Ram 1500 Rebel as Family Car

Hello Everyone,

Relatively new to the forum, but been browsing for a while. Trying to find a replacement for my current BMW 540i lease which is due to expire in August. We’re a family of 4 and half my time out is spent hauling stuff like strollers, big items from Costco, Home Depot, etc.

I’ve searched so many different options for a family SUV, but recently came across these new Ram Rebel deals with 58% residual. I can’t find a better deal for a car that can seat 5 and is optioned out with everything as the Rebel. I can get a 70k MSRP Rebel for about 650 a month after taxes and fees upfront. Owned a 4Runner before, but never a pickup truck.

Would really appreciate some feedback on the Ram Rebel as a family car / daily driver. Is this a decent deal? Any alternative suggestions?

How often are you hauling stuff that wouldn’t fit into a Pilot/Telluride sized SUV?

I had an F150 for a while as a family car/daily driver. It was very comfortable, had tons of room, etc. It consumed a lot of gas and was large, so parking could be a challenge at times. I wouldn’t have any qualms about using a rebel as a family car, as long as you’re aware that it’s big and not particularly economical.

Was at the new york auto show, sat in many cars and in my opinion the Ram trucks are by far the most comfortable seats and roomy than any standard $$ car

I currently have a Crew Cab Ram as our second family car (my wife drives a Sienna). The space in a full size pickup is amazing, but as others indicated not the most economical from a fuel stand point.

My wife is a truck hater, but will admit that she’s more comfortable riding in my Ram and her Sienna, or the Pilot or Armada we had before.

Don’t limit yourself to the Rebel. You can get the Big Horn and Laramie variants as well for a very reasonable payment. Check with @Clutch. I think a lot of the Big Horn and Laramie programs are lockable if you order before months end (RV, MF, price, rebates).

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I signed a Laramie pretty well optioned for around 573 a month pre-tax. Details below. Seconding what @wantingadeal says don’t limit yourself to Rebel unless you plan to do some serious off-roading or need that look so much. RAM’s park assist is pretty decent as well that can mitigate some of the parking pains.

MSRP: $69,115

Purchase Price: $60,425 (13% off MSRP)

Residual Value: $38,704 (56%)

Money Factor: 0.00022 (0.53% APR)

Monthly: $623

Due At Signing Including taxes, fees, and any security deposit.: $1,000

Term: 36 months

Mileage: 10,000 miles / year

Effectively $634 /mo.

Rebate: $2,250 (RAM bonus, West Coast Lease Cash, Affiliate, National Lease Cash)

Not sure where you live but you may want to/need to invest in a quality tonneau cover for the bed if you are hauling anything that cant be exposed to the elements. Besides this I can’t imagine a vehicle that offers better utility and space for a family. Unless you live in a city you quickly get used to parking, especially with fancy cameras and such. Things that I didn’t account for with my truck include: can’t fit it in my garage, can’t fit it in some parking garages, tiny fuel tank = frequenting gas stations, interior comfort can vary wildly among trim levels. Otherwise its well worth it!

I think you have to ask yourself if you want a pick up truck or not.

If you’re unsure or haven’t drive one yet, I’d suggest taking an extended test drive. Maybe rent one off Turo.
Will give you and your family a chance to see if truck is right for you.

Shopping for a car by comparing payments to MSRP is ok if you’re shopping for a car you want. Going from a 540i to RAM is a pretty drastic change so you should be sure before jumping into out.

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So after going back to a fullsize truck after many years of driving minivans, this is what I think::

  1. Tonneau cover (lockable) so that your bed becomes a giant trunk (esp for those Costco trips)… or a shell.
  2. Rams use rear spring suspension now instead of leaf… so rides better than most fullsize trucks.
  3. Get a diesel or light hybrid powertrain. The diesel has the best mpg (even over the light hybrid V6) and if you have renewable diesel (not biomass diesel) in your area, it’s eco friendly. I’m averaging about 21mpg city and 32mpg highway on my diesel.
  4. Rams have the option for locking bed side storage but not sure how much that is… adds more “places to put stuff”.
  5. If you don’t need offroading or 4x4, non-Rebel trims may be more family friendly.