Frank,

If its not too late, have you considered a diesel? Not sure if the Misses would go for that but with fuel prices being what they are and you appear to be needing or at least wanting a full size vehicle, a diesel may be a good choice.

Once the Cummins was broken in good it has always gotten 23 mpg highway and about 20 mpg local. A friend and I recently installed a set of 90 hp EDM type injectors and an Edge EZ and the milage went up another 2 to 4 mpg depending on the driving conditions. (that is of course if the driver maintains discipline over his right foot :O)

Mind you the new 6.7 liter Cummins engines get significantly worse fuel economy during their break in period but gradually improve to near to very low 20's mpg. If you can find a 2007 model 5.9 liter, they still get great fuel economy. With a few other mods such as an exhaust brake, bypass oil filter, and a set of good gauges, the costs of maintenance goes way down.

Another nice thing about a diesel is that it can burn a wide variety of fuels if need be in the event of a shortage or SHTF.

Another thing is that Dodge has an $2.99 a gallon fuel offer for 3 years/12,000 per year. IF diesel continues past $5 a gallon, this might be a nice cost savings as well. If you can find a new 2007 5.9 liter. Even with a 6.7 liter, that is not a bad deal IF you are in the market for a NEW vehicle.

Diesels are not for everybody but for some applications they can't be beat.

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