Hi Guys,
I'm shopping around for a truck to buy for towing a small camper, boat and doing other jobs. I would also like to be able to drive it around town without sucking my pocketbook dry. I was looking at a 2001 dodge ram 1500 with the 5.9L in it. I've heard this is a gas guzzler from hell so here is my question; Is there anything I can do to improve the efficiency of this engine or should I just go and buy a GMC or Chevy with the 5.3L in it?
I could probably pick the dodge up for around $15K. Any testimonials regarding this model and input is greatly appreciated.

I've got a '97 Dodge ram with the 318 motor and 5 speed tranny.
On my last road trip to Portland I got 17 mpg.
Around town I get about 13.5
Not great,but not bad for a full size truck.
Virgil B.

My Dad has a 2000 Z71 that he gets 17 in town with and 19-21 on the freeway. Thats pretty hard to beat in a full size truck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Don't have much experience with the Dodges though. Good luck in your search

15k sounds kinda' rich!!!! with used car interest rates much higher than new i think a new chevy w/5.3 @21 or 22k wouldn't cost you a whole lot more in the long run. my buddy gets 20 plus on the highway if he doesn't horse it. his is a 03' xcab 4x4 auto and his was 23k out the door. it is loaded though............
woofer

The new Hemi s are apparently quite a bit better than the older Dodge V-8 s in the gas milege department , so maybe you could locate one of those in a used vehicle.

The good old Dodge 360 is a tough , durable engine with good pulling power , but it simply does like to suck gas..........

Thanks for the replies. What do you fellas think a reasonable asking price is for the 2001 dodge ram that I mentioned? I figure if I can get it real cheap and its not going to be my main vehicle then it might be worth a few extra bucks in gas. I get the feeling that unless its a significant difference in asking price between the dodge and the GMC/Chevy then I should go with the latter.

ben.........go to the Kelly Blue Book site . Enter in your zip and all the equipment on the truck and it will kick out the average price..........wholesale value , loan value , private party value , along with retail.........

I drive a 2000 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4X4 with the Off-Road package. Auto transmission and 4:10 gears with the 5.9. It will average 14 miles a gallon and I don't baby it any, It will get 16 highway running 75 to 80. It aint great mileage but for a full size 4X4 with 33X12.50/16 tires it isn't all that bad either.

It runs fine on 87 octane and never clatters or pings. I have 155,000 miles on it and it is still running strong.

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