Hey, I am new to the forum and I am going to purchase a Ram 1500 in the next few weeks. I am just waiting for the right deal, I have one pending but I still am not sure which is the best truck to get.

Here is what I know that I want, but between these I am up in the air.

2002-2006, $4k to $6k price range
Single cab, short bed
V6 has to be manual
V8 auto or manual
V8 Hemi

Anyone have any input on which is the best, Ideally I would get the V8 manual but they are hard to come by. The V6 I heard is decent if mated with a Manual. Anyone know the fuel mileage/Performance differences between a V6 manual and V8 Auto or Manual.

Any advice is appreciated. i am currently looking at a 2004 Ram 1500 Single Cab base V6 manual w/ 95,000 miles for only $4k?????

 

Man, if possible, at least try to get the 4.7 married with the standard tranny. I think for your budget the HEMI is going to be a bit exspensive, however I think you might be able to find a 4.7 with the standard... 2WD. That is a pretty good setup, so Ive been told.

 

Well it all depends on the mileage as well and if you want a 4X4 or a 2x4. If your wanting a 06 dodge 4x4, you canot find a good one at a price of 6,000.00. I just bought a 06 Dodge Ram 4.7L 6-speed reg.cab short bed with 45,000 miles for 13,500.00, which was a great deal considering it KBB for a little over 15k. If your wanting a dodge at 4k to 6k you going have to look for a older model..... Performance with my truck.... It has a good amount of power, really surprised me, and the with the extra 6th gear it helps get about 17.5 mpg on highway with 285/70/17's (33x11.2x17)!, but around town i am getting about 12.5 -13 mpg. Going to install superchip cortex (maybe superchip flashpaq, havent decided)and a K&N (FIPK) air intake for more power and hoopfully better gas mileage around town. But i am also quite a lead foot as well...... hope that helps bro

 

I have never driven the V6 but my last Ram was the 4.7 and I thought it had good power, now this one had the Hemi and the power is much better!

 

Dont get me wrong I love my truck but I wouldn't buy another V6, just not enough motor. I don't have any toys to tow but I'd like to be able to if I did.