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DAN
Dodge Dakota
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1/24/2003
14:11:32
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 Subject: buying used dakota...what to look for
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I've owned three pontiacs, all used... Bonneville grand am, grand prix (awsome car), But need a truck now. Probably going to sell the prix and buy a extended cab 4x4 3.9 or larger 5 speed. I've had my share of problems not researching problem areas especially with the grand am. So long story short what kind of problems should i be looking for in a dakota with 50-70k. I'm going to use it as a daily driver, so another question is will how many miles are these trucks good for. I take good car of my cars and do all my own mechanical work so i'm used to a few repairs here and there, just looking for major things. I know GM better than dodge, but definately not pleased with GM's integrity. Any information or help would be appreciated. Thanks
Dan
On a side note...if anyone is looking for a GP i have one for sale. Pretty well loaded. Heads up display, power everything, 82K k easy miles meticuliously maintained. (that is if i still feel ok about buying a dakota, if not its back to square one till the colorado makes it to the used market)
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00dak
Dodge Dakota
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1/24/2003
14:36:32
| RE: buying used dakota...what to look for
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I've read posts with people that have anywhere between 100k - 150k miles and they are still pulling strong. I will warn you that some of these trucks love gas but others arent to bad. There are the usual stuff to check for, body damage, frame damage, rust....check all the fluids including differental to see if it looks like its been changed reguraly and no chunks of metal floating around. On a 4x4 look at the CV boots to make they aren't torn. Just hope that the truck wasn't used and abused very badly and the best of luck to you.
-Steve
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98FlameRdDak
Dodge Dakota
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1/24/2003
22:52:44
|  RE: buying used dakota...what to look for
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The first thing I would do is ask to take the truck to an independant mechanic and have them inspect the following:
1- Upper Ball Joints. Proven fact that DC does not use an upper ball joint that has a grease fitting on the top and therefore are sealed. On the average, factory upper ball joints last 35-40 thousand miles.
2- Brakes. Make sure you take this truck for a test drive. Proven fact that DC uses cheap rotors and on the average last 15-25 thousand miles...if you are lucky.
3- Serpentine belt tensioner. This seems to be a common item to replace everytime you replace the serpentine belt. Mine had to be replace when I bought my truck used.
4- When you go back to the dealer, make sure all the recalls have been done to the truck. If they haven't, you can request the dealer to make the needed repairs at no cost to you.
5- If you are looking for something that gets decent gas milage than here are some things you need to consider.
The 3.9 V6 with 4X4 averages 12-14 MPG.
The 3.9 V6 w/o 4X4 averages 14-18 MPG
The V-8s are slightly better.
MPG based on stop and go driving. Highway for a 4X4 V6 is about 15-16.
The mods you do to the truck, the better your truck performs. Autolight 3923 are a heat range colder than stock and perform pretty well.....just not in my truck.
Hope the above helps.
Mark
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shad
Dodge Dakota
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1/25/2003
00:08:49
| RE: buying used dakota...what to look for
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i have a '02 dak club cab, 4x4, 3.9, with the auto ans 3.92 gears. i get an avarage of 16 and a half mpg. and with the 3.92's it has plenty of power
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whitedakota
Dodge Dakota
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1/25/2003
01:46:09
| RE: buying used dakota...what to look for
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I have a 94 dakota 2wd swb and it has 209,200 miles on it and still runs 10.10's all day long at the local drag strip. Original motor and tranny with a shift kit. I have a few mods also.
I wouldnt trade my dak for a TA any day....wait maybe i would. but they are good trucks and ive ragged mine since day one..i bought it at 170,000miles in April of 2001.
just a little info.
whitedakota
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chris
Dodge Dakota
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1/25/2003
11:30:52
| RE: buying used dakota...what to look for
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the 93 hs a revised side gear kit for the negitive rear end. it also had brake and A/C problems from 92-94 according to some research ive done. the 93 had a recall on the ABS valve ,in addition to the rear ABS going of you well have the front wheels firing at different times from side to side. the 2000 had a recall on thePCM in that it would not report a failure of the emissions system
the belt tensioner is a pain in the butt it does go stiff , but every spring like clock work i have to pull them of both my 93 and my 2000, take the pullies of and soak them in diesel fuel .i have yet to replace one
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Dan
Dodge Dakota
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1/25/2003
15:23:53
| RE: buying used dakota...what to look for
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Thanks for the posts everyone, best way to know what to look for is by asking people who have had to deal with the problems in the past, at least in my experience. I'll keep these sugestions in mind as I'm looking for one to buy.
thanks again,
Dan
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