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IMO, I not to worried about gas. I get about 14 on the low side and 15.8 typically on the high, so it can't get any worse(clearly not hwy avgs). My brother's hemi ram gets that same range sometimes a little better since his will shut a few cylinders off. And we both have quads and 4x4. So I kinda feel like I bought the same gas mileage just not the full truck.
Besides, the 09's are supposed to get better mpg + 390 hp that my dakota would never see w/o some type of forced induction. Not to mention, the autos have the sport shifter. The only real issue is price. I think the 09 Laramie the dealer had was $47k...
The 09 Ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.7l Hemi is EPA rated at 13mpg city and 18mpg highway, keeping in mind that the new EPA ratings are very much on the conservative side I wouldn't be surprised to see 20+ highway.