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Comments
I do have to give the local dealer high marks for continuing to work with me on this problem!
I have heard a lot about transmission problems with the Dakota. I'm interested in hearing from someone who has been using the Dakota for towing, and if the transmission problens are with the standard or automatic.
You can have one done after market, but I think you would be better off going the full size route as well.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
but I have a weird question. Does anyone know if
a child seat or baby carrier seat (I don't know the proper term; my wife and I don't have children yet but we are pursuing that endeavor) will fit in the back seat??? One salesman at the dealership I am working with says yes, another says no, so I thought I would look for input in this forum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I find the 99 Dakota Club Cab to be fairly roomy.
Naturally, not as roomy as the full size. I would
think there would be enough room. I would suggest
borrowing a seat to check it out. Make sure the
seat belt configuration is OK as well as sufficient room.
1. I've heard lots of talk about problem with the 98-99's but I haven't heard anything about the 97. Could some one give me a little feed back on this vehicle?
2. Most of the online appraisal site say this is a good price, but what do you think?
If you all knew then what you know now...would you still buy a Dakota? I'm 50 and don't have a lot of desire to spend time at the repair shop, not that younger and older buyers do either but as we all know..who has the time or money? Would appreciate your input and sincere recommendations.
DP
Hope this helps somebody in their decisions.
when should I see it improve or will i??
thanks!
"In addition to the Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations currently offered, a new Quad Cab style will be added to the mix."
The full document is at this URL:
http://media.daimlerchrysler.com/special/99/rtmodels_03_e.htm
The key word here is "added". (But of course, nothing is final until DaimlerChrysler releases information on the 2000 models.)
I assume most of the tranny concern has to do with an auto? I keep close track of the mpg between fills, and find 20+mpg hiway without the boat; 17-18mpg with the boat, and 17-18 around town. Compare that to an Explorer! This has been one great, quiet, reliable truck!
I'm curious if anyone else has this combination and what their mpg is. 13-14 is within the range on the sticker, and I live in Southern California where there's a lot of start and stop highway driving. Do you think this is why it's guzzling so much? Or do you think my auto trans needs "adjusting" as well?
The person above with the 99 R/T has the 3.92 gears (and the 360!) and is getting better mileage than I am! If that's the case I should put in a 360 crate motor and be done with it. Then I could tow a battleship! (albeit at 10 mpg)
Don't get me wrong, I love my Dakota. I just wish it wasn't so thirsty.
I am planning on ordering a 2000 dodge dakota, 5.2L v8, 4x4 sport. i have been noticing alot of problems with transmissions. Would it be less of a problem with a standard? i just learned how to drive one and i didnt want to get one because i have little experience.
One more thing is the 4.7L v8 going to be offered in all the dakotas not just the crew cab?
Thanx
My guess is that the biggest factors affecting mileage for a given engine size are the type of tranny and traffic/driving habits.
I have the same OEM combination, 215/75 on 7 inch rims. I went to 255/60 Pirrelli Scorpion Zeros which fit perfectly and are a real joy.
If you want to stick to a 235, go to a 235/70 rather than a 75 which will keep the circumference the same. That would work well.
For those who are considering bigger tires be aware that the odometer must be adjusted to be accurate. You can run into a big problem when you go to trade in or sell the vehicle.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
Get what you really want. Everyone will have a different thought and preference. Always go with your "gut" feel. You don't want to kick yourself after the fact. Be happy with your decision and don't say....I should have bought what my heart really desired. Go for it..life is short...enjoy!
Do you have air conditioning? If so, maybe there is a clogged drain hose from the housing where the a/c evaporator core/heater core resides, which would not allow excess moisture drain off.
I had a ford ltd station wagon that this situation
happened to.
Question #1: 200 miles (interstate) on new truck today. Seems to "wander", especially @ speed. Is this normal for 4WD since it sets taller or should I have alignment checked. I'm sure I'll have to pay if nothing is wrong. I test drove a friend's '97 4WD Dakota and didn't notice it, but I didn't drive it very far. Mainly was just checking for ride.
Question #2: Note new truck doesn't have limited slip rear. Dealer swears I won't need it. I recently bought some property with a lake and the boat ramp is a fine gravel. '98 w/limited slip couldn't horse the boat out without some "help" (650lb 4-wheeler in back and boat pushing to help get things started). Isn't 4WD without limited slip rear about the same as 2WD with it? I realize taller tires and more aggressive tred pattern will make a big difference, but am I liable to have trouble? Would have got it on new truck but I had to take what I could find (dealer had to swap)since it is end of model year and I didn't want to wait on a 2000.
Buy the way, who would want one of these with a 63" bed? (i.e., the new Quad Cab). My 4-wheeler barely fits in this one. I think Dodge missed it on this one. I would love a Quad Cab but no way with that bed!
Great site, appreciate all the opinions and tips.
when did they say your dakota would be in? Did you get the 4.7L?
I am planning on ordering one soon, how does the process work? I have never ordered a vehicle before. What kind of deposit do you need? Is there an obligation to buy? If you decide not to buy when your truck shows up do you get your deposit back? When do you start to make payments? Do you have to get approved for a loan before you can order?
Anyones comments would be very helpful
I had a 95 Chevy 4x4 LWB, had it for 3 years and put 100,000 miles. Never had a bit of problem with except for the usal replacement parts, a battery, belt, and ect.. I but about 15% off- road use. But did not drive it like tank. Pulled a travel trailer with it, sure it did not operate the same, but what should you expect?
Bottom line take care of what you got and treat like you wanted to be treated and it will take care of you for a long time..