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S10-NOmore
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2003
19:42:31
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 Subject: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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Hi! I'm the proud new owner of a 2003 QC that I purchased 2 weeks ago. I only found this forum the night I purchased my Dak. The first post I saw was in regards to Sludge - and wasn't a good place to ease buyers remorse. After a few hours of research I found out that this was more of a problem with the 4.7's - I have a 3.9.
Anyway I have discovered the the build quality isn't quite up to what I've been used to with the GM products I've driven over the past 23 years. The first problem I discovered was that the taillight wire harness was partially done in the plastic split loom as one would expect - but on the left side it was loosely wrapped in electrical tape. Not too big a deal, but - the next thing I discovered kind of alarmed me.
The 2 hoses that connect the fill tube to the fuel tank had hose clamps that were just dangling - they had never been tightened to connect the hoses firmly. My truck was built on Tuesday, June 24th 2003. I've read here that you shouldn't buy one built on a Monday or Friday. I guess that those parts where done on Monday!
Anyway - I'm am extremely pleased with the vehicle so far. I've owned 6 S-10's previously - all underpowered with 2.5's, 2.8's and 2.2's. I know the 3.9 is a bit small for this size vehicle but so far It packs more punch than any of the s-10's I've owned. My wife says it reminds her of her 3.8 98 Camaro in handling and acceleration. The is the first vehicle in many years that I actually look forward to doing some mods on. This is also a GREAT forum.
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WELCOME
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2003
22:48:44
|  RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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Hey, welcome to the forums. This is indeed a great place to get info and meet up with other Dak owners.
I would agree that the 3.9 is a little underpowered for a QC, I have the same engine in my CC and at times it can be a bit sluggish. Overall though, it is a decent engine.
I owned a s-10 Blazer 4X4 before buying my Dak. I am superbly pleased with the build quality compared to my GM POS. It is inevetable that you will find a couple things that will need to be adressed by your' dealer with any new truck.
I'm actually thinking about trading in my truck to get a 2004 CC 4X4 with the 4.7
Good luck with your truck, and welcome!
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Quad
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
11:29:00
|  RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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I bought my 03 Quad with the 3.9 in May. Thursday build date. Been an excellent truck. I'm not much on the latest/greatest technology when it comes to motors so the 3.9 does everything I need it to do. I've pulled some pretty good grades with the cruise on without shifting down. The dealer really offered a good deal on the 3.9 with auto transmission. The 4.7's offered had too many options and put the price out of my reach.
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03 RC Dak
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
11:47:30
| RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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whe do you are you able to find the build date on the truck?
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S10-NOmore
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
20:15:00
| RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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The build date is on the white tag when you open the drivers door. It also gives you the weight rating of the vehicle. Another source of information is the white tag stuck to the inside of the glove compartment - shows options and paint used on the vehicle.
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BadDak
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
21:18:18
| RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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Don't expect that to be the first or last problem you have with your Dak, S10-NOmore. But Dodges are good learning tools if you're not mechanically inclined, because they always give you a chance to fix something that you've never had go wrong in a vehicle before.
The Dak is a great high school auto shop tool.
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S10-NOmore
Dodge Dakota
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8/12/2003
22:14:03
| RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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I now HATE my dealer. I had a scratch on the paint on the roof - nothing too major. I would have been satisfied with just a touch up pen. They wanted to keep the truck 3 days because they don't have a body shop. I almost didn't do it - but the salesman talked to the general mgr and got me a rental.
Well.
I picked up my pickup today - and the asswipes that did the touchup resprayed the whole roof. looked good. BUT - they must have taken it muddoggin. The truck was all muddy and someone had climbed into the bed with clay covered shoes and and ground their feet into the bed in nice swirly patterns. IM FURIOUS.
I take it in for one scratch and get it back with 100. They even managed to scratch the fender outside the bed. My truck just clicked over 500 miles.
What can I do?
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ZenDak
Dodge Dakota
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8/13/2003
08:04:59
| RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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Go rip'm a new one!
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modain
Dodge Dakota
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8/13/2003
14:40:43
| RE: New Dak - Assembly Line Goof
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I have a friend that had a 2001 QC. Took it in for a recurring torsion bar problem. When he got it back it had been 4-wheeled, a muddy mess with 250 miles added. And the torsion bar was still broken. He was furious and ripped into the dealership.
Don't know all the details, but they replaced his truck with a brand-new identical 2003. Pretty nice trade. Don't think you can get a new truck out of your deal, but do not settle for anything less than complete satisfaction on your part. After all, they joy rode your vehicle and messed it up.
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