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Dak4.7or3.9
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
10:10:08
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 Subject: Honest Opinion
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On those who have driven the 4.7 and the 3.9 auto 4x4s, what is your honest opinion on value for the dollar? I drove a 4.7 Sport 4x4 with wheel& tire group and 3.92s then an SXT 4x4 3.9 with 3.92s.
My honest opinion is that the 4.7 took off better, but seemed to shift at the same points as the SXT with slightly better passing performance. What I couldn't see was a clear cut decision on getting the 4.7 over the 3.9 at this point. I know there is a 60-ish hp difference, but rarely felt in my opinion. I am not trying to be a jerk or anything, I know this is a V8 board, I thinking though for the price, those slight differences are not worth it.
The SXT was at a $22,500 mark and the Sport 4.7 at the 27k mark.
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Selcher
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
10:27:23
| RE: Honest Opinion
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I have an '02 4.7L CC 4x4 and my friend has the exact same truck with the 3.9L. We pretty much have the same driving habits however I now have an intake, H.O. Cams and MBRP split duals. He has Dynomax exhaust and a few other little upgrades. Both are autos and have the same gearing. I still get better gas mileage in city and on the highway plus I have a lot more power. To me, when I drive his truck, I notice a huge difference, obviously more now since my few little mods but even before them. No one can make your decision for you but I spend less on gas than he does plus I pull a boat so I wanted the V8. He's satisfied with is truck because it's still a kick ass Dakota but he wishes he would have spent the extra $$$ to get the V8. Something you might want to think about is the resale value. The V8's are worth more. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Aaron
'02 4.7L CC 4x4 - Intake, H.O. Cams, MBRP Split Duals
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dkr8611
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
10:39:36
|  RE: Honest Opinion
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Easy question. 4.7L
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vt_steve_01
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
10:55:43
| RE: Honest Opinion
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It also depends on your needs. Like if you plan on towing or do you want a modded out wheel burner. There are pleanty of guys that have the 3.9 and are happy. There are also pleanty of 4.7 drivers (me included) that are happy. I made my decision based on the fact that I wanted the most HP to turn all 4 wheels. I also knew that I would be lifting mine and putting on bigger tires. So I felt having the more HP was better. But like they said, it's what makes you happy, what you can afford, and what fits your needs.
Steve
'02, SLT Plus, QC, 4.7L, 4x4, Patriot Blue/Silver, 360 Airintakez
The Tao of Steve
If it jams force it, if it breaks it needed fixing anyway.
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macman37
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
11:11:30
|  RE: Honest Opinion
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I had a 3.9 4x4 Quad Cab Sport Plus. It was
too loud, rough (3 gears plus OD... Rough
shifting, would take the RPMs too high when
accelerating to merge on e-way) and all
around, didn't have a lot of power.
I traded it in on a 4.7 4x4 Quad Cab, and
upgraded to the SLT Plus. I've only got 350
miles on it so far but it's been great. I'm taking
it easy on the gas pedal (want to break it in
right... It's going to be my truck for at least 5
years) and it's STILL got better acceleration
than the v6 did when I mashed the pedal
down. Another note, the MPG is already SO
close to what I got with my 3.9 that I am kicking
myself for not getting the 4.7 when I was
originally looking 2 years ago!
Learn from my mistake: Get the 4.7. You'll pay
a few more $ on the sticker up front, but trust
me, you'll never wish you'd gotten the better
truck the first time. I had fun working on the v6,
that's true, but with NO mods at all, the v8 is
better and MUCH smoother than the v6.
BTW, if you're looking at NEW trucks, you
should do your research. The sticker might be
at $27K, but if you look it all up on, say,
edmunds.com or KBB.com, you'll be able to
find out what the invoice price is and get a
good deal on it. You should be able to offer
$2000-3000 less and they should go for it.
Business is down and that means a better
truck for you.
jim
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
11:35:01
|  RE: Honest Opinion
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Invoice Price?
I don't think this guy has a clue on buying a vehicle. He got some honest opinions.
Has ANYONE, ever went to the v6, from a v8! Wonder why.
Get the 5spd, and if you still don't notice a difference, then get the v6! 8'(
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macman37
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
12:22:03
| RE: Honest Opinion
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Todd, what's your point? Why are you calling
me out?
I have more than a clue on buying vehicles. I'm
trying to save the original poster from making
a bad decision. You do your research, and you
can get a deal. What's more to understand?
Or do you just go pay full sticker price? I have
practical experience on this. I've gotten great
deals on the last 4 vehicles I've purchased
doing that. Yes, I bought a v6 Quad cab. And
then I decided to buy a v8 Quad cab. What's it
to you?
Bottom line, ask me a question or two, get to
know me, before just making a value
judgment that makes you look like an ass. I'm
just trying to help the guy out here. I've never
attacked you for anything so I expect the same
level of respect from you.
jim
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02Durango
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
13:24:42
| RE: Honest Opinion
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Truck buying experience:
I got my Durango for about $3750 under dealer invoice. $3500 in rebates and $250 from the dealer. I think I could have squeezed more out of him if it hadn't been for the expiration of $1000 in rebates.. I got mine during the March madness thing in 2002 and we had to have the truck purchased before March 31.
We also got my wife's car for about $1000 bwlow invoice with no rebates involved. You just need to remember one thing, if they won't deal, you walk. If they try to pressure you, walk immediately out the door. They can't force you to stay. Also, don't put any money down to 'hold' a truck.... Doesn't do anything for you.... My $0.02.
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
14:29:13
| RE: Honest Opinion
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jim,
sorry for the confusion, I wasn't 'calling you out' at all.
That was good advice you gave. I was talking about the original poster.
Peace
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macman37
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
14:47:28
| RE: Honest Opinion
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Todd, thanks... Sorry if I read that wrong...
Peace to you as well.
jim
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my experience
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
18:30:00
| RE: Honest Opinion
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i have a friend with a v6 that melted a sparkplug and blew a hole in the side of the block? or something along those lines, anyway it lead to a very expensive engine replacement. i don't know if this is normal or not but recalls and common problems are something you might want to look into. also you might want to post the same question on a different board because everyone here is biased for the v8.
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Dak4.7or3.9
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
22:15:05
| RE: Honest Opinion
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Thanks everyone for your input. I am going to try to get a deal on a 4.7 from what I have heard. The problem is I have tried 3 dealers around here and the SXTs come with the look I like, but a V6. I did find one this afternoon, a 4.7 sport, but no wheel/tire group, flares, tonneau cover, or tow package...sticker was 25,410...not bad but I will later have to add the other stuff I'd like. The SXT I like is 23,945 and has rear sliding window, club cab, tow group, tonneau cover, wheel/tire package, tilt wheel...not a bad deal at all and I don't really need to add anything. So that is why I have the dilemma as these are some prices and options that are local and on the lot for me to choose from.
About buying, my dad has been a salesman for 25yrs, so he helps me get through all the dealer holdbacks, yadda yadda yadda.
Thanks again though, I appreciate your views on those who have the 4.7, especially from macman37, that was exactly what I was looking for, an honest opinion from an owner of both.
Take care!
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black03dakota
Dodge Dakota
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4/23/2003
22:38:00
| RE: Honest Opinion
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As for prices, this may give you kind of a good idea. I live up her in taxachuesetts....i mean MA. i bought my 2003 dakota auto 4x4 for 19,000. It has the tow package the big ol tires and rear sliding window. I'm not sure what you else you wanted for extras but other than that my truck is pretty much bare bones, other than A/C. No cruise, power windows or cd player, but those can always be added later...well not the power windows
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Ernie Miller
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2003
09:00:54
| RE: Honest Opinion
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I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota SXT 4x4 Club Cab Auto 3.9L mildly modified with 3.92 gears. Intense Intake, Autolite 3923s, Dynomax Super Turbo, 180 T-stat...and looking into getting a new throttle body.
I pull a 24' 3400lb travel trailer with no problem. Granted, a V8 has more power and will most likely pull a bit smoother but I have no complaints. I purchased mine in August 2002. The sticker was around $24k in PA near Pittsburgh. After trading my Neon R/T that had 115k miles, and playing around with the prices and rebates, I took out a loan for 19,784.32
It came with a rear sliding window, tonneau cover, tilt, cd player with changer controls. I added bug deflector, mopar hitch, and nerf bars so far, plus the engine mods I listed. I am completely satisfied and think I got the best bang for my dollar.
A friend of mine has the 4.7 quad cab, loaded up rather well, he paid close to 28-29k. I would say if you are doing casual towing like a travel trailer, etc. and want some nice features and fun truck for a really good price go with an SXT. If you are going quad cab 4x4, I would say go 4.7.
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franlofter
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2003
10:57:39
| RE: Honest Opinion
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Take each truck home for the night different dealers, try out the manual 5 speed 4.7 I think you will forget all about the V6 after that, good luck
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franlofter
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2003
11:05:10
| RE: Honest Opinion
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I am kinda wishing i went for the 5.9 now myself. the 4.7 is ok but its not that powerfull.
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2003
12:20:08
| RE: Honest Opinion
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fran,
YOUR 4.7,
'not that powerful'?
the 5.9, with the auto tranny?
Go for it
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matmick
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2003
16:39:57
| RE: Honest Opinion
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Everyone is saying how much more the 4.7 is than the 3.9, the engine option is only $590. And if you want the Automatic, the difference between the 2 Autos depending on engine is $75. Went to 4adodge.com and built this one. If you can't find one you want, have it made with exactly what you want.
Model Chosen
> 2003 Dodge DAKOTA CLUB CAB(R) SLT 4X4
Package Selected
> Customer Preferred Package 2TG
Options Configured
> Next Generation 4.7-liter Magnum(R) V8 Engine
> Five-Speed Manual Heavy-Duty Transmission
> 3:92 Ratio Rear Axle
> Tire and Handling Group
> Limited-Slip Rear Differential Axle
Accessories Added
> None
Pricing Information
Base Price: 22,605.00
Customer Preferred Package 2TG: 0.00
Options: 1,290.00
Color: 0.00
Destination: 620.00
MSRP: $24,490.00
Regional Discounts: -1,000.00
Accessories: 0.00
Sub Total*: $23,490.00
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Erik
Dodge Dakota
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4/29/2003
01:16:24
| RE: Honest Opinion
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I have driven both the 3.9 and the 4.7 and where the difference is felt is in highway and backroads bombing. With the 4.7, when I pull out to pass someone I have more under the gas pedal, with the 3.9, when I pull out to pass some one I am practically topped out and you feel it. I feel like sticking a foot out and pushing to get a little more ooomph. If that is not your thing, you will be more than happy with the 3.9. My buddy drives very calmly, compared to me, and loves his '01 quad-cab with the 3.9. NUFF-SAID!
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nitraking
Dodge Dakota
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4/29/2003
23:46:29
| RE: Honest Opinion
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SORRY, I owned a 94 cc 4x4 3.9 auto, now I have a 4.7 cc 4x4 5 speed manual!!!! I have to laugh, unless you have a highly modified 3.9, you are driving a pig, the 4.7 5- speed rocks!!!!!!
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antonio
Dodge Dakota
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4/30/2003
13:50:50
| RE: Honest Opinion
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sounds like most u guys are back east. anyone ever heard of DAVE SMITHS? its in kellog Idaho. spent around a month building my 01 4.7 5sp QC SLT 4x4 jet black. countless phone calls to salesman. very patient. alot of extras. didnt believe at first but they only mark up $50. ya i know!! but true!! same truck other dealers $28000. picked up truck 6 weeks later found window sticker in glove box. $28400. i put $1500 down $ financed $21700. i drove outta there with a big smile. no BS here. look it up on the net DAVE SMITHS DODGE.
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youknowit
Dodge Dakota
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5/01/2003
14:13:48
| RE: Honest Opinion
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The 4.7 is a rather disappointing V8. 5.9 is a true V8, but of course it will be gone soon. Well, maybe the HO version of the 4.7 will give it some grunt!
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