Wow, $6000 is a lot of money for a '96 2wd truck. I got my '99 Quad Cab 4x4 for $4500 with 130,000 miles, no rust, in great condition. I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but I think you way overpaid, especially if your are paying interest on the loan and stuff.

 

Sorry for makinga post that was pointless and offered no help. I noticed that my truck gained about 3 MPG's after giving it a complete tune-up: plugs, wires, dist. cap, rotor, pcv valve, air filter. I use non-synthetic in my truck, that's what it had it's whole life, and I've heard that switching over to synthetic after a lot of miles isn't good, because they can leak through gaps in sealsthat form during the engine's life, but regular oil can't leak through. That's just what I've heard, I think that with regular oil changes with a quality oil and filter, you can feel comfortable using either type. BTW, I really like the 2-tone paint on your truck, I wish mine was a nice 2-tone instead of white.

 

its ok. i know i didnt get the best deal. the only reason i choice this dodge was because it was my only choice. i owned a 91 chevy caprice that i purchased for $1000. now it needed work (220k miles) but it lasted me about a year before it gave up on me. my parents just moved to south carolina and i stayed behind in miami to finish school. i live with my fiance now. i cant miss anymore days at work and the caprice broke down 2 weeks before finals. so i HAD to find a decent car with what cash i had. being that i only had $800 and no credit... it was a good choice for me. i know i know.. its alot of money but its ok. thats why i got this truck for 6000.i know its not the best deal out there but in my situation it worked and got me out of a bind.

but thats does give me hope about the mpg's. i was starting to think the money on gas is going to kill me lol