| From | Message |
JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2002
20:49:38
|
 Subject: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi,
I'm seriously considering purchasing a 2002 Dakota Sport or SXT (that 7yr/100,000 mile warranty is very tempting and I've always liked Dakotas).
Anyway, I think I'd prefer the 4.7 V8, but the 3.9 V6 might suffice (definitely cheaper... I can get an SXT Club Cab automatic locally for $16,788 after rebates, which seems pretty reasonable.)
I was just wondering what peoples' opinions were regarding the 2 engines. If I got the 3.9 would I regret it in the long run, or is the 3.9 actually a heck of a bargain engine, etc.?
What is the general consensus?
Thanks!
|
Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2002
21:04:30
|  RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
My used R/T with 10,000 miles on it was $17,000 and at the time I could have bought a new R/T for $18,000 so it seems to high for a v-6 to me, but then you are talking CC. You could option out a CC Sport with the stuff on the SXT and add the 4.7 V-8 and it sould cost about $17,500 after rebates. So do you want to spend $1000 for a nice mod? I'm sure you would put a lot more then that into v-6 mods just to get to the level of the v-8. And then you'd be close to done, or you can pay $1000 more now and have endless possibilities. The problem will be that the dealer probably doesn't have any 2wd v-8's (especially 5-speeds) on the lot and they will do what they can to sell you something they have right now.
|
TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2002
21:10:45
| V-8!!!!!!
IP: Logged
Message:
4.7 ALL THE WAY! Cheaper now than later!
|
JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2002
21:28:41
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks guys. That's kind of what I'm leaning towards anyway (the 4.7)... don't know for sure if I'm gonna even get one though. I currently drive a 97 WS6 (Ram Air) Trans Am and I haven't gotten myself completely convinced I could trade that monster in. :-)
Oh and Hersbird, the Club Cabs are is about a $3,300 option (according to Dodge's website). That's where all that extra cost comes from. This SXT CC I'm looking at has a sticker price of $20,000! Yikes, I know... but I guess the CCs are just pricey to start with, but I gotta have room for my 8 year old son in the back! :-)
Guess, we'll see... but I'd still like to get other's opinions (like maybe some pro-3.9 guys):-)
Thanks again.
|
Bob W
GenI
4/29/2002
21:44:29
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
4.7
|
Todd W
GenIII
4/29/2002
21:56:15
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
4.7L
The 3.9L is a -good- engine, but if your buying new and can afford it, go with the 4.7L
'00 RC Sport, Forest Green, 3.9L, 5-speed 3.55, Airaid Intake with relocated IAT, Autolite 3923s, Ported Throttle Body, Borg & Warner Cap/Rotor, Accel Coil, JBA 9mm Wires
'Do not trifle with me--I am a master of Chop-Off-Obnoxious-People's-Heads-Do!'
|
E
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2002
22:14:25
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
For $500 bucks more the 4.7 is a bargin. Just got one two weeks ago and it will run.
|
Hammerdak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/29/2002
22:30:04
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
4.7L all the way. It's as good on gas in real world driving as the 3.9L.Has the V8 power you're used to. The 5 speed if you want the extra pep of the line. The power does'nt really come on in the 4.7L until 3000rpm or so.The automatic is smooth and kicks down well though. ALSO.. check out the Quad Cab. If you're keeping the truck for a while and your son is going to reach anything over 5'10" he'll need the extra room. Plus he can let himself in and out alot easier. Just a thought.
|
juniork
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/30/2002
00:51:10
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
uh....mine runs too....pretty good.
|
JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/30/2002
01:45:24
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
I went and test drove a Sport 4x2 Club Cab tonight (the SXT I mentioned above was sold earlier today!)
It was a 4.7/auto combo. White exterior with Taupe interior, the Tire Handling Package, and the usual assortment of other options.
It was a *very* nice truck. Rode great and the 4.7 was responsive (though, admitedly, nothing like the 5.7 LT1 in my T/A... but then, I didn't expect it to be either).
After driving it though I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be satisfied with a the 3.9 V6.
Well... now to decide if I can actually bring myself to part with my T/A and (of course) to see if they (the dealer) will be straight shooters and not try to gouge me on my trade-in, etc. :-)
|
xplikt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/30/2002
10:55:13
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
If you go RC it will save you quite a bit of money. Brand new 02 RC SLT+ 2WD 4.7L LS 3.92 was 17K back when they weren't even on the lots yet, so it should be cheaper now..
|
SS_Dakota
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/30/2002
12:10:18
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
I have the 3.9 V6 and I am fully satisfied in the engine... can spin the tires in 1st and 2nd... although I have only done 2nd once.
Before this truck I had a dodge stealth RT and i was satisfied with the power going from an stealth to the 3.9 but that's me.
Test drive one before you make a decision... oh, and mine is a CC.
|
TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/30/2002
20:04:23
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
JonnyO, go to kbb.com and get your cars value (if you haven't already). Print it out and bring it to the dealer as a guide. Do the two deals seperately (trade-in value first then new truck price) as you're negotiating. They will "say" they go by kelley blue book, then offer way below. Thats when you show them your printout (don't show them too soon in case they offer more)! This way you'll have more money in trade-in value to use for the new truck!!
You might already know all this, I just thought it might help getting the truck you want a little easier!! ;- )
|
xplikt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/30/2002
20:16:35
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Dont even TELL THEM trade in yet! Settle the deal, THEN tell them... "oh, by the way, I changed my mind" Then you can go off from that price. Also, get invoice +rebates, farmers breau, and all that stuff, and nothing more! Invoice is soo easy to get, you just gotta get the balls to make them give it to you or go to a dealer where thats all they deal in. They already make their hold-back and sh!t loads off warranty and loans..what else do they want!
|
bruceman
GenI
4/30/2002
23:42:05
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
newbie...
man you stirred up some dust here eh?
personal opinion...
i have a 2002 sxt club cab 4X4, my girlfriend has a 2002 quad cab 4.7.
the quad has a little softer ride, but more power. the tranny on the quad is alittle different...doesn't fully lock up until up to temp (typical of the 45rfe).
you didn't mention if your lookin at a 4X4 or not, but i don't think your gonna find a 4X4 for that money.
If your goin 4X4, make sure you get the 3:92 gear and the HD suspension package...makes a lot of difference.
I your goin 2X2, why not go with the R/T for $1,400 more (depending on your options)and get a screamer? with the incentives and financing, that adds up to $22 a month more payment. (higher insurance i grant ya).
like a couple other posts noted, get what YOU want now...or wish for 5 years.
|
TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/01/2002
00:22:53
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
good points xplikt! I forgot to mention the farmers rebate. It cost me $35 to get $500, not bad.
The 3.92 is the best option you can add for the money, its very cheap and you'll be glad you did... if you can find a truck with it on the lot at least.
|
xplikt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/01/2002
01:15:08
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Manuals save a lot of cash (a lil under a grand if I remember right) and for 100-170 you can get a hurt shift kit so you can alleviate much of the lunge like shifting ;)
I love my Manual 4.7L! Hrm, not getting a V6 and going to a 4.7L is +500 and going to a manual is -900...soooo, you're now up 400!
|
Mac
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/01/2002
16:56:53
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Jonny O, I am selling a 2000 Dakota Club Cab. 4x4/4.7L V8/3.55 Tracloc/Flowmaster Duals/K&N Drop-in/Tornado/Jet Stage 2 Piggyback Chip/Practically new tires/Sportmaster Slantside/Bedrug Liner/Power everything. Email me, lets talk. Oh, did I mention that there is 60,000 miles left on the warranty?
|
TommyBoy
Gen III
5/01/2002
17:18:15
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Get the 4.7L, with the five speed manual, gotta have the five speed! I bought an automatic and i've regretted it ever since.
|
JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/01/2002
20:42:24
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
Mac,
Sorry, but I don't know your email (or how to find it here). You can email me at:
ta-6.6@cox.net if you like.
|
JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/02/2002
03:41:33
| RE: Newbie, thinking about buying 02 Dakota
IP: Logged
Message:
May be changing my plans from a new '02 to a used '01. Went to a dealer lot yesterday and they had a 20k mile '01 Club Cab SLT with the 4.7 and an auto tranny. Even the color I want.
Hmmm... so what would be a good price for a truck like this? It's got PW, PDL, Cruise, Bucket Seats and the Tire and Handling Package and the other usual SLT stuff I suppose (though no fog lights).
Thanks for the help.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
