I have a '95 2500 Dodge diesel, and yes I also get 20 mpg and better. I am ready to buy a newer modle, but don't want to give up the good mpg I have now. After reading many posts it appears that the 2001 with 3:55 rear end, 4x2, manual would be the best bet. Does the 24v make a difference?
Thanks,
OkieTrailRider

 

I think that the 24 valves are slightly less efficient. Around 1-2 less miles per gallon.

Why buy a newer model? Take that money any play with it, you're truck won't leave you...

 

The best year is '97 but I may be partial. Nothing better tha a 12v 5.9. Well maybe a 6.7 we will have to see.

 

Need a Quad Cab...grandkids are moving back :-)

 

98 12v for sure.The 98's were quadcab and the 12v is a much more reliable engine and gets better mileage.You can get a shortbox in that year too I think

 

You need to choose between fuel mileage and grandkids then

 

I honestly don't understand ... my 2005 QC SB 4x2 48re gets 21 mpg with mixed highway city. I can get 19 city and as high as 24 on the highway.

Do the 12V trucks let you drive it like you stole it and still get 20 mpg?

Ryan

 

my previous '01 2500 235/460 2wd auto 3.54 would average 20+ mpgs on my 600 mile a week commute. My present '03 2500 2wd 305/555 HO 3.73 NV5600 gets 22+ average on the same 600 mile commute. The '03 HO has much much better towing performance and gets great mpgs.
Best for me means good mpgs for my long commute plus towing my 11200 lb 5er................JIM

 

Im partial to the 12V

a 98 quad cab would be the best bet, But some of the 2wd rig third gens ive been around get into the 18-20 range as well, Im partial to common rails and will eventually find one as a stablemate for my truck

Rick

 

Maybe it depends on what "best" means. I love the rugged simplicity of the 1st gens and had a blast with mine. And it was cheap. But it was also a major PITA (except for the Cummins). My '04 just amazes me at how nice it is, how it seems to get better mileage than the later ones, and the outrageous way it tows. It is comfortable, has minimal emissions stuff, and great brakes. Now I'm looking at those 6.7s. Wondering about the new Aisin trannys and dreaming of a possible 750 ft. lbs of torque. Hmmm. Maybe there is no "best".

When I got my first gen , I bought the Cummins and put up with the Dodge housing. Now the design is fully integrated and I love the "housing".

Maybe the best one is the one owned at the moment, whatever it is.

Wetspirit

 

2001, I know I miss mine.

 

Im plenty happy with my 2001 and have yet to find any good reason to get rid of it. However, the C&C is catching my eye. Going to take a lot of convincing to get rid of my Dodge. As long as its a good vehicle that you're happy with and has all the features you like, you might as well keep it. Like with mine, I know the history over the last 3 years/40k miles and thats keeps me happy. Also, since warranty is now gone for me, my parts are starting to filter in over the next month!

Thats my .02

 

Power uses fuel. No matter how you slice it, you pay for performance. The newer trucks will never get the same mileage as an older Cummins stock for stock, but they make a lot more power.

 

Best year..... 2005 of course....

 

I don't know what you people are thinking.

You all know that the 03 SO is the best. Okay, maybe not, but i really like mine.