Thai -

The key thing is that everyone should look at their needs and wants.

For us, the V6 made more sense -- the part-time 4WD and improved economy (albeit small, it does add up over time) is helpful when you look at the driving we will be doing. For example, the only time we expect to tow a trailer is to Home Depot when we need plywood or mulch -- certainly not a strain on the V6.

On the other hand, if you're serious about off-roading, towing, etc., there is probably no better choice than the V8. It gets reasonably good gas mileage, but the forums indicate a wide variance in what people really get with the engine (hence the term, YMMV).

That's obviously why they have the different options. It would have been perfect, though, if they had offered the V6 with the 5 speed transmission. (But as they say, wish in one hand and crap in the other, see which one fills up first... :rolleyes: )

Now we are counting the days till we join the list of happy 2003 owners.