Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - IV

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Comments

  • colbatescolbates Member Posts: 37
    Childseats was one of the main reasons for me to choose the QC. I had a small SUV (Isuzu Rodeo) and I wanted to stay with a smaller vehicle. But I needed a pick-up for chores around the house, plus I needed something to accomodate the family and that means being able to take two booster seats.
    I was told that the QC was the only pickup in it's class rated fora child's safty seat without going to a full size pick up. Becuase of it's safty reting for child seats in the rear seats, the QC doesn't have a airbaag shut off switch.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    Any of you that have an underail bedliner (like the official Dodge version or pendaliner,etc) might want to consider this product. I like the underail liner for lots of reasons but I found myself scratching the top of the bed when loading stuff from estate sales, auctions, etc. and lived in fear of loading anything that might maim the interior exposed rail. I have already had to order the Flame Red Clearcoat touch-up paint to cover a few scratches. Last night I installed the Procap bedrail covers. They were a perfect fit and look great. Price was $69.50. If you are interested check out www.bakliner.com I order from Julian. Very nice to deal with. He even e-mailed me a picture of the product on a red Dakota so I could check it out beforehand. Highly recommend this product.

    Gas here in the Ozarks (about 100 miles from Little Rock) was 1.48 yesterday at the cheapest place in town although the stations near I-40 that snare the travelers are getting 5 to 10 cents more. Price has been changing almost daily for the last two weeks. I have been following prices around the country and appreciate all the posters who are keeping us all informed. We are already scaling back our annual Dinosaur Hunting and Flyfishing Adventure to the Yellowstone area and the Northern Rockies. Probably just make it as far as Colorado this year.
  • tpmillertpmiller Member Posts: 45
    but am having to watch the bride closely. She has a '97 Grand Cherokee and an '89 chevy convertible however she has been opting to use my truck at every opportunity. I am trying to train her to return the driver's seat to my position upon exit and strongly hinting there may be a partial fleet turnover if this persists.
  • vmanvman Member Posts: 103
    Great link, ozark! I was just yesterday trying to find those.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Cowtown, that was Towcrazy2's original suggestion re using Marvel Mystery Oil to assist in break in. All I did was concur that it is indeed a great
    and long lived product.

    Bookitty
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Thanks for the info on the equalizer... I'll be checking to see whether they have something for heavier applications.

    Aside from the possibility of increased "squat," I'm actually anticipating that the Quad will exhibit towing manners as good, or better than, the SWB Ram... Time and testing will tell.

    To the poster inquiring about Marvel Mystery oil... For what it's worth, I've used the same procedure during break-in on all my new vehicles... Pop for a quart of the stuff... Add 5 oz./10 gal. with each fill-up 'till the quart is gone. I have no "empirical" data to back up its effectiveness in a new engine, except to say that I've checked compression on my vehicles after years of use, and it's always been high and consistent between cylinders.

    In the days of yore, in automotive technology courses in college, we rebuilt several motors (Chevy small- and big-block, Chrysler hemi, etc.). The instructor ALWAYS insisted that an upper cylinder lube (MMO or equivalent) be used over the first 500 miles of run-in. Subsequent tear-downs showed virtually no galling and excellent valve seating.
  • tjumptjump Member Posts: 14
    spike50 & victx:

    I don't know if it's of interest to you but I found an (apparently) excellent www retail location for rack type stuff (www.rackwarehouse.com). They have, in particular, something called the Mirage Truck Rack which comes in both a high (in line with cab top) and LowRider (on the bed rails) version. The rack takes standard Yakima Locking Railrider 1 towers, and of course after that all of the standard Yakima accessories. I'm gonig to be ordering the LowRider version shortly (soon as the Personal Finance Office approves the funds expendature) and outfitting my bed for carrying 3-4 bikes. I already have three Yakima SteelHead mounts from my previous Yak rack, so this is a cool thing for me.

    Plus I really appreciate being able to solidly lock all my stuff to the truck.

    victx:

    You should check out the advertised prices at the Rack Warehouse, they seem pretty competetive, before launching with any Mopar stuff. Note that with either the Mirage (75-350 USD), or by purchasing Yakima tracks (95-120 USD) and having them mounted to your cab, you can get excellent stability and support with a much more flexible and secure system than the Mopar options.
  • ozarkozark Member Posts: 124
    my Rocky Mountain vacations in Albuquerque, Sante Fe, and most importantly, Taos. Sounds like a good trip to me. Golf seems sorta tame after that. Some of the roads in the high country above Taos seem like a good place to initiate the 4x4 aspects of the Quad. I'm envious of your trip. Sounds fun! and yeah....who said 50 is old? :-)
    Anxious for the middle of July to arrive if themacguy will hold the oil guys in check and keep gas prices down.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    I checked out priceline.com. I only glanced through it, but the prices all appear to be for the 2000.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Sounds like you've had an outstanding reprise! My bet is that the golf just isn't going to do it for you... Nothing wrong with it... I enjoy it myself, except that it's a grown-ups' game, and I'm just cresting 50... Give me another decade or two and maybe I'll warm up to it!

    Give me the Quad, a trailer with a Harley and saltwater tackle inside and a kayak on the top... 3-4 weeks to call my own... and point me toward the FL Keys... Lousy golf, but lot's of great kid-stuff!

    Interesting... The posters here seem, by-and-large, to have been around the block a few times. Yet, I've also repeatedly noticed a certain youthful enthusiasm for "cool stuff"... No one-upping or flaming... Just folks having a good time and swapping info/suggestions for the fun of it!

    Nuff said.
  • impy2impy2 Member Posts: 50
    When you get to the priceline.com website, click on the "new cars" icon. Under the heading "choose your make and model" click on the little arrow and scroll down until you see "2001 Dakota" click on this. Then enter your zip code (this is to calculate your destination charge when your price the truck) Hit enter or click on "go". If you get a screen that says "pricing is not available in your area" just click "ignor" This will take you to all of the 2001 Dakota lineup. You can choose your options and packages and it will calculate a price for you. If you pick an option that does not coincide with another option it will let you know. For example: It will not let you pick "leather wrapped steering wheel" without choosing "deluxe convenient group" so on and so forth. Just look real close and you will see the 2001 Dakota listed. Prices are about the same as the 2000. I am wandering if the body style has changed any. It will not show a picture yet.
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    There's lots of stuff to do in Santa Fe. I've made the trip many years on Memorial Day to the Fiesta del Porsche event, but this time of year you'll have to hang out in the square a bunch - and eat at the Blue Coyote & also at Tomacita's: the BEST green chile cheeseburgers & green chile enchiladas on this or any other planet - I've driven two day / 1000 mile round trips just to eat at Tomacita's on Guadalupe St., it's the old train station. Also try the Santa Fe Vineyard north of town. The oldest church in the US is just off the square too. A fabulous Fossil Shop - I've bought from and sold to them a lot - is off the Square near the cinema.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Just a quick point of order regarding destination charges on vehicles. It matters not where you take delivery... The destination charge will remain the same. That is, I live about 25 miles from the Warren plant where Quads are built. My destination charge was the same as the guy who takes delivery in San Fransisco.

    It really is great, though, to be able to do some rudimentary pricing on-line! While working with a dealer is still necessary for the forseeable future, it's nice to walk in with numbers on paper rather than a blank look!
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Amen! One of the ploys I used prior to the access to information on the Internet was as follows, and it worked every time;

    I would walk into the dealership and always had a piece of standard sized paper folded in half. As we discussed models, equipment, options and pricing I would always unfold the paper and appear to look at it as in making reference. At this point I would usually thank the salesperson for their time and stand up as to leave. This would inevitably result in a lower price and/or the invoking of the "sales manager T/O." This piece of paper would drive them wild, and the would always ask to see it, and were then promptly denied. After I received what I thought to be a good deal, I would then divulge the contents of the "Magna Carta" which might be anything from a grocery list to a piece of unsolicited mail. Worked like a charm.

    Bookitty
  • 76quad76quad Member Posts: 4
    Towcrazy2 - Did you eventually get your Westin Safari Bar installed? How does it look? Any pictures?

    Priceline.com - I noticed that the Body Side Moldings are now an option. Are these color coordinated with the paint selected or simply black? Any luck getting them to work on a 2000 QC?

    Colbates - I agree with you, the QC is the only pick-up that will safely accommodate a full size childseat without going to a full size truck. Plus Dodge will install childseat anchor tethers at no charge.

    Tom
  • resqmanresqman Member Posts: 71
    Northern Hydraulics sends me their catalog every so often. In the Hitch section they have an accessory that is basically a T shape made of tubular steel that fits in a standard 2" hitch.

    The leg of the T is vertical and has a right angle on the bottom so it can fit into the hitch. The height of the cross part of the T is adjustable from level with the bed of the truck to level with the top of the cab. It also can extend out from the bed up to several feet. Rated at 500 lbs.

    They show it supporting lumber sticking out the back of the bed. In theory you could use it as a canoe holder on the back end of the truck and use a standard roof rack on the cab of the truck. That would give you supports about 10+ feet apart if you figure from the front of the cab to past the end of the bed.

    Maybe you could have a 2" reciever hitch installed on th Front of the truck. Get two of the T supports and put one on both ends.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    Wow did we get a price break here in Western Michigan. Gas dropped from 2.09 to 1.99 last night. I guess our complaining is starting to pay off (or cost less). Keep it up towcrazy2!!!!!

    Well after 1 whole week with an egg taped to the bottom of my right shoe, here are my results:
    502 miles / 21.3 gallons = 23.6 MPG ($42.50)
    The computer had 23.2 MPG with only 31 miles left. (2wd 4.7 5spd 3:55lsd 6,900 miles)
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    I took a look at the Priceline numbers and they did not show a price for the leather interior and were cheaper than the 2000 price for the SLT Plus package. All the other numbers were 2000 prices. When it added up the options, it forgot the transmission. Sorry guys, it looks bogus to me.
  • sambone1sambone1 Member Posts: 5
    I've been checking out the posts here for well over a month. So much great info that I had to go test a quad for myself. Now I'm really screwed...

    I want one bad! But I just bought a 99 Pontiac Grand AM last year. It's a really good car but I need (want) a truck again. Problem is I'm upside down in payments. I will have to take a $1100 - $1700 hit in order to buy this truck. I can get the exact truck I want (Amber Fire QC, 4.7, Manual, SLT Plus, Overhead Convenience, with a couple more add ons)for $100 over dealer invoice. Which means that I'm really going to end up paying MSRP once you factor in the hit.

    My question... is this truck worth MSRP? ($22,950)

    Any input would be helpful.

    Sambone
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    I've been to the Four Corners area on business and pleasure. Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Durango (wrecked a car there once). My oldest son actual went to college at The College of Santa Fe for one year. Been to some of the gem shops downtown to look at the sliced meteorites and many of the local tourist stuff up to Taos (there when Colombine occurred).

    I'm one of several Boy Scout leaders taking about 40 scouts out to backpack at Philmont Scout Reservation right at Cimarron. We'll breakdown into 12 person crews (8 kids/4 adults) and do our separate hikes. Ours is a 65 miler that starts at 6,700' and in 5 days we're on top of a MT. Phillips at 11,774'. Then there's 6 more days of hiking to get back to the base camp. Bright and early on July 9 we return to Albuquerque from Cimarron and fly home to central PA.

    That whole area of the country is very interesting to me but I've got too many years up here to think about ever moving. Then again I've lived in San Anton', Ok City, Biloxi, Tom River NJ and Van Buren Maine as the first of six sons who's father (civilian) worked for the Air Force.

    Thanks for all of your contributions to the forum. No one person can stand alone, just too much to know. I know that I was a more informed buyer when I finally got the Quad.
  • ohc_babyohc_baby Member Posts: 116
    I plan on ordering a 4.7L 5-spd Quad Sport as soon as Dodge will take the orders. I just have a few questions about the newer trucks.

    1. Do the 5-spd trannys have lazy synchros or is there a delay somehow? For the life of me, I can't get a quick shift in the trucks I've test driven. and why is there so much lateral movement when in gear? My 88 S-10 w/ 200k miles is just a little tighter.

    2. Has anyone looked into a supercharger for the 4.7L engines? I'd wait for at least a year, perhaps 3 before attemting it but I'm curious.

    3. Any word on changes to the 2001 Quads? I'd be interested in a silver Sport or an in-dash CD changer. And is there any truth to the rumors of a new grille?

    4. Can someone provide a somewhat comprehensive list of things to check when picking up an ordered truck? I've read about door alignment, bed alignment, and door seals (and how, exactly, can you align a bed).

    Man, I just can't wait.
  • beauzarianbeauzarian Member Posts: 1
    I've been looking at the Dakota for three years. I'm finally ready to buy, but have heard recently that a lot of people are having brake trouble-specifically warped rotors, and that Dodge is refusing to warranty them. I've also heard that there are a number of other minor problems which are "nickel-and-diming" the owners to death. I'd like to hear what kind of luck others are having with the trucks after they have some miles on them-not brand new.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The 4.7 hemi uses three timing chains. One from the crank to an idler (same location as a 'normal' cam) Two from this idler to each of the overhead cams.

    Here is a URL that may intrest you.
    http://www.wardsauto.com/best10/99info/dcc47v8.htm
  • stagehandstagehand Member Posts: 3
    I have a 99 Dakota ext. cab. My rotors warped severly at around 15000 miles. I went to the dealer I bought from and was told the warranty on brakes was 12 mo./12000 miles. Two other dealers said the same. The week before I had to replace the evaporator in my wife's 95 Plymouth Voyager to the tune of $794.00. I explained my brake situation to that dealer,a Plymouth dealer, and he said to bring it to him and he would cover it. I feel he only did this for me because of the charges on the van. On the receipt I saw they billed Dodge $14.79 per rotor and $136.00 in labor. He also mentioned that the rotors do warp most always around the 12-15 mile mark. At $14.79 each, what kind of quality could they be?
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    And so has andy_jordan (aka a_j). We both have some really serious sportscars that pretty much sit since our Quads have been bought. Not speaking for him (his XJS overheats a bit) but my Porsches (all 4 of em) just sit or get borrowed as backups by some of my friends lately. The Quad is THAT good a vehicle. I have twice the fun as I did before (and I was NEVER bored with a Porsche). I hope you get the CD radio with the steering wheel controls & the ltd. slip and you're set. Trust me, it's worth it. In a couple of years it'll look like you stole it! ;-)

    Hey, but even if you don't, just look at it this way: you've still got a heck of a car, and we'll still welcome you to our little corner of the world. :O)
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Quite an active evening on the forum, and I missed it!... Was out laying under the QC, pondering whether or not to install a Borla cat-back... Ah well...

    NUMBERS ON PAPER -- Boo, the showroom approach you described is pure artistry! Had me vicariously enjoying the moment!

    As an aside, most retail automotive salespeople are trained to recognize and deal with four distict "types" of customers, with varying degrees of difficulty ("opportunuty") to achieve profit -- "P-P-D-D":

    PRICE buyers - Want the best price. Fairly easy marks, provided you can pick up gross on a low trade appraisal and/or F&I products.

    PAYMENT buyers - Want the lowest possible payment. These are easy marks. Just sell them on a 60-month finance contract... Though you DON'T mention that they'll be underwater on the deal for the entire ownership period.

    DISCOUNT buyers - Look for tempting discount. Used to be an easy mark, simply through starting at MSRP and working downward, combined with some pre-delivery accessorizing, low trade appraisal and F&I sales. With the advent of the internet, Discount buyers are fewer and further between. But they're still out there, and salespeople KNOW it when they have a live one.

    DIFFERENCE buyer - Looks strictly at the DIFFERENCE between trade value and selling price. This is typically the toughest nut for a salesperson to crack.

    SAFARI BAR/SIDE MOLDINGS - 76 Quad, the Safari bar won't be going on 'till next week, but I'll shoot a few digitals of the QC and make them available.

    As to the side moldings, they're all black for 2000 (same as fitted on all SLTs)... That worked out well on my white QC as its decked out in a white/black scheme... I would hope that Dodge moves to color-keyed moldings for 2001, though I can't say. Should you decide to go with aftermarket moldings, I have a few tips to share on cutting technique.

    GAS PRICES - Ferous, we've also experienced a 10-cent drop in 87 octane prices in Souteastern Mich., though it's from an average $2.19 to about $2.09... Another 25-30 cents, and I might start putting some leisure-miles on the QC!!

    ELECTRONIC 4x4 SHIFT - Hate to see Dodge go to the electronic 4X4 shift for 2001, though I suppose it was inevitable... Looks like I'll be savoring the simplicity and solid feel of the mechanical shift for the last time.

    Sorry to ramble on... If you think THIS is boring, you should see me at a party!
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Sam, there is a Farm Bureau $500.00 cash discount on Dodge trucks (excluding 4 cylinder models) that is available to Farm Bureau members. A membership costs usually around $70.00 or so, for instance PA is $75.00. One must be a member for 30 days prior to taking delivery. This URL will get you to the Farm Bureau, and then to your state. I believe that OK is exempt. www.fb.com. If you have further questions, please post them and someone on this forum will help you. Good luck.

    Bookitty
  • gsu1gsu1 Member Posts: 43
    If you do take the leap to the Quad you will not be disappointed. I was hit when trading in my Ram with the "negative equity" as they call it, so I myself ended up paying sticker for mine. To tell you the truth it was the best decision I have ever made. Well almost. I love this truck. I did opt. for the 4.7 4x4 and with just over 3,000 mile I could not be happier.

    Just to let everyone know that in Atlanta we are paying 1.50 for 87oct. with a 10 cent jump for each grade.
  • resqmanresqman Member Posts: 71
    My Farm Bureau membership was $25 six weeks ago in North Carolina. The offer expires July 31, at least that is what is said on the coupon. So if you are going to take advantage of the discount, head on down to your farm bureau soon.

    There is a $1000 rebate from Dodge for the 2 door and the Club cab but not the Quad.

    Put my Quad in the shop this morning because the tempature sensor was reading 0C while the current temp is in the low 80's. Service advisor says wait here, it just take a moment. The mechanic opens the hood, can't find the sensor. Pulls out the manual and points to the area it is supposed to be. No wires, no sensors, no nothing. After the curtesy shuttle leaves and I have been standing around for 1/2 hour, I wanted to know when they were going to give me a loaner. Service advisor says they contacted tech support and everyone and thing agrees on where the sensor is supposed to be but they can't find anything on my vehicle. No holes drilled, no loose wires, no wiring harness, no nothing.

    Finally got an extended cab Sport with 13,500 miles as a loaner. Boy the ride is different without the extra weight of the Quad cab. It seems like the the bed is light and wants to float around.

    The first sign it was going to be a bad day is when the Service advisor doesn't have my appointment. Second he does not recognize the name of my salesman. Probably should have just turned and walked away then. Got 150 miles on the vehicle and the mpg is up to 11. Still have half a tank.

    ...Pause while I answer the phone....It's the service advisor. Says that the wireing harness was taped up and the end where the sensor should should have been was covered in tape. They untaped the harness, pulled a sensor from another vehicle on the lot and it works. Hey, the day just got better!
  • knkresortknkresort Member Posts: 79
    I went out to my Quad after eating lunch yesterday and noticed a large hole (1.5") in the front left blinker. After my heart stopped racing and my brain re-engaged, I figured out I needed a new one. A quick call to the local dealer(Thankfully he had one in stock) and I was off to get it. Well, $135 later, I have my baby back looking sharp. Took all of 10 minutes to change it out. Looks like a rock may have punched it out as there is no other mark on the truck and it is too high for a hitch to have punctured it. I hate the high cost of replacement parts, but what could I do?

    On a separate note, at 4500 miles, gas mileage is running at 17.6 mpg. (3.55, 4.7L, 5sp, 2wd).
  • hastingrhastingr Member Posts: 1
    Hello gang! Delurking after watching this group for 6 months.

    Imagine my shock and suprise when I walked out of my home, looked across the street to see the truck I had been planning on buying, sitting in my neighbor's driveway. I was truly fit to be tied!

    Needless to say, we are getting into the time when I will be purchasing my next vehicle, and I have decided it would be a truck. We have two kids, 3 & 7, and two dogs, and the future seems to have a boat in store for us. (hopefully)

    I have been looking at two models for comparison, and I would like your opinions on the merits of each.

    Dakota QuadCab: Pros - great back seats, better price, nice styling, made in north america. Cons - smallish bed
    Toyota Tundra: Pros - slightly better ride, quiet, bigger bed, possibly better quality. Cons - back seat is for children that don't have concerns about comfort, and $2000 more expensive.

    I am thinking a 4X4 quad or a 4X2 Tundra.

    The back seat may very well be the deciding factor here, so it may be a moot comparison, but does anyone have any similar comparisons that they did when they were looking? What about the bed on the QC? Is is sufficient, or do you have to work around that with a trailer?

    BTW, this is a really fun group. I went to look at the Tundra group, and half the people are saying "buy American" and the other half are telling the first half to go away:-) No real discussion is taking place there. Just Japan bashing, for the most part. Oddly enough, I was born in Japan. (Army Brat:-)

    Thanks!
    Richard
  • sambone1sambone1 Member Posts: 5
    gsul - "negative equity"... sounds like every other oximoron (jumbo-shrimp, military-intelligents, etc...) It's just a cute little politically correct way to say you owe more than they will give you. It is good to hear from those that don't regret making that choise.

    bookitty - Thanks for the F.B. info. Unfortunatly, if we buy it will probably be real soon and I won't be able to take advantage of it.

    themacguy - sounds like it's not uncommon for folks to pay close to MSRP for the QC and feel good about it. I can tell you that in the Dallas area there is still a good selection on the dealer's lots (from 6 to 20 per dealer) and any of them appear willing to take $100 over invoice. Some of them are still getting in shipments of the 2000 models. I guess they are still trying to beef up their allocation numbers for the 2001 models.

    I guess it's now just a matter of getting the wife to give her blessing on the deal. Going into this against her wishes would be a huge error. No vehicle in the world is worth dealing with the back lash from that.

    Sambone
  • tpmillertpmiller Member Posts: 45
    My B-in-law has a toyota 100 and loves it. Drove my Dak QC and loves it. Also likes the roomy back seats. Think about how often you are going to need the entire bed for something. Think about whether 4wd can be useful for you as oppossed to not having that option. Finally, bulk stuff like soil, stone, and mulch can be delivered, and a 12 foot utility trailer can handle a ton and a half for less than 1k purchased new. Bottom line, what will be your personal uses for the vehicle, people hauler, load hauler, long trips, short trips etc. and then you'll have a better idea of what vehicle best fits your needs. Good luck and let us know, you're not gonna get bashed here if you go for the Toy.
  • sambone1sambone1 Member Posts: 5
    gsul - "negative equity"... sounds like every other oximoron (jumbo-shrimp, military-intelligents, etc...) It's just a cute little politically correct way to say you owe more than they will give you. It is good to hear from those that don't regret making that choise.

    bookitty - Thanks for the F.B. info. Unfortunatly, if we buy it will probably be real soon and I won't be able to take advantage of it.

    themacguy - sounds like it's not uncommon for folks to pay close to MSRP for the QC and feel good about it. I can tell you that in the Dallas area there is still a good selection on the dealer's lots (from 6 to 20 per dealer) and any of them appear willing to take $100 over invoice. Some of them are still getting in shipments of the 2000 models. I guess they are still trying to beef up their allocation numbers for the 2001 models.

    I guess it's now just a matter of getting the wife to give her blessing on the deal. Going into this against her wishes would be a huge error. No vehicle in the world is worth dealing with the back lash from that.

    Sambone
  • sambone1sambone1 Member Posts: 5
    Sorry
  • sharkskinsharkskin Member Posts: 11
    I'm a GM/Ford fan finding myself straying in the deep waters of DC. I've always liked the way Dodge designed their trucks but I'm worried about their reliability. I test drove a Silverado Ext. cab, a F-150 SuperCrew and Dodge Quad Cab and I've got to tell you....for the money the Dodge can't be beat. But how well is this baby ram hold up in the long run. And do what about scheduled tune ups. Most every GM, they say, can go 100,000 miles between tune-ups but I noticed Dodge doesn't say that. Also....how are the seats for real long trips?? I've got a bum back and need all the support I can afford. And whats with the full-time 4wd?? Is it the same as Jeeps All wheel drive?? Anyone in the PHILLY area out there as well?? If so how much did you pay over invoice for you Quad Cab and where did you buy it from?? For the rest of you guys....thanks for sharing you knowledge.
  • gsu1gsu1 Member Posts: 43
    sharkskin-To me reliability is just a matter of brand loyality. I know people that have Fords that are always having problems, still they say Ford is the best quality. I have a friend at work that just bought a Chevy truck and with 150 miles on the truck the engine just quit. Two weeks later and a new motor he had his truck back. He still swears that it is better than a Dodge anyday. I know from personal experience that I have had nothing but good luck with Chrysler products. I just traded in my 96 Ram with 86,000 trouble free miles to buy my Quad Cab. My brother has a 96 Dakota with 71,000 miles and no problems that he has not caused on his own. I have had other Dodge products with the same results. All car and truck companies have problems what really matters is if the car company and the dealership are honest in doing the repairs and doing what is best for you.
  • sharkskinsharkskin Member Posts: 11
    I've been scanning other "topics" at this site and there are a lot of people [non-permissible content removed]'en about their Darango's and JGC's. It seems not only are their vehicles in the shop on a weekly basis but they are having no luck with their dealerships and therefore are filing for arbitration under the lemon law. I know what what your saying about brand loyalty. What bothers me is that so many people are telling me to go with the Toyota Tundra for reliability. It just doesn't feel right and besides I wouldn't stick my dogs in the bench seats of their cabs. I guess I'll keep reading what everyone has to say on all fronts and hopefully make the right decision when the time comes.
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    hastingr - I usually just lurk myself and try to be a sponge, though I have been known to say something to get aj woofed off at me (Sir you-know-what). But I'll put my two cents in. I have recently test driven both the Tundra and QC, both being 4.7L, 2wd, auto trannys. Just my opinion, and others here know a whole lot more than me (and actually own one)- both are good trucks, but I liked the QC better. I felt really cramped in the back seat of the Tundra and I am only 5'7" tall. (I need a roomier back seat than my current Tacoma ext cab since I am about to be a grandfather for the second time in four years and need something I can haul little folks around in who are going to grow.) My knees seemed to be right up against the back of the driver's seat. The rear seating in the QC also felt pretty good compared to that in my current vehicle and the Tundra. I also liked the forward opening doors on the QC better than those rear opening ones on the Tundra. I think you can probably load stuff easier that way. Ride and acceleration seemed pretty even. In fact, I was surprised to see that the Tundra supposedly puts out more torque than the QC. As for the bed, for me, its size won't be a problem. I have used the Tacoma bed fully only once or twice in the nearly three years I have had it. Most of the time, I haven't needed the full length of the bed. And I believe the QC is somewhat less expensive. I just happen to like the QC better, but like I said, whichever way you go, I think you will have a good truck.
    By the way, there are web sites to check where dealers offer trucks anywhere from $175 below invoice to $49.50 above. You may want to check: landers.com (ARK), meltonsales.com (OK), bennyboyd.com (TX)(though his is 1% over invoice), autoinvoice.com (OK), and carsatinvoice.com (KY). Some of the sites have more info than others, but there is a choice out there, it seems. So you shouldn't have to pay MSRP, at least I hope so when I get ready to buy later on this year. I spoke with a guy at Landers today - Cody Morris - and mentioned to him some of the prices on the net and he seemed willing to do me a deal right over the phone for invoice or below. Again, just my opinion. Good luck!
  • thewink1thewink1 Member Posts: 21
    i appologize that i can't keep up but you guys are prolific writers. quick question, i seem to remember reading a while back about qc bed squeaking problems and a dealer warantee fix. mine is squeaking continually now and i don't know if its the bed loosening (the dealer already straightened it for me) or spring or shocks. i took it to the dealer the other day and they gave it back to me still squeaking saying they had to order parts to fix. does this seem right to you guys?
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    HASTINGR:
    Choices are tough, especially when there's a lot of new product hitting the market yearly! I wrote some service traing broadcasts for Tundra last year... Became totally immersed in the product during research, and it's a very nice truck indeed!

    I've also done a good deal of competitive comparison training for both the domstics and offshore... Picking apart the competitors (be they foreign or domestic) for trivial things such as a few lbs. of torque here or an inch of shoulder room there... All relatively meaningless on paper!

    My suggestion... Demo the trucks, and bring your "others" along... Talk... Feel... Sit... Open doors... Close doors... Talk again... Then go with your gut! They're both very competent trucks... The question for me was which one I'd rather live with.

    SHARKSKIN:
    I would concur with GSUL regarding the reliability factor between brands. I've had good luck with a Chevy truck... I've had good luck with a Dodge Ram... So far, I've had good luck with the Quad... Not to say that it's "better" than Chevy or Ford... Just to say that it suits my applications, and I enjoy driving it!

    As to a "comparison" with the F-150 or Silverado, I think that's a stretch... The Quad is definitely a mid-size, not a full-size. I downsized from a Ram specifically because I needed the "guts" of a full-size for towing (mine's a 5.9), but wanted better handling & comfort... I got exactly what I needed & wanted... Hope you do too!

    THEWINK:
    You might scan earlier posts on the squeaking... I recall contributors mentioning a TSB on the spacers placed between the leaf springs.

    Enjoy the weekend, ALL!
  • ohc_babyohc_baby Member Posts: 116
    Can someone offer a checklist of common things to look for when picking up a new Dakota QC? I'd like to have the dealer add the fender flares and bodyside molding. Other than that, I don't know what to look for. Any help would be much appreciated.
  • roundrocktxroundrocktx Member Posts: 14
    Thought I'd report back on my first service experience,
    I re-picked up my QC from the dealer today, I brought it in on Monday for some paint problems on the rear drivers side door. They repainted the door perfectly. I can't even tell it was redone. There was some slight overspray onto the bed rail, but it mostly came off w/ some elbow grease and will be covered by a rhino/line-x soon anyway. Thanks to all who recommended I go w/ the repaint instead of yanking a door off another one and slapping it on.
    The dealer provided me a loaner - a GMC Jimmy w/ a nearly full tank of gas at rental but returned on empty. :-)
    The Jimmy pailed in comparison to my QC. No power, terrible ergonomics, broken seat adjustments, poor visibility out the bank, terrible handling..
    Time to fill out the owner's survey. I am very pleased -- everyone at the dealership seemed to know about my problem and kept me in the loop every step of the way despite me being a pain in their behind. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned.
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    We will probably post some sort of frequently asked questions area (faqs) in the owners group deal that's been set up for us (that's right it's UP). andy_jordan (aka a_j) and I haven't quite decided where it'll land yet. Keep tuned. We should have EVERYTHING worked out in the next couple of days. No kidding.

    shark - If seating is critical - and the primary factor in choosing a truck - my opinion, and many here, would be to opt for a full size Supercab. My choice is GM all the way (for seats), as they have, arguably, the very best seating ever offered in a truck. AND a whole bunch of endorsements for their ride quality. I didn't like, want or need the 'command seating' however, and I did need a REAL backseat so I opted for the Dakota Quad. Your mpg will be as good in the fullsize GM products as the Dakota with the V-8s as well... just don't expect the Quad's performance (unless you tow dozers or fifth wheels), handling and parking lot 'ease' in the fullsizers - it just ain't gonna be there. ;-)
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    please, please, PLEASE read at least some of the Cougar and Subaru owners club Topic postings (BEFORE everyone goes over to the Dakota club with a bunch of 'willy-nilly' posts) to see what 'fits' into an area and what does NOT. I can already see a huge responsibility for a_j and me to try to keep all of this straightened out - not to mention poor ol bonnie @ edmunds. I believe it's in all of our best interests to start out as clean as possible in the owners club. We've garnered a pretty impressive reputation over time by being the 'good guys' out of ALL of the various topics here on Edmunds. So when we go out there on the next series let's bump that strong right side with a pulling guard on a quick count, then let's hit the left tight end running drag over the center and... :-P

    Anyway, ya'll know what we mean. Now let's go have some fun.
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    ohc_baby- go to the following website:
    http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/ram_frame.html
    Click on technical then technical index, scroll down to New vehicle inspection. Print this complete checklist and take it with you when you buy.
  • dakotahelldakotahell Member Posts: 6
    On April Fools Day, 2000 (no kidding) I purchased a 1998 5.2 liter 4WD Dodge Dakota Sport with 29000 miles that included the original as well as a transferable extended warranty. This vehicle was to replace my old beater truck, our third car. I was happy with it for about a month and then.........

    The automatic shift lever comes off in my wife’s hand as she is putting it in gear to back out of the driveway. No big deal. It is covered and they put a new one on.

    Appointment 1: The shift lever is fixed.

    Then one morning a week or so later I shift in reverse to back out of the driveway and was greeted with a tremendous "CLUNK" coming from the drivetrain. This clunk is present nearly every time I shift in reverse from this point forward. A few days later, upon engaging reverse to back out of the driveway what do I hear to accompany the clunk, but a really obnoxious buzzing noise that lasts until it is shifted out of reverse. Schedule an appointment.

    Before the day of my appointment, I turn the key over one morning and woe is me, the fuel pump starts making a hideous whine. Oh wonderful, my confidence in this POS is hitting overdrive now. I call and add this to the list of problems they need to address.

    The night before my appointment I figure I better give the Dakota a once over just to make sure I have not missed something. Hmmmm, a slight antifreeze leak near the thermostat. That wasn't there when I bought it, oh well, I will add it to my appointment.

    Appointment 2: They only fix the antifreeze leak and order parts for the tranny buzz and tell me the fuel pump is OK. When I pick it up, I take the service manager by the hand and have him listen to the fuel pump. He finally agrees there is a problem with the fuel pump and says the clunking noise in the tranny will be fixed with the parts they ordered for the buzzing noise. Reschedule.

    Appointment 3: They fix the fuel pump and buzzing noise (so far, anyway) and tell me the clunking noise is natural and all 98 Dakotas will do it to some degree. After bickering with the service manager again he agrees to call DC and talk to the engineers about it. Reschedule.

    Appointment 4: They replace most of the parts in the differential. It still clunks. I am losing my patience. They call the engineer again. Reschedule.

    Appointment 5: They go back into the tranny, replace the valve body, service writer says it is fixed. I go to pick it up, slide er in reverse (CLUNK!!!!) I am pissed, I wanna kill. I decide it is prudent to drive home to avoid a heated battle with anyone connected to this organization (this is a 5 star dealership by the way) and save the confrontation for the next morning.

    I show up the next morning to discuss this with the GM. He is out, how convenient. I talk to some manager and the shop foreman. They tell me the clunking noise and slop in the drivetrain is natural and will not take the vehicle back for that problem.

    I call Chrysler and get a file number......what a joke that process is; they side with the dealership.

    I take the Dakota to two transmission shops, one drivetrain shop and one general mechanics shop that afternoon. 5 different mechanics from these 4 shops look at it and all agree that there is excessive slop and clunking in the drivetrain.

    I call the dealership. They don't care what anyone else says. "We will not take it back for that problem again." I call DC customer service center, they back the dealer's position. Loud clunking and excessive slop is natural in the drivetrain of a 1998 Dodge Dakota. This is straight from Dodge representatives’ mouths.

    I will give you odds, the day after the warranty expires, this problem would be properly diagnosed.
  • impy2impy2 Member Posts: 50
    I clicked on your website and followed your instructions. It brought me to the Ram technical bulletins. Is there also one for the Dakota? Thanks.
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    Does anybody have the Gullwing fiberglass tonneau cover that is featured in the accessories book? It looks like a really good design, sort of combines a tool box effect with a traditional tonneau. Is it waterproof? Which colors is it available in? Any opinions/suggestions are highly appreciated.

    On a side note, I read back a few hundred messages that the SLT was a much better value than the Sport. I used Dodge's web site and priced up identical trucks, one an SLT and one a Sport, and the sport is cheaper... by $20. Not much of a difference if you ask me.

    Is it pretty typical to get a new Quad cab ordered at invoice price? Without even negotiating I asked the salesman I talked to how much he was looking to make on the truck (I made it clear that I priced it on the internet and knew the cost) and he said $200 over invoice. Not a bad starting point. It definately saves a lot of trouble when you let them know that you know what the heck you're talking about.

    Anybody have the roof rack featured in the parts catalog??
  • ford_biiford_bii Member Posts: 120
    Sorry, meant to say that the SLT was cheaper by $20.
This discussion has been closed.

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