Considering Ram - opinions on my choices so far

[louscrw]

I’ve owned a 2015 SR5 Tundra, traded that in for a 2017 Limited Tundra, and now I have a 2021 Ram 1500 Limited. I, too, was/am concerned about reliability, especially coming out of a Toyota. The current Tundra is bullet proof. Read any Tundra forum, rarely will you see any threads about issues owners are having. Look at this forum, under most topics there are threads about issues. Whether it be uconnect, powertrain, there are issues people are having. These are things I considered before diving in head first into a $74K Ram truck. On the flip side, comparing the Tundra, even in Platinum trim, doesn’t come close to matching the interior of the higher trim level Ram. The Ram has lots of tech features and plenty of luxury touches you won’t find in a Tundra. But, that is part of the beauty of the Tundra...it‘s a no nonsense, reliable truck. But, at the end of the day, it’s tough to pay close to $60K for a Platinum Tundra knowing you’re paying for reliability alone.

One thing that was nice about purchasing this Ram, 0% for 72 months....can’t beat that. I’m not positive on resale values of the Ram, but at least I won’t be paying interest; thus, bringing the principle balance down faster that will hopefully ease any resale shock I may encounter down the road. Tundra’s resale value is phenomenal.

In the end, I obviously ended up in the Ram. I love the interior of my Limited and the ride down the road. Night and day from the Tundra. If I have problems, that‘s what the warranty is for. I am not a fan boy loyal to one brand and blind to all others. I even considered a Ford, but frankly, I hate the new headlight design of the F150s and didn’t even bother test driving one. It’s hard to say who is the best, when you haven’t experienced them all for yourself.

 

[Fatherof3]

I’ve owned a 2015 SR5 Tundra, traded that in for a 2017 Limited Tundra, and now I have a 2021 Ram 1500 Limited. I, too, was/am concerned about reliability, especially coming out of a Toyota. The current Tundra is bullet proof. Read any Tundra forum, rarely will you see any threads about issues owners are having. Look at this forum, under most topics there are threads about issues. Whether it be uconnect, powertrain, there are issues people are having. These are things I considered before diving in head first into a $74K Ram truck. On the flip side, comparing the Tundra, even in Platinum trim, doesn’t come close to matching the interior of the higher trim level Ram. The Ram has lots of tech features and plenty of luxury touches you won’t find in a Tundra. But, that is part of the beauty of the Tundra...it‘s a no nonsense, reliable truck. But, at the end of the day, it’s tough to pay close to $60K for a Platinum Tundra knowing you’re paying for reliability alone.

One thing that was nice about purchasing this Ram, 0% for 72 months....can’t beat that. I’m not positive on resale values of the Ram, but at least I won’t be paying interest; thus, bringing the principle balance down faster that will hopefully ease any resale shock I may encounter down the road. Tundra’s resale value is phenomenal.

In the end, I obviously ended up in the Ram. I love the interior of my Limited and the ride down the road. Night and day from the Tundra. If I have problems, that‘s what the warranty is for. I am not a fan boy loyal to one brand and blind to all others. I even considered a Ford, but frankly, I hate the new headlight design of the F150s and didn’t even bother test driving one. It’s hard to say who is the best, when you haven’t experienced them all for yourself.

I belong to a Tundra forum , there’s 8 Tundras on that forum alone that have burst into flames while they were parked in their driveway . 10 that had their 5.7L seize up . Too many to count for the cam tower leaks and needle bearings . Water pump leaks , timing chain cover leaks , rear differential cover leaks and rust is still an issue . I think I’m kind of glad I took my chances with Ram .

 

[louscrw]

I belong to a Tundra forum , there’s 8 Tundras on that forum alone that have burst into flames while they were parked in their driveway . 10 that had their 5.7L seize up . Too many to count for the cam tower leaks and needle bearings . Water pump leaks , timing chain cover leaks , rear differential cover leaks and rust is still an issue . I think I’m kind of glad I took my chances with Ram .

Interesting, the only thing I have seen of the issues you posted is the cam tower leak some experience. Guess I was just lucky with mine and missed all the problems people posted about. I most certainly have never heard of any bursting into flames while parked, LOL, pretty sure I would remember that. I am happy with my Ram purchase as well (only 4 days old), seems like a nice truck.

OP, all you can do is your due diligence. At the end of the day, it’s your truck and your money. Everyone has their own personal experiences with different manufacturers. And like the old saying going, opinions are like @$$*****, everyone has one.

 

[Shamrock92]

I take forums again for what they are - an anonymous internet group designed to target people of a shared interest (or their antagonizers).

Go to a Tundras forum and your right you don't see alot of complaints about issues...doesn't mean they don't exist - it means the crowd over there roasted anyone who spoke bad of their beloved brand. Ram the culture is the opposite - people LOVE to find flaws almost....for better than a decade there were issues. Does not mean current generation is any better or worse...just the loyalist seem to be on the look out for flaws.

The current Tundra is still an option - but I've changed to be 95% sold on a Ram i think. Fir my needs - it just fits better. If I was buying a daily driver that I put 25-40k on a year - the answer might be different (and none of the above. Fuel efficiencywould be a big considerationalong with reputation) - likewise if it was a lease - Toyota probably would win out.

This is going to be my weekend/fun vehicle - I'm going to mod it a bit and I'm going to enjoy driving it. I swear every damn weekend at the marina last year - it was a sea of white and silver Tundras. As much as I admire their reliability - its only 1 factor of many. I refuse to believe Ram sells a million inferior vehicles on incentives and 0% for 72 alone. You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of them for a short time...but they wouldn't be cranking out lemons for this long.

Also, FWIW - wife has had her Alfa for over a year...and if you want to talk about brands with a horrible reputation - look no further. Its a couple of years old (dealer demo) - and aside from some sometimes weird acting keyless entry (won't work till 3rd try and then the radio volume adjust and seat moves all the way forward) - its been great. For the price we paid - im very happy and it is much nicer than anything VW/Audi (our previous choice in brands) makes.

The Alfa is actually what pushed me to Ram - driving that thing - I realize how materialistic and comfort driven i am in vehicles. Going from that to my truck was like going back to a horse drawn wagon. No creature comforts at all - bench seat and vinyl. I'm too old for that...

 

[Willwork4truck]

I’ve owned a 2015 SR5 Tundra, traded that in for a 2017 Limited Tundra, and now I have a 2021 Ram 1500 Limited. I, too, was/am concerned about reliability, especially coming out of a Toyota. The current Tundra is bullet proof. Read any Tundra forum, rarely will you see any threads about issues owners are having. Look at this forum, under most topics there are threads about issues. Whether it be uconnect, powertrain, there are issues people are having. These are things I considered before diving in head first into a $74K Ram truck. On the flip side, comparing the Tundra, even in Platinum trim, doesn’t come close to matching the interior of the higher trim level Ram. The Ram has lots of tech features and plenty of luxury touches you won’t find in a Tundra. But, that is part of the beauty of the Tundra...it‘s a no nonsense, reliable truck. But, at the end of the day, it’s tough to pay close to $60K for a Platinum Tundra knowing you’re paying for reliability alone.

One thing that was nice about purchasing this Ram, 0% for 72 months....can’t beat that. I’m not positive on resale values of the Ram, but at least I won’t be paying interest; thus, bringing the principle balance down faster that will hopefully ease any resale shock I may encounter down the road. Tundra’s resale value is phenomenal.

In the end, I obviously ended up in the Ram. I love the interior of my Limited and the ride down the road. Night and day from the Tundra. If I have problems, that‘s what the warranty is for. I am not a fan boy loyal to one brand and blind to all others. I even considered a Ford, but frankly, I hate the new headlight design of the F150s and didn’t even bother test driving one. It’s hard to say who is the best, when you haven’t experienced them all for yourself.

Oh I think you should relook at Ford, such quality there: (see the f150 forum, 1-23-2021 post # 1098 on the frozen door latch issue);

Originally Posted by JStahl33
“Look elsewhere, they have had this issue since jan. 2015 and have yet to fix the issue or redesign the lock. Id like to see the front overlap test down with the damn door not latched. Happened to me again tonight, truck wasnt wet, just cold..$50,000 for a truck and the pos latches wont work and I have to drive down the road holding the damn door and slow way down for turns so the door doesnt fly open..Nice truck but this is rediculous and unacceptable from any auto maker. If the next generation tundra looks good, Ill be driving one..”

Agree on the Tundra, always had a ford pickup, usually new every 5 years or less. I live in Vancouver Canada area & I have been dealing with this since 2015. I would have bought a 2021 if they treated their customers better. Stay away from Hallmark in Surrey or you will regret it. Had the first fix & it did nothing. Now a new dealer claims it isnt covered because my vin is not in the recall? But my truck has full warranty until 2022? In dealing with 2 different ford dealers I noticed that they always tell me about all the recalls they have fixed. As if thats a good thing???
just did the getto fix. And we are having our week of cold, so we will see. Drove to work yesterday with bungees. I waited 10 months for my block heater to come in? Too bad I like ford trucks! But I cant give my money to a company that treats its customers the way I have been treated.”
(End of copied post)

 

[Fatherof3]

Interesting, the only thing I have seen of the issues you posted is the cam tower leak some experience. Guess I was just lucky with mine and missed all the problems people posted about. I most certainly have never heard of any bursting into flames while parked, LOL, pretty sure I would remember that. I am happy with my Ram purchase as well (only 4 days old), seems like a nice truck.

OP, all you can do is your due diligence. At the end of the day, it’s your truck and your money. Everyone has their own personal experiences with different manufacturers. And like the old saying going, opinions are like @$$*****, everyone has one.

The one guy posted a video of it . lol Don’t get me wrong , I’m not bashing the Tundra just pointing out that every manufacturer has problems just some get the lime light and some don’t .

 

[Shamrock92]

So something kinda interesting popped up on the radar locally - a leftover '20 Rebel with diesel.

Its interesting because it checks almost all of my "wish list" (except 12" - only has 8...which i am ok with, if I was ordering new i said 12 - I could always upgrade to a 12 I know too....but alot of $$ and I'm not too concerned with an 8" if everything else was there).

I have never owned a diesel before - aside from higher maintenance cost - any downside to these ? The more I think about it - the more intrigued I am as an engine choice.

 

[Silent Bob]

That the 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel EcoDiesel returned 24 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test is remarkable by itself. But when considered against the 18 mpg returned by its counterpart, the Ram 1500 Rebel equipped with a gasoline-burning 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, the diesel is truly compelling. Its fuel-economy number, however, comes with at least one caveat.

2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Hits 24 MPG on the Highway in C/D Testing

Though it still lacks EPA certification, the light-duty Ram EcoDiesel shows promising fuel-economy benefits.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[Shamrock92]

Not sold on diesel based on my reading - but I think I am on a Rebel.

After looking at options I liked on Laramie...just seems to be more economical to buy a rebel (only thing I lose is ability to order a 6' bed with crew cab).

 

[thewdb]

I looked at the Tundra, the F150, and the RAM. I just sold my 5 year old Tacoma (talk about resale value) and wanted something larger for towing.

I was nervous about the RAM, as I owned a Jeep Wrangler JL and had quite a few issues with it... but most of the RAM owners I spoke with were having trouble-free experiences with their trucks.

The Tundra wasn’t exciting. I drove the 2021 F-150 Hybrid... it was nice.... but the RAM styling and interior just had that certain something that sold me, and it drives like a dream.

0% financing didn’t hurt the equation either . Two weeks in so far, and still very happy with the purchase.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[dannymcd]

I owned a 2013 Tundra CrewMAX SR5, it was completely trouble free, drove well and pulled well. I think in 2013 it was the best Truck on the road, I chose it over a 3.5L TT F-150 which had tons of speed and power but felt small inside , and I'm 5-9 180lbs, mostly in the shoulder, IDK maybe it was in the seats, it just felt cheap and narrow. Fast forward 7 years and Toyota has done nothing to the Tundra of any real value, Ford is still the best selling but it's just not my cookie cutter style. So I ended up with the Ram. I know it won't hold it's value as well as a Toyota, but I want options that in my view hold a ton of value, Adaptive cruise control, birds eye view camera, panoramic moon roof, these are the thing that put a smile on my face. I remember a long time ago watching a car show and someone on it said when you're looking for a new car, after the test drive when you're walking away from it look back at it, if it doesn't put a smile on your face don't buy it. and for me the Ram is the best looking truck on the road right now, and that Hemi cold start will always put a smile on my face.

 

[Rebelguy2020]

So something kinda interesting popped up on the radar locally - a leftover '20 Rebel with diesel.

Its interesting because it checks almost all of my "wish list" (except 12" - only has 8...which i am ok with, if I was ordering new i said 12 - I could always upgrade to a 12 I know too....but alot of $$ and I'm not too concerned with an 8" if everything else was there).

I have never owned a diesel before - aside from higher maintenance cost - any downside to these ? The more I think about it - the more intrigued I am as an engine choice.

I have the Rebel Diesel since July 2020 now has 14,500 km trouble free diesel, very efficient fuel economy and efficient DEF economy, this is my daily driving vehicle, it would not be if it was powered with the Hemi.
The only thing I would have liked to have is a 6’4” bed but it is not offered on the Rebel.
Gas prices are getting ridiculous, I am retiring in January and fuel economy is very important, planning a Canada wide trip towing a small travel trailer next year. Later USA trips.

 

[Shamrock92]

Thanks all - the diesel is still kinda a toss up to me.

Less HP - higher cost, but if gas goes up again - it pays for itself quickly.

Towing capacity is less - but being honest if your buying a Rebel - towing isn't the #1 priority typically...it can tow what I would pull with my 6 cyl Silverado.

Yes - the downside to the Ram to me is the smaller bed....but if the cost is 5k less, I will take the trade off.

 

[saylor]

jeesus @louscrw you tell them you want a fresh needle next time lol not one that they found in the parking lot look how red and puffed that tat is.

did it calm down after it healed?

whoever put that in your arm needs to chill it aint a sledgehammer

 

[louscrw]

jeesus @louscrw you tell them you want a fresh needle next time lol not one that they found in the parking lot look how red and puffed that tat is.

did it calm down after it healed?

whoever put that in your arm needs to chill it aint a sledgehammer

haha, yeah it calmed down. that’s on my ribs

 

[saylor]

haha, yeah it calmed down. that’s on my ribs

damnit boy thats some tender area too lol

 

[TechDaddy3x]

What's your budget? I have seen Limiteds stickered at $70k with prices in the mid $50s after incentives.

 

[Shamrock92]

Budget is 48-55k pre tax/fee

I know....thats quite a range, but alot depends on what features are there.

Speaking of - need some help

Of the following - which would you say are most "not worth it" - looking at options to cut on my build:

- heads up
- tech package (lane assist/blind spot)
- sunroof
- multi function tailgate
- 12" display


I ranked them in order of my thoughts presently - but not 100%. I think the tech package is a no go on new orders anyway (component shortage - saving for limited only trim).

The heads up is gimmicky to me - nice, sure...worth it - probably not.

Sunroof I'm split on - I see it being nice, but not a must.

The tailgate - is it really worth the cost ?

Finally the 12 inch display - i could easily do with the 8...but looks like you get a speaker upgrade too with it. Is the system that much better?

 

[Silent Bob]

Of the following - which would you say are most "not worth it" - looking at options to cut on my build:

- heads up
- tech package (lane assist/blind spot)
- sunroof
- multi function tailgate
- 12" display

Heads up and sunroof. I have them all but if I had to lose two, those would be it.

Multifunction Tailgate is a must have.

The New 2025 Ram 1500 | Premium Leather Seating & More

Discover the new 2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck. Explore the available all-new Tungsten trim, premium leather seating & more.

www.ramtrucks.com

 

[mikeru82]

Budget is 48-55k pre tax/fee

I know....thats quite a range, but alot depends on what features are there.

Speaking of - need some help

Of the following - which would you say are most "not worth it" - looking at options to cut on my build:

- heads up
- tech package (lane assist/blind spot)
- sunroof
- multi function tailgate
- 12" display


I ranked them in order of my thoughts presently - but not 100%. I think the tech package is a no go on new orders anyway (component shortage - saving for limited only trim).

The heads up is gimmicky to me - nice, sure...worth it - probably not.

Sunroof I'm split on - I see it being nice, but not a must.

The tailgate - is it really worth the cost ?

Finally the 12 inch display - i could easily do with the 8...but looks like you get a speaker upgrade too with it. Is the system that much better?

I don't have the heads up display, but the sunroof is the most not worth having for my use. The MFT is the least not worth having on your list. In fact, having had experience with them, I won't buy another truck without it as long as they continue to make them available. Totally worth the extra cost IMO.