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98FlameRdDak
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
01:09:49
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 Subject: What made you buy
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Been reading this website for 6 months now and I have wondered after reading about the bad gas milage, the poor upper ball joints and all the other problems with Dakotas....what made you buy yours?
Just wondering out loud......
Mark
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Dak318
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
01:21:48
|  RE: What made you buy
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Mine was cheap!!!!
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Dr. D
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
01:36:51
| RE: What made you buy
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There is a remedy for the crappy ball joints and
the bad gas mileage.
For ball joint problems - Replace the ball joints
with a set of NAPA ball joints.
For bad gas mileage switch over to the AMSOIL
lubricants (bumper to bumper) and install one of
their two-stage air filters.
Dr. D
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crm
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
01:41:56
| RE: What made you buy
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for me, my '01 Dakota Quad Cab was an obvious choice for several reasons:
1) i wanted a truck
2) i wanted something that had power
3) i wanted a truck that could comfortably fit 4 adults
4) i didnt want a full-size, and dont need
5) i didnt want a mini-truck in "mid-size wannabe clothing" (toyota, nissan, s-10, ranger, etc)
6) i wanted something with a classic look, nothing too "space-age" like a nissan or thin and top-heavy like a toyota
all of the above points to one truck, and one truck only - the Dakota. i've had mine for about 4 weeks now so maybe i havent had enough time behind the wheel to experience some of the problems some others have.
however, i do get to partake in the mileage aspect :) after driving 23mpg+ cars for the last 10 years, it's quite a change going down to ~16mpg. but i definitely wouldnt go back to 4-bangers just to save a few bucks at the pump :)
and like many people, i didnt realize the full potential of the Dakota until after i purchased it. some may have done more reading and research prior to purchasing and expected the whole performance upgrade fever. for me, i thoroughly enjoyed the truck without even knowing about the fun things that could be done to juice it up. so in some aspects, it's kinda like a bonus.
well, that may be more than what you were looking for, but thats my story. and not even a month into it i'm already planning out way more upgrades than my wallet allows :) there are some things that just cant be done with your ordinary wife and 2 kids vehicle, but this "family ride" will soon scream :D i'm looking to build something of a sleeper - nothing like pulling up next to something that looks like a soccer mom's ride and then getting smoked from the hole - until i hit the 98mph speed limiter that is...hehe
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Clevite 77
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
02:18:40
| RE: What made you buy
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My prior ride was a 99 s-10 xtreme, 4 cly, reg cab base model. I was 19 at the time and thought it was cool, not to mention I only paid $300 down an $150 U.S. per month (lease) after a little more than 2 years I had to turn it in early. I wanted a V8 that was good in the snow. It also had to be one of the big three. That S-10 was too small and swore I'd never go back. I didn't wasn't a full-size, I drive an average of over 2,000 miles per month. This 2002 Dakota fits me just fine. it looks great, with the exhaust setup sounds great, rides nice. Just an all around nice truck. And from my friends with rangers, s-10's, explores, and my uncle that has a 97' Jimmy, says it rides so nice. and for a couple thousand more than a mini truck, I can deal with the little problems.
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DrunkNstuper
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
02:36:43
| RE: What made you buy
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You don't buy a Dakota for mileage. That’s just plain stupid! But then again, how many real car enthusiast really care. Owning one of these bad boys is just plain pleasure.
Now for the real reason I bought (This Dakota)....
THERE IS NO REPLACMENT FOR DISPLACMENT!
Sorry guys that own 4.7's I know you are all edgy about it. I have a healthy respect for you guys but with the same gifted parts that just bolt on you cannot beat the raging fury of the 5.9! Ya ya ya the 4.7 will hold it's own out of the box and great tech involved in the design, but, pounding torque that makes you just plain sick when you buried your foot to the floor... well that’s hard to beat.
I think Ford makes a very good truck, but I would never look to own one. GM did very good with there’s as well, but lets face it Mopar at the track dominates HA HA!!!
As for the problems, well, all companies have their fair share of problems. And the only thing I can think that is true no matter how you interpit it
"It's a bitch being cool"
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mannyzamora
GenII
6/13/2002
02:52:20
| RE: What made you buy
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When I bought mine it was because I always wanted a truck. Feom day one, the only thing I wanted to hual was ass! As in too the balljoints, brakes,and whatever has unfortunatly gone bad pre-maturely on other daks, that sucks. On mine the only reason I have changed the above mentioned parts is for safety, you see I road race mine dak. And as for the millage, If I can get this turbo that I am going to be installing on it in a few months to make good power, I really dont care if it got 10 mpg. As long as I can see that stupid look on the face of the first 5 slow I am going to smoke..
manuel i zamora
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D oh
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
03:24:13
| RE: What made you buy
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Good Question...
My girlfriend and I bought ours for a couple reasons.
1. Full size truck too big and too expensive
2. Needed Quad Cab for passengers
3. Needed pickup for dogs and gear
4. Wanted something that looked cool
We looked at Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, and Ford, and the only one close to the Dodge was the Toyota. The Toyota was slightly smaller, the Dodge looked better and had a V8, plus we already had some friends with the Toyota and wanted something different. We've had our 2002 QC 4X4 4.7 for about 500 miles, and we love it so far. The ride is much better than my '95 Ranger, the engine is good (looking forward to some simple mods), and the truck looks awesome. Hopefully the reliability is OK, but if not, at least I know what to expect.
I also think that these forums tend to highlight the negatives since most people only post when there are problems. I hope so at least.
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JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
03:26:12
|  RE: What made you buy
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Pure and simple... looks! :-) I'm not ashamed to admit it! The Dakota is just the sharpest looking truck out there.
Also, I'm not a big fan of full-size trucks... they're just too dang cumbersome for urban living! :-)
But small trucks are equally frustrating when you really want to do anything with them. Therein lies the beauty of the Dak... it's bigger than it's competitors (S10, Ranger, Tacoma), yet not too big. It's perfect!
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dan
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
07:37:43
| RE: What made you buy
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It was the one that fit my criteria the best.
1. Didn't want a full size but wanted something that could still carry the load of a full size.
2. A good size bed (biggest in class)
3. Wanted actual SEATS in the CC. Toyo has them buy they are cheasy seats. GM.....seats? what seats? unless you call those "jump seats" seats. I call them bar stools.
4. Best looking truck hands down! (not to mention the ram's head is the coolest logo too)
5. Hate Ford
6. 7/100 powertrain warranty so if something major happened, i'd be covered for a long time
7. 0% financing (Toyota only gave it on the Tundra at the time I was looking, GM didn't give it at all though they did have alot of rebates)
This only left me one choice - Dakota. This is the first Chrysler product I have EVER owned. Hope I made the right choice. Tacoma was my only other consideration. GM was way too small. What could those haul? 6 grocery bags?
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John Cassell
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
07:58:28
|  RE: What made you buy
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I use to have an S10. With all it's problems I would take the Dakota any day.
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millhouse
GenIII
6/13/2002
08:06:21
| RE: What made you buy
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I would have to agree w/ a lot of the things these guys say
1. My first new truck was a 97 4cly s-10 sportside that looked great when I put the 16x8 wheels on it and had a great system but would not preform at all and was so small.
2. When My s-10 was totaled I had to drive a few small cars and that reall sucked. then I was driving around on my b-day (2 years ago today) and came across the awsome black dakota. I was shocked at the price I ended up w/ my blue one at the same price and loved it. SO much more power that my s-10 ( I have the 3.9) so much better looking that the cars I had been driving,and it was a truck I was so happy to have a truck again. I kept it stock for the first year besides stereo and K&N drop in then I got a good deal on some wheels. I havent quit yet. They are fun to play w/ and this is a great place to talk about them. as for MPG and Ball joints,I can get about 20 on the HWY and thats not bad. And have had know probs w/ the ball joints. Any way thats what I think.
Miller
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Topless 68
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
08:29:06
| RE: What made you buy
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You're gonna hear the same stuff from me.
We used to own an '96 S-10 SS which was a regular cab and it was cramped like MADD!! I had the seat all the way back and tilted as far back as I could go and lower back and legs would just cramp and stiffen after a little while of driving. Plus, the box was so damn small!
I picked out the Dak because it was a 'mid-size' truck, bigger then the s-10, ranger and smaller then the Silverado or Ram ( wasn't going to buy a Ford..are you kidding me!)
It was a sweet looking truck and it fit me perfectly. Lots of head room, leg room, bed room.
Also there are a lot of performance and especially cosmetic mods available. It rides better then the '92 lumina euro that I had before it.
As for gas mileage, I go an average of 80-100Km/day, and I'm not concerned about gas mileage. This summer will feel a pinch because I'm getting my 68 Chevelle on the road with a 454 big block, so keeping those two v8s quenched will be an interesting feat! :0)
sorry for the length :0)
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MoparLove
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
08:40:16
|  RE: What made you buy
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Come from a family of Die hard mopar people! Aside from that, the truck is just focking awsome!
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fourgivn1
GenIII
6/13/2002
08:46:21
| RE: What made you buy
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I had an S10 (have mercy!) and things were going wrong with it. (Big surprise, huh.) I basically wanted a somewhat larger truck than that, but at the same time, I would have either had to settle for a regular cab full size truck, or a 'loaded' compact truck, to stay w/in the price range I wanted (no more than $20K). The Dakota fit the bill perfectly. Styling is awesome, and the interior has THE most comfortable seats out of all of the 'compacts', and more comfy than a lot of regular vehicles I've driven. I only have the 3.9L, and while it's not a speed demon, neither does it putz along. My next vehicle will definitely be a V8, but that's the only thing I'd change.
Current mods: A MUFFLER. That's it. (For now.)
Future mods: Tonneau cover
Underdrive pulleys
Removal of clutch fan
K&N FIPK
17" rims
And much, much more.....
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kicker01
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
09:32:27
| RE: What made you buy
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it was the cheapest mid size truck i could find w/ a v8 and a 5spd. You cant beat the looks either.
'01 RC 4.7 5spd
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Steve
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
09:40:21
| RE: What made you buy
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After driving a full size van for 5 years (and after a recent divorce) I wanted something a bit more personal. I am over 6' tall and needed something with plenty of headroom. The Dakota fit the bill as it wasn't too big, but has the headroom I needed. In July of 1998 I took delivery of a black 1998 CC SLT (I like chrome) 5.2, 5 speed w/ all the power options. I have added a Shelby style front, 17 x 9.5 American Eagle wheels w/ Nitto 275/50-17 tires, Hurst shifter, cat back exhaustfrom local shop, ARE hard shell bed cover & steel hourse carpet bed liner. Full Hotchkis kit on order. Many future mods to come (Shaker Hood, etc..), but with son in school(WYO Tech), the "Bank Of Dad" gets constant withdrawals. My girlfried liked my truck so well, that last year, she bought a 2001 SLT QC, 3.9, 5 speed (she went to 3 dealers to get the manual tranny. The 1st 2 told her she did not need a manual, they lost the sale) Now I have 2 trucks to modify :-) With over 90,000 miles on the 98 CC,(I drive from VA to FL 4-5 time a year, 900 miles one way), It is still the best vehicle I have ever owned.
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derek j.
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
11:25:38
| RE: What made you buy
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chrysler discount and i wanted something 2 wheel drive that could smoke the tires from a stand still. other wise i would have gotten an s-10 zr2. you can wheel the hell out of those things.
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LoneStarDak
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
11:28:35
| RE: What made you buy
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I've have owned over the years, in order, a GTO, Talon, T/A, CJ-5, F150, and an Explorer.
1. There is absolutely, positively nothing better than an American V8.
2. Aside from the Goat. The CJ-5 w/ factory 304v8 was the funnest vehicle I ever drove.
3. Although I am a firm believer, now, that Ford is junk; the F150 was great for hauling. And the Explorer was roomy.
All in all the my Dak 4x4 has the 5.9, which is just a great engine w/ plenty of power. I've got the space of the Explorer for passengers. This thing is fun to take off-road like the CJ. And I can still haul my RM-250 w/ all my gear and enough stuff to keep my wife and daughter occupied for a few hours. I just simply love this truck and will keep it till the wheels fall off.
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Jesse T.
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
12:38:06
| RE: What made you buy
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Well I kinda fell into mine, At the time my Impalas tranny was out, so that was sitting in the back yard and still is, as for my everday car was a 85 caddy juiced with hydros, Well it threw a rod about a month before graduation, Then I went a used car dealership to get another caddy, but my nabor was like, come to my job, so I did and the first thing i test drove was the Kota, and I took it home that day. It was love at first sight.
Jesse T.
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Dimarini
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
15:09:25
| RE: What made you buy
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My '96 Dakota SLT was starting to look a little dated and I was ready for a new one. BTW I had a '92 Dakota Sport before that one. My new truck is a 2002 Dakota R/T.
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xplikt
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
15:49:33
| RE: What made you buy
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For a younger person these trucks are AWESOME in particular. They can be madew to be pretty damn quick off the lot, but with low insurance costs. This is a HGUE deciding facotr for me, I would have bought a LS1 Camaro if the insurance permit me to. I basicly sum it up like this:
It's the newest and fastest thing, for the cheapest cost -- also, that doesn't screw you over in insurance too.
Not to mention these are just nice vehicles to drive.
DAMN YOU INSURANCE COMPANIES!
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Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
16:14:01
| RE: What made you buy
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It was cheaper than a full size ram and better than a ranger or s-10
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SS_Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
16:19:17
| RE: What made you buy
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I got mine because of the size, insurance, and dodges just seem to be great cars/trucks. I first was intersted in the dakota for the looks, then the other stuff.
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Dr0p0ff
GenIII
6/13/2002
16:22:38
| RE: What made you buy
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because the salesman said he'd hook me up with an opportunity to drive a viper around for a bit.. oh yeah.. and the smile the v8 in a small truck put on my face after test driving other small trucks with sixers
Keep On Truckin!
Sgt G
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dak318
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
16:25:09
| RE: What made you buy
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Along with my truck being cheap, $900 for a 91 3.9, I also bought it because my first truck was a 84 Mazda B2000 Sport LE. The truck was tiny. It, also, had no power whatsoever. Since I bought my Dakota the only major problem it's had was I blew the little V6 2 months after I bought it. Now it has a 5.2 it gets horrible gas milage, but it has power, size, and a place to put my stuff.
This is why I bought my truck!
<a href=http://www2.itexas.net/smann/dakota.html>Click here</a>
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don94
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
16:48:39
| RE: What made you buy
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i bought my first dak in 91 , a 4 banger 5 speed.
the reason i bought dak was the rust out 100,000 and 7yr/100,000 mile drivetrain warranty. u all may have missed the fact the dak has alot of galvinized metal in rust out areas and that means alot to me. i traded the 91 dak for a 94 dak sport v6 5 speed, and am still the proud owner of the truck. it gives my 6'-2" frame plenty of room and the ride is better than my 94 pontiac grandam. what more could i ask for. love my dak :)
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vncvrcanuck
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
17:09:28
| RE: What made you buy
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V8 too tow my boat
quad cab for passengers
4x4 for our sh!tty winters
looks=looks
cargo room for my ball stuff/ fishing stuff/ skiing stuff
price- nothing compares with the v8 (sport trac?)
0% financing
didn't wan't a full size
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Pistolero
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
20:02:00
| RE: What made you buy
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I'd been researching trucks for almost a year. My '98 Mazda B2500 5spd. (i.e., Ranger), has been a great little truck, and I can't badmouth it. Most of the time, it had enough power to suit me, except when the A/C was on. I don't give a flip about "chirping", racing, or otherwise trying to keep the tire companies in business, but I do like to feel that I have some power available if I need it, especially on the low end. The Mazda goes off lease in about a month, and I needed to replace it. I'm a RC guy...I don't need the space in an extended cab, and at 5'11", I fit just fine. I also think that RC's just plain look better than CC's or QC's. Nissan was out because they don't offer a RC any longer, plus their trucks are just plain weird. Chevy...yeah, right. Didn't want another Mazda or Ford, because that's what I already had. So, it came down to Toyota or Dakota. Truth be told, I probably would've bought the Tacoma, if it weren't for that gawd-awful looking front end. I really liked the RC Pre-Runner, but I couldn't get past that grille, or the price. What is up with that grille, anyway?...looks like one of those fish that you see at the bottom of the ocean, with those great big, gnarly teeth! I've had a couple of Dodge's before, and had pretty good luck with them, so I decided to take my chances with the Dak. So, now I've got an '02 4x2 RC Sport...graphite...with the 16" tires, wheels, and flares...it is a really fine looking truck. Some of my old Mustang hotrodding blood still runs in my veins, so I might even put some of those things on that'll help it chirp the tires, even if they never get chirped, hehe. Hope it treats me well!
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d-smith
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
21:16:31
| RE: What made you buy
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I'd been driving a 2 door Grand Am for 6 years and needed something bigger to haul my two kids, dog, and junk for work. I started out looking at SUV's but the ones I liked tended to be kind of pricey. Then I saw a review in Consumer Reports on small four door pickups. They liked the Toyota best (I think they just don't like any American cars) but almost everything they said about the Dakota made me want one. Then I spent 6 months saving for a down payment and doing research on the options I wanted.
2002 Patriot Blue QC Sport+ 4x4
4.7L, Auto, 3.55, LSD, POC, AWD
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flinty73
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2002
22:29:14
| RE: What made you buy
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my last truck was a 2000 toyota tacoma that i bought brand new right i after i graduated high school it was a 4 banger standard 4x4 i put a 3in body lift and i ran 33's it was ok i had a k&n on it. i could go through stuff in that truck that would make my dakota cry. when it flooded down in houston awhile back my tacoma went through higher water than a jeep wrangler and a full size bronco i would up pullin some peeps to dry land. but i dont mud in my truck i just like the look of sittin up high which someday ill be in my dakota if rancho ever comes out with a lift. plus for daily driving the tacoma was small (im 6'0) and my knees hit the dash and the seats could not of been much more than peace of plywood with a tan colored fabric over it. i got my 2000 dakota 4.7l auto 4x4 reg cab a month ago. all i can say is dammit i put a ir intake on it and it hauls ( { ).
and the seats are so comfortable they have this thing in them called cushion. oh yea and i got it for $7,000 and its only got 24,000 miles.
-james
-houston
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