Time flies when you’re having fun. On loan to us for just over a year, we recently waved goodbye to our long-term 2014 Ram 1500. From a 6,200-mile road trip across the country and back to weekend tailgating duty to a slew of off-road adventures, we logged more than 21,000 miles on our diesel-powered Ram 1500 before handing back the keys.
Slotting in just below the range-topping Limited grade, our 1500 Laramie carried a sticker price of $49,545, which includes Ram’s hefty $1,195 destination fee. Notable add-ons comprised of the unfortunately named Customer Preferred Package 28H, which bundles together automatic high beam control, keyless entry, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, along with standalone options like full-length side steps, a 3.92 rear axle ratio, Uconnect navigation with an 8-inch touchscreen, P275/60R20 all-season tires, front and rear parking sensors, a remote engine starter, trailer brake control, and the obligatory spray-in bedliner.
On Call
As the lone pickup in our long-term fleet, our Ram 1500 quickly assumed the role of weekend workhorse. Be it assisting with a move, hauling dirt bikes and mountain bikes, or just schlepping the family around town, the Ram proved to be a jack-of-all-trades – and a master of most. Key to successfully completing these tours of duty was the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel and accompanying 8-speed automatic transmission. Though we did need to service and ultimately replace the exhaust system’s after treatment unit under warranty, the diesel powertrain proved to be worthy of its $4,200 premium from both a performance and fuel economy perspective. Speaking of the latter, we logged an average of 24.8 mpg over the course of our test, besting the EPA’s 22 mpg combined figure while consistently flirting with the 30-mpg mark on the highway.
A true dual-use vehicle, our editorial staff praised the Ram’s SUV-like ride quality and overall interior comfort. One member had this to say about the Ram’s impressive highway demeanor: "I’ve driven full-size sedans that weren’t as comfortable or even as fuel efficient as the Ram. There’s no better-driving full-size truck."
In the End
Truck owners keep their vehicles longer than any other type of car buyer. That said, if we were to trade in our Ram after just 13 months of use, that $49,545 MSRP nets only $37,499 at a dealership, with private party values checking in around $41,400. But besides the aforementioned emissions issue along with a self-inflicted fender bender, our Ram 1500 ran flawlessly, requiring only regular oil changes (+/- $65), diesel exhaust fluid fill-ups (roughly $70 over 21,400 miles) and a basic tire rotation ($53). So, the moral of the story is that as long as you plan to hang onto your Ram 1500 EcoDiesel for an extended period of time, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy a low-hassle, value-intensive ownership experience.
See past reports for our Long-Term 2014 Ram 1500…
Long-Term Update: Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Long-Term Update: Enjoying the Ride
Long-Term Update: Into the Wild
Long-Term Update: Uconnect, Bluetooth, and more
Long-Term Update: One Lap of America
Long-Term Update: The daily grind
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