My '99 Ram pick-up was retired recently (after over 15 yrs) for another Ram. I was all prepared to purchase a new '17 Power Wagon until I did my homework and ended up buying a slightly used '14 Laramie Ltd with ecodeisel (up to 30MPG) instead. Put some coin into it and transformed it into what I wanted.
Even with the added weight it still averages 19-23MPG...nice to go 500+ miles before refueling on a 26 gal tank. Can burn rubber from a dead stop too. I'm please so far.
Bought it like this:
What it looks like now:
Put a BAKFlip MX4 tonneau cover on it last weekend so I can lock up the bed.
My rationale has always been to buy a used truck. You save money and won't be afraid to use like a wheel barrel (which it is). Every little ding and scratch will bug you if you buy a new one...this I can take offraod without worry.
I added a BDS 6" lift with power steps for greater clearance and HID headlights with LEDs in the bumper for offroading:
[video=youtube;0-jNhzTS9cY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-jNhzTS9cY[/video]
I gotta tuck in the side mirrors in the tighter spots but it handles the backcountry just fine.
[video=youtube;q_ijoCm5AoI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ijoCm5AoI[/video]
Consider getting a used vehicle and use the savings to customize it. The ecodeisel rocks! Even when towing a large heavy trailer I averaged 17MPG.