Consumer reports usually recommends something until they test it again as I recall. Have they tested recently? Where did you see the recommended removed? I would guess it was removed because they haven't tested the 4.7L engine yet or it has been too long since their last test. I can't imagine why this vehicle wouldn't be recommended. It's as good or better than the previous models.
The Dakota got knocked off the list in the 2000 Buying Guide. I assume this is because the Dakota's reliablity slipped below average (which you can also see in the 2000 Buying Guide).
CR won't give anything a Recommended rating unless its reliability is average or better.
Just traded in my 99 GMC Sierra club cab 4x2 with 5.3 and loaded on a new 2000 Dakota club cab 4x4, fire red and loaded. Wow, what a great ride. Better ride and handling then the GMC. About equal power (had 5.3 in GMC) and none of the crazy "Lights on, locks on etc. Lots more room then the GMC in back and can actually seat 3 in back. Paid about $400 over invoice but dealer added an alarm ($400) I didn't want so got ripped off on that. Only one day but love the truck. Great seats, the reason I traded in GMC.
has anyone worked with a dealership who has the specification/pricing program on the computer. the dealer i visited had only a price sheet on paper, and could not produce a written or oral quote due to crosschecking option packages. they were absolutely no help, so i walked.
Just to clarify - the $300 advertising was the charge included on the dealer invoice. When I refered to 'invoice' in my original post - I meant the invoice total per Edmunds. Still pretty good - 2.3% over Edmunds including the advertising.
Just "pretend" you are going to order a car from them and print the sheet before hitting the ORDER NOW button.
I have found it to be the BEST online method to "put together" a Dakota right down to the required emmissions options for my locale. The resulting printable sheet even has the same "brand name" for the software as the printout my dealer gave me from "their" computer!!
I just got a quote back from a dealer in Dallas on a loaded 4x4 sport quad. The car plus destination charges invoiced for $26200 and the dealer shot me a quote for $28400 which is around $600 under MSRP. Ya right! - I'm gonna look around some more this weekend - anyone have any suggestions on getting around the dealer BS?
I don't have a delivery date, but my quote looks fine. Almost exactly what is shown on the Edmunds web site. The dealership in Gilroy is South County Dodge. I think it's the only Dodge dealership inthat area. They only have a 2 wheel drive (red) quad cab on the lot. They'll be happy to let you order one. Talk to the fleet sales manager Todd Flanagan.
You should hear the dual exhaust. It sounds tough and has a Flowmaster muffler. They have a black one (xtra cab) that is done up with dual exh. Ask to drive it, it's a blast.
Have fun and happy hunting. I think I'm gonna go to Haward to see the color. I think the pic of the prototype of the Charger are the same colot too. Amber Fire is gonna rock!
Check this out. Been trying to wheel & deal with Hayward Dodge & the best they want to do is around $1000.00 over invoice. I have a trade-in & that's the hard part. Dealers don't want to give you much since they usually wholesale it out. $1000. it is a little more than 3% over invoice but not that much especially that the truck would have a lot of options (4x2 though). Now that I have been talking to them more they will do a special order. The biggest laugh was Dodge of Serramonte in Daly City. Full of BS! Big time! First they said that Dodge wasn't even gonna make the Amber Fire in a Quad. Then they said they were the 1st dealer to even get one on the lot! (told them I had already test drove 3 at other dealships. You get tired of that crap. The final thing they said was they'd get a pretty loaded 4x2 in Amber Fire maybe next week & since they were so popular that they would hardly deal. Definitely MSRP + at least $1900.!!!!!And NO dealers were selling low. Too popular. Unbelievable. I said I WILL NOT be buying a truck from you! Or anyone else with those prices. Have they ever considered volume sales like the Hayward dealers? At least they know their product. Think I'll give Todd Flanagan a call. Hey you lucky dog! Of course I now NEED (& want) the dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. Probably will have to wait though...I bet you'll get yours by XMAS. Way to go! Bees
As you may have noticed I'm new to this chat room. Like must of room I knew I had to have a quad cab first time I saw it. Plan I test driving one this weekend. Been to Dodge web site and Know exactly want I'm looking for. However, I'm little confused by some of the great deals that some of you are getting. When you say you're getting $100-$300 over invoice. Does that invoice include the $400-$500 add fee? Also, are you taking into account the 3% holdback which amounts to almost $800. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated. PS do any of you know of any good dealers in the Cincinnati, Oh area. Thanks
I just bought a 2000 Club Cab from Hamilton-Fairfield Dodge for $200 over invoice, adv fee ($390) was included in invoice price. They were a pleasure to deal with.
Seems like the going price is about $600 over the Edmunds invoice price. The $600 includes the advertising on the dealers invoice. My deal was $300 advert plus $300 profit, which seems consistent with wbh001 in post 174, whose deal was $390 advert plus $200 profit ($590 total). I also got the dealer to include a $100 (list) Dodge accessory for $40. I've always been told that 2% to 3% over Edmunds invoice is usually a pretty good deal. Anyone agree???
Has anyone heard if the rail delay problem has been cleared up or if they are even moving some of the quads?? I think mine is built (I'm assuming since I ordered it 10/26) but is probably sitting in some gigantic parking lot across the great divide.
I just ordered my Quad Cab here in OK. The dealer I worked with sells all vehicles for $275 under invoice. He gets the 3% hold back from Chrysler. I loaded my 2wd 4.7L out with about everything except power seats and still kept my price under $23,000. The dealer has a web site at www.melton sales.com. They are a small town dealer who doesn't hassle the customer. So far they have had 6 of the new Quad Cabs and have sold 3 of them to other dealers. I drove the 4.7 and was thoroughly impressed with the power and smooth shifting transmission. I have been a Dakota owner for the past 8 years (I bought my 92 Dakota new) and have been very pleased with the truck's 6 cyl performance and reliability. Can't wait to get the 4.7. Looks like delivery time is around 70 - 80 days.
Please be advised that I contacted Dodge today regarding the delay on my Quad. I had assumed that it had at least been built and, much to my surprise, it had not. When I gave the cust serv person the order #, she did some research and told me the Quads have been on restriction-none are being made as of last week. She then told me the restriction was being lifted this week and they will start making them again. I guess no Christmas present for me this year!!
Ordered my 4x2 w/4.7L auto from Carlysle Dodge in Clearwater, FL on 11/11, and it was released from the factory on 12/4 or 12/5. Its awaiting a railcar via CSX to the Tampa area. Two weeks ago I was given a ship date of 12/4, so they were close. I called on 12/1 to check the status, and it was "D" status, or what they call gateline-scheduled to be built. Various other status designations indicate if their were any problems during or after assembly, such as returned for paint defects, etc. Apparently there were none for my vehicle, since it was built and released so quickly, so I hope thats good news. I wouldn't really want to know if it had to be repainted, for instance, or would I. Anyway, I hope to be picking mine up in two weeks or less.
Thanks for the responses to my first message, 173. Went Kerry Dodge in Cincinnati. I have a Mazda b2300 that I'm trading in. I had all ducks in row, trade in value for truck -450 for high miles plus extra for additional options on my truck. that part seem to go ok. I told them I wanted to treat this as 2 separate deals since is. That way I can sell my truck out right if I want to. The salesman said its still one deal and never counter my price for my truck. I gave them the sticker for the dakota the I printed from Dodge web page and told him that's what I wanted. He wanted to know what I was willing to pay. I gave him a break down of the dealer cost and added 390 for adv fee. I thought that was resonable for a first bid considering alot of you are paying 100-300 over plus adv fee. He said where's our profit. I said 3% holdback = $783. I think that pissed him off that I mentioned holdback and he said see ya later. Fine with me. i guess they can't stand it when you know all their little secrets. i'll try a different in dealer close to home before i head to Hamilton-Fairfield Dodge which is only 20 minutes from work. Wish me luck I need this truck bad!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who did you contact to get the status on your Quad? Your dealer or the factory directly? If it's the manufacturer, what's the number? My dealer hasn't been able to get an update for a couple weeks, maybe I can. HA!
Thanks for the info. I did give them a call to check current stock and what they had on order. They didn't have what I wanted but was willing to order it. Said it would be 4-6 weeks. I then went to Moser Dodge in Norwood. They had one in stock close to what I wanted. It had a few items I wasn't interested in such as pwr seat and radio controls on steering wheel. They started at 300 over msrp of 27330 and finished at 200 over invoice. The invoice included 460 adv, 20 junk mailings and 9 for 7 gallons of gas. Isn't that a joke. I guess 9 at 100,000 units a year adds up. They gave me what I expected on my trade. Not bad considering my check engine light came on while driving to the dealership and the racing slick tires. If I get everthing squared up at the bank today, I'll pick it up tonight. Might drive by Kerry Dodge to give the salesman his card back since I don't need it any more ha ha!
It's really pretty easy. You walk into the dealership. You show them how much the truck costs them (invoice) and that you know about the 3% holdback. Then you tell them how much you are willing to pay. If the take it great, otherwise walk out and come back another day. Remember you control the pen. It's their own fault the sticker price is nothing more than a piece of crap. Ignore it. It's meaningless. Work with invoice numbers only. Don't allow anything added on (or walk away) besides advertising fee on invoice, gas charge, junk mail charge, and destination charge. Anything else is bogus. Most of all don't let your love for the truck get in the way of your ability to negotiate. Put off the testdrive until you've settled on a price if you have to.
How do I find out the price of the truck. (invoice) How much over invoice do I offer them. Without making myself look like a fool. I don't have a clue on buying a new vehicle. I have only bought one brand new vehicle in my life. And it was the most miserable experience of my life.
Check out http://www.carbuyingtips.com Its informative and humorous. Great reading for psyching yourself up before going to the dealer. Don't take it all too literally though. If you know what vehicle you want, after doing your research, just read a lot of the posts in topics concerning your vehicle. You'll read lots of good information, and get good contact information for dealers ready to deal.
I am being told by my dealer that the fog lamps are no longer included in the Sport Plus Group (AGU) and there will be an additional charge for them, $109 according to them. Any truth to this?
Bakerb17: I doubt he's right. That info would be on the invoice. To verify, look up the chrome data invoice information, they supply the same info to the dealers that you get online!
priced an SLT 4X4 quad today with 4.7 V8 and five speed box. dealer's computer program defaulted to the 3:92 when limited slip was selected. the printed material did not specify that the 3:55 was not available, but the computer would not accept the order. the club cab did likewise. is it a computer glitch, or is the 3:55 unavailable with the limited slip rear axle. help!
I just ordered my Dakota Quad Cab, Pearl Blue 4x2 with all the options. Its great to hear that it made the truck of the year. I cant wait till mine is here. I ordered it a Carlisle Dodge in Clearwater Florida and got it for invoice. This will be my first Dodge. I was looking at the Nissan Xterra but you can’t get the power of the 5.9 magnum engine in a 6 cylinder “which is all you can get in the Nissan”. When I took the Dakota for a test drive I was hooked as soon as I left the lot. The power of the 5.9 is GREAT !! I want to thank you all for the info. Your notes made me go take the test drive .. Mine is scheduled for Late January or early February delivery.
I ordered from Carlisle Dodge 4 weeks ago, from Jeff Scherer. I am getting $300 over invoice, less $500 for the Farm Bureau discount, or a net $200 under. Also, my quote included a $530 charge for regional advertizing. Curious, how does your deal compare. My quad is on its way to the Tampa area by rail-CSX. It was ordered 11/13, and shipped from the factory on 12/6.
I ordered (and drive daily) my 4.7L V8 5sp with the trac-loc 3.55 rear end. I even got the opportunity to use 4Wd for several hours in a snowstorm this past weekend during a road trip.
I paid $500.00 over invoice plus Farm Bureau $500.00. The total discount was $2500.00. I wish i could have gotten more knocked like wzevon did but i think i did alright. Or is this wishful thinking. The dealer said it would 60 to 90 days for delivery. Hopefuly there will be a rebate by then.
My husband and I negotiated on a Quad Cab 4x4 with all the options for $263 over invoice but we are actually paying just $100 over invoice because the saleman is paying $163 of it with his own money. The only problem is he said we had to pay $237 for cleaning, delivery and handling, etc. and so when he presented to his manager it was $500 over invoice. We agreed to it before we researched on Edmunds that this was bogus so we called him and told him we are coming in Friday with the money but only for $100 over invoice and he said that if we have the check in hand, that his manager will not turn us away. Do you think this is a good deal regardless of the $237? We may walk away if they don't take off the $237 but we went to another dealer last night, and they won't go lower than $700 over invoice. What if they don't agree to take the $237 off, do we still have a good deal at $337 over invoice?
I am happy to know that local advertising is a valid cost to pay for. Buying a car is stressful but it's nice to see the saleman stomped when you know more than they do about cost, etc.
well the day has arrived, my quad is in, ordered it in october, built on nov 2nd, rail problems in between, but its finally here, test drove it today and it was great. 4.7, auto, 4x2, loaded!
paperwork done just waiting till tomorrow for my wife to get off work and sign the papers (shes the breadwinner) and of course on a 36 hour shift when the truck is in (my luck).
ill keep everyone posted on how it goes, i paid 700.00 over invoice, a decent deal, but they wouldnt come off anymore, and i wanted it. so if i subtract the 500 from farm bureau, its 200 over invoice.
Thank you for your input regarding the combination of limited slip and the 3:55. Does your truck have an automatic transmission? I feel that this is a computer glitch, but the sales manager claims that it will not allow the order to be entered. They are checking with Dodge and will call me. Thanks to wzevon as well. It's nice to have friends. bookitty
Bought my dakota quad 4x4 Sport on 12/8. Had it towed from work 12/9, wouldn't start. They fixed it within 2 hours, starter relay, and I drove it home. On 12/10 stopped to get gas, 14.9mpg. Wouldn't start again. Had to jog home 2 miles to get 98' Chevy Blazer. Had to leave wife and 20 month old daughter in cold truck. Service closed on Saturday so I talked to my salseman who got me a new 99' Durango to use til it was fixed. He said the dealership was very ashamed to see this thing get towed in 2x in 3 days. Picked up Monday,13th, said a connector was not properly plugged into the ignition switch. It's been ok since. I keep lots of change with me in case i have to call road side assistance again. otherwise I love the truck. very impressive looking. I think I need a 3" inch lift kit.
TGR1, The breakdown was invoice price for truck and invoice on all options. The invoice price for all the options were the same as Edmunds breakdown on website. They then added $ 495 Regional advertising charge and $520 destination charge “The advertising seems high to me.” Can anyone share there add on fees ???? Then with a $500 farm bureau savings. So all total got Quad Cab for invoice + $525 Way better than any on the lot price I could find.
I am going to the dealer tomorrow to order a Quad Cab tomorrow. they sold my dad a club cab RT last spring at a good price and seem to be ready to deal fairly with me. I think I can get it just a little bit over invoice. I am planning on ordering a 4x2,Sport with the 4.7 and automatic transmission and loaded with every thing but bucket seats and abs. They have a Quad with the 4.7 I can test drive and I am lokking forward to it! I wish you all luck with your Quads and will be interested in your comments while I wait for mine!
Wzevon: Sound like you're doing $300 better than me. Again, my deal was invoice + $300 less $500 farm bureau credit. When did you order, and with which salesman? I hope to be picking mine up in the next 2 weeks. Thanx.
Called Dodge today and discovered that if one orders the trailer package, heavy duty service package, limited slip differential, 5 speed with 4.7 V8, then the order system defaults to the 3.92 and will not allow the order to go through with the 3.55. For whatever reason, I cannot fathom. Whether it is a glitch in the program or part of a package, no one at Dodge could say. I will play with the options at the dealership, and see what will fly. I rechecked the brochure, and there is nothing that indicates that the selection is not allowed. If I cannot get a satisfactory answer, I will put off ordering the vehicle. If anyone out there has any ideas and/or input, I would be happy to listen.
well, i finally have it, i took over 2 months to get it but its here, it was built on nov 2 but it had to wait on a train for a month (my luck), well anyway its awesome so far, of course i just bought it but man its nice, it has the 4.7, auto, 4 whl abs, loaded with every thing but the computer, rear window defrost, leather and captains chairs, i cant get over the room and comfort in this truck, i get so many stares as i go down the road, i even had a cop stare me down so bad that he almost had a wreck (yes i belive in run on sentences), ill keep you all informed.
I purchased my 4x2 Quad last night(12/14) & they delivered it to me at work today. WHAT A FANTASTIC TRUCK!!!!!! I got the Amber Fire Pearl with auto,4.7L,+++. I ended up with $1000.over dealer invoice which included $460.00 advertising fee. That came to appx.$24,650.(not including tax,lic,& doc fee) I added extended warranty(6yr but that includes your 3 frm Dodge)+paint,fabric & dash protection,underseal(5yr). I don't know if it's California but no one in Northern Cal.would come down on the $1000.over. I probably could have got $850. over but that dealership is 2+ hrs away & where I bought it is in my "backyard." My problem was a trade-in which I had been unable to sell on my own & that probably affected the price over invoice.(higher trade-in value,higher percentage over inv.)Got the ext.warranty for $1250. & paint + protection $999. Probably ripped off on that but to me it'll be worth it in the long run(only $8.00 more a month on the loan. Dodge has a really good extnd.warranty. I couldn't live without the paint protection since the truck will unfortunately be outside & I live in the FOG! This truck handles and rides and sounds and smells and looks GREAT! I got lots of options except this truck didn't have anti-spin (which I really wanted)Infinity stero cd/cass/equal,6-way (bucket)seat,rear window defrost w/heated rear-view mirrors,pwr.everything,tow pkg,tire/handlg. pkg,heavy duty svc grp,4 wheel antilk.brakes,overhd.conven.pkg,slt plus,fog lamps,steering wheel radio control(works with the cd too),leather wrap steering wheel,security alarm. WINDSKIN...your gonna love it-AMBER FIRE PEARL is very cooooooooooooool! Happy trails cowpokes...
Comments
CR won't give anything a Recommended rating unless its reliability is average or better.
bookitty
http://www.carsatcost.com/home.html
Just "pretend" you are going to order a car from them and print the sheet before hitting the ORDER NOW button.
I have found it to be the BEST online method to "put together" a Dakota right down to the required emmissions options for my locale.
The resulting printable sheet even has the same "brand name" for the software as the printout my dealer gave me from "their" computer!!
The dealership in Gilroy is South County Dodge. I think it's the only Dodge dealership inthat area. They only have a 2 wheel drive (red) quad cab on the lot. They'll be happy to let you order one. Talk to the fleet sales manager Todd Flanagan.
You should hear the dual exhaust. It sounds tough and has a Flowmaster muffler. They have a black one (xtra cab) that is done up with dual exh. Ask to drive it, it's a blast.
Have fun and happy hunting. I think I'm gonna go to Haward to see the color. I think the pic of the prototype of the Charger are the same colot too. Amber Fire is gonna rock!
-=windksin=-
Hey you lucky dog! Of course I now NEED (& want) the dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. Probably will have to wait though...I bet you'll get yours by XMAS. Way to go! Bees
Like must of room I knew I had to have a quad cab first time I saw it. Plan I test driving one this weekend. Been to Dodge web site and Know exactly want I'm looking for. However, I'm little confused by some of the great deals that some of you are getting. When you say you're getting $100-$300 over invoice. Does that invoice include the $400-$500 add fee? Also, are you taking into account the 3% holdback which amounts to almost $800. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
PS do any of you know of any good dealers in the Cincinnati, Oh area. Thanks
Who did you contact to get the status on your Quad? Your dealer or the factory directly? If it's the manufacturer, what's the number? My dealer hasn't been able to get an update for a couple weeks, maybe I can. HA!
Thanks,
Bake
They didn't have what I wanted but was willing to order it. Said it would be 4-6 weeks. I then went to Moser Dodge in Norwood. They had one in stock close to what I wanted. It had a few items I wasn't interested in such as pwr seat and radio controls on steering wheel. They started at 300 over msrp of 27330 and finished at 200 over invoice. The invoice included 460 adv, 20 junk mailings and 9 for 7 gallons of gas. Isn't that a joke. I guess 9 at 100,000 units a year adds up. They gave me what I expected on my trade. Not bad considering my check engine light came on while driving to the dealership and the racing slick tires. If I get everthing squared up at the bank today, I'll pick it up tonight. Might drive by Kerry Dodge to give the salesman his card back since I don't need it any more ha ha!
the dealer with so much over invoice etc.
the dealer with so much over invoice etc.
This site gave me what I was looking for:
http://www.cs.fredonia.edu/~stei0302/www/DAKOTA/order_status.html
Go to the URL and read EVERYTHING about buying a new car by using the invoice price. Then use <<A HREF="http://www.carsatcost.com/home.html">http://www.carsatcost.com/home.html>
and build the Dakota you want to order. Then print out the order and take it to the dealer.
Its informative and humorous. Great reading for psyching yourself up before going to the dealer. Don't take it all too literally though. If you know what vehicle you want, after doing your research, just read a lot of the posts in topics concerning your vehicle. You'll read lots of good information, and get good contact information for dealers ready to deal.
Thanks, I'm going to check now. I REALLY appreciate you all taking time to answer my question. Hope I can do the same for you sometime.
Bake
Thanks,
Bake
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19991209/press004252.html?NEWS
I just ordered my Quad Cab with 5.9 Auto with 3.55 ratio. I think it hold work with a 5 speed
for delivery. Hopefuly there will be a rebate by then.
Kim
paperwork done just waiting till tomorrow for my wife to get off work and sign the papers (shes the breadwinner) and of course on a 36 hour shift when the truck is in (my luck).
ill keep everyone posted on how it goes, i paid 700.00 over invoice, a decent deal, but they wouldnt come off anymore, and i wanted it. so if i subtract the 500 from farm bureau, its 200 over invoice.
good luck all,
robert
bookitty
The breakdown was invoice price for truck and invoice on all options. The invoice price for all the options were the same as Edmunds breakdown on website. They then added $ 495 Regional advertising charge and $520 destination charge “The advertising seems high to me.” Can anyone share there add on fees ???? Then with a $500 farm bureau savings. So all total got Quad Cab for invoice + $525 Way better than any on the lot price I could find.
HELP !!!!!
bookitty
good luck all,
robert
This truck handles and rides and sounds and smells and looks GREAT! I got lots of options except this truck didn't have anti-spin (which I really wanted)Infinity stero cd/cass/equal,6-way (bucket)seat,rear window defrost w/heated rear-view mirrors,pwr.everything,tow pkg,tire/handlg. pkg,heavy duty svc grp,4 wheel antilk.brakes,overhd.conven.pkg,slt plus,fog lamps,steering wheel radio control(works with the cd too),leather wrap steering wheel,security alarm.
WINDSKIN...your gonna love it-AMBER FIRE PEARL is very cooooooooooooool!
Happy trails cowpokes...