2009 Ram 1500

Pros- New, new body style, gas is cheaper, blue, 380 hp Hemi, better ride and interior
Cons- I'm guessing 15-17 mpg at best, no info out on them yet, coil over rear suspension, don't know a price

2006 Ram 2500

Pros- Cummins Turbo Diesel, could get 20+ mpg with programmer, it's a Cummins, I've always wanted a Cummins, very proven motor that should last 200k easily
Cons- Diesel is expensive, used (almost 80k miles, which is nothing for a Cummins), black, I don't NEED a Cummins, automatic tranny, don't know a price

I really really like the 09, but since they don't come out til this fall, I know nothing about them. I've always wanted a Cummins. They are the best diesel in trucks if you ask me (and a lot of other guys). I haven't seen the 06 yet, but it's a family friend, so I'm sure it's in nice shape and well taken care of. I'm just looking for your guy's opinions.

As far as diesel vs gas prices, 16 mpg with a gasser is the same $$ per mile as 19 mpg diesel. That is with $3.72 gas and $4.29 diesel.

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My uncle has both of those pickups, except his diesel is a 1 ton. Not the same years as you're looking at, but both recent models. Even though he's a Dodge guy, he doesn't like the Hemi. He says it hogs gas and he doesn't like it. He can't say enough good about the Cummins. It's used mostly to pull a very large horse trailer though. If you can justify having a big 3/4 ton pickup, get the Cummins. Otherwise get a Ford or Chevy half ton.

A guy on my crew at work has an 06 Hemi half ton. He has never gotten above 15 MPG with it. He usually gets 11 or 12 with it, and sometimes worse. That would be a tough pill to swallow with gas prices the way they are. A new vehicle warranty is a nice thing to have though, with the 09.

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I really do like the looks of the 09 1500s as well,my boss at work has a 05 1500 Hemi and he has never gotten more then 15MPG with it"usually 12-14MPG". The Hemi is a good motor for 0-60 power but for towing a 300HP 5.4 ford triton engine will out pull it when a trailer is hooked behind.I have seen this first hand,but that is the 345HP version not the new 380HP Hemi.

I really like my 07 2500 CTD so far,but if you are buying a vehical as a grocery getter the cummins might be a little overkill for you.
But if you do much towing,and want a truck that can be putting down 425HP and 810ft/lbs for under $500 in Mods the cummins might be for you. Not to mention that 06 still has a 100,000 mile engine warrenty on it yet,not that you should need it but its there for piece of mind.

I would say drive both and do some price comparisons and see what one comes up to be the best value for you. Dont think you will be dissapointed either way.

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