Family-Owned 30 Years: 1989 Dodge Ramcharger

Family-owned vehicles are treasured by collectors for a few reasons. For one thing, they tend to have been looked after for many years, with the proverbial passing of the torch between generations who choose to keep a vehicle in the family as opposed to flipping it for a quick buck. Knowing that more than one generation has stood firm in keeping a vehicle in the family fleet just feels good to buy into should you be allowed to become the next caretaker of a treasured vehicle. This 1989 Dodge Ramcharger 4×4 is one such vehicle, having been in this family’s care for almost 30 years – and they are the only owner of record. Find the Dodge here on craigslist near Phoenix for $28,000.

Obviously, Ramchargers and Broncos have been sought-after for some time. They are not immune, however, from being used as the manufacturers intended, so finding a one-owner truck doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been used as a workhorse by the caretaker. Square bodies like these often found their way into ranch operations or horse farms where they were used out in the field, and occasionally not even registered for road use – just right into the dirty work. If they didn’t do farm duty, there’s a strong likelihood that a truck like this would be beaten up on the trail or routinely parked near the ocean. Fortunately, the interior photos confirm that the occupants weren’t into truck abuse, as the original upholstery is in outstanding condition and the dash shows no cracks.

The venerable 318 V8 engine is like an old friend that you’re always happy to see: resolute, no drama, and there when you need them. And, looking at the details here, this engine bay is meticulous. For a truck that hasn’t been restored, the fact that it remains so original and well-preserved inside is very encouraging if you’re planning to buy this truck without seeing it in person first. We’re reminded how robust these rigs were when they left the factory as the seller rattles off the various mechanical features, including the New Process 241 transfer case along with the Dana 44 front axle with a center axle disconnect. While the truck remains mostly stock, the seller has installed a mild lift kit and added some additional lights and meatier tires – all reversible, but also the sort of upgrades many of us would make it this were our truck.

The Ramcharger sports original paint and there’s little reason to doubt the seller’s rust-free claims. The color is gorgeous and while I like to find vehicles in bone-stock condition, the wheel and tire package looks fantastic here. The truck is equipped with power steering, power brakes with front discs, and air conditioning. To me, this is the sort of truck you want to jump on before the seller decides to bring it to an auction as I suspect it could do even better than the asking price shown here. It’s top dollar but this looks like a top-flight example.