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Dodge Dakota - Club Cab
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It seems for the most part, everyone is happy with the 4.7L except for the 15-18 mpg (depending on 4WD or 2WD). Can't say that I've noticed many posts by V-6 owners but one or two have mentioned an incurable per-ignition knock and somewhat anemic "get-up and go".
Depending on your timing, DC should be offering a "new design" 3.7L V-6 in the future. This may provide you with the best of both worlds (a ewer engine design V-6 and better gas mileage).
I have a '00 QC SLT, 4.7L, 5sp, 3.55 LSD, soft tonneau cover, T/H and HD group and with no other mods average 15.85 mpg on regular gas in south central PA.
Happy Motoring.
Otherwise press for a buyback or file under lemon law.
good luck,
Bob
Hope all goes well for you and the truck.
Does this story sound about right? I hope it gets here before the end of April. I am counting on the rebate as part of my down.
BTW, just for those thinking of buying one. This is Dakota number 2 for me. My other one is a 97 CC with 5.2 SLT 2WD equipted pretty much like the new one. In short loaded
It has been pretty much trouble free. When new a couple of trim issues and at about 20 something thousand miles the cat convert went out. Thats about it. So far I have, after many mopars only one dog so far, a 76 Dodge Van.
As for delivery times I placed my order on 2/17/01. It arrived at the dealer on 3/29/01.
Many have added the factory foglights afterwards. I think the lights, wiring and new main light switch are around $120 but better check on that. I added non-factory Catz MSC 3.5" dia. foglights. It was a "labor of love". Probably the best way to add non-factory lights would be to attach a safari bar on front of truck first and use that as your hanger for the new lights (fogs and/or driving).
Wish me luck, I will be one tired camper by the time I get out of there.
So next week I should be a 2 Dakota man. One blue and silver and one red and silver.
have two children who currently ride in booster seats and the room is pretty tight. As they grow, it will only get tighter. Anyway, I will eventually be moving to a slightly higher elevation and will be in need of a 4X4. I do not want anything smaller than a 3/4, as for the resale and payload. Here is my delema: When I am at play, I do medium to medium heavy hauling but may need to haul
heavier cargo, as per my move. Also with the gas prices soaring in CA, diesel fuel is significantly cheaper. So, I am indecisive as to which brand and type of cumbustible engine. I kind of like the sound of both types, each has its own.... how should I say... (arh arh arh). Its basically power vs torch. Reliability is of utmost importance. I will also be using this vehicle to and from work 8 miles one way, which is a lot of cold runs.
Any advice is appreciated.
If this was discussed earlier, just point me to the message out of the 273.
Thanx
I would suggest taking this post over to one of the Ram postings. The Ram owners are in a better position to help you. There are pros and cons to any drivetrain choice. With the diesal you get massive torque but it is slow. Personally if I was gonna do this I would look at the V10 but that is just me. I like speed.
When the density of the air is reduced at altitude providing significantly less oxygen, the engine whimps out. The turbocharger forces in more air, and defeats that starvation situation. Sometimes turbocharged engines at altitude will tend to blow smoke. That is usually upon power demand where the fuel/air ratio is upset due to the availability of more fuel than air. This is where aneroid technology kicks in, but we'll save that for another bed time story kiddies.
Bookitty
2003 is a little out there as my current 99 Dakota's lease will be up 3-02. I am pushing 40, so speed is not a necessity, I just want the power to pull a house down. Just the word "V10" sounds nice, but will it pass a gas station. I have heard one with flow masters, kind of got the blood flowing.
Most likely, I will not be above 2K. As I like snow, however I do not want the head aches that comes with living in it for 3-4 months. At this elevation, it will just visit me a few times. The Dakota Quad is nice and spacious, but it does lack the bed length.
The area I am looking at, is along route 49, between Oakhurst and Sonora. There is not too many newer vehicles around that area. It seems that old Dodges are still being used though. Next time I go, I will look a little harder. Great advice.
Bookitty
I'm considering a 2001 model (or getting a used one). I've come across something unusal. a dealership in my area is selling a 2001 Dakota Club Cab SLT, V-6, automatic, cruise, sliding rear window, A/C, AM/FM/Cassette for $15,996...that's like $3400 below Edmunds TMV.
I'm figuring they're having trouble selling it cuz it's a V-6, not a V-8. I don't really do much hauling at all...Kind of use a truck as a car, just like riding high and enjoy having the truck when I do need it (it's my only ride).
So I guess, i'm asking for opinions on this from you, the Dakota owners. It's clearly a good financial deal. I'm just wondering if the V8 is that much better? or some other angle i'm not considering here. Any other reviews of your trucks, particularly reliability would be appreciated (i don't wanna weed through the tons of messages).
Thanks
Bookitty
A V6 in a 2 wheel drive with no towing would be "adequate" for the average person. If you are satified with most average, everyday cars the V6 should be okay for you.
For me personally I used to own muscle cars so I am addicted to power. There is never enough!
The V6 is a strong engine for what it is. Just don't expect to get great gas mileage as you will be working it a little harder than you might a V8.
Why don't you take it for a serious test drive? Put it through what you feel you would give it and then decide if it is enough for you?
Ron35
Inspected the living L out of it before picking it up using the Dodge Ram checklist. Good basic stuff that we often don't think about. I recommend it for everyone.
The order time was decent, the terms are okay. I hope it holds up like my other mopars. I have had good luck thoughtout the years with them.
For those who are interested, it is a red/silver SLT with 4.7, auto 2 wheel drive and pretty much loaded. No 4 wheel anti lock brakes, hate them. All the heavy duty stuff including 2000lb payload, mainly for the bigger rear brakes.
I'll see how fast this can be rectified.
Only minor new complaint is yellow/white foam moisture found in the oil fill tube during the winter months. I still wish there was a separate button for the AC, like on my old 92 Dakota. Bi-level on the 2000 trucks runs the AC, even though there is no "snow flake" symbol next to it.
There are no covers over the jack compartment on this Dakota as well. I like the lever-mounted 4wd engagement system vrs. the push button. My neighbor's 2 week old 2001 Dakota Club cab has had to have the push button system fixed after one the first weekend of four-wheeling
http://www.batauto.com/Chrysler.html - this shows how to retrieve codes via ignition switch routine. on-off-on-off-on, where "off" is accessory position, "on" is the run position. It worked for me, although it took a couple of tries. If it works, the code information is displayed where the odometer readout is.
http://www.batauto.com/Pcodes.html - this shows the codes for obd2 in p format.
If you have time, take it to the dealer before the light goes out, so they can scan for codes. I had the light come on at 1800 miles, 4 restarts later, the light was out and never came back on again. By the time I got the truck to the dealer, the light was out, and they gave me the standard Dodge response "could not duplicate".
Hope it is not a serious problem.
good luck,
Bob
Happy birthday.
I think all of us with the 4.7L have the yellow/white foam or sludge in the oil filler tube. I just wipe it out occasionally. The 2001 models have a separate a/c button. My 4x4 system has been flawless.
I got the recall notice about the transfer case re-programming, in the mail, and have to make an appointment for that.
Overall, I'm happy with this truck
Bob
If I "correct" the problem by putting the OEM cap on and this indeed was the problem would the MIL go out by itself or does it need to be reset?
Ah ha, the change out the ol gas cap maneuver eh?
If the new cap was not sealing correctly, this can set off the light.
I assume the light went on after the new cap was installed?
Try the original cap and see what happens. The light should go out eventually, it may or may not be right away. When my light was on it took about 4 restart sequences to go out. I seriously doubt the computer will need to be reset by the dealer.
Good luck,
Bob
I'll keep my eyes on it. It runs fine, no hesitatation or any other issues you would normally associate with an engine malfunction.
Well, I better get my tail in gear, don't want to be late for work.
Oh the piece of mind it brings. Now I won't be worrying my troubled mind over it.
Glad the code retrieval worked for you.
Have you replaced the cap with the original yet and has the light gone out?
Bob
So far I have only driven about 15 miles in heavy traffic. Tonight I will have about 20 miles of highway driving at "normal" speeds. That should clear up any system pressure problems. We'll see.
Hate to go to the dealer and pay 3 times the price for a locking cap. Oh well......
Other than that, no problems. Can't wait to save some pennies and put another set of Pirreli Scorpion Zeros on this one. Love those tires, stick like glue.
I just stumbled onto this site today and enjoy reading everyone's comments! Now, I know what to look out for in the future months/years. Hopefully, I can provide information as well.
Dave
I kept shopping after posting about the V-6 2001 Dakota I found (most advice was to go V8)...I've now found a 2 WD, magnum V-8 (4.7), 2000 Dakota Club Cab SLT with 22,000 miles on it (Dark Green). It has P/L, P/W, cruise, tilt, A/c, am/fm cassette, automatic. The price just dropped to $14,580. Seems like a deal to me.
In this process, i've had quite a few people trying to shake my resolve to buy a Dodge saying they have serious transmission problems blah blah blah. That and the gas mileage "issue" have me a little confused I guess. It's kind of between this dakota, a blazer or god knows what.
This truck will be my main ride. I probably don't need a truck, but I like riding high, enjoy the comfort and of course the convenience of having a truck when you need to haul or move or whatever.
Anyway, what do you all think? Thanks for putting up with this post in your club...I might be a member very soon!
Thanks,
Jeff
Sounds like a good price.
What is the history of this truck? Service records, lemon law, etc.
How does it run and ride?
I have the 5spd manual tranny so I can't really comment on the automatic tranny question.
Gas mileage seems about the same between the V6 and 4.7L V8. In certain situations the V8 will get better mileage than the V6, such as towing or hauling heavy loads.
I'm sure the V8 will put a bigger smile on your face. :-)
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Bob
Bookitty