Thinking of a new truck. My usual cycle of buying something nice used every few years ain't working in this market. Can get considerably more than I paid for my current F150 I bought three years ago if I sell it. At the age of sell it or keep it tell it dies. Difference between used and new right now makes little sense to buy used. New is a stretch on the budget. Ford is basically out of the question to get the options I want. Have to pay for a bunch of crap I don't want to get the few things I do want.

Brings me to the Ram classic 1500. Can get what I want for about ten to twelve grand less than the F150. I am familiar with the 5.7 hemi. Honestly more motor than I need probably 95 percent of the time. Thinking of going with the 3.6. Daily drive is more city than highway. No serious hills on a regular basis. Towing is minimal and would be no more than about mid range of the limit. If I need serious towing I got access to a Super Duty with the 7.3.

So thinking the V6 kinda makes sense for me. Appreciate any thoughts and advice.

I've driven a few over the years and they're surprisingly good even at ~6K elevation. The 8-speed trans does a great job of keeping that little motor in the right place. I can't remember the rear-end gear ratios, but the lower ratio was noticeably better.

My Friend owns a 2018 Crew Cab short box 4x4 with the V6. He pulls a 20 ft camptrailer loaded with wife, 3 boys and 2 dogs. They get there....and back. It might be a bit slower on the hills, but it's a proven engine.

Easier to ride a fast horse slow than a slow horse fast get the v 8. Mb

Both dad and brother had them. Do the usual, haul gear to camp, daily driver, dead critters in the back, small trailer with an ATV or such.

Then went to the Hemi - all that gave them over the 6 was worse MPG.

Neither would hesitate on the 6 again.

Dunno...I had the 3.7 V6 ram. Two wheel drive long bed. 14 mpg. Almost all highway driving and still 14. Horrible. I loved the truck but that engine was like having a hole in the tank.nif I wanted 14 mpg I would have bought a 4 wd hemi. Lol

I don't know if the two engines are related or if that was a typo or?

Looks like the 3.6 is a whole different engine and a much better one than the 3.7

I used a Ram 1500 with the 3.6 for a few weeks hunting in Wyoming a few years back and was impressed with how well it worked in a full size truck. Plenty of power and very good economy. My brother has a Jeep with the 3.6 that he's driven from Florida to CA and back several times and he's a huge fan...gets great MPG for being a Jeep truck and so far, zero issues. Neither of us tows, but we're tough on trucks generally.

I have one in 4 wheel drive and love it. Does everything I ask of it and gets great mileage to boot

I always thought the 3.7 was a great engine.My daughter has one in an OLD Liberty with over 250k on the odometer

As long as you aren't towing anything heavy with it it should be a good rig for you. I was thinking about getting one myself until I started asking around about towing with it and the reviews were not spectacular so when it's time for a newer one i'll get one with the Hemi. Best gas mileage I've ever got with the hemi was 17.5 driving from eagle River to Valdez and back and that was doing 70-75 most of the way.

Do it! I have the 2020 classic tradesman 4x4 crew v-6 and love it. Make sure you get the limited slip. Only weighs 400 lbs more than a Tacoma but has tons more room. I’ve had all brands and this is my favorite truck. Owned exactly 1 year and 29,000 miles. No issues. No repairs.
16 city. 20 hwy. Tows fine for my needs - Jon boat, utility trailer, sxs.
Most reliable vehicle I have owned. Paid $30,500 new last year. Worth 36k now.

Well pulled the pin today. Found a 1500 quad cab, not classic,with a hemi and all the bells and whistles on it I wanted for a real fair price. Only a couple thousand more than a classic with the 6.More than I need yes but I just could not warm up to the 6 as much as it made sense. Much more refined truck than the classic as well.