Dealer visit checklist
2018 Ram 1500 checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Ram 1500 problems to check
- Rotary e-shifter can malfunction or fail to register Park, potentially causing roll-away risk — a known recall item (NHTSA 18V-235) worth verifying is completed
- 8-speed transmission (8HP70) may exhibit harsh or delayed shifts, especially when cold; a software reflash often helps but fluid changes are critical
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI are both prone to spark plug and ignition coil fouling around 60,000-80,000 miles, adding an unexpected service cost
- Air suspension (optional RamBox/Air Ride trims) compressors can fail around 80,000-100,000 miles, with replacement costs of $400-$900
- Rear differential and transfer case fluid is frequently overlooked on used examples; neglected fluid leads to premature wear, so budget for an inspection and fluid service at purchase
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $27,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away