What to Look for in Your Next Pre-Owned Ram 1500

Many consider the Ram 1500 to be the pinnacle of pickup trucks. Ram's trucks are known for offering their drivers the best performance and sophistication. From their refined interiors equipped with impressive technologies to their powertrains that make all kinds of tasks possible, having a Ram 1500 at your disposal opens the doors to a world of limitless possibilities. 

Ram is continually at the forefront of innovation, so finding a used Ram 1500 for sale with the right features is crucial for drivers who want it all. If you're in the market for a used Ram 1500, these are the major items to be mindful of and keep an eye out for...

Find a Diesel Powertrain for Big Tasks 

Most trucks today are powered by gasoline, but some still use a diesel-fueled powertrain that provides better fuel economy and increased towing capacity. Finding a used Ram 1500 with a diesel powertrain can be advantageous and relatively easy, as the diesel engine was only recently discontinued, with the 2023 Ram 1500 being the last iteration able to be equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. 

The EcoDiesel V6 offered the ultimate trifecta of performance, capability, and efficiency in a single package. The ability to produce 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque made the EcoDiesel a favorable workhorse among tradespeople and off-roaders. Workers, in particular, could make use of the V6's 9,600-lb towing capacity and capability to handle a payload of 2,090 lbs. This diesel powertrain was available in RWD or 4WD, and it offered better fuel economy than most pickup trucks in its class, even in 4WD. The EPA estimated that a 2023 Ram 1500 with the EcoDiesel V6 could achieve 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway in 4WD (for 24 MPG combined), making it both economical and powerful.

A Special Edition for the Road Less Traveled 

The Ram 1500 has long been celebrated for its versatility and its ability to adapt to the needs of different drivers. This pickup truck has been favored by those who enjoy off-roading and adventures that take place on the path less traveled. In 2022, Ram released the Big Horn Backcountry Edition of the Ram 1500. This special edition, built on the foundation of the Big Horn trim, was specifically formulated to provide an engaging and exhilarating off-road experience. 

The Big Horn Backcountry Edition had the coveted 5.7L HEMI V8, which produced 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. To facilitate off-roading, this edition came standard with 4WD and a suspension with heavy-duty shock absorbers specifically formulated for handling difficult terrain. Skid plates were in place to protect the suspension, transfer case, and steering gear. Additional protection for the Big Horn Backcountry Edition included a special guard to protect against scrapes and dents.

Staying Connected With Excellent Tech

Many have always favored the Ram 1500's prowess and capabilities. If you ask tradespeople, off-roaders, and drivers from all walks of life the same thing, they'll most likely tell you that staying connected is essential in our ever-increasing digital world. A competent infotainment screen that provides connectivity is crucial for many modern drivers, and since 2022, the Ram 1500 has had one of the best screens ever designed. 

Uconnect 5 is one of the most advanced infotainment systems in the automotive industry. It keeps drivers connected and grants them access to many different apps and technologies. Uconnect 5 is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and it also comes with a wireless phone charging pad. 

The Ram 1500's advanced infotainment setup offers much more than a means to entertain its drivers. Uconnect can also assist vehicle recovery and is linked to an advanced navigational system from the experts at TomTom. Uconnect receives routine over-the-air updates, ensuring drivers have the latest version. Advanced voice recognition and integration with Amazon Alexa are also included, making Uconnect 5 far more advanced than similar offerings. 

When Mild Hybrids Meet High Performance 

The Ram 1500 has a reputation for high performance, whether it's the available HEMI V8 or the EcoDiesel powertrain that was available until 2023. The strive to continuously improve the performance of the Ram 1500 was made apparent in 2019 with the introduction of eTorque, a mild hybrid system that has been a standard feature with the Ram 1500 since 2023. 

The eTorque system on the Ram 1500 is described as a mild hybrid, but it works differently than similar setups in four-door sedans or SUVs. The Ram's eTorque system consists of a generator connected to the engine instead of a traditional alternator, which keeps a battery charged. Like other hybrid setups, eTorque is powered through regenerative braking when the Ram 1500 slows down or comes to a complete stop. 

Through regenerative braking, the extra battery of the Ram 1500 is charged, and energy normally lost as heat during the braking process is repurposed. Besides keeping the battery and other electrical systems charged, eTorque boosts performance by improving the horsepower and torque stats. By providing further power, eTorque is another way a used Ram 1500 can give you a competitive edge. 

The Tale of a Multifunctional Tailgate 

A recent development for many pickup trucks has been in their tailgates. The Ram 1500 has always exemplified performance and capability, and since 2023, it has offered a tailgate that provides multiple functions and uses. The Ram 1500's Multifunction tailgate comes with swing doors that offer a 60/40 split, making accessibility to the bed easier than ever. 

The split doors allow easy access to smaller loads and can be fully opened when storing large items takes precedence. Ram has put considerable thought into its tailgate design, which can support 2,000 lbs. The tailgate doors are designed to provide simple access to the bed when a trailer is connected, and in a way that doesn't interfere with the hitch. 

How to Get the Best Fuel Efficiency 

Tradespeople and those in the service industry have long depended on the Ram 1500 to help them fulfill their job duties. If you're one of these people who utilize a pickup for their daily routines, you might consider a 2023 Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE. An abbreviation for "high fuel economy," the HFE is an improved version of the Tradesman trim meant to facilitate long trips from site to site. 

A 2022 model equipped with the EcoDiesel six-cylinder would allow you to achieve 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for a combined total of 26 MPG. The EPA also estimated that a Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE can travel 676 miles on a full tank. Furthermore, the truck's cargo bed, which exceeds six feet in length, makes any occupational duties easy. 

A Used Ram 1500 Can Make All the Difference 

Many brands produce pickup trucks, but only a Ram 1500 can give you the perfect blend of performance, technology, and capability. The features and iterations we've described here today could be ideal for any driver, regardless of their goals. From off-roading and job duties to staying connected and getting an extra power boost (courtesy of a diesel powertrain or mild hybrid system), consider a used Ram 1500 for your next truck purchase.