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General Dakota Board
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randy hill
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
17:25:00
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 Subject: Should I by a Dakota?
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I am looking for a new truck to replace my Ranger and would like to try some thing different. I would like to get some feed back from Dakota owners who have bought a new truck in the past year.
Do you still like you truck as much now as you did when you first brought it home?
What do you like most about your Dakota?
What do you like least?
How would you rate Dodge’s quality?
What type of problems have you had?
Has the dealer been able to fix you problem in one visit when you took the truck back for service?
What type of mileage do you get with the V6 and auto trans?
Thank you for reading my questions and replying with you thoughts.
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
18:07:05
|  RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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Hey randy,
I bought a 2001 Club Cab 4x4 with a 3.9 and a auto tranny last July. I love this truck. I have had it into the shop once for a rattle that kind of comes and goes, dealer didn't fix it, but the sound is only heard when the air and radio are off, and even then it isn't all the time. Other than that, I love my truck. Every time I walk up to it to get in it, I am thankful that I had the resources to my this truck. I love the way it looks parked out in a lot all by itself. I average about 16-17mpg in my truck. I have put over 11,000 miles on it in the 7 months I have had it. This summer I will be putting about 1000 miles a week on it for my job and I have no doubt it will handle it just fine. You can check out my website for pics and other mods I have put on it so far. To make a long answer short...YES buy a Dakota. I have never regretted for a second having bought this truck. Good luck with your decision.
Bill
http://members.aol.com/btaylor04/BTruck.html
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fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
18:19:14
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I just bought a 2002 Dakota SLT Club Cab, 3.9L V6. Personally, I LOVE the truck. My biggest 'problem' would be the gas miileage, but then again, I don't know of ANY truck that has great gas mileage, and you can always install another muffler later on and a K&N air filter to equal that up. Drives like a dream, plenty of power, VERY comfortable, and looks great. No problems in 6000 miles. Highly recommend buying one.
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Hmmmm
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
18:26:16
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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These trucks aren't built well. Get a tacoma or tundra.
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Dan Gruber
GenIII
2/04/2002
18:29:57
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I'm a little outside your time window since I've had mine for 20 months and 31,000 miles, but here's my take:
I love my truck. I like it more now than when I first bought it, primarily because of the modifications I've done.
What I like most (in no particular order): looks, power, comfort, stereo, and the tight, screwed together feel it still has after 31,000 miles (every other vehicle I've owned felt really loose after 20,000 miles or so).
What I like least: the center console on the split bench seat (I wish it were narrower and the seats were wider); gas mileage (13.5 around town, 17-18 highway); and the fact that I have to lean forward to see stoplights because the windshield is short. Oh and it take FOREVER for aftermarket parts to show up for Dakotas because lets face it...Dakotas do not dominate the marketplace.
The quality on mine is generally good...a few little problems (squeaking seat bolts being the main irritant), but it has never left me stranded. But get ready for noises...clunks and pops from the front end in particular. Doesn't mean that anything has broken, but the Dakota front suspensions are noisy.
Dealers are a hit and miss thing...I've had mine serviced at three different 5 star dealers. One was really great, one was pretty poor, and one was just okay. Find a good service department with people that you can deal with.
Bottom line: no vehicle or dealer will be perfect. Buy the truck you want and be prepared to live with your decision.
Dan
2000 CC SLT 4.7 4X4 Auto 3.55 LSD
3 inch Performance Accesories lift & 32 inch BFG MT KM's
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kevster
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
18:42:52
|  RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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A big thumbs up! Buy Dakota.. I have two, my 2k Dak club cab, 4x2 slt+ looks like an RT now, and my 2002 quad cab 4x4 loaded. slt+. I have 36,500 on the 2k and no probs, both have the 4.7 motor automatic trans. I love em both, And I am glad I purchased them both. I will never ever go back to Ford, GM. Toyota, mazda. I have owned alot of vehicles in my time, and Dodge is it..#1 Babe!
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Lesley
GenIII
2/04/2002
19:48:40
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I love mine too! It looks great, handles great, is very comfortable, dependable and reliable. I don't find it that bad on gas, and my last vehicle was a tiny import.
97 3.9 CC Sport. Black. Auto 3.55
Quick D Intake, JBA Stainless headers, Autolite 3923s, stainless Borla Turbo XL, V8 R/T TB,
FMS fuel injectors
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RichLoss
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
21:23:12
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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HEY RANDY!
Did you say you wanted something "DIFFERENT"?
DODGE DIFFERENT
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Todd W
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
22:15:55
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I'm a little outside the time frame too, but...
2000 Sport 3.9L Manual Regular Cab, just rolled over 28,000 miles on it and hauled a loaded 5x8 trailer from Michigan to Florida. No hiccups! No worries. Truck didn't complain when I ran 4th gear at 80MPH across Kentucky.
I've _never_ had a lick of mechanical trouble with the truck. There was a paint spot that showed primer, and one of the wheels started to 'flake' it's finish off. Both we're fixed promptly, then they gave me a free key (I keep locking myself out, no more!).
Other problems? I broke a fog lamp off... god those are expensive! Best Buy installed some speakers for me (Didn't have the proper tools, nor somewhere to work on it) and seems to have 'misplaced' the retaining clip for the window crank. Oh, and some idiot rear-ended me.
I was surprised, the truck took that well. A mid 70's chevy full size slamming into me at 40mph? Minor damage. Ended up replacing the bumper, having the bed re-aligned, and getting the back of the cab touched up.
It'll haul a _lot_ of stuff in the bed, although a 4x8 sheet of plywood will only fit _above_ the wheel wells. Ah... at least they provide little notchs so you can put 2x4 crossbars in to hold the plywood up.
Seats are comfy, control placement is good, engine is fairly strong for a V6 I think. The truck looks mean, goes good (went _real_ good across Daytona Beach... heh... nice senery... and the ocean is cool too!) offroad for a 2x4. I'd recommend getting the upgraded wheels, the slightly wider ones. The truck looks more agressive and I think it handles better.
Would I get my truck again? No, I'd get an extended cab with the 4.7L V8. But then, money was a major constraint at the time and this truck beat the other options in it's price range for me, hands down!
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Todd W
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2002
22:15:55
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I'm a little outside the time frame too, but...
2000 Sport 3.9L Manual Regular Cab, just rolled over 28,000 miles on it and hauled a loaded 5x8 trailer from Michigan to Florida. No hiccups! No worries. Truck didn't complain when I ran 4th gear at 80MPH across Kentucky.
I've _never_ had a lick of mechanical trouble with the truck. There was a paint spot that showed primer, and one of the wheels started to 'flake' it's finish off. Both we're fixed promptly, then they gave me a free key (I keep locking myself out, no more!).
Other problems? I broke a fog lamp off... god those are expensive! Best Buy installed some speakers for me (Didn't have the proper tools, nor somewhere to work on it) and seems to have 'misplaced' the retaining clip for the window crank. Oh, and some idiot rear-ended me.
I was surprised, the truck took that well. A mid 70's chevy full size slamming into me at 40mph? Minor damage. Ended up replacing the bumper, having the bed re-aligned, and getting the back of the cab touched up.
It'll haul a _lot_ of stuff in the bed, although a 4x8 sheet of plywood will only fit _above_ the wheel wells. Ah... at least they provide little notchs so you can put 2x4 crossbars in to hold the plywood up.
Seats are comfy, control placement is good, engine is fairly strong for a V6 I think. The truck looks mean, goes good (went _real_ good across Daytona Beach... heh... nice senery... and the ocean is cool too!) offroad for a 2x4. I'd recommend getting the upgraded wheels, the slightly wider ones. The truck looks more agressive and I think it handles better.
Would I get my truck again? No, I'd get an extended cab with the 4.7L V8. But then, money was a major constraint at the time and this truck beat the other options in it's price range for me, hands down!
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dakdrvr4x4
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
06:06:43
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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Buy it. I have a 2001 cc 4x4 4.7 l v8. I love it. The only negative would be the small aftermarket but thats not all that bad. I generaly agree with everyone else, but drive it once and im sure you will want one.
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doer
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
08:36:05
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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Friend, spend the extra $600 dollars and get the v-8. I'm serious . you'll regret it if you dont. Other than that, and the fact the heater, fan ducts ,...whatever sound as loud as a vacuum cleaner on high, i love mine. 2002 3.9 4x4 reg cab sxt.
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fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
08:44:04
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I would agree about the V8. I can't say I 'don't like' the V6, but I will say that when I get my truck paid off, I will probably invest the money to drop a 4.7L V8 in my truck.
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Knobbyman
*GenIII*
2/05/2002
10:22:26
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I just wanted to say.. I haven't noticed any negatives but the one from "Hmmmm" but isn't it funny how the people who don't like the dakota don't show there face, and also don't say why they don't like it?
Anyway I have a '01 QC 4.7 4x4 and I love the thing I have to agree about the gas milage but it's no worse then any other v8 truck 14 mpg last time I filled up that's all city by the way.
It's a great truck the only thing I can complain about is the Service shops I've gone to. But I've found a good one and it's the closest newest shop to my apartment so it all works out. I'd just say watch where u take your truck to be serviced. It's not Dodge that's the evil one it's the shops.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----
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McClane
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2002
11:38:46
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I traded in a brand new 1998 Breeze with 21 500 km for a used 1995 Dakota with 71 500 km. People thought I was crazy for doing so, a brand new vehicle for a used one.
It is now over 6 months since I've owned the Dak, and let me tell you I practically use the vehicle 7 days a week. I've had no problems with it and the vehicle seems quite sturdy.
If I had to do it all over again, I would opt for the 4.7L engine rather than the 5.2L. The weak intake manifold gasket is causing the 5.2L to ping quite badly. That means looking for a Gen 3 Dak rather than a Gen 2 Dak.
Oh yeah, I didn't think that the Gen 2 Daks had an overhead console, but I saw one that did. Having an overhead console would be a nice touch.
Other than that, no complaints whatsoever.
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Allen Ewasiuk
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2002
05:56:54
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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Yes. Why? I have owned two and just bought a third one. Plus, I helped find a 1994 Dakota truck my mother wanted.
I fell in love with the dakota the first time I saw it in a commercial in 1987, but never made enough money to buy one. Alot of Dodge haters have teased and persecuted me, but I will never get another brand and I have had many.
I bought a dodge daytona in 1988, owned it for 6 years no problems. Bought a 1990 Shadow es turbo for four years, no problems. Then I was in a perfect time in my life, I was making enough money to finally buy a new Dakota. It was a 1995 long box with a v6 manual and I owned it for 2.5 yrs. Then came the new model design and just had to get one. So once again I was at the dealership, and walked out with a new 1997 Dakota v6 manual short box. I put 7,000 in bolt ons and was about over five years old before it was stolen. After the truck was written off, I purchased a 2002 Dakota SXT extended cab with v6, automatic, air, cd player, nice rims and bigger tires. I am in more love with the Dakota then ever before and will not look at another brand.
Also, my mothers truck is a 1994 Dakota extended cab v6 fully loaded, bought used. Bought it three years old with 100,000 kilometers, five years later it is running perfectly with absolutely no problems with the truck at all.
If this doesn't convince you, nothing will.:)
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scat pack
GenIII
2/09/2002
11:56:07
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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YES ! Dodge quality is better than Ford,both reliability and engineering. A few minor glitches compared to my old Toyotas but I'm not looking back. Toyota quality has been going down anyway. Don't settle for the 6,get the 4.7 if you have to make them order one, milage is just as good. It's tough to find the 8 in a regular cab, I found a dealer who had one coming in in a month and waited for it. Some dealers will try to get you to buy a heavily optioned truck to get the 8, but there are alternatives.
2K RC 4.7 4x4
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Plex
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2002
14:32:44
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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Dakotas are very nice trucks and best in class. Please, you cant even compare the Dakota to the S-10, Ranger, or Tacoma. Tacoma can compare in price (Tacoma waaay overpriced) but thats it =) I would recommend getting the Quad version if you plan on having lot of people with you ie being a taxi. If I had to do it over again, I would prob get either the Quad or a Durango but thats because recently, there has been a boom of my friends being retards and getting into accidents LOL
I hope when the new Dakotas come out, they make the ext. cab four door like the Tundra and Rangers. Or even go the route the Ram went and only offer a Quad. Hmmm *thinks* four-door Dakota with 5.7L Hemi engine *drooools*
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2002
15:06:06
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I've had my 2001 Quad Cab 4x4 sport with a 4.7 for almost a year now and havent had a single problem. Like the others said, go for the v8, you won't regret it!!!
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Dr Q
DakotaEnthusiast
2/09/2002
15:24:47
| RE: Should I by a Dakota?
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I LOVE my Dak! With incentives, I got it at a Great price $15.9K! Looks awsome! rides good. In the year I've had it only had to take it in once for an A/C leak and loose ground strap; fixed in a day! About the 4.7/5sp/3.92, I can't say enough I got it to tow, it does, but it also put my brothers Mustang to shame. Good price, good looks, and awesome performance-so cool! My first MOPAR won't be my last!
Q
Dr.Q
'01 Patriot Blue SLT RC 4.7 5sp 3.92 pegleg
0-60 @ 6.20sec.
1/4mi @ 14.75@97.1
Home Brew Airbox
K&N Drop In
Lakewood Traction Bars
Dremel TB Port and Polish
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