RAM 1500 Check — Victoria

Buying a RAM 1500 in Victoria

RAM is right-hand-drive converted by RAM AU (Walkinshaw); verify the conversion compliance plate is intact and the vehicle has the AU-required RHD engineering certificate. 5.7L Hemi V8 has lifter-tick documented at 80,000km. AdBlue tank crystallisation common on infrequently-driven examples.

Specific to Victoria: Victoria has Australia's second-largest used-car market and the country's strictest vehicle identity verification process (the VIV inspection). Despite that, written-off vehicles rebuilt interstate and brought back to VIC for sale are a well-documented loophole — always pull a NEVDIS check regardless of where the seller claims the vehicle has been.

Common issues on used RAM 1500

These model-specific concerns affect any 1500, regardless of state of registration. Use as a checklist when inspecting privately.

1. Hemi V8 lifter-tick at 80,000+ km (MDS-related)
2. AdBlue tank crystallisation (low-use)
3. RHD conversion compliance plate verification
4. 8-speed ZF auto shudder on cold start

Victoria written-off vehicle rules

Victoria's WOVR is administered by VicRoads and feeds NEVDIS. Statutory write-offs cannot be re-registered. Repairable write-offs require a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection at a VicRoads-approved test station before re-registration — the WOVR notation remains on NEVDIS permanently.

Victoria-specific things to verify

• Melbourne's outer suburbs (Cranbourne, Pakenham, Werribee) see higher rates of dual-cab ute thefts
• VicRoads requires roadworthy certificate for transfer of vehicles >5 years old
• Stamp duty in VIC is calculated on dutiable value — keep evidence of the price paid
• VIN tampering recovery is logged on NEVDIS — verify VIN matches compliance plate

Check a RAM 1500 in another state