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hemi426
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
14:42:50
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 Subject: Help with a new Dakota
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I have a 98 CC 4x4 Auto 3.9 V6 Sport. It is ready for a trade-in. I would like to go for a V8 this time around and was thinking of getting a Sport Plus 4x4 Auto 4.7 CC.
Anyone who has the 4.7, can you tell me your honest thoughts on it, basically on power and handling.
To get the 4.7 optioned the way that I want with the Sport Plus package, it will be significantly higher priced compared to a Dakota SXT 4x4 CC Auto. Granted the SXT is a V6 and has now power windows/locks, but other than that I can get a good deal on one.
Basically, I already have a feel to what the SXT would be like as it is essentially the same truck I have now, minus the power options I had with the Sport package in 98.
Any info would be great.
Thanks!
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Selcher
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
14:56:10
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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hemi426,
Since you're quite familiar with the 3.9L version of the Dakota, my best advice would be to go out and test drive the truck with the 4.7L. I think once you drive it you'll be sold. I have the truck you described and I love it. I have experience with the 3.9L and in my opinion the 4.7L will drive circles around the smaller v6 and the pulling power is worth it alone. Again, that's only my opinion. You'll have to formulate your own. Go out and test drive one, you'll know in the first few miles if you want it. Good luck and happy hunting.
Regards,
Aaron
'02 CC 4.7L 4x4 - H.O. Cams, Cold Air Intake, MBRP Split Duals
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McyMike
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
14:59:02
|  RE: Help with a new Dakota
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I have a 2003 4x4 QC 4.7. Full loaded. Have 4K miles on it. Like the looks and the ride is very good (compared to my 2000 F150). Stereo is great. Vent system barely works. Power is more than enough (I know that is subjective - we can all use more power!!) We put 4 people in it with gear and hooked up an open trailer with 4 full dress motorcycles and went to Daytona this year. Didn't know the trailer was back there - pulled like a champ. Downside...it sucks gas. The absolute best I get in town in 13.4 mpg. the best I have seen on the hwy is 16 to 16.5. I got 7.7 with the bikes and trailer....expect the same with a decent size boat. Have had no problems so far. For comparison, our 2000 Grand Cherokee is faster and rides even better.
Mike
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Chris
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
14:59:51
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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I would try to drive a used 4.7 auto.. I know mine had some sort of break in period for the firstt 500 miles then it ran great.. plus then it will almost be apples to apples... (yours to the 4.7 used one)...
Just a thought...
Chris
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Mcy Mike
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
16:01:29
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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I test drove the 3.9 V6, and there is no comparison between it and the 4.7. In the 4 WD with a 3.9 (auto) absolutly nothing happens when you mash the gas pedal. The 3.9 is about 1100.00 cheaper (if I remember right) than the 4.7, but for the extra money you get the 4.7 engine and some heavy duty stuff like radiator and transmission cooling and the 3.92 gears.
Mike
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BigBlue QC
GenIII
5/21/2003
16:54:48
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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4.7 hands down.
2002 QC 4x4 Sport Plus, 4.7L, auto, Patriot Blue, Tire & Handling group,
Heavy Duty Service group, Leer cap w/out windows, Mopar Step bars and roof rack, Rhino liner in bed and on step bars, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL
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Daksmack
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
17:13:13
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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I drive 3000 per month for my job around Dallas. So its true mixed driving. I get 15.5 every fillup and Im far from easy on the pedal.
BTW, its a 2000 QC 4.7 auto.
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hemi426
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
19:49:33
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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I wish the cost differential was only $1100, then I would not have a problem choosing...this is what is on the lot....
03 Dakota SXT CC Auto 4x4 with 3.92 gears and comes with the wheel/tire group with the P265 tires, fender flares, tonneau cover, CD Player, bucket seats, and rear sliding window.
03 Dakota Sport Plus CC Auto 4x4 with 3.92s and the 4.7L comes with power everything, fog lamps, rear sliding window, no tonneau cover...basically fully loaded.
The SXT is sticker price of $23,945 and the Sport Plus is at $27,305. That's a $3,360 difference. I priced out a Sport Plus with a 3.9L and it came to about a $1700 difference with the same options on dodge.com.
The deal I can get on the SXT is $19,900 and that is about as far as they will move. They are not doing too much moving on the Sport Plus V8, basically they'll only go $25,900. So for me there is now a $6,000 difference in buying one over the other. I don't make a whole lot of cash but I am not poor either. I guess I am just trying to verify a larger monthly payment created by the 6k difference. If the 4.7 is hands down a slap in the face to the 3.9 I will most likely go with it.
The reason I asked some opinions is that I test drove the SXT today and the Sport Plus with the 4.7. It seemed the 3.9 was a sluggish starter but had solid power, more than my worn 3.9. The 4.7 was a quick starter and seemed to have nice power throughout the entire RPM range. But, I like to get opinions on those who have driven theirs for a good while as a short test drive is not always the best, after you have your truck a week or so you start to pick at it a little.
Anyway thanks for the input guys. I'll be deciding soon. Most definitely if I can pull off the higher payments I am gonna go 4.7 no matter what. If I can't, hopefully the SXT will keep me happy, I really don't want to go used.
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black_dakota
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
21:51:13
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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hemi426:
Hello there. I'm newbie here but, I just recently purchased my 2003 Dakota Sport Plus Club Cab 4x4 with the 4.7L V8, and 5 spd automatic. It has the towing group, tire and handling group, heavy duty service group and I've got 3.55 gears. Price off the lot I got it for for a little over $23K and that's with tax and license and this price was including rebates so you figure around $20,650 although I did qualify for the military discount. Original sticker was around $26,240. Anyways, I've had this for two weeks and have put around 630 miles on it so far. The 4.7L is a great engine and will suit your needs just fine for everyday driving. Even with the 3.55 gears it's pretty good. I get around 14-15 mpg combined driving for now and that's doing mostly city driving. Better than my old 3.9L Dakota that got around 11-12 combined.
As for the price they're ripping you. Go to www.edmunds.com, www.kbb.com, www.nada.com, and www.autobytel.com and price the same truck with the same options and order package. Your invoice price should be around in the high $24K range if not a little lower. BTW, the invoice price is what the dealer actually paid for the truck. Now I would advice you to take the $2500 rebate running through June 2 and if they give the truck to you without the rebate let's for example $25,305 because that should be close to the true invoice price.Then take the $2500 rebate and that should make it $22,805 and then if you also qualify for the $500 Farm Bureau rebate then that would make it $22,305. Also, if you're in the military they're running a $750 rebate but, you cannot use it in conjunction with the Farm Bureau.
Finally, my payments are running me $239.40 a month and that's with me putting down $9500 and 4.75% locked in for 60 months on $23K. What I would suggest is that you know your credit score before you sign any financial papers and also go to www.bankrate.com and look up the interest rates for the current day and add that to your paper collection to show the dealership. If you have good credit and have had nothing negative for the past ten years on your credit history then you should get what I got or better if your credit is good. Anoher tip, go to www.chryslerfinancial.com and figure up your montly payments using that calculator. If the dealership doesn't work with you on this or the price of the truck go find another dealership who will or purchase one through an internet. The big thing is to shop around and do your research. If you can get this truck you'll like it. I know I like mine so far. If you can't get an 03 Dakota Club Cab as I know they are scarce now then maybe I would consider getting an 03 Hemi Ram 4x4 Reg Cab or wait for the 04 Dakotas. The interest rates from what I heard may not get any better soon. Actually they may go down but, do your research. Very important. Good luck with whatever you buy.
Steven
P.S- I wouldn't do the 0,0,0 deal because usually you end up back paying at the end of the year. I've read horror stories about it.
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chris
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2003
22:52:24
|  RE: Help with a new Dakota
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Hey. I sell Dodges for a living. I have driven them all and have had traing on all the engines and have driven them on road courses. Hands down the 4.7 wins in my opinion. The 3.9 is slow and sluggish and uses about the same amount of gas as the 4.7. The power is great and the trans. is smooth. Tell the salesperson you will pay $100 under invoice plus rebates. They should not refuse and you will have gotten a good deal. Good luck!!
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hemi426
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2003
08:28:06
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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I think the price also has a lot to do with where I am located....in PA. Seems prices on this side of the states is always a bit higher?
Anyway, I am in no hurry so I'll do a little more research. But looks like I will jump on the 4.7 if I can get a good deal, I have about 2 or 3 more dealers somewhat nearby.
Thanks again.
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black_dakota
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2003
10:33:02
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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Hemi 426:
To save yourself a drive if you want use Dodge's vehicle inventory that's located online. That way you can view what each lot has and even view the window stickers on the vehicle. That's how I found my truck. As for the price it will be kind of higher but, still invoice price is invoice price. A good rule of thumb I'd say is let them know you're not going to pay no more than $300 over invoice. Sometimes if a dealer is in need to make a sell on a vehicle then they'll usually let you have it below invoice. Some dealers sell $500 below invoice. Just remember shop around and get the best bang for the dollar. Remember it's your money, you're paying them.
black_dakota
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Chris
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2003
11:48:59
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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I sell them in Buffalo NY. I dont know how far in PA you are but if it is close you can see me and I can help you. Chris
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doug4.7
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2003
14:38:05
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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My old Dak was a 95 CC with the 3.9. I now have an 03 QC with the 4.7. The two biggest problems I have with the 4.7 is it is hard to keep it under 75 on the highway and I have to be careful off the line not slam my rear seat passengers' heads into the back glass. I thought the 3.9 was okay at acceleration (faster than my Mazda), but compared to the 4.7, it was a dog. If there is anyway to do it, go for the 4.7. You can always add the stereo and such later.
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DAKX01
Dodge Dakota
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5/23/2003
00:35:14
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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All I have to say is....... GET THE 5spd STANDARD TRANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you get the automatic with the 4X4, your transmission will flick you off everytime you try pass anyone. If you don't get Standard, you are brainless, it's cheap, fun to drive, better gas milage, and will last longer with a 4X4... trust me my brother has one.
my two cents
Paul
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nos4a2
Dodge Dakota
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5/23/2003
03:22:45
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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Ay, the blowhards are out tonight. I have had my 03/4.7l/3.92 AT AWD QC for a month now after I ditched my 02/4.7l/3.55 5-spd 4x4 QC and before that a 99/3.9l/3.55 5-spd 2wd CC. I like the auto with the 4.7l/3.92 combo best; I get BETTER gas mileage than the 5-spd ever got. Argue furiously with the dealer and walk out if they won't cut you a deal. I skated out with my fully loaded QC for $25k.
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LTU Dak
Dodge Dakota
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5/23/2003
11:26:04
| RE: Help with a new Dakota
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prices are high up there? don't buy one down here in the dirty south where there are two trucks for every other vehicle on the road! west monroe, LA
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