Hey guys, just registered here and this is a sweet forum!

Im 17 and about to buy my first truck.
Ive narrowed it down to either a dodge ram 1500 with the V6 and 5speed (short cab+box)

OR

A dodge dakota V6 5speed (short cab and box as well)

Ive been told these are great motors, but the 1500 is too much for the little V6 to haul around. Id rather not get the V8 due to mileage reasons.

Any suggestions or tips would be great guys. Thanks!

 

The Ram is a very heavy truck, even with a single cab short box. The Dakota would probably do better on gas and performance, but I have no first hand expereince with either to say for sure. Good luck though, and welcome! [sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

The V6 is a dog in the Ram. The truck is heavy and is not quick by any definition with the V6. If you need the bigger truck for hauling then go for the Ram. If it's just transportation, I'd go for the Dakota. Better mileage and performance.

 

My brother-in-law has a 1999 2wd Dakota crewcab with a V6 with almost 200,000 miles on it. He never had any engine related problems which is surprising being that he usually forgets to change oil and it has gone over 10,000 miles between changes!!!!![sm=yikesomg.gif]

It seems to have plenty of power and he usually gets 18-20 mpg.

 

I've heard the V6 only gets about 1-1.5mpg better mileage than the V8, due to the fact that the truck is to heavy for a V6. Should be alright with the dakota though. But think about it. a 318 in a dakota would haul ***.

 

the v6 is aright in the dakota, nothing really impressive, and i second the v6 is a dog in the ram

 

K thanks guys! I really appricate it. I was seriously looking into the V6 in the Ram! Seems like I was corrected!

 

I don't think dodge made a 4X4 with a V6 i'm pretty sure you're stuck with 2wd if you get the bigger truck too.

 

V6's were put in regular cab, short bed, 4x2, 1/2-tons ... can't remember them being put in any other Ram variations.

 

that would be a bummer