Dealer visit checklist
2023 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 2023 Ram 1500 problems to check
- eTorque mild-hybrid system (if equipped) can develop 48V battery faults requiring dealer diagnosis and potentially costly replacement around 60,000-80,000 miles
- Air suspension (optional RamAir) is a known long-term cost driver, with compressor and air bag replacements running $800-$2,000
- Uconnect infotainment system on 2023 models can freeze or lose Bluetooth pairing, often requiring software updates
- 8-speed ZF automatic transmission may exhibit rough or delayed shifts, particularly when cold — a known issue across FCA/Stellantis trucks
- Coil-spring rear suspension (a Ram differentiator) improves ride quality but can wear faster under heavy hauling loads, with replacement costs of $400-$800
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 1500 and 2023 Ram 2500 vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles.
- STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles.
- STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $37,500 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