hi i want to buy a used dodge diesel 2500 3/4 ton not a 4x4. i was thinking a 2003 or 2004. i heard the 2003 has more power.. i now own a regular cab 5 speed 95 dodge diesel 130,000 miles it runs great, i pull a 3 horse exiss weekender package with it. pulls good except up a steep hill it only does 40 mph. on the flat its great 70 mph or more if i want. it gets great milage empty like 23 mpg. pulling i think 16 mpg.. i forgot... am i better off to get automatic or stick? will the milage be bad with all the new power.. i am concerned about still getting good gas milage. are the 2002 still better on power then my 95.. help i am confused...

2003 was the all new Dodge truck, which did well. 2004.5 is the change to the big 600 (torque)I doubt you'll see that kind of mileage again, but the 6 speed manual will beat the 4-speed auto tranny. I wouldn't get the 2002 because of the improvements in 2003, I'd get the 6-speed manual and hope to get 18 mpg.