If you’re scouring the used market for a truck that doesn’t feel like a literal tractor, you’ve probably seen the 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie pop up more than a few times. It’s that weird middle ground. It’s old enough to be affordable—honestly, some of the prices now are actually reasonable—but it was the first year Ram really tried to make a "luxury" interior that didn't just feel like painted plastic.
I remember when these first hit the lots. People were skeptical. A rotary dial shifter? In a truck? It felt like heresy to the "column shifter or death" crowd. But here we are, over a decade later, and that 2014 Laramie trim is still the benchmark for a lot of guys who want a Hemi but don't want to feel like they’re sitting in a work-site porta-potty.
The 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie: More Than Just a Chrome Grille
When you step up to the Laramie, you’re basically saying you’re done with the Tradesman life. 2014 was a pivotal year because Ram was really pushing the 8-speed Torqueflite transmission across the board. If you find a 2014 Laramie with the 5.7L Hemi V8 and that 8-speed, you’ve found the sweet spot. It's smooth. It’s surprisingly quick for something that weighs as much as a small house.
The interior is where the Laramie earns its keep. We’re talking heated and ventilated leather seats. In 2014, having your butt cooled while towing a boat was a revelation. Most of these came with the 8.4-inch Uconnect system, which, frankly, still holds up better than some of the laggy junk brands are putting out today. It’s simple. It works. You don’t need a PhD to change the radio station.
The Hemi Tick and Other Realities
Let's get real for a second. You can't talk about a 2014 Ram without mentioning the "Hemi Tick." If you’re looking at one with 120,000 miles, listen to it start up when the engine is cold. Is it a faint tapping that goes away? Probably just an exhaust manifold bolt that snapped—annoying, but common. Is it a loud, rhythmic clacking that stays? Walk away. That’s likely the lifters eating the camshaft, and that’s a multi-thousand-dollar nightmare you don't want.
Maintenance matters more than the odometer reading here. These trucks use a multi-displacement system (MDS) to save fuel by dropping to four cylinders. It's cool on paper. In reality, it can lead to some weird vibrations and, if the previous owner used cheap oil or skipped changes, it gunks up the lifters. If the service records aren't there, the truck shouldn't be either.
Air Suspension: A Blessing or a Curse?
Many 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie models came equipped with the optional four-corner air suspension. It’s incredible when it works. The truck self-levels when you hook up a trailer, and you can lower it to "Entry/Exit" mode so your grandmother doesn't need a step-ladder to get in.
But.
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If you live where it freezes—and I mean really freezes, like Minnesota or Alberta—that air suspension is going to give you grey hair. The lines freeze. The compressor burns out. You’ll walk out to your driveway in January and see the front end of your truck sitting on the tires like a slammed Honda Civic. Most guys who keep these long-term eventually swap the air bags out for a traditional coil-spring conversion kit from companies like Monroe or Strutmasters. It’s cheaper than fixing the air system for the third time.
Towing and Real-World Numbers
You’ll hear people brag about towing 10,000 pounds. Can a 2014 Laramie do it? Technically, if it’s geared right (look for the 3.92 rear axle ratio), it’s rated for it. But should you?
Probably not every day.
The coil-spring rear suspension that makes the Ram ride so much better than a Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado also makes it a bit "squishy" under heavy loads. If you’re towing a 7,000-pound camper, it’s a dream. If you’re trying to max out the payload with a bed full of wet gravel, you’re going to feel the back end wandering. It’s a gentleman’s truck, not a dump truck.
The ZF 8-Speed: Why It Actually Matters
The 8HP70 transmission in these trucks is a masterpiece. Built by ZF, it's the same basic gearbox you’ll find in BMWs and Range Rovers. Before 2014, trucks felt gear-hunted. They’d lug, then kick down violently. This 8-speed is different. It’s always in the right gear.
The downside? Ram calls the fluid "lifetime."
Don't believe them.
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Mechanics who actually care about these trucks suggest changing the transmission fluid and the integrated filter/pan every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. It’s an expensive service—the fluid alone costs a fortune—but it’s way cheaper than a $6,000 transmission swap.
Fuel Economy (Or Lack Thereof)
"It’s a Hemi!" yeah, we know. You’re not buying this for the MPG.
On the highway, if you’re light on the pedal and the MDS kicks in, you might see 18 or 19 MPG. In the city? You’re looking at 12 or 13 MPG. Maybe 14 if you’re coasting to red lights. There was an EcoDiesel version in 2014, but honestly, those first-gen diesels had so many emissions equipment headaches (EGR coolers cracking, Bosch CP4 pump failures) that the gas Hemi is actually the safer bet for most people.
Common Gremlins to Watch For
Every vehicle has its quirks, and the 2014 Laramie isn't exempt.
- The Third Brake Light Leak: This is a classic. The seal on the light above the rear window fails. Rain gets in. It soaks your headliner and can actually ruin the electronics behind the rear seat. If you see water stains on the ceiling or smell mildew, that’s why. A $20 gasket fixes it, but the damage can be way worse.
- Rotary Shifter Confusion: It takes about three days to get used to. After that, you'll love the extra storage space in the center console. Just don't try to shift into "Drive" when you're actually trying to turn up the volume on the radio.
- Uconnect Delamination: On some 2014 units, the screen starts to look like it has bubbles under it. It’s a cosmetic nightmare that eventually makes the touchscreen unresponsive.
Why People Still Love Them
Despite the potential for a Hemi tick or a leaky brake light, there is a reason the 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie holds its value. It feels expensive. The wood grain (even if it’s faux) and the stitching on the dash make it a place you actually want to spend four hours on a road trip. It doesn't beat you up. The seats are wide and plush—perfect for the "average-sized" American.
Compared to a 2014 Silverado, which feels a bit clinical and stiff, or an F-150 from that year with the aging interior design, the Ram feels modern. It was ahead of its time in 2014, and that’s why it doesn't feel like an ancient relic in 2026.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re serious about pulling the trigger on one of these, do not just trust the "Clean Carfax." You need to be methodical.
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First, check the idle. Start the truck and let it sit for ten minutes. Listen to the engine. If it sounds like a sewing machine, you’re good. If it sounds like someone is hitting the block with a ball-peen hammer, walk away.
Second, check the VIN for the axle ratio. You can go to the Mopar website and input the VIN to get the original build sheet. If you plan on towing, you want the 3.92 gears. If you’re just commuting, the 3.21 gears will save you a tiny bit of gas, but the truck will feel "lazier."
Third, look at the dash for a "Service Air Suspension" light. If that light is on, expect a $2,000 repair bill or plan on spending $800 on a coil conversion kit immediately.
Fourth, check the coolant. 2014 was a transition year for coolant types (OAT vs HOAT). Mixing them creates a sludge that kills heater cores. If the coolant in the reservoir looks like mud or has chunks in it, the cooling system is compromised.
The 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie is a fantastic truck if you find one that was owned by someone who actually read the owner's manual. It’s a luxury cruiser that can still haul a load of mulch or a mid-sized trailer without breaking a sweat. Just keep your ears open for that tick and your eyes open for those leaks. It’s a high-reward truck, but it requires a high-vigilance owner.
Verify the exhaust manifold bolts before you sign anything. It’s the most common "hidden" cost on these trucks. If the seller says "they all make that noise," they’re lying or misinformed. A healthy Hemi is a quiet Hemi. Keep that in mind, and you'll likely end up with one of the most comfortable used pickups on the road today.