Drivers who are interested in a full-size truck have quite a fair share of options to choose from; however, few trucks offer the type of ride that you'll find in the Ram 1500. Not only is the Ram 1500 supremely stylish with high-end appointments accentuating many of its trims, it's also exceptionally powerful, versatile, and ready for any type of ride you can envision. You get to have it all in the Ram 1500, and when you want to get more features, capabilities, and tech for your hard-earned money, it's highly recommended to buy used. Here at Parks Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Gastonia, when you're looking for a used Ram for sale, we have the selection you require, and when it comes to a used Ram 1500, here's why it pays to shop on the pre-owned lot for this particular model.
Drive a Dutiful Diesel
You won't find the 3.0L EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 in the current Ram 1500 lineup, and that's too bad because this durable diesel not only adds extreme power to the Ram 1500, but it also allows it to offer a pleasantly efficient ride, which makes it a winner for many different types of drivers. Finding a newer used model, like those from the Ram 1500's fifth generation that debuted in 2019, will allow you to take advantage of this diesel powertrain, which was discontinued after the 2023 model year. Making 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, the EcoDiesel V6 is able to tow up to 12,750 lbs and haul up to 2,090 lbs of payload. It's a fantastic option for those who need power to tow and haul, whether on the job site, the campsite, or at the home improvement store, but that's not all that makes this powertrain particularly popular with drivers. It's also able to achieve an EPA-estimated 29 MPG on the highway, which makes it easier than ever to navigate busy roadways without having to worry about stopping by the gas station. Unfortunately, this powertrain is no longer offered, so if you want to harness diesel power and efficiency in the Ram 1500, you'll only find it on the used lot.
Traverse the Terrain in the TRX
It wasn't here for a long time, but it sure made for a good time on the trails and anywhere else it dared to venture. The Ram 1500 TRX only spent a few short years on the scene, debuting in 2021 and remaining in the Ram 1500's lineup through the 2024 model year, but boy, did it make a name for itself in the industry. Charging forward with 702 horses at the reins, the TRX made any journey a more thrilling one, and with a commanding and aggressive stance, causing a scene was what the TRX did best. The TRX allows you to take advantage of intense power, durable features to protect it, no matter where it's traveling, as well as off-road-ready elements to ensure an exhilarating ride when the ground gets gritty. From reinforced underbody plating to an e-locking rear differential, specialized Bilstein dampers to 11.8 inches of ground clearance, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is ready for anything, period. All of this came at a price, though, when the TRX first debuted, so finding a model used allows you to take advantage of these jaw-dropping features for a price that fits into your budget.
Take Advantage of Special Editions
Special editions are special for a reason; they don't tend to stick around for a while, so if you want to stand out in a unique Ram 1500 model, finding a special edition may be the secret. You'll find that the used arsenal has plenty of special editions available, including the BackCountry Edition, which features off-road oriented elements to intensify the look and performance of the popular Big Horn and Lone Star trims. From an off-road suspension and all-terrain tires to an e-locking rear differential, spray-in bedliner, and bed extender, the BackCountry Edition provides an adventurous flair to the Ram 1500 that you just can't find elsewhere. Another special edition that can be found on the used lot is the 10th Anniversary Edition, which is available on top-of-the-line Limited models. Finding a Limited model outfitted with this special edition allows you to enjoy ultra-posh interior appointments, specialized badging, and an exclusive color palette to really stand out in a crowd. There's no better way to turn heads than with a distinctive model that may not be offered in the current Ram 1500 inventory anymore, and with so many options offered throughout the years, finding a model with the features you desire is effortless.
Experience HEMI V8 Power
Yes, it's true that Ram took the HEMI lineup off the market in the Ram 1500 for a brief amount of time, and it's also true that it brought it right back; however, it's not quite the same as before. If you want timeless HEMI V8 power, you'll want to shop used, as many of these models are armed with the original HEMIs that put the Ram 1500 on the map. You'll find that the used arsenal showcases models with the 5.7L V8, which makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, able to tow up to 12,750 lbs. Although horsepower and torque remain the same for new HEMI-powered models, towing capacity does not, as newer models top out at an 11,470-lb towing capacity with this same engine. This means that if you want more towing power, you'll want the older HEMI models. You'll also find the supercharged HEMI in the used lineup, which was available on the aforementioned TRX models, making 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, surging forward with a ferocity that could never be rivaled.
Maximize Your Ride With Top Tech
Tech becomes more advanced with each model year introduced; however, it also gets more expensive, so if you want to enjoy enhanced tech, finding a Ram 1500 that's only a couple of years old will allow you to do just that. You'll find newer used Ram 1500 models offer plenty of coveted tech features to improve the quality of any ride, like 12-inch infotainment displays, intuitive software systems, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and sophisticated safety tech. Many used models also include Head-Up Displays, which present pertinent ride data on the windshield in front of you, as well as a fully digital rearview mirror, which transforms your rearview mirror into a crystal-clear camera view of what resides behind your truck. There's a plethora of trailering tech as well to make the most of your ride with a large haul attached, including hitch assistance and backup help to make trailering more controlled and safer.
Finding a Used Ram 1500
Whether you've got your eye on a special edition that can't be found in the current selection or you've always wanted to be behind the wheel of a powerful truck like the TRX, rest assured that anything is possible on the used lot. Buying used not only provides you with a much more versatile selection of models to choose from, including those you can't find anymore, but it also allows you to get more of the features, power, and capabilities you require for a more affordable price point. You're able to have a TRX fit into your budget or a powerful HEMI paving the way to your next destination, making it easier than ever to maximize your ride in your Ram 1500. It's all possible on the used lot, especially when you shop from the used selection here at Parks CDJR Gastonia.