The Ram 1500 was identity crisis personified. One moment a Dodge. The next, Ram. Bowie couldn’t swing the moniker game half this hard. It launched as a Dodge for 2009, shook off the branding for 2011, then played coy all the way through. The outgoing truck had a final act though. A grand exit disguised as continuity.
When the flashy new-gen 2019 arrived, Ram kept the old chassis rolling. It soldiered on as the “Classic.” Up to the 2024 MY. If you’re hunting that specific vintage Dodge badge? Dig into used 2009 and 2010s. Prefer the modern-ish but older frame? Target the 2019 to 2024 Classics. Hate both badges entirely? You’re in luck. Just grab any standard 2011 to 2018 Ram.
Coil-spring rear suspension made them drive like adults. Not bouncy. Just mature. Cheap trims felt cheap sure. But most weren’t garbage. Spend over $10,000 and you get a decent rig with under 100k miles. Want the luxury treatment? Expect the meter to hit closer to $20,0.000.
SHOP RAM 1500
The Ford F-150 is a masterclass in doing nothing right. Stylistically, that is. The evolution is so subtle used 2015 through 2020 models still look new. Barely worn. Under the hood Ford threw spaghetti at the wall. Two turbo V6s. A V8. Even a diesel option added for 201. And yes. It was the first with an aluminum body. That mattered once. Does it now? Maybe not.
XL trims are basic. Brutally so. But you can pick one up for ~$12k with under 10k miles if you don’t care about buttons. Step up to a Lariat? Or Platinum? King Ranch? You’re handing over $20k minimum. Easy.
SHOP FORD F-1 50
Don’t Gamble
Buy used wrong and you own a liability. Buy right? A tool. Do the pre-purchase inspection. PPI. Find a mechanic you like. Pay them. They check what you miss. It’s cheap insurance against disaster. Hidden issues love darkness. Let the pro bring the flashlight.
Get the history report too. Check for mileage lies. Major accidents. Rust eats cars from the bottom up. Look underneath. Crawl around if you have to. Wheel wells hide secrets. Feel for texture. See rot? Walk away. Is it smooth? Maybe buy.
Is $15k for a dying truck worth it?
