Dealer visit checklist
2025 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)
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- WHEELS:HUB: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 1500 vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 1500 pickup trucks.
- TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 1500 vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles.
- SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- 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