instead of a V8? My girlfriend dad is gonna get her one but told her that she doesn't need a V8, but i was in a similar situation when i got my 04 Dodge Ram and after doing some research found the differnce between a V8 Hemi and regular V8 was only about 2mpg! which is a differnce of about $6.80/ fill-up once a week, about a $30 /mo , i'd pay $30 a month more in gas to drive a HEMI!. So was wondering if mpg between the v6 and v8 is kind of the same? I already did a search and found a handful of threads with a bunch of numbers ,but i want direct comparisons from V6 and V8 owners and is there a huge power differnce between the two?

To get a direct comparison you would have to find people who own both a V6 and a V8. Otherwise there is so much variation due to factors other than engine size - driving conditions etc. Another significant factor that you don't mention is 2WD vs 4WD.

As you noted, there are already many gas mileage discussions here. I don't know what more you could need to know that hasn't already been said.

basically how much more does it cost to own a 2wd v6 vs 2wd v8 in southern cali from gas mileage perspective, can So. cali people with v6 and v8 post how much they spend on gas per month?

With a V8 I spend $50 a week to fill up and get 15.5 mpg(keep in mind I have a SC so have to put premium) would probably spend $44 without the sc. With a V6 you might get around 18-20 mpg and spend around $40. There are several threads about this with more detail info. do a search and you'll find them.

is the power from a v8 worth paying for compared to a 6?

I think it is, especially if you go with an 05.

Test drive both, then ask yourself "Do I need V8 towing power, or will the V6 be fine?? Mileage (about 2mpg difference), cost, resale??"

There are SO many variables!! Some people have buyers remorse after getting the V6 then wish they had a V8. I don't know why, I am glad for my decision to get a V6, and price was not an issue.

Sometimes the ego gets in the way of the decision of what vehicle to get, and salespeople really know how to use that as well. If you ask a salesperson about the choice, then for sure they want to sell a V8 to you. It means a higher priced vehicle.

The debate about reliability of one over the other is endless. I haven't yet seen a single thread where someones truck had an engine failure. Not one. Maybe I didn't look hard enough, but I'm fairly confident they are both reliable motors.

In the end, it's a personal choice, so drive both and decide.