Used 2016 RAM 1500 for Sale nearBakersfield, CA

Compare 2016 RAM 1500 Trims in Bakersfield, CA

The 2016 RAM 1500 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, all with solid fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $19,080
• Best MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Most Popular: Big Horn RWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Tradesman RWD — "Who It's For"

The Tradesman RWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's the best value in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $19,080 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 62 listings
• View Tradesman RWD listings

Express RWD — "Who It's For"

The Express RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded truck with modern tech without breaking the bank.

• Avg. market price: $19,080 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 32 listings
• View Express RWD listings

SLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The SLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of comfort and technology without going for the top-tier options.

• Avg. market price: $19,080 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 26 listings
• View SLT RWD listings

Big Horn RWD — "Who It's For"

The Big Horn RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a popular trim with a great mix of features and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $19,080 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 109 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Big Horn RWD listings

Lone Star RWD — "Who It's For"

The Lone Star RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a unique style with a few less options, making it a bit harder to find.

• Avg. market price: $19,080 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 16 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Lone Star RWD listings

Sport RWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded truck with performance upgrades and a powerful engine.

• Avg. market price: $19,080 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 9 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Sport RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Big Horn RWD

With 109 active listings, the Big Horn RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Big Horn RWD listings

Best Budget Option — Tradesman RWD

At $19,080 avg market price — below the lineup median of $19,080 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Tradesman RWD

The Tradesman RWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 17/25 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 7.11% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,723 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and conditions.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2016 RAM 1500 earns a 4.88/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, spacious interior, and strong performance, especially with the diesel option. The overview also points to a truck that blends luxury and utility, which fits you well if you want a pickup that feels more upscale than work-focused. It also stands out as a practical choice for both work and family needs.

With 29.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.88/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a truck that feels dependable in daily use, with strong satisfaction tied to its performance, spacious cabin, and practical versatility. Reviewers also describe it as a practical choice for both work and family needs, which supports the idea that it can be counted on for broad use. The expert review reinforces that impression by highlighting the EcoDiesel V6 as a strong blend of grunt and utility, along with an air suspension that adds refinement without undermining truck capability.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the truck’s equipment and maintenance history match its upscale mission.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 RAM 1500?

At 64.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage truck or one with luxury features. Focus on condition, prior damage, and whether the equipment you want is actually present and working as advertised. Because this model can be bought in very different trim and equipment combinations, it pays to verify the exact truck in front of you rather than relying on the badge alone.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Tradesman is work-focused, while the Express adds a standard V8 and Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen. The Sport brings body-color bumpers, HID projector headlamps, a standard air suspension, and the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, while the Laramie adds heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and the ParkSense system with backup camera. The Limited is the luxury play, with navigation, heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, full leather seating, and distinctive exterior styling.
• Powertrain: You can find the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The EcoDiesel is the standout for torque and fuel economy, while the V8 is the strongest towing choice.
• Safety package: The truck includes a backup camera and ParkSense front and rear parking sensors on the test model, plus a full complement of front and side-impact airbags. It does not feature lane-departure warning or blind-spot monitoring in the reviewed configuration.
• Infotainment: The Limited includes navigation, satellite radio, an Alpine stereo with 9 speakers including a subwoofer, and a large digital screen in the center of the instrument panel. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard on all trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The EcoDiesel V6 returns 20 mpg city/28 highway in rear-wheel drive and 19/27 in 4-wheel drive. The 3.6-liter V6 returns 18 mpg city/25 highway, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 15 mpg city/22 highway.

Which 2016 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2016 RAM 1500 is offered in 4 trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Sport, Laramie.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the value-first starting point if you want the lowest entry price and standard Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. It makes the most sense if you care more about basic truck duty than upscale features.
• Express: This trim is the best-value step up for many shoppers because it adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and the Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen. If you want more capability without jumping too far up the price ladder, this is the trim to focus on.
• Sport: Choose this if you want a more polished look and more comfort-oriented equipment, including body-color bumpers, HID projector headlamps, a standard air suspension, and the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. It’s the right middle ground if you want a nicer-feeling truck without going all the way to luxury trim.
• Laramie: This is the upscale choice, with heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and the ParkSense system with backup camera. It suits you if comfort and convenience matter more than keeping the purchase price low.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that the reviewed truck did not include lane-departure warning or blind-spot monitoring.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 RAM 1500?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,723 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.11% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,545, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 RAM 1500's resale value?

The current average of $17,545 sits slightly below last year's $18,887.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can help you as a buyer now but may temper resale upside later. If you plan to sell in the future, the current pricing trend means you should expect a more competitive used market rather than a rising one. Well-equipped trucks with strong condition and desirable features should still hold attention better than stripped or heavily worn examples.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.88/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 safe?

The 2016 RAM 1500 earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

It comes with a standard backup camera and ParkSense front and rear parking sensors on the reviewed model, plus a full complement of front and side-impact airbags. The safety writeup also notes that the truck did not feature lane-departure warning or blind-spot monitoring in the tested configuration. If you’re shopping used, those missing driver aids are worth checking for carefully because they are not guaranteed across the lineup.

Should I buy a 2016 RAM 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.11% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its luxury-truck positioning, especially in Limited trim, with the EcoDiesel V6 and available air suspension.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $15,919, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $17,545 average.
• It offers strong interior comfort and a broad cabin range from work truck to luxe cruiser.

The bottom line: If you want the more upscale, better-equipped version of this truck and you’re comfortable paying current market pricing, the 2016 is the stronger pick. If your priority is saving money up front, the 2015 is the better value path, especially if you can find one with the right powertrain and condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.