better time to buy a used truck. There are plenty of options out there that will give you the capability, performance, comfort, and technology that you want in your truck for a good price. So come on down and pick out your perfect model today!