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Whether a compact Fiat car or a giant Ram truck, every vehicle needs repairs and maintenance every so often to remain in good working condition. So, a vehicle with high annual repair and maintenance costs can be a financial burden and require several repair shop visits, affecting the ownership experience.

That is why you should check the average annual repair and maintenance costs of the cars you’re interested in. It will help you better understand how much each vehicle will cost you per year so that you can pick the most affordable option. If you are considering buying a new or used Ram, the six models below will cost you over $1,000 in average annual repair and maintenance costs.

1. Ram 2500

The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup designed to offer superior performance, towing, and payload capacity than the Ram 1500. It is an excellent choice if you need a powerful, rugged truck for hauling and towing.

The average annual maintenance cost of a Ram 2500 is $1,070, compared to an average of $936 for full-size trucks, according to RepairPal. The most expensive repair is replacing the tie rod, which costs $937-$1,014. If you own a Ram 2500, expect to take it to the repair shop an average of 0.27 times per year. It has a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.0 and has received 44 recalls, with the most common involving Cruise Control issues.

2. Ram 3500

The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that is larger and more capable than the Ram 2500. It has a max towing and payload capacity of 24,100 and 4,280 pounds, respectively, compared to the Ram 2500’s 20,000 and 4,010 capacities.

The Ram 3500 has an average annual maintenance cost of $1,279, though repair and maintenance issues occur less frequently than in other cars. Like the Ram 2500, owners of the 3500 take it to the repair shop an average of 0.32 times a year. The most expensive repair, the suspension shock or strut replacement, costs between $477 and $515.

RepairPal awards it a below-average reliability rating of 2.0 out of 5.0. It has received 47 recalls, with the most common involving Cruise Control issues that would cause unintended acceleration.

3. Ram C/V

A white 2012 Ram C/V (cargo van) model at the Chrysler Group LLC's Windsor Assembly Plant
2012 Ram C/V | FCA

The Ram Cargo Van is a commercial van featuring a flat load floor, a large cargo area, sliding doors on both sides, and a rear liftgate for easy loading and unloading. It is excellent for small businesses looking for a hauling vehicle, but it is no longer in production after the 2015 model year.

The Ram C/V has very expensive maintenance pricing for a commercial van, costing an average of $1,007 annually. Ram C/V owners have to take their vehicles to the repair shop an average of 0.68 times a year, according to RepairPal. For comparison, other commercial vans are taken for repairs an average of 0.5 times per year. It has an average reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.0 and has received two recalls involving its airbags.

4. Ram ProMaster 1500

The Ram ProMaster 1500 is a full-size commercial cargo van with a larger cargo area and higher payload capacity than the C/V. It is excellent for businesses that need a large, capable hauling vehicle.

According to RepairPal, the annual maintenance cost of a ProMaster 1500 is $1,072, compared to an average of $963 for commercial vans. The repairs are frequent, with the van’s owners having to visit the repair shop an average of 0.98 times per year, compared to an average of 0.5 times in its class.

RepairPal gives it a below-average reliability rating of 2.0 out of 5.0.

5. Ram ProMaster 2500

The Ram ProMaster 2500 is a full-size commercial cargo van that is larger and more powerful than the ProMaster 1500. It has more space, a more powerful engine, and a higher payload and towing capacity. It can tow up to 6,910 pounds and haul 4,680 pounds, making it excellent for businesses that need a more capable version of the 1500.

RepairPal reports that the ProMaster 2500 costs an average of $1,147 annually to maintain. Like the 1500, the repairs are also frequent, requiring owners to take it for repairs an average of 0.99 times per year. The most expensive repair is replacing the power steering pump, which costs $813-$1,049.

The 2500 received a below-average rating of 2.0 out of 5.0 and has been recalled 39 times, the most common recall relating to a malfunctioning Cruise Control system.

6. Ram ProMaster 3500

The Ram ProMaster 3500 is built for tasks that the 1500 and 2500 can’t handle. It is more capable, with a higher towing and payload capacity, greater cargo space, and a more powerful engine. It is great for industrial or heavy commercial applications.

Maintenance for the Ram ProMaster 3500 costs an average of $1,081 annually, but it doesn’t need frequent repairs as owners take it for repairs an average of 0.26 times per year. The most expensive repair is replacing the exhaust muffler, which costs $1,452-$1,466.

RepairPal gave it an average reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, and it has received 40 recalls, the most common being a malfunctioning Cruise Control system.

Weigh the annual cost of ownership

It would be best to consider the average annual maintenance and repair costs before buying a car to have a suitable vehicle ownership experience. Although a low initial purchase price may be appealing, you should weigh the annual cost of ownership, which can add up over time, reducing a driver’s overall satisfaction with the vehicle.

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