My GarageIs the RAM 1500 a good used car?
Verdict rates it 4.0/5 overall, with reliability at 3.9/5 and running costs at 4.0/5. Shop 2019+ DT first and treat EcoDiesel as a records-only purchase.
Buyer's Guide · RAM 1500 · Full-size pickup
Used RAM 1500 Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: RAM Reliability Guide and Best Used RAM Models.
The RAM 1500 has the best on-road ride quality in the segment thanks to coil-spring rear suspension. HEMI 5.7L is the enthusiast pick; MDS lifter risk applies.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Reliability
- 3.9/5 · Good
- Best years
- 2019+ DT, 2013–2018 DS with HEMI
- Years to research
- EcoDiesel
- Maintenance cost
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Parts availability
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 4.0/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Yes. HEMI with MDS-aware history is a rewarding long-term pick.
Shopping a specific 1500?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Overall · All generations
★★★★★4.0/5
2019+ DT with HEMI (MDS-aware) or eTorque is the modern sweet spot. Verify lifter condition; consider MDS delete.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★3.9/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.0/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.7/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.0/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2019+ DT
Best-in-class ride quality; refined interior.
2013–2018 DS with HEMI
Proven platform; verify MDS lifter condition.
Side by side
RAM 1500 ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.0/5 | Very good |
| Reliability | 3.9/5 | Good |
| Maintenance | 4.0/5 | Very good |
| Parts availability | 4.7/5 | Excellent |
| Ownership cost | 4.0/5 | Very good |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
EcoDiesel
Emissions settlement and EGR concerns.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓HEMI lifter tick / MDS failure
- ✓8AT torque-converter shudder (fluid change helps)
- ✓Air-suspension leaks if equipped
- ✓Rust on cab corners on Northeast trucks
Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Parts widely available; independents know HEMI.
MDS delete is a common preemptive fix.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
Listen for lifter tick; verify any lifter service or MDS delete.
Transmission
8AT smooth at cruise.
Air suspension
All corners level if equipped.
Rust
Cab corners and rockers on Northeast trucks.
Modifications
Verify tune and tow history.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Best on-road ride in the segment.
- • Real-world 16–20 mpg on HEMI.
- • Comfortable interior at all trims.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used RAM 1500?
Yes. HEMI with MDS-aware history is a rewarding long-term pick.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the RAM 1500?
Verdict scores it 3.9/5 for reliability and 4.0/5 overall. Buy from 2019+ DT and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which 1500 years should I avoid?
EcoDiesel deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the RAM 1500?
2019+ DT. Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a RAM 1500 last?
A well-maintained 1500 from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the 1500 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 4.0/5 and parts availability 4.7/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used 1500?
Focus on: Engine, Transmission, Air suspension, Rust. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common 1500 problems?
HEMI lifter tick / MDS failure; 8AT torque-converter shudder (fluid change helps); Air-suspension leaks if equipped; Rust on cab corners on Northeast trucks
Is 150,000 miles too much for a 1500?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile 1500 with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the 1500's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used RAM 1500?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2019+ DT first, treat EcoDiesel as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.
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