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One Ram owner’s dilemma about trading her reliable ten-year-old truck for the new 2026 model exposes the hidden risks of modern vehicle ownership that every truck buyer needs to understand before signing the paperwork.
In my daily scan of the Ram 1500 Owners community, I found a post that perfectly captures the anxiety many of you feel right now. Tracy Jacquez is standing at a crossroads between financial wisdom and the allure of a new truck, and her hesitation is entirely justified.
I have seen this scenario play out hundreds of times. The industry pushes you to upgrade, but does "newer" always mean "better"?
Why Newer Isn’t Always Better
I hear it all the time from readers who email me or comment on my stories. You have a truck that has been a faithful companion for a decade. It starts every morning, hauls what you need, and, most importantly, has no car payment. But then you see the shiny new models on the lot, and the itch starts.
Tracy Jacquez on the Dodge Ram 1500 Owners Facebook page says, “I thought about trading my first Ram (2015) for the 2026 Ram Hemi Bighorn. I love the new Ram, but mine is 10 years old, and I’ve never had an issue yet. I’m not sure these new 2026 models can give the same luck and reliability.”
Tracy is asking the question that keeps many truck owners up at night. She has a 10-year-old Ram that has never had an issue. That is a rare and valuable asset in the automotive world.
The Hemi Is Back
First, let’s address the specific truck Tracy is looking at. She mentions the "2026 Ram Hemi Bighorn." For those who haven’t been following the latest news, Ram recently made a massive pivot. After initially dropping the V8 for 2025 in favor of the Hurricane Inline-Six, consumer demand forced their hand. The 5.7L Hemi V8 made a triumphant return for the 2026 model year.
This seems like the best of both worlds, right? You get the modern interior and the classic engine. But here is the nuance that my 2026 Ram 1500 reliability analysis reveals: while the engine is the proven Hemi, the truck wrapped around it is entirely different from Tracy's 2015.
The 2026 Ram 1500 runs on the new "Atlantis" electrical architecture. This system controls everything from the infotainment to the safety sensors. In my recent reports, I have documented numerous cases where this advanced tech has left owners frustrated.
I recently covered a story where a buyer faced a similar choice. "I Passed on the Expensive Warranty for a Used 2019 Ram. 7,000 Miles Later, the Engine Blew, and Not Getting It Was a Huge Mistake." While that story highlights the risk of buying used without a net, it also underscores that even the "reliable" years have failure points. However, the complexity of the 2026 model introduces a new layer of risk.
Modern Trucks Are Rolling Computers
Tracy’s 2015 Ram is a mechanical beast. It relies more on complex parts, gears, cables, and hydraulics than on software. The 2026 Ram, by comparison, is a rolling computer.
When Tracy says, “I love the new Ram, but mine is 10 years old, and I’ve never had an issue yet,” she is highlighting a reliability standard that is becoming harder to find.
In my testing and research, I found that the Ram 1500's electrical system issues are the number one complaint among new-generation models. Owners report blank screens, finicky sensors, and glitching over-the-air updates. Your 2015 model never needed a software update to keep the radio working.
If you trade in your 2015, you are trading known mechanical reliability for unknown electronic stability.
How Much Will a New Ram Depreciate?
Let’s look at the numbers. A 2015 Ram is likely fully depreciated. It is no longer losing value; it is just providing service. A new 2026 Bighorn will lose 20% of its value the moment you drive it off the lot.
I recently wrote about the value proposition of these new trucks in my article, The $65,000 Question: 3 Luxury Features The Ram 1500 Has (That Toyota Tundra Leaves Out). While the Ram offers incredible luxury and features that blow the competition away, you have to ask yourself if those features are worth the $800 to $1,000 monthly payment.
Tracy says, “I’m not sure these new 2026 models can give the same luck and reliability.”
She is probably right. They likely won't. "Luck" in the auto industry is often just simplicity. The more complex a machine becomes, the more points of failure it has. A 2026 Ram has mild-hybrid eTorque systems, active aerodynamics, and dozens of control modules that her 2015 lacks.
Is the Hemi Still the Same Engine?
For those searching for a Ram 1500 Hemi longevity comparison, it is vital to know that the 2026 Hemi isn't the same engine as the 2015 model. It is now paired heavily with the eTorque mild-hybrid system. While this adds torque and smoothness, it also adds a 48-volt battery pack and a belt-driven motor generator unit.
If that battery pack fails out of warranty, it is a significant expense. The 2015 Hemi was just a simple V8.
I explored the frustrations of modern fuel economy and engine management in my report, "My First Ram 5.7L Hemi, and Probably My Last, This Thing Drinks Fuel Like There’s No Tomorrow". Even with the new tech, the Hemi is still a thirsty beast. If Tracy upgrades, expecting better mileage, she might be disappointed.
Key Takeaways for Ram Owners:
Inspect Your Frame: If you live in the Rust Belt, check your 2015 frame. Rust is the only valid reason to rush a trade-in.
The "Devil You Know": A paid-off truck with a solid maintenance history is the best financial instrument you can own.
Wait for the Refresh: The 2026 model year is a transition year for Ram as they juggle the Hurricane and the returning Hemi. Let them work the bugs out.
Tracy’s gut instinct is screaming at her: “I’m not sure these new 2026 models can give the same luck and reliability.” Listen to that instinct, Tracy. It’s usually right.
What Ram Owners Are Saying
To give you a broader perspective, I scoured the comments to see what other owners are saying about trading their older Rams for the new generation.
Jeff Morgan- I’m with you, I have a 2016 with 320,000 miles and never had it in the shop for anything.
Jaime Gomez - Honestly, if it’s working well, I’d say keep it for a while. Not much changes besides looks; power is basically the same, and you can add on technology like a larger-screen radio for a few hundred. And it still looks really good, I’d say, if you’re getting bored with it, to look into doing some mods to it, a lot cheaper than buying a new truck. Upgrade stereo, wheels, headlights, etc.
Jackie Timm - 2017 Laramie. Had it since pretty much new, no issues. Love the look of the new truck, but it's hard to let go of "no problems, no payment." I baby my truck, and it still looks brand new.
So, What Should Tracy Do Now?
She is standing on the precipice of a significant financial decision. “I thought about trading my first Ram (2015) for the 2026 Ram Hemi Bighorn,” she muses.
Here is my verdict: Keep the 2015.
If you have a truck that has treated you well for a decade, that is a relationship worth fighting for. The cost of ownership for older Ram trucks is almost always lower than the depreciation and insurance costs of a new one.
Unless your current truck is rusting out or becoming unsafe, the "upgrade" is primarily cosmetic. You get a nicer screen and that new car smell, but you also get a payment and the anxiety of potential first-year production glitches with the reintroduced Hemi configuration.
However, if you must buy, do not walk into the dealership blind. Read my comparison on "I Wanted a 2026 Toyota Tundra Until I Test Drove One, and I Wasn't Impressed At All By It" to see why staying with Ram might still be the right choice if you demand luxury, even with the reliability risks.
What Would You Do? Would you trade a trouble-free 10-year-old truck for a brand new model to get the latest features, or do you believe they "don't make them like they used to"? Let me know in the comments below!
Next Up: If you are considering jumping ship to another brand, you need to read my report on a Ford owner's experience. "I Always Thought Ford Meant 'Found On Road Dead,' But I Bought An F-150: Ram And GM Have 'Too Many Horror Stories." It might just change your mind about brand loyalty.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.
Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tracy Jacquez
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