Hi Dave, et al.,
Guess I'll chime in and put in a word for the small V-8-powered Dodge Dakota
SLT. After decades of running used stuff, I bought a 2002 this past summer.
They have two choices of V-8s, a 5.9 litre and a 4.7 litre unit that (I
think) is a Mercedes design. I chose the small V-8 with 4WD, auto, tow
package, etc. I live rurally on a 100-acre, near-wilderness homestead, and
have to go on rough roads in all kinds of weather. Chasing MGs around and
wagging in friends' break-downs from the outer limits is par for the course.
I have the Quad cab (four doors) and short bed. The longest tow so far is a
600-mile run to fetch in a ZB on a tow dolly (my preferred weapon-of-choice,
driveshaft disconnected, naturally). It hauls my motorbike with the tailgate
down, but it is a two-person job to load. Empty, it averages 17 mpg,
probably not as good as the V-6s.
Good luck with you choice, let us know how you come out.
Regards,
David F. Darby
http://www.mgbexperience.com/mgz
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