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FordMan
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
19:31:48
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 Subject: Looking at buying a Dakota
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Message:
I'm going to look at a 98 Dakota this weekend. I don't really know alot about it. I'm at college and my mom called me and told me about it. I'm currently driving a 66 Ranchero that needs restoration. A good truck would make a nice ride while I fix up the Ranchero. My friend had a 96 dodge ram that was a great truck but I don't know alot about the Dakotas.
What should I keep an eye on when I go to look at it?
Are there any problems that these trucks are prone to that I should look for?
How powerful are the V6's?
I'm spoiled on V8 power and I don't want anything to weak. I'm not yet sure if it has a 6 or 8.
Any advice would be welcome.
I haven't had much time to look around but I got a whif of some animosity between Ford and Dodge here. I'm not into that. I appreciate all good vehicles. As long as it's not a Chevy. :D
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Rob454
Dodge Dakota
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4/05/2003
00:58:49
| RE: Looking at buying a Dakota
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Message:
Well Ill give you my opinion as a Dakota owner.
When it was new it was SOLID. it has 46 000 miles on it now and its still quiet as far as rattle and creaks. have had some problems with the frotn axle ( it broke off and I have the pics to prove it it was a manufacturers recall so it was fixed free) I also had a rear brake backing plate snap and rip amd mesed up the rear axle. I fixed that myself about 1200$ total. only because I had to buy a new axle. Id say that was a weak backing plate but it got fixed and have had no problems since.
as for power it has decent pick up especially in the higher RPM range. It has a 4.7 V8. im not gonna get in a pi$$ing match of the V6 vs a 318 360 vs a 4.7. I drove them all and liked the 4.7 the best. the V6 is ok on power but if youre used to a V8 you wont be thrilled. overall gas mileage SUCKS. besty I get is 15-16 when Im going really really easy on long drives. truthfully average is more like 12MPG. Ive tried all the dodge fixes and then some and doesnt matter. Now I do have 33 tires but it was just as bad with the 31s.
Overall Im happy with the truck. had some problems with it but they were fixed the truck runs great.
paint sucks on dodges. its thin. I can see mine cracking if I stare at it too long.Kidding about that but the paint is sort of cheezy as far as thickness.
Interior trim seems to wear well even close to 50 000 miles it has no real wear on the carpet or anything.
now for KNOWN problems
ball joints
FRONT
Brake pads
brake rotors
pretty bad they wear out fast lots of people complain about that. there are upgrades.
I personally had my stock brake and rotors for 40 000 miles with no problems. as soon as I hit 40K the rotors have small cracks in them. I cant say my rotors or brake pads were bad cause they lasted 38-40 000 miles. I can tell you that I believe the 33s were what caused the cracks IMO and thats nobodys fault but mine. But there are a lot of complaints about the pads and rotors
There are some recalls on little stuff and some more major stuff
As for a last word
if I had to get another dakota I personaly wouldnt get one again only due to the fact that both axles broke. Front one OK it was a recall and they knew it was gonna brake but the rear I dont see why it would break. it was jsut too much $$ spent too soon after I got it. Now I may change my mind if the thing lasts another 100K with no problems but i doubt it
Rob
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