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motruckguy
Dodge Dakota
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3/09/2004
10:46:54
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 Subject: Thinking of buying a new truck
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Hi,
I'm thinking of buying a new truck...I currently drive a POS Ranger 4 cylinder. Basically I'm wanting something with more room than my ranger...I'm looking at crew cabs.....I want a 4x4...and the most I'll be pulling would be a jetski at some point.
Factors are:
-gas mileage
-money
My question is do you think a dakota would be the right truck for me that wouldnt' break the bank. Is it safe to buy a dakota with the recent ball joint troubles....and should I be looking at a v8 or a v6?
Thx!
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R/TforSale
Dodge Dakota
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3/09/2004
10:51:38
|  RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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selling my R/T cheap...
although it's not really cheap to own, at least in my case.
230/month for the truck, 300/month insurance (22 and 4 points) and about 240-280 miles to a tank ($35.00 on premium)
but i do alot of long distance traveling, so...
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Dak97
Dodge Dakota
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3/09/2004
12:41:10
| RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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I think I saw a post in the Ford Truck Enthusiasts, too. I can tell you from experience (I own a 88 Ranger 2.9 4wd x-cab and 97 Dakota 5.2 auto x-cab)that the Dakota would be perfect for your needs. The Dakota is very reliable and to be perfectly frank not every Dakota is inflicted with balljoint issues. I just replaced mine and it was a pretty cheap job. Every make has their own distinct problems. The Rangers have lousy automatic hubs and their auto trannys are poor. I would without hesitation buy one with a 318 V8 and bypass the 3.9 V6. I get about 14-16 mpg and the V6 is not much better. My Ranger gets about 18 mpg. The difference in power is quite noticeable between the V6's of Dodge,Ford to the 5.2 V8 of the Dakota. All in all the Dakota is an awesome truck that is stylish, fun to drive and a workhorse. I strongly recommend.
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Hammerdak
Dodge Dakota
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3/09/2004
22:23:02
| RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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The jet ski won't need much to tow it.
Let me say , "I love my Dakota QC."
But in your case (here comes the hate mail) if you want more passenger room, fuel economy, and low price, why aren't you looking at small sport utes?
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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3/10/2004
01:07:28
| RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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motruckguy - if you're looking at '04s then you need to hear from someone who has the 3.7l V6 that replaces the 3.9 this year. It's got 35 more HP and 10 lb/ft more torque and might be worth considering. Better yet go and drive a few of each and decide for yourself. Dakotas are great trucks and from what I hear have no more inherent problems than most other domestics.
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motruckguy
Dodge Dakota
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3/10/2004
09:37:49
| RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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hammer: I did want a way to all things....you can always make money or life easier with a truck! But an SUV wouldn't be out totally. What would you reccomend that's not too small?
If I go Dakota do you think I should go new or used?
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MY H3RO
Dodge Dakota
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3/10/2004
10:27:10
| RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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I have a DAK with the 3.9. My wife has a Jeep Liberty with the 3.7. Runs circles around my Dak.
Just don't try to change the oil filter in the 3.7. When she bought it I took one look and said take it to the dealer for oil changes. If you buy a Dak be sure to put a tonneau cover on it. You won't believe the gas mileage savings.
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Mag318Num
Dodge Dakota
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3/10/2004
20:12:19
| RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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I think if you're looking at gas mileage, you should probably drive the Tacoma double cab and see how you like that. It is less powerful than the Dakota, but they don't have ball joint issues. In fact, they have a better track record for reliability than any other truck on the market. Plus, the resale value is much higher when you want to trade it in or sell it. If the power difference gets to be a factor, you can always have Toyota install a supercharger and it will fit right in with the factory warranty. I own a Dakota, but if I knew then what I know now...
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Hammerdak
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
18:32:05
| RE: Thinking of buying a new truck
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Motruckguy.
I have always had pick-ups, atleast my last 4 vehicles have been, so I know how their utility is a big factor in your decision.
That said , my wife and I replaced our 96 Quest minivan with a 04 CRV in December. It's probably not what you'll want(underpowered for towing) but suited our needs to a tee.
We looked at the Rav4, VUE, Escape and Tribute. There is also the Forester,Xterra, Sante Fe and Sorento.
Of those the Forester has the best reviews and ,with turbo, out runs the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 .
My wife just hated the station wagon look.
The Saturn VUE was the best in room,power, features and price but I've a work bench in the garage and the VUE was just too long.
The Xterra will do a good job for your needs but is underpowered without the supercharger, sucks premium gas and lots of it with the supercharger. It's just too heavy a vehicle , but handles well otherwise.
You really have to look at them for yourself to see what works for you though.
If a Dakota is really in your mind I wouldn't hesitate buying used. Just stick with a low mileage gen 3 (newer style)with the 4.7 V8 and you
will be off to a good start.
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