Always buy more truck than you think your going to need. Because if you don't you will not be happy with the performance especially if your towing.. There is not a huge difference in gas milage between a 6 or 8 cylinder. Chevy made a good low cost truck with a 4.8l V8 and crew cab 4X4.. It was called the LS2.. I got one out the door brand new for 26,000. And I have seen the same truck in 2wd advertised for 19k...