I just bought my first Dodge product, a '99 Dakota , club cab, 4x4, V8 5.2, loaded. So far, I love it! I've had it a week and went fishing this last weekend towing a 3800 lb 20 ft Bass boat. The Dakota did great! I was concerned on how it would perform taking it over the mountains to eastern Washington but it was outstanding! Cruised the entire way, no dogging. The gas mileage however is little to be desired when towing, only got 12 mpg. Without the boat, 19 mpg. Not bad. Traded in my '97 Grand Cherokee Laredo, nothing but problems,(big problems).
telgenh2, One of the saleman I have been dealing with called me last week to say the new prices were in for the Dakota Club Cab 4WD the base price is 18,040 $177 more than last year also he told me destination charge is 520 ten more than last year. Now here is the kicker, he claims the prices for the optons didn't change! So I gave him the list of options i wanted but when he gave 'his' price it was about $500 more than my new price. I called another dealer and they said that yes the base price is in but the option prices are not. I found this to be very odd. I called a third dealer and he claims they don't have anything yet but will check the computer today and see if the new prices iare in there. The first guy I talked too had the offical dodge three ring binder price book and had no problem showing me the numbers and putting together a truck. I am still waiting for the third guy to call back and see if the computer has been updated, but he did say that they had no price guides like the first one had. Stay Tuned....
jwr, Thanks for that info, that is the same thing I was not sure on. My credit union has an internet service that gives me invoice costs and when I checked I saw the $18040 and the $520 and the packages had the same costs as last year. I assumed that this is just because they did not yet know what they were and so they did not update the prices. It is hard for me to believe that the prices didn't change at all, especially when they are now available with the 4.7 V8. Let me know if you hear any prices soon. Thanks
telgenh2, Last night I had a message on my machine from a dealer I visited Sunday (this makes 4). He talked to his guy who does the invoice pricing and he said come in and we can do a deal. I asked him again are you sure this is for a 2000? and he said yes. That Sunday I left him a worksheet that I had made up for the truck I wanted to order and it included the two new prices that I added. I am going there tomorrow and will either have a solid deal OR I suspect that they will accept my invoice + 2% offer and really lowball me on my trade, or they will estimate what the increase will be, and when the truck comes in if it is more than the agreed price they eat the difference and if it is less I pay that price. I have never ordered a truck using the last method but as said before on this site don't trust anyone! I am sure they make money one way or the other. I will let you know on thursday what went down. By the way the the third dealer called me at work (the one who was going to check the computer and says they have nothing yet. this is another reason I will have my guard up tommorow night. I agree with the last part of your message about the new engine my first dealer said not only a new engine, but new front axle, transmission, Hybrid cooling fan, new shift pattern for transfer case, high output alternator, (the one that was in the heavy service group) and paint colors to name a few. One of the dealers I called said that they had the new Base Price but did not have the option prices yet. These could be coming later and may be higher. This is another reason I will be cautious tommorrow.
I agree that any vehicle that is mistreated will have problems. That said, Dodge products definitely seem to have transmission problems a lot. The Dealers here are backed up for weeks in the tranny shop, but can get you that day for any other problems, which tends to confirm that there are more transmission problems than usual. My Ram's only been in 3 times in 30,000 miles for its transmission, so I consider myself lucky.
In addition to driving habits, another variable is a persons expectation. Some people will take the vehicle in with a rather slight problem (rightfully so considering the cost of a new truck) and some can tolerate a little inconvenience. My Dakota ('98, 35K miles) shifts from 1st to 2nd roughly sometimes, but I don't think it is a problem.
Overall I've had almost no problems with the truck and the few that did pop up were fixed quickly under warrenty. I'm happy with my truck, but another person with the same exact set of problems might be calling it a piece of junk.
I visited that dealer last night and the saleman hooked me up with the sales manager. The manager basically said that the other dealer was probably taking a gamble by pricing the vehicle with these numbers. I know that night I went home and added up the numbers the first one gave me and he was high by about $500. Anyway this manager admitted that he had no new prices at all and guessed that they would have all information in about three weeks. So I could wait three more weeks get the prices and start shopping around. Then when I order I could expect a delivery in about November! If I place an order now delivery would be in late october. So here is what he offered, since the options and the truck are pretty mainstream, he can put the order into dodge but no prices would be assigned (we loaded this configuration on his computer in his office and there were no prices displayed) now when the prices come out my order would now show the option and invoice price of the vehicle. He will call me tell me the price I add 2% and say yes or no. If I say no he said no problem he will still take delivery and sell it too someone else and I get my deposit back. If I say yes then the next thing would be to talk about the trade. He gave me a ballpark figure of what he would give me today and it was about 500 to 700 dollars more than anyone else. But again if the truck comes in and they lowball me on the trade I can still backout and they will sell it to someone else. the advantage would be that I would have the truck earlier than waiting for the three weeks. He also said that when the prices come in I can come down and see the invoice myself. This is where I hope edmunds will also have the prices so I can double check. I called him today and said go for it.
I have been following your discussion and just wanted to say thanks for the info and to add my $0.2. Just last week I ordered a 2000 Dakota without knowing the exact price (no one here, NY, seems to have that information either). We agreeded, and I got it in writing, that my cost would be $100 over invoice. We are probably going to have to negotiate our definitions of invoice, however (hold back, advertising, etc.). I figured it was a good thing to do for the reason you post (earlier delivery), and I did a lot of looking and had settled on this truck anyway. I was surprised to find that Dodge was no longer producing 1999s...
Been following some of your conversations. I just ordered a 2000 Dakota from Cedar Rapids Dodge. I was surprised that the dealer in this town would take my offer of invoice price. After all my research and calling or via internet they matched the best of all deals that I was looking for on the internet. Now we in CR Iowa have just about all the 2000 prices except for the 4.7 L engine. Also did you all know that Farm Bureau gives you $500.00 if you are a member? Membership is $40.00. Also just for your information I presently do not have a price list but from what I had ordered up on a Dakota Club Cab 4X4 with options I am only looking at a 158.00 increase over and above the '99 prices. But still waiting for the numbers on the 4.7L engine.
I still have not heard anymore on prices, but I the dealer here in town said he is getting a few in tomorrow for stock. They don't have the options I want but I will get a chance to look at what some of the options look like in the vehicle. I am about to try to make a deal where I agree to pay the invoice price whatever it is, I already got him to say he would sell it for invoice but I was waiting for the prices to come out but I am sick of waiting when I already know what I want anyway. jwm2 in CR can you put a list of the options and invoice prices on here that you do have?
I'll have to get with the dealer on that one. We wrote that up so fast that day he didn't itemize it for me. Believe when I say this. If you have ever attempted to work on a deal at a dealer ship they usually will work on you all day wearing you down. That did not happen here! This probably took 1/2 hr. to 45 minutes tops. As I remember he put all my options down;I reviewed them and we had the total at the bottom line. Had a bad weather storm moving in so I took off. Now we are still in contact via email. But anyhow I will get list and post em for you. ppoulin All you have to do is go to the Farm Bureau and sign up for membership. They fill out all info. Tell them where the dealership is that is placing your order. The only stipulation is that you have to be a member for 30 days before you can take delivery of your Dakota. So if your seriously thinking about a Dakota better run down there and slap 40 big ones on their desk pronto:-)
I don't have the list on me but here goes: truck 26b dgb,agu,ajk,ajl,gt4,raz,ajb,cla,gfd I think this is it.
jwm2, belder, since are ordering have you talked about your trade in? (If you have one).
This guy gave me a ball park figure as of now but would not commit to a firm price. He said buy the time october rolls around the truck could be worth less because mileage, accidents, Bla, bla, But I will not wait until the truck arrives then negotiate a trade in price. My plan right now is when he gets his prices we will have a firm price on the dakota If I say yes to delivery I want a commited price on my trade in. Do you both have firm commitments on trades or are you in the same situation? When I ordered my ranger 5 years ago my trade in value was computed and agreed before I ordered. But the prices were already available and I did not have to wait. I feel that this should be the same situation here. I get a trade in price in writing when the prices come in or I walk, even if I am three weeks ahead of schedule.
I am going without trade, so I can't be of any help here. My current car is a 1986 Nissan Stanza in need of about $500 in front-end work. Interested?, because the dealer sure was not...
I had a 1989 Honda Accord DX Base model and the 3 dealers said they would give me $1000 for it. So instead I advertised it in the paper and sold it for $2200. Now I don't have to worry about any of that when I order my truck. I called the Farm Bureau yesterday and asked them about the $500 rebate and they said sure enough, all you have to do it pay $45 for the year and when you go to pick up your truck, stop by thier office first and they will give you a form to have the dealer fill out and it is as simple as that.
Just got this via email this morning. Hope that it will answer most questions about Dakota 2000 prices. jwr, I'm going to sell a '86 Suburban myself. I didn't try to trade. Might as well drive it over a cliff as to trade em. They just don't give you anything for them. This article just gives the base prices so I will still have to talk to dealer for exact option dollar package.
Included in this action are value packages offered for free or at a large discount on some models -- among them Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth minivans, and Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze vehicles -- which in effect have customers paying less, since these packages are greater than the vehicle's respective price increases.
This represents the third consecutive year the Company has held new model year price increases to a fraction of one percent.
Just took delivery of my new Dodge Dakota Sport, 4x2 3.9L on Wednesday. Paid $100 over invoice. Looked at all the trucks, including Toyota and Nissan. This truck is superior in almost every way! Quite frankly, I think the imports are not even in the same league. Both Toyota and Nissan have visible spot welds along the bed rails, and generally do not feel as solid as this Dodge. I can take railroad tracks without slowing down and without a hint of rattles or squeeks! Way to go Chrysler.
My last truck was a 94 Ranger, which gave me five years of flawless service. I would have stayed with Ford, but the V6 Dakota is about $2K less expensive than a 4.0L ranger (with all the rebates), and much more appealing. Not to knock Ford, the Ranger is a solid truck. Another factor is the Dakota can seat three in relative comfort, whereas the Ranger only two.
As far as the V6 vs V8 debate -- the V6 has plenty of power and torque for spirited driving. It can easily run 30mph in 5th gear (1000rpm) without straining. The V6 also has that throaty musle car like note -- just like the V8. If you have the need to blow away Toyota's (go get em!), get the V8, otherwise get the V6 and enjoy the extra MPG! (I found the EPA estimates on the sticker to be very representive under average driving conditions).
On the negative side, I do find the Dakota has a much more truck-like ride than the Ranger. This was a suprize as the reviews brag about Dakota's nice ride. Handling is great on both trucks however. Still like my Dakota --- What a Truck!!!
Ordering my Dakota next week (SLT, 4WD, etc ). Haven't made up my mind about the color just yet. Personally, I like Emerald Green. Since I will be living in CA within a week, I would like some feedback about this color (and others). How are the colors in real life and how good do they look on the truck ? Any color you would recommend for the Bay Area ?
All info is welcome.
PS I am abroad right now so no dealer visits for me this time.
I got the Emerald Green with two-tone for my Dakota. I love it. It looks great and I've received a lot of complements. I also have the SLT, and color works great with the chrome grille. My truck is new, so I don't know how the paint will work over time. Good luck and enjoy your truck.
I got a white one and love it. White may seem kind of plain but it really looks great on the Dakota Sport. It offsets the black tires and bumpers nicely and looks both sporty and classy.
Actually I have 94 Ranger that I will be trading. It has 106k miles and has some problems that make me reluctant not want to sell it myself. Went back to the dealer Saturday to put a deposit down for the truck. Then the sales guy wanted me to go and meet Fred. (not his real name) Fred shakes my hand and congratulates me on my purchase. (Purchase??)He wants to know If i am finacing the truck and if so what kind of numbers would I be looking at. I told him I don't know. I don't have a final price on the new truck, no one wants to give me a firm price on the trade. So I don't have anything yet. I told him I also want to check with my company credit union to see what they can offer me. "Well I'm sure we can beat it". then he asks how about if I pre approve you now and if you decide to go with us things can happen faster ? I declined and told him when I have the price of the new truck, and my trade then we will talk. (Nice try!) The conversation lasted about 1.5 minutes and I was back out on the showroom floor. My saleman asked if everything was ok and I told him the same thing. Told him I will be back when they get the numbers and we will talk some more and also metioned again that if no deal can be made I get the deposit back. No way was I going to let them know how much I am worth before the negotiation starts !
I have a 3 month old 99 Dakota CC sport 318 etc, and its in emerald Green and looks really nice. I have heard nothing but complements from people over and over again. I think the colour is really sharp and it is kinda rare, only seen 1 other here in Toronto Canada.
No way give them a deposit. It's not necessary. They've got some of your $ and will play with you. Check Edmunds/kbb for invoice price on truck and options you want and value of your Ranger. Once YOU have done your homework go talk to them. If they won't deal walk out. You'll be suprised how quickly they will run after you...good luck!
been off-line for a while..lots of new members that's good to see.
I have a 99 R/T C/C Deep Amethyst, love this truck never own a car again, but have some unresolved questions that could'nt be answered here..
I brought the truck to my dealer when nobody answered my questions. heres what happened...
1. Door Ajar light doesn't light(dash). he said it's not equipped! 2. Ignition doesn't light(plastic Ring on column). he said they did away with it for 99?
It took him 10 days to tell me this. Can anyone verify? PS-is there supposed to be an open door Chime?
Does anyone know if the 2000 Dakota will have the 3rd or 4th door that it needs? I already know about the quad cab. I am just wondering about the club cab. I am ready to buy, just having a hard time selling the car I have now!
My truck will chime when the keys are in the ignition and the door is open. I certainly woulden't worry about it if it doesn't -- I disabled this feature on my last truck -- kind of a pain if you ask me. Come to think of it, don't think the ignition ring lights up on mine either.
Mark, thanks for the quick response. Does your ajar light on the dash? please take a look at the ignition ring.
I don't mean to be anal retentive about these little things but you pay money for something and it should work... at least for a little while. PS- i would love to go back to the dealer and tell him he is full of you know what!!
Sorry to hear about your problems, especially since I just ordered a 2000... Your point about the reviews is a good one, and I have seen them since they helped me with my decision. Perhaps your truck is just a "lemon?"(this is me selfishly hoping of course...) It happens, and I think it can be dealt with if your state has "lemon-laws". Might be worth a look.
I don't think it's really a lemon. My understanding of lemon is that they have to try to fix it three times. If it still has the same problem then it's a lemon...
Something like that anyway.
I think the least stressful solution is to just sell it and get a nice sedan... Ponitac Grand Prix.
Haven't been in here for quite a while. I just can't get over all the negative bull about this truck. I bought mine a few months after they came out (december 96). I drive it daily back and forth to work on the NYS thruway, approx 500 miles a week. Got over 70000 miles on it. The truck still runs and drives flawlessly. I've run Mobil 1 in it since new and also gave the engine and trans. a treatment of Prolong. I'm positive it will go another 70000 without a hitch. By the way, it's a black sport 2wd V8 auto, with all the options. That Infinity cd sterio really cranks! Overhear console is nice also. (I get 17.5 MPG in the summer and 16.5 in the winter) I've also added a bed liner, wheel flares, bumper bra (I had mine altered so it doesn't mark up the fenders), bug shields (hood and fenders), and black bed rails. I'm thinking about ordering a new R/T, but can't get myself to part with it. For you guy's that keep asking about the front tire wear, I had the same problem with my Eagle LS's. My local Goodyear guy's got it pretty much in control though by adjusting the toe away from the factory specs. Anyone who really knows what their doing should know what to do. Also,for you that don't know, those Eagle LS's were made special for the Dakota. I bought my last two from Tirerack.com for $80 each. My Goodyear dealer was giving them to me for $110 plus tax! I think they list for around $175. I've got an extra set of rims with some good snows so I don't go thru them like I was. They are a nice riding and looking tire. I've seen some that have substituted others. (Not good!) well enough is enough, anyone want to know anything special drop me a line, Happy Truckin! GO MOPAR! PS also thinking about trading in the Caravan we own next year on the new PT Cruiser. Looks pretty nice!
First off it's not bull... why would it be bull if it was true? You think I really paid $23,500 to make up a story???
Second, why does it take an adjustment out of factory specs to fix a problem? You pass it off like that's the way it should be and anyone who doesn't know it is an idiot...
Sorry... it's poor engineering and there's no excuse for it. Plus the freaking Dodge dealers just tell me "yeah the Rams are the same way. they both eat through tires." Oh yeah, that's a good company....
I just bought a '97 Sport loaded to the gills. Have driven it about 300 miles and it's a dream come true. I love the damn thing. Has 33,000 miles on it and looks and feels brand new. I am a diehard Viking fan and I found a purple one. Truly an awesome looking vehicle. Hopefully, my Dakota turns out to be a "good one".
I've spoken with 2 dealers, neither have an exact date for arrival of the 2000 Quad Cab Dakotas. One dealer said September. Does anyone have more information about when these trucks will hit the dealerships? Has anyone ordered a Quad Cab yet? Do they have prices? Thanks.
I would take anything that Jimbayne says with a grain of salt. First of all, he blames the truck because he wore the brakes down to the metal and destroyed the rotors! With all due respect Jim, you have to inspect the brakes! It's simple, don't even have to take the wheels off. Just get a flashlight and look! You can't depend on any brakes to squeel.
Perhaps he has a valid complaint about uneven tire wear, but I have not heard of anyone else having this problem. Actually, 35-40K miles on a set of tires is reasonable, especially if you drive spirited like most guys do in these trucks. These are big and heavy vehicles -- just because you can get 70K miles out of the tires on your sub-compact car dosen't mean you should expect it on any truck. Uneven tire wear is quite common, and present to some extent on almost any vehicle. My dad's Honda Accord is especially bad in this area. Tires hum due to uneven wear after 10K miles.
The Dakota is one damn nice truck! The reviews and the majority of owners rave about it. I love mine. Throttle and brake response is excellent. Handling is outstanding for a truck. Interrior design and layout is tasteful.
Thats total nonsense about these trucks being "expensive cars". For one thing, they are a much better value than any car. I paid only $13,900 for my Dakota Sport, and still got all the options I care about (AC, Limited Slip, Cruise). What kind of car could you get for that? Perhaps a Geo Metro? And Jim, look under your Dakota, ever see a supension like that on a car?
I am on the Quad Cab mailing and email list. So I get regular updates regarding the Dakota Quad Cab. I just received a mini-brochure about a week ago. The letter that came with it said that they will be in the dealerships by January.
Comments
Thanks for that info, that is the same thing I was not sure on. My credit union has an internet service that gives me invoice costs and when I checked I saw the $18040 and the $520 and the packages had the same costs as last year. I assumed that this is just because they did not yet know what they were and so they did not update the prices. It is hard for me to believe that the prices didn't change at all, especially when they are now available with the 4.7 V8. Let me know if you hear any prices soon. Thanks
Last night I had a message on my machine from a dealer I visited Sunday (this makes 4). He talked to his guy who does the invoice pricing and he said come in and we can do a deal. I asked him again are you sure this is for a 2000? and he said yes. That Sunday I left him a worksheet that I had made up for the truck I wanted to order and it included the two new prices that I added. I am going there tomorrow and will either have a solid deal OR I suspect that they will accept my invoice + 2% offer and really lowball me on my trade, or they will estimate what the increase will be, and when the truck comes in if it is more than the agreed price they eat the difference and if it is less I pay that price. I have never ordered a truck using the last method but as said before on this site don't trust anyone! I am sure they make money one way or the other. I will let you know on thursday what went down. By the way the the third dealer called me at work (the one who was going to check the computer and says they have nothing yet. this is another reason I will have my guard up tommorow night. I agree with the last part of your message about the new engine my first dealer said not only a new engine, but new front axle, transmission, Hybrid cooling fan, new shift pattern for transfer case, high output alternator, (the one that was in the heavy service group) and paint colors to name a few. One of the dealers I called said that they had the new Base Price but did not have the option prices yet. These could be coming later and may be higher. This is another reason I will be cautious tommorrow.
Overall I've had almost no problems with the truck and the few that did pop up were fixed quickly under warrenty. I'm happy with my truck, but another person with the same exact set of problems might be calling it a piece of junk.
I visited that dealer last night and the saleman hooked me up with the sales manager. The manager basically said that the other dealer was probably taking a gamble by pricing the vehicle with these numbers. I know that night I went home and added up the numbers the first one gave me and he was high by about $500. Anyway this manager admitted that he had no new prices at all and guessed that they would have all information in about three weeks. So I could wait three more weeks get the prices and start shopping around. Then when I order I could expect a delivery in about November!
If I place an order now delivery would be in late october. So here is what he offered, since the options and the truck are pretty mainstream, he can put the order into dodge but no prices would be assigned (we loaded this configuration on his computer in his office and there were no prices displayed) now when the prices come out my order would now show the option and invoice price of the vehicle. He will call me tell me the price I add 2% and say yes or no. If I say no he said no problem he will still take delivery and sell it too someone else and I get my deposit back. If I say yes then the next thing would be to talk about the trade. He gave me a ballpark figure of what he would give me today and it was about 500 to 700 dollars more than anyone else. But again if the truck comes in and they lowball me on the trade I can still backout and they will sell it to someone else. the advantage would be that I would have the truck earlier than waiting for the three weeks. He also said that when the prices come in I can come down and see the invoice myself. This is where I hope edmunds will also have the prices so I can double check. I called him today and said go for it.
I have been following your discussion and just wanted to say thanks for the info and to add my $0.2. Just last week I ordered a 2000 Dakota without knowing the exact price (no one here, NY, seems to have that information either). We agreeded, and I got it in writing, that my cost would be $100 over invoice. We are probably going to have to negotiate our definitions of invoice, however (hold back, advertising, etc.). I figured it was a good thing to do for the reason you post (earlier delivery), and I did a lot of looking and had settled on this truck anyway. I was surprised to find that Dodge was no longer producing 1999s...
belder
Now we in CR Iowa have just about all the 2000 prices except for the 4.7 L engine.
Also did you all know that Farm Bureau gives you $500.00 if you are a member? Membership is $40.00.
Also just for your information I presently do not have a price list but from what I had ordered up on a Dakota Club Cab 4X4 with options I am only looking at a 158.00 increase over and above the '99 prices. But still waiting for the numbers on the 4.7L engine.
But anyhow I will get list and post em for you.
ppoulin All you have to do is go to the Farm Bureau and sign up for membership. They fill out all info. Tell them where the dealership is that is placing your order. The only stipulation is that you have to be a member for 30 days before you can take delivery of your Dakota. So if your seriously thinking about a Dakota better run down there and slap 40 big ones on their desk pronto:-)
truck 26b
dgb,agu,ajk,ajl,gt4,raz,ajb,cla,gfd
I think this is it.
jwm2, belder, since are ordering have you talked about your trade in? (If you have one).
This guy gave me a ball park figure as of now but would not commit to a firm price. He said buy the time october rolls around the truck could be worth less because mileage, accidents, Bla, bla,
But I will not wait until the truck arrives then negotiate a trade in price. My plan right now is
when he gets his prices we will have a firm price on the dakota If I say yes to delivery I want a commited price on my trade in. Do you both have firm commitments on trades or are you in the same situation? When I ordered my ranger 5 years ago my trade in value was computed and agreed before I ordered. But the prices were already available and I did not have to wait. I feel that this should be the same situation here. I get a trade in price in writing when the prices come in or I walk, even if I am three weeks ahead of schedule.
I am going without trade, so I can't be of any help here. My current car is a 1986 Nissan Stanza in need of about $500 in front-end work. Interested?, because the dealer sure was not...
belder
jwr, I'm going to sell a '86 Suburban myself. I didn't try to trade. Might as well drive it over a cliff as to trade em. They just don't give you anything for them.
This article just gives the base prices so I will still have to talk to dealer for exact option dollar package.
2000 MODEL YEAR PRICES
DaimlerChrysler Corporation announced prices today on its 2000 model year Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth and Jeep© vehicles, limiting the typical price increase to an average $108 per vehicle, or 0.4 percent, compared to 1999 models. The typical transaction price is the configuration, which can include popular packages and options, traditionally selected by more than half the vehicle's purchasers.
Included in this action are value packages offered for free or at a large discount on some models -- among them Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth minivans, and Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze vehicles -- which in effect have customers paying less, since these packages are greater than the vehicle's respective price increases.
This represents the third consecutive year the Company has held new model year price increases to a fraction of one percent.
Dodge Dakota 2-Wheel Drive
Dakota 4X2 Regular Cab $13,555 $520
Dakota 4X2 Club Cab 16,750 520
Dodge Dakota 4-Wheel Drive
Dakota 4X4 Regular Cab $17,030 $520
Dakota 4X2 Club Cab 19,955 520
4x2 3.9L on Wednesday. Paid $100 over invoice. Looked at all the trucks, including Toyota and Nissan. This truck is superior in almost every way! Quite frankly, I think the imports are not even in the same league. Both Toyota and Nissan have visible spot welds along the bed rails, and generally do not feel as solid as this Dodge. I can take railroad tracks without slowing down and without a hint of rattles or squeeks! Way to go Chrysler.
My last truck was a 94 Ranger, which gave me five years of flawless service. I would have stayed with Ford, but the V6 Dakota is about $2K less expensive than a 4.0L ranger (with all the rebates), and much more appealing. Not to knock Ford, the Ranger is a solid truck. Another factor is the Dakota can seat three in relative comfort, whereas the Ranger only two.
As far as the V6 vs V8 debate -- the V6 has plenty of power and torque for spirited driving. It can easily run 30mph in 5th gear (1000rpm) without straining. The V6 also has that throaty musle car like note -- just like the V8. If you have the need to blow away Toyota's (go get em!), get the V8, otherwise get the V6 and enjoy the extra MPG! (I found the EPA estimates on the sticker to be very representive under average driving conditions).
On the negative side, I do find the Dakota has a much more truck-like ride than the Ranger. This was a suprize as the reviews brag about Dakota's nice ride. Handling is great on both trucks however. Still like my Dakota --- What a Truck!!!
Mark
Ordering my Dakota next week (SLT, 4WD, etc ).
Haven't made up my mind about the color just yet.
Personally, I like Emerald Green. Since I will be living in CA within a week, I would like some feedback about this color (and others).
How are the colors in real life and how good do they look on the truck ?
Any color you would recommend for the Bay Area ?
All info is welcome.
PS I am abroad right now so no dealer visits for me this time.
I got the Emerald Green with two-tone for my Dakota. I love it. It looks great and I've received a lot of complements. I also have the SLT, and color works great with the chrome grille. My truck is new, so I don't know how the paint will work over time. Good luck and enjoy your truck.
DP
I have a 3 month old 99 Dakota CC sport 318 etc, and its in emerald Green and looks really nice. I have heard nothing but complements from people over and over again. I think the colour is really sharp and it is kinda rare, only seen 1 other here in Toronto Canada.
Go for the emerald green!
No way give them a deposit. It's not necessary. They've got some of your $ and will play with you. Check Edmunds/kbb for invoice price on truck and options you want and value of your Ranger. Once YOU have done your homework go talk to them. If they won't deal walk out. You'll be suprised how quickly they will run after you...good luck!
I have a 99 R/T C/C Deep Amethyst, love this truck never own a car again, but have some unresolved questions that could'nt be answered here..
I brought the truck to my dealer when nobody answered my questions. heres what happened...
1. Door Ajar light doesn't light(dash). he said it's not equipped!
2. Ignition doesn't light(plastic Ring on column). he said they did away with it for 99?
It took him 10 days to tell me this.
Can anyone verify?
PS-is there supposed to be an open door Chime?
Mark
thanks for the quick response.
Does your ajar light on the dash?
please take a look at the ignition ring.
I don't mean to be anal retentive about these little things but you pay money for something and it should work... at least for a little while.
PS- i would love to go back to the dealer and tell him he is full of you know what!!
Sorry to hear about your problems, especially since I just ordered a 2000...
Your point about the reviews is a good one, and I have seen them since they helped me with my decision. Perhaps your truck is just a "lemon?"(this is me selfishly hoping of course...) It happens, and I think it can be dealt with if your state has "lemon-laws". Might be worth a look.
belder
Something like that anyway.
I think the least stressful solution is to just sell it and get a nice sedan... Ponitac Grand Prix.
Just can't buy a foreign car... or truck.
Jim
For you guy's that keep asking about the front tire wear, I had the same problem with my Eagle LS's. My local Goodyear guy's got it pretty much in control though by adjusting the toe away from the factory specs. Anyone who really knows what their doing should know what to do. Also,for you that don't know, those Eagle LS's were made special for the Dakota. I bought my last two from Tirerack.com for $80 each. My Goodyear dealer was giving them to me for $110 plus tax! I think they list for around $175. I've got an extra set of rims with some good snows so I don't go thru them like I was. They are a nice riding and looking tire. I've seen some that have substituted others. (Not good!) well enough is enough, anyone want to know anything special drop me a line, Happy Truckin! GO MOPAR!
PS also thinking about trading in the Caravan we own next year on the new PT Cruiser. Looks pretty nice!
Second, why does it take an adjustment out of factory specs to fix a problem? You pass it off like that's the way it should be and anyone who doesn't know it is an idiot...
Sorry... it's poor engineering and there's no excuse for it. Plus the freaking Dodge dealers just tell me "yeah the Rams are the same way. they both eat through tires." Oh yeah, that's a good company....
Just be glad you got a good one.
Jim
cHuCk.
Perhaps he has a valid complaint about uneven tire wear, but I have not heard of anyone else having this problem. Actually, 35-40K miles on a set of tires is reasonable, especially if you drive spirited like most guys do in these trucks. These are big and heavy vehicles -- just because you can get 70K miles out of the tires on your sub-compact car dosen't mean you should expect it on any truck. Uneven tire wear is quite common, and present to some extent on almost any vehicle. My dad's Honda Accord is especially bad in this area. Tires hum due to uneven wear after 10K miles.
The Dakota is one damn nice truck! The reviews and the majority of owners rave about it. I love mine. Throttle and brake response is excellent. Handling is outstanding for a truck. Interrior design and layout is tasteful.
Thats total nonsense about these trucks being "expensive cars". For one thing, they are a much better value than any car. I paid only $13,900 for my Dakota Sport, and still got all the options I care about (AC, Limited Slip, Cruise). What kind of car could you get for that? Perhaps a Geo Metro? And Jim, look under your Dakota, ever see a supension like that on a car?
Hope this helps.