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Dodge Dakota
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Comments
Thanks!!!
The thing that you have to think about is that the Dakota offers the MOST room in the rear. If you think that you need more you might want to consider a full size.
Matt D
mjdrake@yahoo.com
Here is my experience, for what it is worth.
I bought a (then new) Dakota ext cab, 4WD, 6 cyl, with manual trans in 1993 and now have 64K miles. I take pretty good care of it. Oil change every 3K to 4K miles, mostly highway miles commuting to work, etc. Only major problem was the radiator, which cracked at the crimp between the plastic tank and the aluminum. Cost about $250 to replace it with a good (brass tank) radiator. I know the radiator shop owner and he said that he has had to replace many Dakota radiators for the same reason. Also, the release handle on the emer brake broke and fell apart (after the warranty expired). Now I reach down and pull the cable to release the brake. I have had a few electrical problems that have left me stranded (3 times). No transmission problems yet, as a few people mentioned. I love the extended cab. I would never purchase a truck without it.
I am now looking for a new truck. I am considering the Ranger/Mazda, Toyota Tacoma, and the Dakota. I am suspicious of Ford, Toyota costs too much, and I am somewhat underwhelmed with the Dakota's reliability. Life is full of trade-offs!
One consideration for me is being able to fit a Honda 4-wheeler in the bed and still shut the tailgate. I know I can do it in a Dakota. I am pretty sure I can do it in a Tacoma. But I'm not sure about the Ranger/Mazda. It's too close to call by measuring. It depends upon where the tires and racks hit on the truck. Anyone know the answer?
Anybody have any reasons (other than towing) to keep a 1996 Ram 1500 (5.2L) instead of trading it for a Dakota R/T?
I know I've answered my own question (Question # 216). I was looking for verification on the numbers. It should be able to beat any truck on the road. As far as beating the new Mustangs with 260HP and the Camaro's and Trans-Am's with 305 or 320HP.......I don't think the R/T has a chance. I don't have anything against the R/T.....I'm considering buying one.
Can anyone think of a reason why I would buy an R/T (5.9L V8) over the Regular Sport model with a 5.2L V8? Would the depreciation of the two be equal over time?
I would appreciate any responses.
Thanks,
Adam
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
This could very easily save several thousand dollars and I imagine this is who I will be talking to when I decide to buy. If anyone has done this or has any more details I would be interested in hearing about them.
Thanks,
Brian
Mark
PS
Can anyone recommend a decent dealership is the Shreveport area?
Thanks
Chris
The second problem has yet to be corrected. After 1-3 hours of Interstate driving, the cruise control cuts out and will not reset unless I pull off, stop, shut the engine down and restart. Like losing Mach Hold on the autopilot!
Last, the front bumper was inadequately phosphoric pickled and flushed prior to priming and painting, so rust spots started popping out all over it. My Memphis dealer replaced it, but it took over two months to get a new one. If body parts take that long, I don't know what folks who have been unfortunate enough to get into a minor wreck are expected to do.
I really like the truck, but I have concern over possible spare parts availability problems.
I did try to keep the site as professional as possible, and one night, waiting for a page to load with over 40 jpg's, I decided to cut out some of the graphics for quicker download. In the address (post #221) if you replace Index.htm with
Index2.htm you will get the way less graphic version.
Herve,
Sounds very odd. I'll see if my service dept. has ever heard of that problem.
Matt D
mjdrake@yahoo.com
BTW = By the way
KBB = Kelly's Blue Book
glad to hear that you like your R/T.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
I purchased a 1999 ext cab 4x4 V8/auto in november. I like the truck but people need to be aware of the overdrive transmission. It can be turned off but it resets whenever the ignition is turned off then on. This sounds like no big deal but I do service work and it causes the transmission to go into overdrive above 30 mph driving slow through neighborhoods. The trans goes into 4th gear and locks the converter. When you press the gas it can't decide where to go. It makes it difficult to drive at slow speeds. It wouldn't be bad if the OD defaulted to off and you could turn it on. I only tell you this because it appears you are making a good attempt to provide a specialized dodge buying service and people should be told how OD works on this truck.
I am currently checking to see if dodge has a performance chip that would adjust the trans shift points. I'll post if I find out. If you have any info from your service department let me know.
Steve
The bed is the flemest piece of sheetmetal I ever saw . I have since been rear ended. Had all damaged fixed but on bed. I'm straighting myself and then I'm gonna get the thing painted Rhino hide inside and out. Any thoughts on this fix ?
99's are just fine. Haven't heard of any problems so far.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
Rhino Hide is a spray on liner. Rhino Hide is one brand name of several companies that sell the spray on liner.
I have had both over rail and under rail liners. They both move around in the bed (shimmy) and rub off the paint. On the other hand they do protect the bed from dents. Often you will be told the under bed liner won't rub the paint off. Believe me it will and it does not protect the bed as well as a over the rail. Also if you hual dirt, sand etc , the under bed liner will allow the material to get under the bedliner while the over rail will not.
I'm new at surfing, but, I do have a 97 Dakota slt ext. cab. V6 4WD w/the works. (tilt,cruise,CD,trail pk,etc.) I have had no problems with it so far.(knock on wood) I had a 91 Dakota V6 Long bed w/stick shift, 2wd. The only reason I traded it was the cab was to tight.
I put a under rail liner on the new truck, to take the lid that I had put on and painted to match. I also had the same liner on the old truck, and you are right, dirt and sand does get under it. I don't haul any dirt or sand with the new one, but I did put a couple coats of wax on the bed before the liner was put on. I had a 3 week wait for the liner..I like hearing of no major prolems on the newer Dakotas, as this is my first automatic w/4WD. Keep up the good work.
I'd like to have the capability of towing a two-horse trailer. I know the truck is rated for 6500 lbs. However, I have yet to actually see anyone towing that much. Has anyone out there seen a Dakota pull a two-horse trailer? Or, is that too much for this truck?
What is the benefit and penalty of the 3.55 vs 3.92 gear ratio?
I have read quite a few complaints about transmissions. I've driven a stick all my life, so a manual doesn't scare me. Which is more reliable?
Thanks for your help and look forward to hearing from you.
DPatton925@aol.com
I also have the Edmunds 1999 Winter Truck Issue on dealer invoice. I am going ask the dealers about their price on a 1999 Reg. Cab with a 5.2 Liter engine. I don't want a lot of options. I only want Air/Cond, PS, AM FM Cassete. I wish I could get the other options but I am on a strict budget. The only extravagence that I can really justify is the V8 and the gas and insurance.
Does anyone know of a good Dodge dealer in the Fresno or San Jose-Gilroy area? I would be willing to go just about anywhere in California to make a good deal.
Also I plan to either get
1) the Rhino Spray or the overim bedliner, which is better?
2. can you still use the tourent (sp?) bed cover if your use a overrim bedliner?
3. If I use a 5sp manual transmission with the V8 will that spare me the tranny problems that some Dak owners have had with the Automatic Tranny?
4. I wish I could get the extended cab but the only way I can afford the V8 is to forego on the extended cab. Is this a good idea? Or should I go with the V6 and go with the extended cab.
5. What do type of axle will I need to regular driving in town and long commutes?
6. How much does a Leer shell cost for the Dak 4x2 short bed? How much is a SnugTop? Which brand is better?
7. Should I get the long bed instead for resale value?
This will be my first truck and I really could use some advice. I live in Fresno but I would be willing to go anywhere in california for a good deal.
I would really appreciate any help before I deal with the sharks at the dealerships.
thank you ManuelB
#3: The 5-speed is reliable, providing Dodge has addressed the problem of premature release bearing failure since 1993 (I've had three in my truck). Recommend that you switch to auto trans fluid in the manual unit, after the warranty period has expired. The transmission will shift much more smoothly.
#4: If your driving is mostly highway, you don't tow, and you don't carry heavy loads, the V6 is adequate with the 2WD and 5sp, even with the extended cab option.
#5: The V6 5-sp manual 2WD comes standard with Dodge's lowest-geared rear end, the 3.21 axle. If you don't specify anything ales (3.55 and 3.90 are the optional ratios) you will get the 3.21, which is the best for economy. Good luck.
First of all, get the v8, it is powerful, reliable and have good mpg as v6. (a $500 opt)
2wd, since I want it just for fun, several grands for 4wd, which is heavier, unreliable, and uesless for me, doesn't make sense.
reg. cab is more agile(36ft vs 40 turn cycle of ex. cab) and save a couple of thousand.
5sp for reliability.
My Autobytel dealer called me this morning with a price quote on a Regular Cab SLT V6 with a 23G Quick order Package, a EHC V6 3.9 liter, GFD Rear window. He gave me a total price (Tax, fees, and license) of $16,310.
Does this sound like a good deal?
Also, is it really true that a Sport trim would actually be more expensive with all these options bought to match the 23G Quick order Package?
Anyways, thank you wpeng1 and clochase for the advice and good luck wpeng1 on your purchase.
Manuel b
According to Edmund's, your s should have roughly 14.6k invoice
12.1k(base)
2k(23G)
.1k(GFD)
.5k(destination)
you can figure out how much over invoice the deal is.
Actually, I think the sport trim is a better deal.
For v6:you can't get as much as you do from slt, but pretty close.
12.1k(base)
.83k(23B)
.13k(ADA)
.15k(22G tank plus GFD)
.7k(AC)
.5k des.Total: 14.5k
If you go with V8, that's a different story.
V8, 5sp,2wd
12.1k
.83k(25B)
.13k(ADA, lighting group)
.9k(AGU, sport plus pack. including fog lamp, bigger tire, air con.,22g tank, not available with v6)
.1k(GFD)
.5k(V8 engine)
.5k(destination)
For 15.1k invoice you get nearly everything comes with slt. plus Tires, Fog lamp, and bigger engine.
sport has Colored grille
Slt has Bright grille
Additioanlly, substract the $500 incentive.
If you want a full overveiw of the new dakota quad cab including several up close pictures go here " www.car-truck.com " chrysler edition and click onto the dakota article, its probably the first or second down the list.
I have a intermittent rattle in the rear of the cab which is amplified through the speakers.
Other major problems is the poor handling in rain, snow and loose gravel. I have been driving for 40 years and never felt so uncomfortable whenever it rains or snows.
Lastly, the gas mileage sucks!!!! I routinely get 11.8 miles per gallon. remember this is a six cylinder engine. I would not venture to guess what an 8 cylinder engine would get!!!
I'm planning to switch to the new toyota tundra when it is released. I'm afraid of this truck as it ages.
My 1924 Dodge will outlive all of the new vehicles
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
Brian
I can only sympathize
with your brake
delimma. I have a '98
v6 auto std-cab Dakota
and just turned 13.6K
and must replace left
front rotor (ruined) as
well as pads! I
complained at 7K and was told that "NOTHING WAS
WRONG" even though I
could have washed the
brake dust off the front rims daily and had a
deafning squeal when
appling brakes after
warmed up! Of course
"NOTHING WAS WRONG"
What a crock of crap
these service managers
put out! I have
documentation of my
complaint at 7K and
intend to persue this
through the BBB
arbitration board. I
have been through this
dealer service BS before and know all the ropes
and hoops one has to
jump through to get
results! I for one am
tired of the out and out thievery of dealerships
when it comes to
standing behind warranty defects. Imagine the
service managers
surprise when I waltz in with NTHSB TSBs in hand
and ask why my brakes
werent fixed at 7K and
allowed to degenerate to the point of being
unsafe! I wonder what
his asinine response
will be when I ask how
come at 1.3K (1300 miles after 12k supplimental
coverage) my outer pad
ruins my rotor and all
other pads are normally
worn for 13K? Probrably try to blow more smoke
up my a--! Its
disgraceful how they
assume anyone not in the industry is ignorant of
automobiles! I am
riding this one (through arbitration) to the dirt just like I did with
that piece of junk Kia
Sportage last year! Won hat one too! -Peggy
I'm concerned with the S10's safety ratings. Does anyone know how the Dakota's is?
Thanks.
97 clubcab,v-8,sport, 4x2, cruise,5 spd,delux conv pkg,big tire/handling,bkt st,std radio,bedliner, uniroyal tires(new).
mileage: 30 000km / 19 000miles
truck is in mint condition and one year remains on warranty. dealer leased one owner who traded up.
paying: 17 000 canadian / approx 12 200 u.s.
also any info on uniroyal or replacement tires, as the goodyears do not seem to cut it. the goodyear spare had the cupping, got them to replace it. brakes checked out 65% frt / 75%rr.
also any one have any suggestions about equiping with camper ie: northern lite 6.5'
thanks for rapid reply as i would like to close the deal before the weekend.
For most the six is fine. You aren't hauling anything really heavy, and you're mainly using the vehicle to get to and from work. There is about a mile per gallon difference between the two, so gas will be roughly the same. However, I suggest that you do get the 22 gallon fuel tank.
If you still can't decide, flip a coin. If on the first toss the outcome is not what you wanted and you opt for the best two out of three; stop, the decision is made.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm