Full-size trucks
Used Ram 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
The Ram 1500 wins on ride quality and interior; the Silverado is the more straightforward, easier-to-service truck. The Ram's air suspension and electronics are the items to check used, while the Silverado is about confirming the V8 was maintained and not abused.
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.
Model years
2007–2024
Mileage outlook
300,000-mile Silverados exist, but AFM-related engine work often appears between 80,000–150,000 miles when oil changes were stretched.
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
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
A used Silverado 1500's biggest risk is the 5.3L V8's Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures and oil consumption, which span roughly 2007–2021. Listen for ticking, check oil consumption history, and on 2015–2021 eight-speed trucks confirm the transmission shudder fix was applied.
Known issues to check
- 5.3L AFM/DFM lifter failure: ticking, misfires, check-engine light — the signature Silverado problem
- 2007–2013 5.3L: oil consumption from AFM oil spray — check level and top-off habits
- 2015–2021 8-speed: torque converter shudder — ask if the fluid-flush TSB was performed
- Interior electronics and HVAC blend door actuators clicking on 2014+
What to verify
- Cold-start listen for lifter tick
- Oil level and consumption story
- 8-speed shudder fix documentation (2015–2021)
- Frame rust in snow states
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Ram 1500 can be a smarter buy than a neglected Chevrolet Silverado 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 1500 or Silverado 1500 listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingRam 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500: FAQ
Is the used Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado 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 Ram 1500 watch-items and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Ram 1500 or the Chevrolet Silverado 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 Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The Ram 1500 wins on ride quality and interior; the Silverado is the more straightforward, easier-to-service truck. The Ram's air suspension and electronics are the items to check used, while the Silverado is about confirming the V8 was maintained and not abused.