DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB

acool55

Well i ordered my new quad 4 weeks ago,ordered flame red loaded,dealer called today the truck came in,only one big problem is black not red,looks like someone screwed up big time,well its another 4 more weeks to reorder,just maybe i will get it for xmas.hope this truck is worth all the trouble its been trying to get one.its my 1st dodge!!!!!!!!!!!!

rnoland

I am looking to order a 2001 Quad Cab 4x4 soon. Do most orders from Dodge take about 4 weeks?

zidctlr

I live in Indiana. It took exactly 3 weeks from order date to receive date!

bobs5

I go to pick up my truck today.
Placed order on 10/27/00 and it arrived at dealers on 11/28/00.

jimt

I will probably place an order for 2001 Quad-cab on Friday. I am concerned about delivery in time to gain $1,000 rebate. It sound as if recent orders are arriving in 3-4 weeks. My salesman says "no problem", but he is a salesman! Is this a realistic expectation? Vehicle will be 4x4, 4.7, auto., hd service grp., limited slip 3.92, tow pkg., sport and sport+, and most of the creature comfort items. Has anyone seen Taupe color interior? I understand it is tan or light brown hue, but have not seen it. I have tan interior on 92 dakota clubcab and has worn well. Am considering that interior with black or patriot blue exterior if combination is available. Live in s. fla. so color choice is probably not best, but I really like the look. Any thoughts on any of these issues will be appreciated. Thanks JimT.

bookitty

Jim, it is not difficult for your sales person to say "no problem." Now, if he says it; he can write it. No problem! Sounds like an awesome vehicle no matter what color you choose. I don't know if it is included in any of your packages, but with the 3.92 (it sounds as if you are considering towing on a regular basis) you might want to look into the 6 X 9 mirrors. If you are towing light loads on a more or less occasional basis, the 3.55 will deliver somewhat better mileage (especially on relatively flat terrain) at a lower RPM. Good luck, you will be very pleased with your truck. Keep us "posted."

Bookitty

donamy

Jim,
I hate to throw a monkey wrench into things. I just ordered a Quad Cab and wanted to get a Patriot blue sport as well. The thing is, Patriot Blue is only available on the SLT models. Believe it or not, the same identical trucks(one SLT and the other a sport) with the same options, the SLT was cheaper in my area. Go figure. When I finally did get my order placed I got a Intense Blue SLT. I also ordered the 4.7 with a 5-speed and 3.92 rearend with dark graphite interior. I saw the Taupe in a Patriot Blue quad and it looked fine. Good Luck

brianpha

Ok, last time this topic comes up hopefully. I am
shopping for a 2001 Quab Cab. I wanted a Garnet
Red, loaded SLT with a rear slider window. Dealer
calls me today and said he has a loaded Black one,
but has the solid back window with the defroster.
I was bummed because it does have all the options
I want, minus the color and the slider. What are
your opinions on the sliding rear window? Any
problems with leaks?
I called him back and said I would pass on the
black one, I will hold out for the Garnet Red with
the slider. But, I still want to hear from you on
the pro's vs cons.....thanks!!

Brian

resqman

The rear slider window vs. solid was discussed in detail in the Owners Conference this week. Hop over there and check out the discussion. Like anything, it depends on how you think you will use the truck.

Because of the rear seat, it is difficult for the driver to reach and operate the rear slider. There is some dicussion about tinted vs clear glass availability with the slider. Because of the shorter bed, some use the slider to carry longer cargo so it does not stick out the end of the truck. Useful for reducing the drumming/booming noise created when the rear windows are open. Several other issues.

Go check out the owners conference for all the details. Look in the Yellow bar to the left and click on conferences. From there go to Owners Groups and scroll down to Quad Cab topics. More than you ever could care to know about Quads.

albiona

I've just ordered a 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad as well, and had problems deciding. Started out with the slider, cause I'm used to having it, then after thinking how much I use it,decided the defroster would be a better choice.

Can't wait till my truck gets here, understand you can track the progress, can you tell me how, and what a D-1 Status is.
Thanks all, this is a great way of receiving information.

bookitty

Deb, we can do better than that. Now you will know
as much as the rest of us, and probably more than your dealer.

ORDER STATUS CODES
BB - review by fleet department
BD - special equipment processing
BE - edit error
BG - passed edit n/a for schedule
BGL - edit ok parts unavailable
BX - passed edit available for schedule
C - sub firm
D - firm schedule - dealer has allocation and all parts available
D - 1 gateline schedule - scheduled to be built
E - frame
F - paint
G - trim
I - built not ok'd
J - built ok'd
JB - shipped to body vendor
JE - emission check
JS - shipped to storage
KZ - released by plant , invoiced
KZL - released - not shipped
KZM - first rail departure
KZN - first rail arrival
KZO - delayed/recieved
KZOA - plant holds
KZOB - zone/distribution holds
KZOC - carrier delays
KZOD - carrier holds
KZOE - mis-shipped vehicle
KZOF - show/test vehicle
KZOG - damaged vehicle
KZOH - all other reasons
KZT - second rail departure
KZU - second rail arrival
KZX - delivered to dealer
ZA - canceled

Good luck.

Bookitty

skylerk

Here's a web page which gives instructions for calling Dodge to get your truck order status (it also has the same order codes list that Bookitty posted):

http://www.dakota-truck.net/order_status.html

jimt

Thanks for input and suggestions on ordering Quad-cab. Bookitty, I asked salesman about guaranteed delivery and he back pedaled some saying posible plant closings, holidays, etc. Also stated rebate applies to in stock and all of that. I did order quad today though. 4x4, 4.7 auto, 3.92 limited slip, hd service group, tow pkg., sport plus, power convience, security, delux convience, heated rear window ( which includes 6x9 heated mirrors) and couple of small options. True enough, patriot blue and several other colors not available with sport configuation. Chose black with taupe interior. Pretty excited about it. Joined the farm bureau also. If I am lucky with delivery time will see 1500.00 rebate. That will about cover Fl 6% sales tax! Thanks again for input and will post when I know more of my order status. JimT

brianpha

Well, after FINALLY finding the vehicle I wanted,
I find out that it does not have the skid plate
group. Now I know I should probably just order a
new Quad, but maybe the skip group isnt all that
important. I will only take the truck off road
occasionally, so do you think it really matters
without the skid plates? Apprectiate hearing from
you on this, thanks!

Brian

xena1a

Brianpha -

I would recommend skids for any kind of off-road activity. You never know what could bounce up there and cause damage. A punctured fuel tank out in the boonies is a disaster!

Just a suggestion - Instead of ordering a new QC to get the skid plate group, why not investigate the possibility of ordering the parts and installing the group yourself on the QC you are referring to? That's what I did on my previous truck ('99 Mazda B3000). Skids are just plates with attaching hardware. I'm not really mechanically inclined, but I did not have any trouble installing them on the Mazda.

Another possibility would be to use the lack of skids as a bargaining chip on the QC your are looking at. Something along the lines of "I'm ready to but this truck if you toss in the skid plate group." According to reports, DC truck/SUV sales are down. Seems to me the dealer should be anxious to make a sale. Use it to your advantage. Good luck. Let us know how it works out...

xena1a

Brianpha -

The skid plate group on my '00 RC listed for $130. They might be a bit more for the QC, but the dealer would be stupid to loose a sale for that kind of money...

xena1a

"I'm ready to but this truck" in post #428 should read "I'm ready to BUY this truck". YIKES!!! My bad. Please, don't anyone go out there and start butting your (or anyone else's) Dakota!!! 'Nuff said...

brianpha

Excellent advice, I hadn't even thought of asking the dealer to add them on. Of course they should be able to do that. A great idea for a bargaining chip too (as you already mentioned).
I will let you know how things work out, thanks!!

Brian

bpeebles

Did you know you can 'edit' your appends here on edmonds?
Procudure;
1) Copy and paste your append to the "new post" area.
2)Make any changes you need to and click on POST.
3) "Scribble" your original append to remove it.

pixeln

I have been monitoring this post for some time and found the info helpful in making up my mind to order a QC. I'm close to signing papers on a factory order 4WD QC SLT 5-speed with most everything but leather. I didn't mention Farm Bureau yet to salesman, (I seem to remember Bookitty or someone suggesting to hold this until the order arrives). What was the logic in waiting and are there risks? So far, South Florida dealers have been harder to negotiate with than most posts imply. Best deal so far is $500 over invoice and no additional dealer charges minus the $1000 Dodge incentive. Three other dealers wanted to add on a pre-printed $300 dealer charge and jacked the advertising fee up to over $500. I am somewhat concerned over timing on the rebate. Truck will likely arrive after the 1/8/2001 end date. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether DC is likely to continue the incentives after 1/8/01? Any way to protect myself in case the truck comes in and rebate is gone?

spike50

albiona - I have a '00 QC with the solid, defrost, tinted back window, which came with the heated 6x9 folding mirrors. The truck sites outside and is frosty in the mornings here in south central PA. The heated mirrors and rear window are great. The only idiosyncrasy is when you have the windows down (doesn't matter by what amount) usually in warmer weather but it could be for deer-hunting. A "drumming" sound / sensation from the wind pressure develops as you get over 15 mph. Those with the slider say that opening it stops the drumming.

As with all things in life, there are good and bad points to every decision.

brianpha

Well, I finally found the truck I wanted. The only
item it was missing was the sliding window. It is
a garnet red 2001 SLT, loaded. I did have them add
the skid plates to it, but they made me pay the
$130 for it! : (
It will be driven up from Oregon on Monday, to
here in Olympia, WA. Unfortunatley, that puts 600
miles on the truck to start. I used Autobytel, and
had good results. Anyway, will let you know how it
is when I pick it up on Tuesday, thanks for all the
help!!!

Brian

shawkwav

I finally picked up my 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT today from Redwood City Dodge (Patriot Blue 4x4 4.7L V-8/Automatic Transmission which is pretty much loaded). I must say that this is one awesome vehicle, but two things made my overall purchasing experience less than perfect. First off, after going through a checklist that I found on a previous posting, I found some unwanted blemishes and scratches on the doors and fenders. There is even a thin piece of wax that won't come off on the front side passenger door. On the right side fender there was mismatched touch up paint to poorly cover up another series of scratches found on the right side front fender. Second, the fleet manager that I dealt with was an absolute [non-permissible content removed] as far as professionalism was concerned. I would not have dealt with him had it not been for the great deal that I found through the Invoicedealers.com website, which led me to the only dealership in my area and my inevitable encounter with this gentleman. He was outright condescending, very short with me, and tried to rush me through going over my checklist. If that weren't enough, he tried to get past giving me my $1000 rebate, which the finance manager was so gracious in pointing out to him when I had mentioned the issue before signing any paperwork. If the finance manager hadn't been as kind, professional, and very personable with me, I think I would have lost it and unleashed the beast within me. Overall, however, I am pleased with my Dakota and I must say that aside from some minor cosmetic issues that will need to be addressed by the dealership within the next couple of days, I am very impressed with how solid and beautiful this truck is and performs. If anyone read this, please keep in mind to stick to your guns whenever you are about to purchase a vehicle, check the vehicle with a fine tooth comb, and do the necessary research before going to buy it. I waited a month for my order from the factory, and believe me, it was definitely worth the wait to shop online at Invoicedealers.com, especially since I paid $99 over invoice. For folks in the Northern CA Bay Area who decide to stop by at Redwood City Dodge, please be aware of the Fleet Manager with the initials J.P.! If possible try to avoid this gentleman at all costs, but if it's inevitable, stick to your guns and take no B.S. from the [non-permissible content removed]!

Dakota's Rock!
shawkwav

tacoma_trd

Sounds like you really like your new Dakota. I know that you have a 5spd and the 4.7L V8. I was just wondering if you ever drove the new 4.0L SOHC V6 in the 2001 rangers to compare it to the 4.7 in the Dakota. I was just wondering if the 4.7 has really that much more power because I know the new 4.0 is pretty quick and the ranger is a little smaller so the power to weight ratio may be better. Thanks

bookitty

Mark, sometimes the people within car dealerships want to remind us how shockingly disgusting they can be, so as to preserve the reputation that many of them have earned. The automotive industry strives to build a better image, but these types continue to surface. When I purchased my Quad, the sales person was a real "nothing", but the truck manager was a straight shooter. Thankfully, you are past that point, and now you should be enjoying your great to drive and easy to see truck. It may behoove you to write a letter to the owner of the dealership reporting the rude behavior along with a copy (in German of course) to Daimler/Chrysler. Let him explain and justify his actions. You are the customer, and it's your dollar that keeps the lights lit, not his. Good luck and have fun.

Bookitty

donamy

Shawkwav,

I recently ordered a quad also. (11/20/00) I am still in the waiting stages, but would like to get a hold of the check list you mentioned above. Thank You in advance for your help, and congratulations to you on your new truck. I hope I enjoy mine as much as it sounds like you enjoy yours.

Don Fisher

jimt

I also ordered quad last Friday. Sport, sport+, 4.7, auto, 4x4, tow pkg., HD service, limited slip, 3.92, etc. Donamy, my salesman showing nearly $500.00 in advertising also. Seems like a rip-off. He stated 350.00 over dealer cost, but with 3% holdback and advertising fees they will make a tidy profit. I will discuss it with him further, but won't kill the deal over it, because I believe the truck will be very good. The check-off on delivery is interesting and would be good to know it in advance. I also hope for a timely delivery to gain the rebate. I did join Farm Bureau same day I ordered truck. maybe we will have some luck in that regard. I wish all best of luck with new vehicles and look forward to updates. thanks, JimT

xena1a

Thanks for the editing suggestion. I'll give it a try...

xena1a

Sorry I took so long to get back to you. Been busy the last couple of days...

No, I never did get a chance to drive the Ranger with the 4.0L SOHC, so I really can't compare. What happened was that last summer I decided I needed a bigger engine than the 3.0L in my '99 Mazda B3000. I was kind of holding out for the 2001 Ranger/B-Series trucks with the 4.0L upgrade. Out of curiosity, I test drove the Dakota with the 4.7L V8 and was smitten. It was all over. By the end of July, I was driving a new Dakota. I can say that for me, the biggest difference is that I can now drive my truck with a light foot as opposed to a heavy one. So even though I'm driving a much more powerful engine, I'm actually a safer driver. It just seemed that I was always wrapping out that poor 3.0L just to keep up with traffic. That made me more aggressive, and not as safe.

One interesting note on fuel costs is that the 4.7L only costs me a couple of bucks a week more to drive than the 3.0L. While the V8 gets about 3MPG less than the V6, I had to run 92 octane in the 3.0L because of a pinging problem. All in all, I'm very happy with the Dakota. There is just something about a V8 and a 5-speed. No knock against the Ranger/B-Series trucks. I like them. It is just the way it worked out for me...

tacoma_trd

Im gonna have to give both of them a test drive. The only thing is, I cannot find a dealarship around here with a V8 and a manual tranny, they are all automatics. Also I want to wait till the 5spd is availible with the 4.0 in the rangers, so I will have to wait a while to test drive that one. Thanks for the info.

2drive

tac trd:

You might also have to wait a while to test drive a Dakota V8 with a 5spd. Before I ordered my '00 Dakota with the 5spd, my dealer first did a five state dealer inventory search for a V8 with a 5spd and came up empty handed. Word is that the 5spd usually must be factory ordered.

shawkwav

Donamy, please e-mail me at shockwave@pacbell.net so that you and I can discuss the check list!

tuvtest

Dakota 5-spds are very difficult to find. You may have to do as others of us in the groups have done and bite the bullet and order the stick on faith. Most dealers don't want to risk getting stuck with a truck that nobody wants and won't stock a 5-speed. My suggestion, if you are desperate to drive before ordering, is try to track down someone who's odered one from your dealer, or maybe someone in the owners disusssion group here is in your area and can help you out. What I ended up doing was to test drive a auto and check out a stick at the Chicago Auto Show, not the perfect solution, but I ended up being happy with the Stick.

traumagas

I drove them both in auto trans the 4.o is no match for the 4.7. Go drive the autos to compare them one on one. Ford has continued to ignore its faithful to put a v8 in the ranger, the ride and interior room will also pull you toward the dakota
I am 40 years old and my dakota is a pleasure to drive day in and day out 01 4x4 4.7 QC

bookitty

Travis, I cannot tell you that you will like the 5 speed transmission, but I can tell you that I, along with just about everyone on the forum who has one, loves it. Other than my leased Expedition, every vehicle owned has been a manual if available. This truck (2000 Quad 4x4,4.7 3.55 LSD)has a nice pattern and shifts flawlessly. I have nothing against automatics, I just prefer a manual. It offers superior control under adverse weather conditions, and I personally am very comfortable shifting manually. I am certain that you will be pleased with the Dakota 5 speed, but it is you who must decide. You are correct in regard to the fact that there are literally none available "on the ground." If you live in Eastern PA or South Jersey, Email me and perhaps you can do a test drive.

Bookitty

tacoma_trd

Thanks guys. I pretty much plan on ordering if I get a new truck, and I definitely want a 5spd no matter what I get. My Parents bought a 2000 Durango 4x4 with the 4.7L. It drives awesome but I just think a Dakota 5 speed v8 would be very different. I know its a great engine, I'm just not sure yet. I might even consider just ordering the 5 spd without test driving it.

tacoma_trd

Thanks for the offer, but I live in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thats a little out of my way

2drive

If you are considering the Dakota Quad Cab, your driving experience in your parent's Durango would be a very close approximation of the Quad Cab's ride and handling. I was negotiating on the Durango just before the Quad Cab became available, and in my opinion they perform very similarly, except in acceleration( the Quad Cab is about 200 lbs lighter). If you are partial to manuals, go for it! In my last 30 years of "non-automatic" driving experience, the Dakota's transmission has been, by far, the most satisfying.

gevergreen

Would very much like to know what the "Checklist" is that is mentioned in several responses. What is included and how is one obtained? Thank you for any help!

xena1a

I couldn't agree with you more on the Dakota's 5-speed. It is definitely smoother than my previous truck ('99 Mazda B3000). The shifts aren't nearly as "notchy" feeling on the Dakota. One other aspect is the clutch pedal itself. No slop in it at all when you first press on it. The clutch on my Mazda had that sloppy feel to it. Never did get used to it...

bpeebles

As I was poking around looking to purchase a used truck. The salesman talked me into trying a new 4.7L V8 with the 5sp manual tranny.

I was sold and now have one in my driveway.

If the dealer had not had this one the lot for me to test-drive, I may NEVER had bought one.

tacoma_trd

If I do get one it will be the Club Cab. I do not want a 4 full size door truck. Does anyone know if the 2001's have a 3rd or 4th door on the Club Cab models. If so, that is what I would like.

bookitty

Travis, the Dakota Club does not have a rear access door. The seat pushes and rolls forward in order for passengers to enter. Not too bad for a short trip with small people or kids.

Bookitty

stars50

Bookitty's well meaning response was good advice but take it from me,I had a run in with a greedy salesman and when I called the owner he was more nasty than the salesman. I wrote complaints to Chrysler and recieved absolutely no feedback. Numerous calls went unanswered. So much for the phony 5 star rating. Anyway, enjoy your truck and forget about those sleezebags. Car salesman don't get the bad rap for nothing. They earn it!

grokg

I have a 2000 Dakota QC 4X4 Sport 4.7 that unfortunately I will be selling. I have accepted an international transfer with my company. The truck is black and loaded. I special ordered this truck earlier this year. I received it in May and it has only 8,000 miles on it. This truck has been babied since day one. I hate to see this truck go, but I have no idea how long I will be abroad. I can't enjoy it so someone else should.

The Kelly Blue Book (Retail) value for the truck is $25,195. Trade in is approximately $21,000. I am asking $24,000.

The truck is in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you, or anyone you know is interested in this truck please send me an email.

grokg@mindspring.com
grokg@btinternet.com

Bummed,
grokg

shawkwav

gevergreen, please e-mail me at shockwave@pacbell.net
so that you and I can discuss the check list!

Shawkwav

pixeln

I'm trying to order a 4X4 Dakota Quad Cab in South Florida. All the dealers are adding a $299.00 "Dealer Fee" to their minimum $500 profit (so a total of $800 profit over invoice), plus $475 on the invoice for advertising. Did everyone pay this? Is there a reasonable Dodge dealer ANYWHERE in mid- or South Florida???

bobs5

I am in NJ.

"dealer fee"- I don't recall at this moment, I have to get back to you. I know there was some charge for clerical stuff.

"Advertizing"- Yup, had to pay that. think around $400 or so.

Don't forget "destination charge" as well $585.

Also had $99 for window etch for anti-theft.

If the dealers in Fla. have a website, you might try to negotiate with the internet dept.

Good luck

bookitty

Aside from advertising (national and regional) and destination costs, there should be no other fees such as preparation, etc. Dealers used to pull this number whenever they had a "hot" product. Ask that the "dealer fee" of $299.00 be explained to the satisfaction of the customer and any consumer related agency. If they are going to charge you a fee, please have them put into writing what this fee covers. Then go from there. D/C and other manufacturers do not like consumers paying for that which is the basic responsibility of the delivering dealer. Good luck. Robert's (bobs5)suggestion sounds like a good one. If nothing else, you will be a better educated consumer.

Bookitty

zonk

I just took delivery of my QC from a dealer in Oklahoma (I live in Alabama). I got it for invoice minus their holdback ($726) minus the dode rebate and minus the Farm Bureau discount. There was a fee of $49.50 referred to on their website, but this was lined through on the sales contract.
Locally, one of the dealers I talked to added a $200 doc fee to our "almost agreed to" price at the last minute. They said it was for inspection of the vehicle upon delivery, dealer prep , etc. Needless to say, I walked away (actually hung up).
I did hear that DC had upped the price on all Dakotas by 1% sometime in October. But, it did not affect my negotiations with Melton Sales in OK.