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BD
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
14:41:12
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 Subject: Buy V6 or V8
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Hello All:
I am looking at buying a 2003 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 very soon. My dilemma is whether or not to get the V6 or V8 engine. The V6 has a little better MPG but I have heard not much better than te V8. Also, the V6 engine is cheaper.
My other concern is powering. Is the V6 underpowered? I most likely will not be doing any mods.
The trunk will be for commuting and taking the kids to where they need to go, everyday stuff. The Quad Cab offers great versatility and my wife is not afraid to drive it.
I won't be towing or loading it it up or off roading much.
Opinions appreciated.
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Garry
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
14:59:02
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Without a doubt, buy a V-8. I got the 6 in my 01 Quad and wish I hadn't.
It's not all that bad unless your into speed but definetly lacks power.
I tow a 1500 LB. boat without too much trouble but the extra horsepower would sure help.
Where you really notice the lack of power is when you try to pull out and pass someone on the hiway and there just isn't any reserve power.
Do yourself a favor and go with the 4.7
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BD
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
15:05:09
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Thanks Garry. Appreciate the info.
Anyone else have an opinion?
Cheers.
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Kracker
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
15:24:46
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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I wanted the V-8, but I didn't have much of a choice, but thats another story... Anyway, A V-6 Would probably be sufficient for what your looking for, and dont get me wrong, I drive a Pre-Mag V-6, so I don't know much about power in the Magnum sixers... but I would go with a V8 if I could afford it, If moneys not an issue for you, definently get a V8...
---Kracker
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LI Blackdakk
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
16:38:56
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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ok definatly the 8. I hated my Six so much that I traded it in for a Sentra SE-R. Had I gotten an 8 I would have stuck witht the awful milage, but 13 mpg just to get to 60 in 11 seconds...not worth it. look back at my old posts. The 6 is a horrible engine. for that matter don't get the 5.9 either. definatly 4.7, you probably won't regret it. The six you will definatly regret. One of the worst misatkes of my whole life. Lost a lot on the trade in too.
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Billy Bob
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2003
23:47:50
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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I bought a 2002 Dak with the 3.9 v6 about 6 mths ago. I love my truck but I wish I had gotten the 4.7 v8. The mpg is pretty much the same and in some cases better with the 4.7 but with alot more power.
Go with the 4.7, it's worth the extra $$.
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shad
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
00:33:43
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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i have the v6 and love it, i got the 3.92 gears though, that is key, also i've heard of a ton of probs with the 4.7 and i've seen 3 4.7 blow in just the past 3 months. with my v6 (and the 3,92 gears on a 4x4 cc) i have as much power as i can use but it's not over powered, personally i really like the lil v6, plus i get 22 mph's on the freeway, the guys that get the horrible milage with the v6's either have there foot in it all the time or have the 3.55 or 3.20 something gears
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Ryan33
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
01:45:39
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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If this is your delimma just wait for the 3.7L v6 to come out. Better gas milage and stock is 210 HP. That will be sufficient if you really do want to go the way of the v6.
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NYSubDak
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
04:26:28
|  RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Don't put your kids in the trunk.
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Jer
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
06:42:00
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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My biggest regret is not getting the V8 in my 2001 4x4 clubcab.
The V6 is definitely underpowered, especially on the highway.
The 3.7 option, when available, sounds good with the additional HP (210 over 175).
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Mike101
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
20:51:46
|  RE: Buy V6 or V8
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sounds like u need to go with the v6. Why? because u said that you would be doing no off-roading of pulling. The 6 is cheaper and mpg is some what better. But YOU said that its a 4by4. If you get a 4wd u should get a v8. 4wd=pulling and muddin. So get the v8.
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BAE984
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
22:02:25
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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GET A V8!! I've got the 4.7/5sp in my QC and love it. It's pretty quick (read: fun), and from what I've heard, gas mileage isn't much better with the 6.
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BD
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
23:06:51
|  RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Man, am I glad I found this board. I am impresssed with the feedback.
Many thanks to all for the great input.
There may be a V8 in my future. I did look into the gear ratio item mention from "shad" and spoke to the dealer about it. The dealer confirmed that "off the line" performance would be improved but I wouldn't notice much after that. (I will be getting the Tire and Handling package.)
I also did some investigation into the mpg scenario and discoverd as BillyBob had mentioned is actually better during longer Highway driving periods.
Cheers,
BD
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Billy Bob
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
23:41:59
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Yeah it doesn't have to work as hard on the highway.
Mine runs out of steam pretty quick passing and especially going up hills. I usually have to get a run at it to help with that but wish I had gotten the 4.7.
I have a 4x4 CC with the tire and handling package.
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jakeplayer
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2003
06:55:53
|  RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Don't buy the v8 casue one the 4.7 will be a pain in the arse to find. Even though the dealers say they can get it they dont tell you the cost to get it. If you do get lucky and find one then get it. If not avoid the 5.9 cause for one it only comes in automatic and that automatic is only made for towing not racing. All yoru torque will make it to the rear wheels and as for horse power 190 horses is all yrou gonna get. I have a v6 and they beat me of the line but after that they dont move any furthur away form me. Now after i did my upgrades i toast them all the time. Wait for the new v6 option cause the v6 is weighs less and gets better gas mileage then either v8'. Good luck i just dont feel the v8 are a good deal. All i have to say is dodge make a freaking 5 speed for the damn 5.9 liter. That would be the dakota i would buy then and only then.
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Josh
Dodge Dakota
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3/02/2003
20:42:05
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Definately go with the v8. I have a v6 magnum in my dakota and I am planning on dropping in a v8. If you plan on doing any towing or anything go with the v8. Not to mention I get terrible gas mileage with my v6, as low as 8.5 this winter, and I have done modefications to try and improve that. Go with the v8!
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perry
Dodge Dakota
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11/18/2003
21:31:14
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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The v-6 is underpowered if your going to leave is stock. plus in the future a V-8 will most likely be worth more and provide more power. It wont give you to much HP just more than your used to. plus quad cab full of people it will have trouble moving with the V-6. You can get 25mpg at 85mph in an 88 corvette. dont know about dodge but it can be done. but dont worry about the mpg you make up because the motor dosnt have to work as hard to get you up to speed plus the exhaust sounds hidious after a while so get a V-8 My opinion. flowmasters sound great to + cheep!!!
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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11/18/2003
23:43:44
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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I'm happy with my V6 CC 4x2, but a QC 4x4 is just too much truck for the V6.
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Ed
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
10:49:47
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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I agree with most people, I have had two v-6 dakotas, a '94 and now a 2000. I would go for a v-8 if I were going to pull something, or doing a lot off the road. However, I would like to see what the new 3.7 liter is made of. If you are looking to buy new a v-8 would be my choice because of added power and about the same gas milage. Also, they seem to be easier to work on, the new 3.7 is all about computer this and computer that. The older V-6's, you could still find the spark plugs without digging through 10 tons of wiring.
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RED03DAKOTA
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
13:38:04
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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I GOT THE 3.9 AND MY MPG IS NOT ALL THAT BAD I NORMALY GET ABOUR 20 OR SO MILES TO THE GALLON AND THAT IS SOME HIGHWAY MIXED WITH TRAFFIC IN MYRTLE BEACH WHICH CAN BE A MAJOR PAININ THE A$$
AS FOR POWER I THINK IT HAS A GOOD AMOUNT OF POWER AND IT HAS SOME QUICKNESS BUT I WOULD SAY IF YOU WANT SPEED AND STUFF GET THE 8 THERE IS MORE POWER FOR THE BUCK THERE AND THE MODS WOULD GET MORE POWER OUT OF IT I AM SURE
BUT I LOVE MY 3.9 IT IS GREAT NO PROBS WITH IT AND WHEN I NEED THE XTRA POWER TO PASS IT SEEMS TO BE THERE ALL THE TIME AND I ALSO HAVE THE 3.55 REAR END
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92Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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11/21/2003
22:51:27
| RE: Buy V6 or V8
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Definitely go with the V8.
The 3.9 just doesn't have enough power.
It's nothing about the 3.9, but I don't think a V6 is enough power for a mid-large truck. Whether it be Dodge, Ford, or Chevy.
I have a V6 and it is pathetic at highway speeds.
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