I really like that red one in the middle of your list there. I think you would be able to get that for under $20k. How much are they going to give you on your trade in? Try and get you financing done on-line so you have the blank check when you walk into the place. Tell them you were only approved for $17,600 (or whatever you want to spend). Either they can make you a deal or they can't.

I did a lot of research on here when I bought my '05 new. IIRC, it is actually more economical in the long run to get the 5.7 engine for several different factors. As for mods you like such as the bedliner, bedcover, and dual exhaust and such... those are easy and relatively inexpensive to do. You can bet that the dealer is cashing in on those as much as possible, so I wouldn't worry too much if the truck has dual exhaust on it at the moment or not.

I don't think you will see a great change in gas mileage between the two vehicles. The Dodge Ram does have a bigger tank and takes mid-grade. Be prepared to fill a big tank. However, you can fill a big tank once, or you can fill the smaller tank on your Ranger several times. Same money either way. Just looks like a bigger chunk of change when you see it on the pump all at once! I bought my truck to be the family-wagon, too. I have never looked back!!!!

 

Are me and jimmy the only ones that say go for a diesel? I used to love the hemis, dont get me wrong, I still do, but then after hanging around the cummins forum, I cant stop thinking about CTD's[sm=gobble.gif][sm=headbang.gif]

You can get twice as much torque and still get 18 mpg, Who hoooooooo!!

 

Woh.. Wait.. You don't put regular unleaded gas in the Hemi?

 

I dont' think a CTD is really in the sub-$20k price range, is it?

 

buy the 04 i loved mine!!! apparently so did a couple of teens ,,,they stold it ,drove it off road ,had some fun w/ the hemi and totalled it !!!!! now i have a 08 and hate every thing about it ,,,,, i am a girl and the 08 is'nt tuff enough ,,,, now '04' that was a GREAT GEM !!!!!!!!!!!