I could use a little bit of info here, guys. While my dad was at the local Chevy dealer for some parts, he found a 2003 quad cab short bed 4x4 auto Dodge 2500 for $24,000. It has 45,000 miles on it.
He is thinking about trading his Chevy 2500 HD 2wd crewcab 6.1 liter, which gets a whooping 9-10 mpg around town and about 12-13 mpg. His Chevy has 80,000 miles on it. The interior of this truck is super nice. I Believe it similar to the GMC Denali interior.

To me the decision is easy. Heck, for my dad the the decision is also easy. He drives a Freightliner oil distributer tanker truck powered with a Cummins daily. He just has to prove the numbers to his wife, my mother.

So the question is what kind of fuel mileage are you guys seeing with the '03's? What performance box/programer would you recommend? I really feel he'd be happy with just a small bump in power, so maybe an EZ.

 

Being you are in California, this 2003 will probably be a Standard Output truck with the 235HP/460TQ engine and 47re automatic. He will see pretty decent mileage with that combination.

My SO truck gets 21-22mpg on the interstate, 22-23mpg highway, and around 19-20mpg city (unloaded). Heavy towing mileage is 2-3mpg less. It's easy to put a fueling box or programmer on, but I've always found the stock power to be adequate for my needs.

 

Thank you. That's what I'm looking for. Anyone else?

 

I have an '04, and I have only had it for about 3 weeks, but it is getting MUCH better fuel mileage than my '06 does. Its getting 17+ in downtown Orlando, and I have already seen just over 22mpg at 65mph. I cant help but be happy with that!

 

i got an 03 SO if the truck is made late enough he may luck out and get the 48re tranny instead which is better of course. as for mileage i have a 4.5 lift and 35" tires on my truck and i still get 14-15MPG driving around town highway is around 18-20(i think for me). i also got a smarty JR and it made the biggest difference its like drving my dads HO(305/555) with the extra umff.

 

Thank you guys. Hopefully a few more will chime in...............

 

Just a little comparison info. I bought my truck used 2yrs ago for $21,000 (22000 miles). it is a 2wd, but I still think you can get them to come down a little bit, especially with a SO and possible 47re tranny.