New Ram Owner - 2019 vs 2021?

[snearylaw]

Hi all - jumping into the world of Rams! Looking for a lightly used 5th gen in limited edition (we're selling our Volvo SUV and this seems most comparable as far as comfort for road trips for the 4 of us). Anyway, I've notice about an $8 - $10k price difference between the 2019 / 2020's and 2021's, with little difference in mileage. It looks like there were some updates in 2021 that were mostly tech/electronic related. My question is - are those updates really worth it? I know that is subjective - but looking for any thoughts or comments on this from anyone who has driven or owned both. TIA.

 

[cerbo]

I d always try and go with the newest. Little improvements and updates as the years go by. Bugs may have been corrected. This is just my general rule and results may vary.

 

[vincentw56]

Depends on the updates. If it is newer tech, then I'd go with the newer vehicle. But if it is the same tech, I'd not waste the money. And I'm not talking about firmware and software updates.

 

[Darksteel165]

Hi all - jumping into the world of Rams! Looking for a lightly used 5th gen in limited edition (we're selling our Volvo SUV and this seems most comparable as far as comfort for road trips for the 4 of us). Anyway, I've notice about an $8 - $10k price difference between the 2019 / 2020's and 2021's, with little difference in mileage. It looks like there were some updates in 2021 that were mostly tech/electronic related. My question is - are those updates really worth it? I know that is subjective - but looking for any thoughts or comments on this from anyone who has driven or owned both. TIA.

Updates for the radio were 2022. Need to look at the list of options to compare, 5 of the same year same trim truck can and likely will have different packages and options added from the factory.
2019 was first model year and had more problems then later years so may be less desirable this the lower price used.
Check for water damage in the back headliner and floors, you don't want to buy someone's lemon.

 

[MikeyHo808]

I say do your due diligence on all three year models. They are all plagued by the same issues, just a 50/50 chance you will experience it.
For instance, Many others have the leaking rear window. I have a 2021 that has a perfect rear window, zero issues. But many are still on their original exhaust manifolds and I am on my third passenger and second driver side manifold (this includes the one that came with the truck when I bought it).
Do a search of the forum for issues we are all experiencing and deep dive into the vehicles and weed them out as best as you can. Any sign or history, you either have more purchasing power, or just move on to another choice. The more you’re educated on what plagues these trucks will give you more knowledge against your sales guys lack of, and help make a well informed decision before you buy a POS. Good luck

 

[Mountain Whiskey]

Take the money and run!

 

[theblet]

2019s had more issues than 2021s I think. Poor AC design, steering noise come to mind.

Water leaks into the cab still remain for all models it seems

 

[snearylaw]

Thanks all for the info. Extremely helpful and its nice to have some inventory to choose from. Thankfully, I live in the high desert of central Oregon so not super concerned about water leaking from any vehicles from this area - but that makes me super weary of these online outfits or trucks from Portland/Seattle. How would I know / check to see if there has been water issues in the past? Other than service records?

Thanks again!

 

[cerbo]

Thanks all for the info. Extremely helpful and its nice to have some inventory to choose from. Thankfully, I live in the high desert of central Oregon so not super concerned about water leaking from any vehicles from this area - but that makes me super weary of these online outfits or trucks from Portland/Seattle. How would I know / check to see if there has been water issues in the past? Other than service records?

Thanks again!

well if looking at the rear carpets you can see that they are new or replaced that would be a sign.

 

[akaTheDude]

I d always try and go with the newest. Little improvements and updates as the years go by. Bugs may have been corrected. This is just my general rule and results may vary.

This!

 

[akaTheDude]

2019s had more issues than 2021s I think. Poor AC design, steering noise come to mind.

Water leaks into the cab still remain for all models it seems

*knock of wood* but so far so good on my 2024 and I run it through the car wash about 3 times a week. I got a sub so I am using it lol

 

[Darksteel165]

*knock of wood* but so far so good on my 2024 and I run it through the car wash about 3 times a week. I got a sub so I am using it lol

The problem isn't the water, it's the damage of glass which water doesn't do.
Once you get the damage, then water will come in.

 

[akaTheDude]

The problem isn't the water, it's the damage of glass which water doesn't do.
Once you get the damage, then water will come in.

Still fairly new to the RAM Family. What damage of glass? What should I be keeping an eye out for exactly?

 

[vincentw56]

Still fairly new to the RAM Family. What damage of glass? What should I be keeping an eye out for exactly?

There's no damage to the glass. It's a crack in the frame. I actually had 2 cracks, one in top and one on bottom. All fixed for free by Ram.

 

[akaTheDude]

There's no damage to the glass. It's a crack in the frame. I actually had 2 cracks, one in top and one on bottom. All fixed for free by Ram.

So check for cracks in the rear glass frame...gotcha. I have read about this leak, but had no idea it was from a crack in the window frame itself. Thank you

 

[Darksteel165]

So check for cracks in the rear glass frame...gotcha. I have read about this leak, but had no idea it was from a crack in the window frame itself. Thank you

Also the 3rd brake light seal.

 

[cerbo]

So check for cracks in the rear glass frame...gotcha. I have read about this leak, but had no idea it was from a crack in the window frame itself. Thank you

I was told our 24s have a new design window, who knows?

 

[Darksteel165]

I was told our 24s have a new design window, who knows?

They said the same thing in 2022.

 

[Mountain Whiskey]

2019s had more issues than 2021s I think. Poor AC design, steering noise come to mind.

Water leaks into the cab still remain for all models it seems

Admittedly my 2021 has good AC and no leaks other than the door seal wind thing. If the 19 has the old frame on the back window and it does not leak, it probably won't. For $8k, I would put a valve on the heater hose. I tend to hang onto vehicles until they are worn out so resale is not a thing for me.

Some here have over spent thier budget and think they have a first run Duesenberg. Like a production pickup is an "investment" . I say save some cash for upgrades and beat her like you own her!

 

[kapinallinen2]

Admittedly my 2021 has good AC and no leaks other than the door seal wind thing. If the 19 has the old frame on the back window and it does not leak, it probably won't. For $8k, I would put a valve on the heater hose. I tend to hang onto vehicles until they are worn out so resale is not a thing for me.

Some here have over spent thier budget and think they have a first run Duesenberg. Like a production pickup is an "investment" . I say save some cash for upgrades and beat her like you own her!

I have heard "drive her like you stole her" before.