1987 Dodge Ramcharger 4x4 with a 318 V8 and 44,632 miles, priced under half of recent sales

Why we picked it

This private-party 1987 Dodge Ramcharger is red on red and has a 318 V8, an automatic and part-time four-wheel drive. The seller lists 44,632 miles, a clear title, air conditioning, power steering and power brakes, and says it was once used as a fire chief's vehicle. The seller says it runs well with no smoke, the 4WD works, and it needs valve cover gaskets and general attention. It comes with new wheels and tires and an extra set of seats.

The seller calls the rust "not bad at all," so plan on a real inspection. Even so, the asking price of $5,250 or best offer is well under the $10,000 to $14,000 that 1987 Ramchargers have been selling for lately. The listing has been up for a while, so call to confirm it is still available.

The value check

The seller is asking $5,250. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $8,360–$13,900, so the middle of the market is about $11,130. That put this car 53% under.

Recent 1987 Ramcharger results run from an $8,360 no-sale high bid on a 115k-mile 4x4 driver (Hagerty, Jul 2025) through $10,450-$12,750 sales of 4x4 and 2WD drivers in 2026 to $13,900 for a non-running low-mile LE (Hagerty, Oct 2025). At $5,250 OBO this red 318 4x4 is about 47% of the $11,130 midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1987 Ramcharger 4x4 5.9 V8, 115k mi, high bid $8,360 not sold (Hagerty, Jul 2025)
• 1987 Ramcharger LE 4x4, sold $11,600 (Bring a Trailer, Sep 2026)
• 1987 Ramcharger LE 4x4, sold $12,750 (Jun 2026)
• 1987 Ramcharger LE, sold $10,450 (Mecum, Jul 2026)
• 1987 Ramcharger LE, 50k mi, non-running, sold $13,900 (Hagerty, Oct 2025)

What to check

• The listing has been up for a long time and has no VIN; confirm it is still available and get the VIN before you travel
• The seller admits to some rust: check the rocker panels, cab corners, floors, the rear wheel arches and the tailgate area, and look at the frame rails near the spring hangers
• Ex-fleet (fire chief) use can mean a lot of idle hours, so the odometer may undersell the engine wear
• The NP208 transfer case and front axle need checking for leaks and worn U-joints; make sure 4WD engages and disengages
• The original wheels are not included, and the seller says it needs valve cover gaskets and general attention

Making it drive like new

The 318 and A727 combination is tough and easy to improve. A throttle-body EFI kit, a 4-speed overdrive automatic (A518/46RH), front disc brake service with a dual-diaphragm booster and a modern radiator and electric fan would make it a comfortable daily driver. Bilstein shocks, poly bushings and a quicker steering box tighten up the chassis, and a roll bar and three-point belts improve safety if you take the removable rear half of the top off.