I was in the market for a used 2007-2008, but with dealerships in the area trying to push 2009s out, they are doing some pretty good deals. For example, one dealership has a 2009 1500 SLT Crew Cab, 4wd 4.7 for 23,892.00 after rebates. I think that's pretty good, but its causing me to rethink my original idea of a 5.7, considering the same truck with the 5.7 is $27,099.00, about 4k more.

I look up the MPGs for each truck (I know, what should I care about MPGs, its a truck, believe it or not, the majority of my driving is hwy, and I take several hwy work trips a year, so, it matters in the long run). According to the government, on nation average, 4.7 gets same mileage as the 5.7 (both 4wd). But then I ask every dealer the same questions:

1. Which engine is more fuel efficient?
a. They both get the same
b. The 4.7 will get about 4 mpgs more than the 5.7
c. The 5.7 will get better due to the MDS

And they vary from there. The 4.7 will get far better unless your towing something, then the 5.7 will get better towing, but worse in town or hwy than the 4.7.

So which is it, the only thing all dealerships can agree upon is that the 5.7 is a better engine.

Since mpgs are a concern I have looked at what GM is putting out there, in the same package of truck with the 5.3 2009, I am looking at $35,000.00 to $38,000.00.

So considering the financial investment as well as the lifetime warranty, it would only be smart to go with the Dodge.

What are your thoughts when comparing both the 4.7 and the 5.7?

 

I owned both the 2009 4.7 and the 5.7. The 310 hp 4.7 was actually pretty powerful a more linear power band. I averaged 17.4 on the highway with a 50/50 mix driving. With the 5.7 I get the best mileage on the highway with a best of 20 mpg straight highway. Average 50/50 mix driving is 15 to 16.5. These are all hand calculated. I hardly feel the power difference because I am always trying to get the best gas mileage and never floor the truck.

 

first the 5.7 is only about a 1300 option so for there to be a 3,000 difference the truck must have more options.as for fuel mileage esp on highway the 5.7 and 4.7 should get about the same just check the fuel mileage post in this forum.i
the 5.7 should have a higher resale also i never heard anyone say i shouldve bought the 4.7,get the hemi you wont regret it

 

If MPG is a concern a truck is probably not a good idea, but if a truck is needed then you are in a bad situation.

The 5.7 really wants 89 octane as well, which will cost you about $2.50 more at fill up time over the 4.7 87 octane. Just throwing it out there since you state MPGs are a concern.

You should probably get the 4.7.

 

If you do more highway driving then get the Hemi.

 

More power, same economy. Over the life of the truck, negligibly more expensive.

Push the limit and get the HEMI.

 

Get an 04.5 - 07.5 5.9L Cummins. It'll get better mileage and have more power. The real question is, What are you planning to do with it? If all you do is drive all highway miles, get a Prius and enjoy the 50MPG.

 

Problem with the 3rd gen is the interior and ride are much inferior to the 4th gen.

A Prius is cheap to run, but that's where the attraction stops for me. Buying a truck is not something one does on cost grounds.

 

I actually need a truck in realistic terms.

A prius isn't going to haul my dog and my hunting gear, besides I have a Geo I drive every other day.

 

Problem with the 4th gen is the hemi is much inferior to the 5.9 cummins
If they still made the 5.9 in the 09 hd's I wouldn't have even considered this truck