Full-size trucks
Used Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
The F-150 wins on engine variety and resale; the Ram 1500 wins on ride comfort and interior quality thanks to its coil/air suspension. The trade-off is that the Ram's air suspension and electronics are more expensive when they fail, so a used Ram needs those systems checked closely.
Model years
2004–2024
Mileage outlook
Well-maintained F-150s run 250,000+ miles. Towing history matters more than mileage — ask what it pulled and how often.
Model years
2009–2024
Mileage outlook
Hemis with 6-quart oil-change discipline go 250,000+ miles. Air suspension repairs commonly appear after 80,000 miles.
Ford F-150
A used Ford F-150 can be a great value, but engine choice decides the risk: 2004–2010 5.4L V8s suffer cam phaser and spark plug problems, 2011–2016 3.5L EcoBoosts can have timing chain and turbo issues if oil changes were skipped, and 2018+ 10-speed transmissions should shift cleanly with no clunks. Buy on maintenance proof, not truck pride.
Known issues to check
- 2004–2010 5.4L 3V: cam phaser rattle, spark plug ejection/breakage — listen for startup rattle
- 2011–2016 3.5L EcoBoost: timing chain stretch with poor oil history; early intercooler condensation issues
- 2017+ 10R80 10-speed: some harsh shifts and clunks — test from cold
- 2015+: aluminum body panels cost more to repair — check accident history closely
What to verify
- Cold-start listen for rattle (cam phasers/timing chain)
- Oil-change cadence on EcoBoost engines
- Towing history and hitch wear
- Frame and bed mounts for rust in snow states
Ram 1500
A used Ram 1500 rides and tows well, but check three things: the 5.7L Hemi's lifter/cam 'Hemi tick' history, the optional air suspension (expensive when it fails), and rust on pre-2019 trucks in snow states. A quiet cold start and working suspension modes are worth more than a detailed interior.
Known issues to check
- 5.7L Hemi: lifter and camshaft wear ('Hemi tick') — a consistent tick that changes with RPM is the warning
- Air suspension (2013+ optional): compressor and air spring failures — test all height modes
- Exhaust manifold bolts breaking on Hemis: ticking at cold start that fades when warm
- 2009–2018: rear window and cab corner leaks/rust — check the carpet and rear cab seams
What to verify
- Cold-start tick assessment (manifold vs lifter)
- All air-suspension modes cycle correctly
- Underbody rust inspection
- Oil-change records with correct intervals
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Ford F-150 can be a smarter buy than a neglected Ram 1500, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any F-150 or 1500 listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingFord F-150 vs Ram 1500: FAQ
Is the used Ford F-150 or Ram 1500 more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Ford F-150 watch-items and the Ram 1500 watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Ford F-150 or the Ram 1500?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500?
The F-150 wins on engine variety and resale; the Ram 1500 wins on ride comfort and interior quality thanks to its coil/air suspension. The trade-off is that the Ram's air suspension and electronics are more expensive when they fail, so a used Ram needs those systems checked closely.