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Buy this Ford vs Ferrari GT40 Movie CarNew vs Used: Ram 1500 Classic
We explore the differences and similarities between new and used Ram 1500 Classic models. Find out which is the better bargain here in our article.
Heavy-Hitting Half-Tons
netcarshow.com | ramtrucks.com | Shop Ram 1500 Classic on Carsforsale.com
We admit that this review might be a little biased; the Ram 1500 is one of our favorite half-ton pickups on the market today. They have a long history of being reliable, they offer some great luxury-themed interiors, and they come in a variety of trims and engine options. What more could you ask for in a pickup?
The 2023 Ram 1500 is the fifth-generation Ram that was first offered in 2019. Dodge also carried over the previous generation and dubbed it Classic. The Classic models were more budget-friendly and lacked a lot of the high-end technology that the more current Ram 1500 lineup included.
In other words, drivers can choose between the more expensive and up-to-date Ram 1500 or the older design which is a bit more stripped down. This is where the Ram 1500 Classic really shines because it gives drivers incredible value in a pickup that still has plenty of life left in it.
If you’re looking for a pickup that doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, then the Ram 1500 Classic is the way to go.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a new 2023 Ram 1500 Classic and a 2019 Ram 1500 Classic to determine which will be the best value. Let’s take a closer look.
New vs Used Ram 1500 Classic Specs
A quick search on Carsforsale.com brought up a 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock. This was a special edition available in 2019 that was based on the Dodge Warlock pickup truck from the late 1970s. It features a 5.7L V8 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides 395 horsepower and 410 lbs.-ft of torque. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic was also available in a 3.6L V6.
The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic hasn’t changed when it comes to engines. It is available in the 3.6L V6 which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that puts out 305 horsepower and 296 lbs.-ft of torque. The 5.7L V8 Hemi is still available and cranks out the same power as the 2019 model.
There were 3 trims available in 2019: Express, Tradesman, and Warlock. Our choice just so happens to be the gothic-inspired Warlock. The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is available in the same three trims, so nothing has really changed there.
While they are larger trucks, they can be very conservative when it comes to fuel. Both the 2019 and the 2023 Ram 1500 Classics offer 15 MPG city/22 MPG highway. While this doesn’t hold a candle to some of the competitor’s diesel or hybrid models, it is very respectable for a vehicle that is based on a model that is several years old.
Driving and Performance
Both models offer a smooth, quiet ride. This is because of the rear suspension which utilizes coil springs instead of leaf springs. It makes the ride much smoother especially when there is no load in the bed.
The engine makes a bit of noise when accelerating, but it isn’t bad compared to some of the competition. It is definitely tolerable even on longer trips.
The Ram 1500 handles very well in corners and doesn’t feel boxy. The suspension offers enough resistance to be solid when driving on rough terrain but doesn’t feel too stiff. The only time you’ll really feel the vehicle’s weight is if you’re making quick, sudden turns. Even then, it handles like you would expect a large truck to handle so there’s no surprise there.
The 5.7 Hemi accelerates quickly to highway speeds with little effort. The eight-speed transmission is smooth shifting and geared appropriately for both on-road and off-road use.
When it comes to towing, it is no surprise that both models – when properly equipped – can tow up to 10,620 lbs. This is, of course, with the 5.7L V8 Hemi. The payload capacity is 1,810 lbs. While some competitors can tow more, it is still very usable for most work situations.
The Ram 1500 proves that a work truck doesn’t have to ride rough!
Comfort and Interior
The cabin is very spacious and inviting. There is even plenty of room for rear passengers (quad cab configuration). While it isn’t as plush as the interiors of the standard production Ram 1500, it will not disappoint. It has a utilitarian vibe with lots of hard plastics. However, it isn’t uncomfortable at all. We found it welcoming even for a budget truck.
Up front, there are up to 41 inches of both legroom and headroom. Rear passengers get around 40 inches each, respectively. For crew cab configurations, these measurements are slightly smaller.
There aren’t a lot of driver-assistance features or technological goodies, but what is there is more than adequate. You’ll get a basic 5.0-inch infotainment display on both used and new models. New models also offer an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, USB ports, and SiriusXM Satellite radio. The package is only $895 and is well worth the upgrade.
When it comes to cargo, you’ll find 3 bed sizes on the market for both new and used Ram 1500 Classics. They are an 8-ft bed, a 6 ft 4-inch bed, and a 5 ft 7-inch bed for crew cabs.
Trims and Features
There are three trims available on the 2023 Ram 1500 Classics as well as used 2019 models. The trims are Express, Tradesman, and Warlock.
The Tradesman is the base model and starts at $32,490 MSRP for a new 2023 model. This is for a standard, RWD work truck. If you have to have 4WD, the value then jumps to $39,650 MSRP. You get the basics: a 5.0-inch touchscreen, manual roll-up windows, and manual locks. There are no driver safety features offered.
The Express is not available in a standard cab configuration on new models. It is priced at $38,850 MSRP with the 4WD option priced at $3,800. It is similar to the Tradesman in terms of features.
The Warlock is available in Club or Crew cab configurations. The price jumps significantly to $43,580 MSRP for the standard RWD V6. It offers more features such as 20-inch wheels, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, mudflaps and front wheel-well liners, supplemental front and rear side-air curtain airbags, standard cloth interior, folding rear seat with storage, an overhead console with a garage door opener, a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, and a power rear sliding window.
A used 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock runs around $23,000 – $30,000 on the used market. You can find them with around 52,000 miles on the odometer. The features are pretty much the same as what can be found in a new 2023 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock since they have not changed much in recent years. You will find a lot of 6 ft 4-inch beds available on the market as they are the most popular option.
New vs Used Ram 1500 Classic Final Thoughts
2019 RAM 1500 Classic – netcarshow.com | Shop Ram 1500 Classic on Carsforsale.com
When it comes to a great work truck, it is hard to beat a Ram 1500 Classic. We compared the new and used features to the price and found that the best buy is a used model. The reason is that Dodge has not changed much on the Classic lineup in the last few years. Frankly, it is only a matter of time before they abandon the Classic lineup altogether. If you have to get a brand new one, now is your time to do it before it is too late.
We think they are among the best values on the market regardless of whether you go with a new one or a used one. With the prices of trucks approaching and sometimes exceeding the $100k mark, a budget truck priced just over $40k brand new is a bargain.
Right now, the best way to save even more money is to go with a used model. Dodge trucks don’t hold their value like many of the competitors (have you seen the price of a used Toyota Tacoma lately?) so you can really get a bargain when you know what to look for.
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