Used 2016 RAM 1500 for Sale nearColumbia, SC

Compare 2016 RAM 1500 Trims in Columbia, SC

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 $16,441
• 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 option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $16,441 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 85 listings
• View Tradesman RWD listings

Express RWD — "Who It's For"

The Express RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a standard truck experience with modern tech features without breaking the bank.

• Avg. market price: $16,441 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 43 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 stepping up to the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $16,441 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 44 listings
• View SLT RWD listings

Big Horn RWD — "Who It's For"

The Big Horn RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded truck with popular features and a wide selection.

• Avg. market price: $16,441 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 174 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 stylish truck with similar features to the Big Horn without the extra cost.

• Avg. market price: $16,441 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 30 listings
• 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 premium features and performance.

• Avg. market price: $16,441 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 5 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Sport RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Big Horn RWD

With 174 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 $16,441 avg market price — below the lineup median of $16,441 — 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.

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 8.01% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,529 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of trucks to compare on price, trim, and condition.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 a good car?

Yes — the 2016 RAM 1500 earns a 4.9/5 user rating and an 8.3/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, spacious interiors, and strong feature content, while also highlighting its performance and power, especially with the diesel option. The overview also points to a truck that leans into luxury without giving up capability, which makes it appealing if you want a pickup that feels more upscale than purely utilitarian.

That combination fits especially well if you want a light-duty truck that can serve as both a work vehicle and a family hauler. With 32.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a truck that feels dependable in daily use, with many reviewers emphasizing strong satisfaction, practical usefulness, and confidence in the diesel-powered versions. The expert summary also reinforces that the Ram 1500 has aged well, which supports the idea that it can be a truck you count on over time.

The performance notes back that up with a diesel setup built around strong torque and a transmission tuned to keep the engine in its ideal power band. The cost-effectiveness notes also mention that the base trim includes Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, which adds everyday convenience without pushing you into a higher trim.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the truck’s condition and maintenance history match its premium positioning.

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

At 64.1% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re shopping for a higher-trim truck with more equipment to verify. Focus on condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the features you want are actually present and working as advertised.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Tradesman is the base trim and comes with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, while the Express adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen. The Sport adds 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 sits at the top with navigation, heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and full leather seating, and it is the best-value choice if you want the most luxury-focused version.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes an EcoDiesel V6, a base gas 3.6-liter V6, and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The EcoDiesel is highlighted for strong torque and fuel economy, the 3.6-liter V6 is the base gas choice, and the V8 is the strongest gas option for towing and power.
• Safety package: The truck includes a backup camera and ParkSense front and rear parking sensors, plus a full complement of front and side-impact airbags. The safety content also notes that lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring were not fitted on the test model.
• Infotainment: The Limited includes navigation, satellite radio, an Alpine stereo with 9 speakers including a subwoofer, and a large customizable digital screen in the center of the instrument panel. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard on all trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The EcoDiesel is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 highway in rear-wheel-drive form, or 19/27 with 4-wheel drive. The base gas 3.6-liter V6 returns 18 mpg city and 25 highway, while the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 15 mpg city and 22 highway.

Which 2016 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2016 RAM 1500 is offered in 5 trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Sport, Laramie, Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the lineup while still getting Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. It is the trim to choose if you care more about value and basic truck duty than luxury features.
• Express: This trim adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen, so it gives you a more capable and better-equipped starting point than the Tradesman. It’s a smart pick if you want a stronger feature set without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• Sport: The Sport adds body-color bumpers, HID projector headlamps, a standard air suspension, and the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen system. Choose it if you want a more upscale look and a more polished driving experience.
• Laramie: The Laramie brings heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and the ParkSense system with backup camera. It’s the trim to target if you want a strong mix of comfort and convenience without going all the way to the top.
• Limited: The Limited is the luxury-focused choice, with navigation, heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and full leather seating. If you want the most premium-feeling RAM 1500, this is the one to buy.

The safety package note is important here: the truck’s backup camera and ParkSense sensors are especially useful, while lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring were not part of the test model.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,529 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.01% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,179, 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 $17,179 sits slightly below last year's $18,674.

That decline suggests the truck has become more affordable for buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a softer pricing environment than they would have a year ago. If you buy well and keep the truck in strong condition, you can help protect your exit value later.

The market still shows meaningful demand, especially for trucks with the right equipment and clean history. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, 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 backup camera and ParkSense front and rear parking sensors, which are especially helpful on a large pickup with a long wheelbase. The truck also includes a full complement of front and side-impact airbags.

The safety content notes that lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring were not fitted on the test model, so you should verify whether a specific used truck has the equipment you want. That matters most if you plan to use the truck in dense traffic or want more driver-assistance coverage.

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:

• 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its luxury-truck focus, especially the Limited trim and available EcoDiesel V6.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $15,558, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $17,179 average.
• It offers comfort, handsome looks, and two strong powertrain choices.

The bottom line: If you want the more upscale, better-equipped version of this truck and you’re comfortable paying a bit more, the 2016 is the better target. If your priority is saving money while still getting a comfortable and stylish Ram 1500, the 2015 is the value play.

How does the 2016 RAM 1500 compare to the 2016 Ford F-150?

Our experts score the 2016 RAM 1500 8.3/10 and the 2016 Ford F-150 8.5/10. The Ford edges ahead overall, but the Ram is the more compelling choice if you want a truck that leans harder into luxury and comfort. The Ram also offers a lower average used price and a slightly better good-and-great deal share, while the Ford has a bit more inventory and a slightly higher accident-free share.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.