Currently own a 2500 cummins, looking for something a bit more efficient to drive everyday but still want a truck (kinda need one). Can get my hands on a 1998 1500 3.9v6 auto reg cab long bed 2wd. What kinda mpg can I be expecting with this rig if driven like a normal human being. can get the truck for 2500 bucks, 110k miles, just painted body straight as a pin interior clean also

 

Der diesel is going to get better fuel economy than the v-6, and you will be horribly disappointed with the power (or, more accurately, the lack of....) on the 3.9......

 

Nothing is going to beat a Cummins in a truck for fuel mileage. If you want mileage, buy a prius and keep your truck for when you need it.

 

Agree 100% with everything HeyYou said. Don't go from the diesel to the V6, you will regret it almost immediately. You would probably get better mileage in the diesel then that poor V6 pushing these heavy a** trucks....

 

You could even just haul the Prius around in the truck and be set for anytime!

 

Well, the cummins in a 4x4 and I havent done better than 17 mpg, I dont need to be stackin miles in on my old 12v and the front ends wear out too quickly on the 4x4 for as much as I drive I put 10k miles on this truck in the past 4 months so the front end work is getting expensive and time consuming for me as well as other things starting to wear out I mean this thing is clean clean clean and for the right price. I was just wondering if anyone had any ballpark numbers for me with this truck. Also got an eye on an 03 dakota reg cab 2wd with the v6 dunno if its 3.9 or if those are 3.7 but thats a 5 spd but thats 4100 bucks. anyone got numbers or more input?

 

V-6 doesn't do much better than the v-8s on fuel. Tiny little motor trying to move around a heavy truck.... not a good combination for fuel economy. If you could even GET 17 with it, I would be impressed.

 

What you think the numbers would be for that 5 spd dakota

 

Hard to say what the numbers for the dakota would be. I have a reg cab long bed V6 auto. On my best days of road tripping on the highway, I get mid 20's for MPG but in town I get closer to 13 MPG. Keep in mind I keep mine well maintained too. I thought the V6 was going to be great for mileage, but I was not 100 % correct. I COULDA HAD A V8! WWWWWAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

 

i think if you were to get a v6 with a standard transmission you might be able to match the mileage you were getting with your cummins and not feel such a loss of power but if you get an automatic your mileage and power will not be that great.