Used 2016 RAM 1500 for Sale nearModesto, CA

Compare 2016 RAM 1500 Trims

The 2016 RAM 1500 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, all featuring a capable V6 engine.

• Starting at $13,193
• 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 a reliable truck without paying for extra features. It's the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $13,193 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 861 listings
• View Tradesman RWD listings

Express RWD — "Who It's For"

The Express RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a solid truck with standard features without stepping up to higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $16,993 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 369 listings
• View Express RWD listings

SLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The SLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a good mix of features and price without going for the top-tier trims.

• Avg. market price: $17,676 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 369 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-equipped truck with popular features without going fully loaded. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $17,675 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,808 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 similar features to the Big Horn without a significant price difference.

• Avg. market price: $17,676 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 361 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 performance features and a powerful V8 engine.

• Avg. market price: $27,093 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 15 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 90 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Sport RWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Big Horn RWD

With 1,808 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 $13,193 avg market price — below the lineup median of $17,675 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Tradesman RWD

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

Browse Tradesman RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 6.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,841 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

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, and the overview frames it as a truck that leans into comfort and luxury rather than pure work-truck duty. That makes it especially appealing if you want a pickup that can double as a refined daily driver while still handling practical hauling needs. The market also shows 29.4% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you 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 everyday use, with repeated praise for its performance, power, and practical versatility. The review summary also emphasizes that many owners see it as a strong choice for both work and family needs, which supports the idea that it can be counted on for broad-duty ownership. The expert notes reinforce that impression by highlighting the EcoDiesel V6’s utility and the truck’s car-like air suspension behavior.

If you buy used, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the truck’s tech and equipment history is clean, since some owners mention feature-related concerns.

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

At 64.5% 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 considering a higher-mileage truck or one with luxury features. Pay close attention to body condition, parking-sensor and camera operation, and any signs that the truck’s tech features have been troublesome. Because this model can be configured from work-truck simple to more upscale, you’ll also want to confirm that the equipment on the listing matches the trim level you think you’re buying.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Tradesman is the simplest version, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience; the Limited stands out with navigation, heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, full leather seating, leather door inserts, and a unique grille and exterior treatment. If you want the most upscale feel, the Limited is the clear luxury-focused choice.
• Powertrain: The EcoDiesel V6 is a 3.0-liter engine with 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, and it returns 20 mpg city/28 highway in rear-wheel drive or 19/27 in 4-wheel drive. A base 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 are also available, with the V8 offering the strongest towing capability.
• Safety package: The truck can be equipped with a backup camera and ParkSense front and rear parking sensors, and it includes a full complement of front and side-impact airbags. Lower trims do not get the same parking aids, so feature content can vary meaningfully by trim.
• 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 returns 20 mpg city/28 highway in rear-wheel drive and 19/27 in 4-wheel drive, while the base gas V6 is rated at 18 mpg city/25 highway and the V8 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, and Limited.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the entry point, and it gives you Bluetooth hands-free connectivity without pushing the price up. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost path into the lineup and don’t need much luxury content.
• Express: This trim adds a standard V8, a Class 4 trailer hitch, and a Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen. It’s a practical step up if you want more capability and a better infotainment setup without jumping too far in price.
• Sport: You get body-color bumpers, HID projector headlamps, a standard air suspension, and the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. This is the best-value trim if you want a more upscale feel and stronger feature content without going all the way to Limited pricing.
• Limited: This is the luxury pick, with heated leather seats, 20-inch wheels, ParkSense with backup camera, navigation, heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and full leather seating. Choose it if you want the most premium version of the truck and are shopping for comfort first.

The safety-package content is strongest on the higher trims, where ParkSense and the backup camera are included.

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,841 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.47% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,670, 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 $17,671 sits slightly below last year's $18,893.

That price movement suggests the truck has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stabilizes. If you buy at the right price and keep the truck in clean condition, you may be better positioned to limit your loss when it’s time to sell. The strongest resale prospects will likely go to well-equipped trucks with desirable powertrains and clean histories.

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?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The truck comes with a backup camera and ParkSense front and rear parking sensors, plus a full complement of front and side-impact airbags. The safety writeup also notes that lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring were not present on the test vehicle, so advanced driver aids are limited compared with newer trucks. That means you should pay close attention to the exact safety equipment on any used listing, especially if you want the parking aids that make a big truck easier to live with.

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 64.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its luxury-truck positioning, with the Limited trim and EcoDiesel V6 giving it a more upscale, comfort-first personality.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $15,964, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $17,671 average.
• It offers strong interior comfort and a well-aged chassis.

The bottom line: If you want the more refined, luxury-leaning version of the Ram 1500, the 2016 is the better target. If your priority is saving money and you’re comfortable giving up some of the newer year’s upscale appeal, the 2015 is the value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.