| From | Message |
Chris S
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/27/2005
22:38:30
|
 Subject: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
Im kinda looking on and off for a truck to replace my 1993 C1500 Chevy. I found a nice 1996 Dakota today. It was very clean outside, inside, and under the hood. It has a 5.2L 318 Magnum and 4 speed automatic. Also has tinted windows, power locks, power windows, overall, a really nice lil truck. However, it has 195,000 miles. They are asking $3500. How does it sound? Im not too worried about the mileage since we have a 1500 Ram with a 318 that has 170,000 miles and runs just fine. Just looking for some opinions from some Dak owners. Thanks.
|
TheOtherBear
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/28/2005
13:51:57
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
For $3500, I hope it's a 4x4. :)
Personally, I wouldn't buy ANYTHING with 195K, but that engine will go a long time. You're much likelier to have tranny issues soon than engine issues. Ask the seller if you can get it checked out for compression, etc.
I got rid of my 97 Dakota at 160,000 - engine was fine but I was starting to have some electrical issues and my longtime problems with the front end were starting to come back. And the tranny started getting belligerent in cold weather.
|
Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/28/2005
14:34:17
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
That seems a little high for the milage. The engines do last a long time. See about getting a shop to do a basic inspection as suggested by theotherbear.
My 95 3.9L has 154k miles on it and runs as good as the day it came off the factory line.
- Dan M
|
Dodge Guy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/28/2005
14:46:58
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
Is this from a private party? It's always worth asking what they've replaced or repaired, timing chain, alt,tranny repair, etc.. It may already have some of the vital things that wear out done. Because like its been said the motors are solid it's the other things that can cost you
Good luck
|
JD
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/28/2005
18:35:39
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
Well it's 9 years old and has 195,000. I am sure it will last but higher miles means your odds of thing breaking are alot higher. I wouldnt buy it for $3500
|
Chris S
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/28/2005
22:00:48
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
I went back today to look at it again. Test drove it too. Engine runs great. Fires up fast, idles smooth. Lots of power. Had to be easy with the gas because it kept tryin to break the rear tires loose. From a dead stop it will roast 1 tire a good 50-60 feet and go fast up to wherever you want. It rides and drives good. The AC doesnt work in it though. Either motor or fuse I think...we talked him down to $3200 but Ima see if I can go lower tomorrow afternoon. I too agree that $3500 is too much...
|
Opinion
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/28/2005
22:46:44
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
By a Toyota. That's my opinion.
|
mddak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2005
07:32:53
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
make sure a set of wrenchs and a repair manual come with the truck, you'll need it.
I agree, a used toyota will outlast any used american truck and I have a dakota. I bought it because I have a set of wrenchs and a repair manual and it was a lot cheaper than a toyota, also i wanted a mid size truck.
Right now the tranny seal is leaking. I already replaced it once, time to do it again.
|
bottom line
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2005
15:34:38
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
If it's what you want the looks, the comfort level, the power level, and you can get the price where you want it then get it. The tranny is the most expensive problem you may incounter or may not. Any other problems you can call mods. Things you would want to upgrade the perfomance of anyway . These are pretty cool trucks with a little TLC
Enjoy
|
magill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2005
17:17:00
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
I bought my 92 dak with the 4 speed auto all power and it also has the 5.2 318 v8. Ive put over 14,000 miles on it and have paid less then about $200.00 for repairs. The daks are great little trucks mine has over 160,000 and runs like new.
|
jd
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2005
18:56:40
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
Well the toyota oulasting any american truck is B.S. I so tired of people saying jap trucks and cars are always lasting longer than American car/trucks.
|
01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2005
23:08:01
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
Not only will the USA truck last longer, but YOU will too if you happen to be in a collision. I put 217K miles on a '92 5.2 RC; least expensive "cost per mile" vehicle I ever owned. Original engine/trans/rear, too.
|
ricardcapecod
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/01/2005
13:22:05
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
If you are meticullous about maintenance, this can be a very expensive ride, specially, if the previous owner neglected it.
Here goes the list of probs i had since i got it new in 2000.
14 k--replaced upper, lower, left and right ball joints and control arms.
16 K---run out of gas, showing 1/8 on gauge. Replaced gauge
21 k---New battery.
54 k---replaced AC compressor, (seased), belt and fun clutch.
60 k---replaced upper and lower arms, b joints and outter left tie rod.
65 k---replaced rear sway bar bushings.
68 k--- extensive work on diff (noisy), and also, on the transmission. (NV 3500).
70 k---replaced diff and transmission.(brand new).
72 k---replaced left lower ball joint and inner left tie rod.
95k---replaced left and right upper b joint w/ moog ones, right on the next day after the recall and sent the bill to DC for a $400 reimbursement.
All of it done at the dealer under warranty. (No cost to me at all.
Besides, i did a bunch of other things as a simple maint.
60 k---replaced front rottors(powerslots), and pads. Also,replaced all 4 oxigen sensors.
80 k---replaced rear brake shoes, front hub and bearings assembly, (left and right).
95k---replaced inner and outter right tie rod and rear shoes,(damaged by ice between shoes and drum).
Now add all my mods, fipk2, fastman 68 TB, HO intake and cams, Gibson headers and 3 in single cat back, relocated fun clutch (to basement), Chip, Tstat, Edelbrock IAS shocks, OE fender flares, same collor (patriote blue) under front bumper, rear bumper and front grille.
Also have Piaa lights and windshield wipper, clear corners bla bla bla...
Chris S, i`m not saying don`t buy it, but i don`t think that that many people do maintain their autos like i do, so, good luck.
|
Mopar318
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/01/2005
18:52:37
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
Yours must be one of them built in Mexico. The only problem I had on my 96 were some guague issues, they were on crack. I have 125,000 still running strong.
|
DakotaMan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/01/2005
20:13:18
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a '93 that I bought with 91,000 miles on it. I now have 172,000 miles on it. The last 28,000 miles have been supercharged. The motors I've had always need a bit of attention and upkeep but I am impressed with the overall durability and performance of the 318. These motors just keep going.
|
jay
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/02/2005
16:08:33
| RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
my dakota is a 93 4x4 318 auto. canada truck. how about that one?
|
Rob W.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/04/2007
12:47:26
|  RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
I cannot reccommend a Dakota or any other Dodge product. I have a 98 and it is the bane of my existence. The blindspots are big enough to hide a whole vehicle (or several people). It's a gas hog. It's rear-wheel drive and I live in the snow and have to dig myself out of the shallowest drift. It wasn't covered under the recall of 2000+ Dakotas regarding bad tie rods and upper ball joints even though I experienced the exact same problem that could have resulted in a terrible accident (they were practically flailing about under there. The bill was $3,000.00, which is about what the piece of crap is worth.) I can't wait to trade it in for an Oldsmobile.
I have driven other Dodge vehicles (neons, Durangos, that new one with the climate control cup holders) and they all have had sightline issues. Dodge is the worst manufacturer on the planet.
|
Kowalski
GenIII
3/04/2007
17:46:20
|  RE: Buying a Dakota. Opinions wanted.
IP: Logged
Message:
Happy with mine, been running great for the 7 years I've had it.
Snow shouldn't be an issue if you are prepared for it...
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
