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DownLowDRL
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2002
22:59:19
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 Subject: Dakota Reliability???
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Hey guys. I just stumbled onto this page as I was looking for info on the Dakota. I'm interested in purchasing an R/T and I'm looking to find out how reliable they (or any Dakota for that matter) are. Are there any quirks with these trucks? How does the tranny hold up? Have there been any recall problems with Dakotas? Thanks
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Todd W
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2002
23:06:55
|  RE: Dakota Reliability???
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My 2000 Regular Cab Sport, V6 5-speed, has held up remarkably well! I've been very happy with it, although the paint job needed about one more coat at the least...
Overally, I've had no mechanical problems at 25000 miles. I've used it as a truck and as primary transportation. It's been loaded with 24 bales of hay, and has pulled a loaded U-haul trailer from Michigan to Florida in 4th gear at 80-85 mph on average (5th gear was used, but not as often as 4th!). In retrospect I'd opt for a V8 in the future. I plan on getting a new Dak as soon as the 5.7L is available, hopefully I can get it in a 5-speed too! :0)
The Dakota's seem to lack a lot of the 'standard' comforts. The dashs are very utilitarian but functional. The seats aren't anything special, but I find them comfertable. It's a truck, and it does the truck's job very well. The 2wds handle like sports cars, I'm always pissing people off by turning my truck in less space than there small car takes. :0)
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Patrick Simeo
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2002
15:54:55
|  RE: Dakota Reliability???
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I have a 98 4x4 SLT Club cab.
Weekdays include a 100 mile round trip to NYC and back.
Weekends include construction work. Supplies, hauling debris, and other more recreational things.
4 years old 120,000 miles on it and it runs like it is brand new. All I have ever done is Quaker state oil change every 3,000 miles.
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JimB
GenIII
3/13/2002
16:25:34
| RE: Dakota Reliability???
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The R/T will give you 5 more horsepower.
It'll require Premium fuel.
Your towing capability will be limited.
99 SY 3.9 Dakota Sport
99 PB 5.9 Durango SLT
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Proximo
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2002
17:07:54
| RE: Dakota Reliability???
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At the higher trim levels, the Daks are pretty plush. I have a loaded 2002 4.7L CC Sport that rivals the Audi A4 2.8 I traded for it in comfort and conveniences. The fit and finish with my Dak is superb.
As for reliability, mine is too new to judge (<1000 miles), but I have a friend with a 2000 SLT, and a couple of friends with 2+ year old Rams, and I questioned them extensively before I bought mine. They all had good things to say about reliability.
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DaveR
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2002
19:40:56
| RE: Dakota Reliability???
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I have a 94' 318 with 85k on it and I have had no real unexpected probloms besides the fuel gauge, which is typical for that year. My father has a 99' v6 with about 25k and it has only had the computer reflashed to take care of spark knock. Tey seem to be a great platform to build proformance toys off of and have support forums like this that are for the most part invaluble.
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DeaPee
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2002
22:08:47
| RE: Dakota Reliability???
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I have a 01 that just turned 5,200 miles. It's been reliable except for a few things that me and the dealer got worked out in the first month or so.
Mine's an SLT with a center console and 2 bucket seats. I like the snug fit when I drive, and I'd say the inside is more functional than the top model F-150's or Rangers (I work at a ford dealer). Overall, I like the truck, and I plan on keeping it for at least another 5 years.
- Dave
- 01 RC SLT 4x4 3.9 BLACK
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BearHit
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2002
23:05:43
| RE: Dakota Reliability???
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I have to jump on Patrick's Quaker State bandwagon.
I have a '93 CC with 160K and plan to award it to somebody when I get my new QC this fall.
My gas gauge has Alzheimers also.
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SinCity R/T
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2002
02:00:40
| RE: Dakota Reliability???
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The 5.9L has more than a 5hp advantage over the 4.7L.
R/T's do not require premium fuel - only if you use an upgraded PCM
The tow rating is limited to 2000lbs because of the lowered suspension
I've heard mixed results with these trucks... I've had problems galore with mine, but I know of others who haven't had anything go wrong. Even with the problems, I really like my truck.
SinCity R/T
http://www.dakota-durango.com
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Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2002
11:36:59
| RE: Dakota Reliability???
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The R/T uses a drivetrain that is very old and proven. Even if things go bad the replacement parts are about as inexpensive as you can get and they go on so easilly and quickly even labor rates are low. There isn't much else to the truck but the drivetrain, the computer or PCM is simple and comparibly dirt cheap. The front suspension in all 2wd Dakotas seems to have problems with ball joints going bad more frequently then would be expected, but some people don't have that problem at all either. My truck has really low mileage (13,000) so it's not a good example, but it has been trouble free. The R/T may only have a 5 hp advantage over the 5.9 in the Quad Cab but it has a 10 ft-lbs of toruqe advantage, and that's only if you were comparing a cc to a quad cab and ignoring the added weight the QC has to carry. Stock the R/T doesn't not need premium, and Dodge even reccomends 87 for it. I got the MPPCM and while I plan on using 89 or 91 I still have a full tank of 87 and I have never heard it ping (although it is still cool out). If you want to tow with the R/T $250 in the rear suspension will put you right back into the 6000# capasity range, and not hurt the .88-G skidpad a R/T will pull.
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