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Danny
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
02:15:43
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 Subject: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I've been waiting to order me a 2002 Dodge Dakota CC 4x4 with a 5 speed and V8. At my work (a dealership) we just got in a 1999 Jeep Wrangler on a trade-in with 52,000 miles. It is a Sport with a ragtop, 4.0 engine, and a 5 speed! Very nice shape too! I can buy it for $10,500, which is well below the $16,800 blue book value. This super deal is hard to pass up, but I want to buy something fun AND reliable! (Jeep is obviously more fun!) The Dakota will cost me around $26,000, but this Jeep will save me A LOT of money, so I can accessorize with it (and afford to fix it if needed)! :-) Do you guys think this is a worth-while deal? How reliable are these Jeeps and the 4.0's compared to the Dakotas with 4.7's? Which would be better for year round driving and long lasting pleasure for years to come? THANKS!!
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mbbankk
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
02:37:40
|  RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
Jeep= fun in sun.. 4 banger.. no power.. no
towing... easy to break into
dak 4.7= fast as crap.. v8... lotso power...look
nicer imho, also, you would be more unique..
everyone has wranglers.. and its got a
reasonable amount of miles. Another thing, if
you accesorized a jeep.. it would only be on
the body.. it would be hard ( I imagine) to do
anything special to the engine.. but with a dak..
you can do almost anything.
It is a close draw, but if you have the money, I
would go with the dak.
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01RagTop
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
07:36:02
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I've had both -
87 Wrangler 4.0
01 Dakota 5.9
Wrangler - Fun little difficult putting up top in rain very easy to break into - straight 6 with enough power to do most anything but not enough to tow anything much bigger than a small U-Haul or a jet ski trailer. Limited cargo capacity. Wind noise whether top on or off.
Dakota - Tows anything including my 5000 pound fish & ski loaded with gas, etc for a weekend and take along 4 other guests with their gear in box. Great ride, great stereo, plenty of options to mod outside, engine, etc. Great takeoff at stop lights and enough power to lead most of the pack on highways.
My suggestion - Dakota
01 Black Dakota SLP+ 5.9 3.92 limited slip
01 Black Z28 Convertible 325hp (a few mods)
99 Viper Coral Fish & Ski 200hp Merc
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MACE
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
08:52:41
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I sold my 1998 Sahara to get my 2001 DAC QC
Initially, the JEEP had quite a few problems, but once they were all taken care of in the first year, no more problems at all.
Very fun vehicle and best summer vehicle on the road, bar none, when taking the top and doors off.
However, on slick roads that didn't warrant 4WD,
the JEEP's handling left a lot to be desired due to it's short wheelbase.
Tight fit for more then two.
Fantastic off-road capabilites.
Plenty of power in the 4.0 (can't speak to towing)
Never had a issue with the soft-top and break ins
-does it have real roll up windows?
Two different vehicles though, need to evaluate your needs to make the right decision.
Good luck...
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Jason O.
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
11:29:39
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
Like MACE said, they are two totally different trucks. If you go off-road alot, jeep hands down.
If you haul stuff, Dakota. The one good thing about the wrangler is that there thousands of aftermarket parts for it. With all the extra money you save you can do some wild stuff like a supercharger or a turbo (both are bolt ons form the after market)
Good luck
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Danny
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
11:29:45
|  RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
1. It's a 4.0 six, not a four banger. Plus it's surprisingly quick! There are some engine mods for the Jeep, such as chips, ignitions, intakes, BORLA header and exhaust. I would do much to the Dakota though fearing the void of warranty, plus if I spend $26,000 on the Dakota, you can forget about accessories for a while! That's the disadvantage of getting the Dakota!
2. Towing isn't a big deal. All I have is a little 15ft. 40hp boat I'm toying with right now.
3. Passenger comfort in the back wasn't too bad, especially compared to my Eagle Talon that I just sold!
4.Security I've already figured out. I'm going to get a alarm (probably Viper) with a motion detector (not as expensive as it sounds!) I got one on my dad's lebaron conv.
5. The stereo system WILL be tweaked with if I gotta Jeep, since I'll have a lot of extra money to spend on accessories! (it's what I like to do anyway.)
6. I live in Indiana, so the Jeep will be fun in the sun and fun in the snow! :-) But it lacks the mean looks I love of the Dakota, the seemingly unlimited cargo space, and the unlimited power I crave! But I'm thinking I'll go buy the Jeep today. If I change my mind later, I could sell it and not loose money on it since it retails at $16,800 now. Then I could get a 2002 with the rebate by then! Thanks for your help guys!
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MACE
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
13:42:40
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
Enjoy the JEEP, as mentioned, a fun vehicle...still miss mine on hot summer days or off-roading through those narrow trails in my area...during huricane Floyd, I had a blast driving through the rain and lakes of runoff and watching folks in their cars try to follow me and get swallowed up.
If you decide to keep it, plenty of aftermarket engine and body mods.
Tip, if you're gonna remove the doors, take out the #4 fuse so the overhead light doesn't remain on.
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Jeff
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
14:30:00
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I own both.
My black Wrangler currently has the 4Liter, with borla headers, exhaust, performance Cat, intake, 5.25" suspension lift, 33" BFG muds, and 5 grand worth of stereo equipment. I can tell you one thing, they are fun. My black 2000 Dakota QC has the 4.7, 4x4, 3.92 LSD, ARE tonneau, 3 grand worth of stereo equipment, blah blah blah. I can tell you my truck is fun as well.
Being 24 with some fun time on my hands, I enjoy the wrangler in the mountains. I enjoy it much less in the city. Even stock, they ride like poop compared to the dakota. The Jeep's 4Liter is probably one of the best engines out there today. Mine has an a$$-load of miles on it because it used to be my daily driver. It has had no problems. A couple of my friends own cherokees with the 4L, they maintain regular maintenance and they have over 250K on them. They drive up from California all the time. Engine has been perfect.
I can tell you one thing, when I was 20-23, the Jeep was so much fun and looked burly as hell with great performance and reliability. It was almost like an alarm clock when I turned 24, I didn't want to drive it around town anymore. My QC dakota has much better performance and rides like a caddy compared to the Jeep. I'm not sure about my new 4.7, but that's why I bought the extended warranty. I plan on lifting it as well. I can tell you now, the truck is more fun to me on a daily basis unless I'm up in the Cascades. Sounds like a great deal on the Jeep, but I wanted to give you some info to keep in mind. You may get bored of it in a couple of years. You could always sell it then and get the new hemi dakota :-).
I love them both and wouldn't get rid of either of them. Good luck on your decision. If you have any specific questions, regarding either vehicle, let me know.
Jeff
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MikeC
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
14:45:04
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
Like a kid in a candy store, it is tough to pick just one thing.
I'll be trading in my 01 CC for a Wrangler pretty soon. Reasons:
1. Wanting more of a toy - Jeeps def appeal more in that area for what I will do.
2. Monthly payments - time to refinance with a lower rate
3. More mods available - can take it offroad sooner
4. Gas Mileage - I go to far to work
(course if the stock markets EVER come back, I'll be back in a Dak when the 5.7's are out..)
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rEID tARDO
Dodge Dakota
7/26/2001
16:14:56
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I seriously doubt that you will get better gas milage in the wrangler, especialy if its got big tires. My friend has a 98 wrangler with the 4.0 and 33's on it and he gets about 10-12 mpg, way less than my 4x4 5.2 dakota...
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kota4bye
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
10:09:50
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
MACE,
Talking about floyd, where are you?
Mike J
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MACE
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
11:00:39
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I'm in the lower Hudson Valley region of NY.
I still have gullies in my yard from the runoff of Floyd coming off a big hill...keep filling them in, plant grass seed, but when it rains heavy, rocks and gravel now take those new paths of least resistence created by Floyd.
How about you Mike, where are ya and what kind of DAK do you have?
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kota4bye
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
11:25:05
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I'm in Swansboro, NC (we've had seven hurricans in five years) although I am originally from southern IL. I have a 99 4x4 5.2 spt cc mods include 32x11.50's, 3inch body lift, Mopar PCM, AirAid, QuickD TB, Gibson Dual Exhaust
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MACE
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
11:55:46
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
Truck sounds nice!
I've done quite a bit more mods to my DAK QC -vs- what I did to my Sahara (some exterior mods, just a drop in K&N filter)
My 2001 4.7 has a Flowmaster SUV 50 series muffler with custom mandrel bent 2 1/2 inch pipes, Jet Chip II, z-tube with 9 inch Pro-Flow filter, Autolite 3923s, and a RS 180 t-stat.
Waiting on Flowmetrics 70mm TB, will also get the IAT adjuster.
Speaking of huricanes, we got chased out of Kill Devil Hills in the mid '90s while vacationing, some real wicked surf!
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Manuel
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
16:03:05
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
I've driven a 98 Wrangle with a 4 cyl. It didn't have any power, but that shouldn't be an issue with the 4.0. We could have bought it from my dad very cheap, as my wife was looking for a car. The convertible is fun to have and it is soooo easy to get into the tightest spaces. She decided against it because she drove to Denver Inter Airport where it gets windy. The wind was throwing the jeep around and blowing the doors inward. They are great for having fun. I wouldn't want to take one on a road trip. The shorter wheel base also makes them squirley on snow packed or icy roads. I would own one because they are a lot of fun, but only if I had another vehicle. Just my little input.
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DarkFury
Dodge Dakota
7/27/2001
16:32:42
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
One question... How can you compare a "used" 99 Jeep Wrangler (with "high miles" I might add) to a "new" Dakota?
I just bought a "used" Dakota myself about 2 months ago ('99 4x4 Sport CC) and to be honest, I was looking for a "truck" with a bed and plenty of room inside... I didn't really want to deal with a "full sized" truck (too big in my opinion) and most of the other offerings were too small... like the Toyotas and Chevys).
I would think that a Jeep Wrangler is in a "different class" as far as vehicles go... What you need to ask yourself is... "Why am I buying a vehicle... what do I intend to do with it?"
If that entails "hauling", towing, or any other "pickup truck" features, then the Dakota is probably be your best bet... however if you are just lookin' for a "cheaper" fun vehicle, then the Jeep sounds like the ticket...
Either way... if money was an object, there are PLENTY of used Dakotas on the market that can probably get close to that Wrangler price... you just have to do your research.
(Yes, I know that since the Wrangler is there is is VERY tempting, especially at that price... However I know how it feels to be torn between 2 vehicles... I was torn between a '99 Dakota R/T (with higher miles) vs. my '99 4x4 Sport, however once I sat down an thought about the REASONS I was buying a truck, it became obvious that the 4x4 was my best option for the circumstance.
Well either way... I think you would be happy with which ever one you decide to get.
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nathanael
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/29/2002
16:44:27
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
It is stupid to even campare a V-8 truck to a I-6 SUV. They have two totally different purposes.
Of course the Dodge is going to be faster and tow more, it is a V-8.
But off-road, crawling, trail driving turning radius, dependability and durability the Wrangler wins hands down.
My friend has a V-8 Dodge and when I rip my Wrangler down the dried up creek bed and jump the bank my friend doesn't follow. I like wranglers best because I don't tow or need tons of HP. I love the torque my Wrangler has.
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Mark Smith
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/29/2002
17:20:00
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
Wrangler Rubicon.
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h2oblade
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/04/2004
11:38:58
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
hay I have a 4 banger in my wrangler and I have over 220 horses with little mods ( aem intake, borla cat back, stage 2 jet chip). I could have over 300 if and when I install a supercharger. Just think what you could do with a 4.0l whith the mony you could have spent on the other. Ir you are going to go off raoding then get the jeep. The only thing that I haven't been able to keep up with in the outback of maine is my freinds hummer ( not the h2 but the real thing).
I have pulled out all the other brans ( ford f450, toyota, nissan fronter, even a chevy) I have better offroad perfomance and turning with a jeep ( it was made for it trucks aren't ).The only thing I miss about my truck is havine a bed in the back ( jeeps dont have alot of room) If you want to know what you could do to a jeep then let me know. I have spent many hours doing rescerch
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123
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/04/2004
19:20:48
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
Here is your answer, buy the Jeep and put the 4.7 L in it.
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ralph4u2c
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/05/2004
15:53:50
| RE: Dakota or Jeep Wrangler?
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Message:
lol ya really be careful what u say, my whole life of trucks revolved around dakotas i loved them since my brother had a 99 yellow dak that could hope off the ground a bit from so much power and me with my v6 dak and dropped a 318 old school out of dart in it but times change and engines need to be updated. 4.7 WAS fast but now the new 4.0 v6 rangers can smoke them. watch what you say. in the long run youll save $ with the jeep so save ya $ and fun then buy something brand new and a brand new body style ... and be one of the first to trick it out.
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