If you’re in the market for a used 3500, chances are you’re planning on doing some major jobs that need a workhorse of a truck. Here at Thunder we want to provide that for you, but before you head to our lot, there's some things you need to know about the 3500, and how we can help mitigate the problem before it gets to you. These are the top issues with buying a used Ram 3500.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ram 3500 has a chance to be a CPO vehicle depending on age, and if it is, you’ve struck gold.
- At Thunder we take care of the vehicle no matter the age, or mileage.
- The 3500 can experience issues, but our techs are trained for it all.
Is the Ram 3500 reliable?
The 3500 is known to be a reliable monster when it comes to getting work done with Kelley Blue Book stating that the truck “offers some of the most luxurious and comfortable cabins ever put in a truck” but sometimes problems arise. Some of the problems you will find on the 3500 in recent years are issues with the transmission, engine, electrical system, and even with the safety system and airbags.
How Bad Are the Issues of the Ram 3500?
Taking a closer look at these issues will reveal how bad these issues can be. We’ll start off with the transmission issues. There's been a range of issues for the transmission. The least problematic one is a clunking sound when changing gears. Whereas the next to can be dangerous.
Does the Ram 3500 Have Transmission Issues?
Sometimes the 3500 transmission will experience erratic shifting, jerking, and a delayed gear engagement. While the last one can lead to combustive outcomes. This one is a transmission fluid leak that leaves potentially flammable fluid underneath your truck.
The next area we’ll look at is the engine. The engine has been found to face stalling, as well as sudden shutdowns thanks to the fuel pump failing. The engine has also been prone to misfires in the past. While the last issue can wear down your wallet without you knowing why. This one is excessive fuel consumption. While not as detrimental as the others on this list, the cost can add up fast if you’re not aware that it’s an issue.
Does the Ram 3500 Have Electrical Issues?
The electrical system wasn’t spared either as some issues have been reported. These issues can cause stalling, if this happens when you’re on the road, that can lead to some dire outcomes.
The last issues are with the safety of the vehicle, and when gone unchecked it can lead to injury. When conditions are particularly slick, the electronic stability control system may not engage, making it hard to maintain control of the vehicle. The other issue is with the side curtain airbags, either not deploying, or deploying too aggressively.
Why should I get a Ram 3500 from Thunder?
But why are we telling you these issues with the Ram 3500? That’s because we want to be an honest and reliable dealership. Here at Thunder we take pride in knowing that our stock is safe. When you buy from us, you gain access to our highly trained technicians.
When a vehicle hits our lot, it can go to one of two areas. Either the regular stock, or the certified pre-owned stock. While both go through checks to make sure it’s safe to even be considered to be on our lot, if it’s a certified pre-owned (CPO), it means that it’s the best of the best.
A certified pre-owned vehicle has to meet certain criteria, and if those are met we give the vehicle a 125-point inspection. This inspection helps ensure that the vehicle is in top shape before you buy as we look for the issues that are mentioned in this article. We even present to you the vehicle’s history in the form of a CARFAX. This helps give you even more confidence.
Does Thunder CDJR Offer Warranties on Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles?
When you drive off the lot in a certified preowned, two warranties kick in. The first being a continuation of the factory warranty for the powertrain if the vehicle is less than 7 years old, and has less than 100,000 miles. If it is less than both of those, you’re covered until one is met.
The other is a bit more unique to you. This one is a 3-month, 3,000-miles maximum care warranty. This starts whenever you drive it off the lot, regardless of age of the vehicle. It covers over 5,000 parts, bumper-to-bumper, making sure that this is the best it can be.
Are Certified Pre-owned Vehicles as Good as New Vehicles?
If it’s not a certified pre-owned vehicle, that doesn't mean that it's not as good. It can be as simple as being over the mile threshold. If that’s the case, we still do everything we can to make sure that your vehicle is reliable. We do this by offering general automotive, and preventative maintenance, as well as a slew of other diagnostic, repair, and service options.
If you’re wanting to get a used 3500, there’s no other dealership that is more reliable as Thunder. Come see us to join the Thunder family today in your brand new truck.