I am thinking of buying a 92 Dakota LE with an extended cab, V6, automatic transmission, air conditioning and 67000 miles. It looks to be in excellent shape. Almost too good to be true. Does anyone know of any problems with this particular model. I am not that familiar with the Dakota. Thanks for any help.
I'm the original owner of a 91 Dakota LE, 5.2 V8, auto, a/c with 68,000 miles.
One problem I had was with the electronic overdrive switch. Replaced twice under warranty, doesn't work again, so I can't disengage overdrive around town if I want to.
Also replaced speed sensor as transmission wasn't kicking into overdrive at proper speed. Still a problem at times, although very rarely. I have to drive about 3 miles at 65 mph before the overdrive kicks in.
The oil pressure sending unit has been replaced twice.
Recently the steering column was loose and the dealer had to reweld certain areas.
The seat back broke once and needed replacement.
Other than that the truck has needed brakes, hoses, and belts in the 8 years I've owned it.
I'm a big guy and didn't feel comfortable in the Ranger/S10 size pickups but didn't want a full size. The Dakota was the right sized truck for me. I will probaly look at a Dakota when I'm in the market again, but right now it's running so good and the body still looks relatively new.
My truck has a drinking problem though, as it doesn't like to go by too many gas stations without stopping for a drink, but that's what you get with 4WD, V8, and 3:90 rear end I guess.
Just finished reading june edtion of truck trend magazine, and in it they tested a 99 jeep grand cherokee UNLIMITED with the 4.7l powertech v8.
Man I can't wait until this 4.7l becomes available for the ram and dakota. If you think the R/T is fast, you haven't seen anything yet. The engine in the jeep was equipped with a kennybell supercharger adding 6pounds of boost. And boost it did, 330hp, and well over 400+lbs torque. And the best part is you can order it through the dealer. The jeep costs $50,000, but thats all decked out with ricarro leather seats and all, but when the next Dakota R/T and RAM R/T come out, Im hoping that they will offer this supercharger with these two trucks as well. The stock jeep with the 4.7L v8 deos do zero to 60 in 7.2sec, so this supercharged version should be able to knock off at least a second or two! And this is just the 4.7L powertech, we haven't even seen the replacement to the 5.9L yet!
I'm looking at a 98/99 Dakota 4wd sport. Just wondering what the general impressions of other owners are. How's fuel mileage, overall reliabilty etc....Any help is appreciated
I think it's pretty much agreed upon by this group...If you're looking for good mileage, you're looking in the wrong place. Dakotas (even the V-6's) tend to drink lots of gas. Everyone knows that FORD stands for Fix Or Repair Daily, but I'm beginning to think that Dodge is an acronym for "Darn OPEC Designed Gas Eater!" I love my '98 SLT 4x4 CC V-8, but gas mileage is something you just don't find around here.
TAS... i would tell you that i absolutely love my '99 c/c v8 4X4. i tow a 4000lb boat with it every weekend and drive to work during the week, BUT, gas mileage is very poor... i get an average of 14 on city/ hwy mix. however, i did recently drive my truck for a 200 mile stretch of hwy and got 19mpg.my suggestion go for it and enjoy it!!!
I just ordered a 99' SLT Plus Ext Cab. I've noticed the front wheels on just about all Dakota's and Darango's are filthy with brake dust. I've noticed this on other vehicles as well. While researhing the vehicle I came across a guy that put together a kit for the gaping hole in the wheel wells. He claimed this alieviated some of the brake dust blowing through the wheels. My problem is I can't seem to find it again. Does anyone know where I can find it?
Your coffee is held captive while your in forth gear. Mistaken parking brake release for hood release. Does anybody else get that damn annoying clicking in steering column.
the clicking in the steering wheel is the purge valve under the hood. the dealer has been issued tsb by chrysler.AND YES, I THOUGH I WAS THE ONLY ONE TO CONFUSE THE HOOD AND BRAKE RELEASE. it seems to me they should be reversed!!!!
Did you replace the plugs? I have heard that you will get a little better MPG.
I have used PLEDGE furniture polish on all of my rims. The dust becomes much easier to remove. My garden hose washes it right off. No more asbestos pads
I've got some stuff called "Ultra Magic Wheel Cleaner". That's got to be one of the lamest product names to come out since the Gremlin, but it works great. You can get it at Wal-Mart, Pep Boys, Auto zone, etc...It's a green liquid in a spray bottle. Only a couple o' bucks a bottle. It's really good for getting brakle dust off of older wheels that have been caked and baked.
As for the purge valve, my dealership (after the 3rd visit) finally just removed it from the firewall altogether and fastened it onto a nearby hose. The knocking finally stopped.
Thanks for the tip on the plugs...I guess it's time to go get some Bosch Platinums...
Anybody have any experience with K&N air filters on a 318 in a Dakota? Purolater=$9.95 vs. K&N=$47.99
I'm new to the posting, have just read through many of the above comments. I own a 94 Nissan 5-speed, stripped. I've been fond of Dakotas for years, but have some nervousness about buying American. My Nissan has not had a problem in its 5 years, my brother in law drives a '87 with 150K+, those Nissan's are darn reliable trucks. I'd be interested in anyone's remarks on reliability and quality. The other difficult thing is, after a decent amount of research in a couple of Texas cities, I cannot find the model I want which is a 'stripped' black SLT five-speed. What I mean by stripped is no pwr locks, keyless entry, etc which drives the cost up by $1000s. I like the SLT b/c of the chrome and cargo lamp and floormats. Anybody have any advice regarding "ordering it?" How do you do that?
If you don't want to wait, and all you like about the SLT is the chrome, why don't you just buy a Base or Sport Dakota and replace the grille? There are plenty of aftermarket chrome units out there, and most of them look better than the stock Dodge ones.
Some of the posts from dealers on this list have mentioned that practically anything was available special order, but when I ordered my truck, I couldn't even change paint - my dealer told me driftwood was not available in Sport and that was that. So I don't know if I just went to the wrong dealer or if certain things just can't happen (like chrome on a Base truck). I also don't know how a truly "special" order would affect the cost of the truck or the time spent waiting for it. Dealers - could I really order a Base Dakota with chrome trim, 40/20/40 bench seat, and, say, Neon Salsa Red paint? Would Dodge mix/match parts like that (for a cost, of course)? If the answer is yes, I'll be pushier the next time I ask for a special order vehicle.
On my second and last Dakota - 98 SLT 4x2 V6 Club Cab. 18k Miles and starting to notice tranny knocking. Alignment sucked from the factory and tires are worn on the outer edges (as are 90% of all other Dakotas I've looked at). Mileage is 16 highway. First Dakota, 97 V6 Sport Club Cab had engine replaced and leaked water through every body seam in the cab. Dodge bought it back after several months of bickering and whining. Will never venture into Dodge territory again...Good luck to all of those who love the 'look' and have to have it...
Hahn, You are right about the shortage of club cabs as Dodge gets ready for the crew cab. It took my credit union buying service a long time to find one with my specs. Dealer says this is the end of the club cabs as "everyone" will want a crew cab. News for him: Nobody I know who has seen it likes it!
WELL BOYS AND GULLS, THE COOKSTER IS LOOKING AT A NEW VEHICLE. I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 1978 D-100, 6 CYL STICK AND AT 398000 MILES IS POOPED!THE BODY IS STILL STRAIGHT, BUT WITH THE FRONT END AND NOW THE REAREND WOBBLING, IT's TIME! AM LOOKING AT A STANDARD CAB,AUTO,LONG BED. NO DEALER IN VENTURA-LOS ANGELES SEEMS TO HAVE ONE WITH A V-8 I DONT LIKE THE EXTENDED CAB STYLE AND SINCE IT WILL BE MY ONLY TRUCK I WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE A TRUCK! ALSO FOUND OUT I HAVE TO TAKE ALL KINDS OF POWER CRAP TO GET THE V-8 AUTO WHAT HAPPENED TO A SIMPLE TRUCK?
Had the same problem with the Ram I just bought. Dealers only have stripped ones or loaded ones. You'd think they would realize that some people want useful stuff like an automatic tranny or AC with out all the power junk and foofoo. Do you really need power locks with only two doors? I went ahead a paid a little extra and got the one with the extras. It's not too bad, if you've got the extra cash. Maybe it will help with the resale value.
Maybe they do that because dummies like me are willing to just pay for the extra K for the garbage to get what I want and that's extra cash in their pocket.
"Do you really need power locks with only two doors?"
Yup, if you're short like me and can't reach over to lock or unlock the passenger side. And power windows? Beats having to reach down so far your face goes below the horizon of the dash! But that's just me.
cooksterdog, I hate to use the "F" word, but my 97 Ford F150 had the options, or lack thereof, that you're looking for. No carpeting, no power, but had air conditioning and auto trans.
If you can't find the truck you want on the lots, try ordering one. This way you can add or eliminate options at will. Good luck.
I'd post more, but I'm at work. My whole system at my house died I have 7 more days before the new one arrives. Can't wait to answer some of the posts.
Well, my Dakota finally came in last week. It was a wait, but I think it was worth it. I'm really happy with it so far. It's a V-6, manual, 4x4, extended cab. Everything works. Pretty quiet and smooth ride. Just trying to get used to the transmission. So, far I've been getting roughly 18 mpg with a mix of city and hwy driving. Can't really complain. That's slightly better than advertised. For those of you playing the options game, I recommend ordering. If you try to find one on a lot with what you want, or have a dealer hunt one down, you're the one who's going to end up paying the holdback. If you order, the dealer can take 100% of the holdback and you can use that as a negotiation tool. With that, and the $1000 rebate Dodge has right now, I paid below invoice. Just a thought. Hope it helps.
hoooeee! the old cookster has made the jump! I found a dealer in fillmore ca. who not only had what I wanted, but had 5 on hand for the oil rig company that is local. I'll let all know what mileage and comfort is like next week. I am going to the eastern sierras and do some hiking in the snow! see ya soon COOKSTER
Well me and my salesguy have looked around for a Dakota that would have the option I want and either there are to little options or to many. I am going to wait to see what the 2000's will be like. I have been lurking in this group for a while and noticed some dicussion about a crew cab type Dakota that will be offered next year. Does this mean that the ClubCab will be discontinued ? I really hope not a crewcab would be to much both in price and in size. I also asked my saleguy when he would have information about the new model year and he thinks maybe at the end of June. When does Edmunds think they will have there information ? I also went looking for the Dodge website but have not found one. Does anyone know the URL for this? any info would be appreciated....
I've heard some of the spec's on the new truck, but only here. I haven't seen anything from Chrysler.
Both myself and my mgr's are thinking that the new truck will hit at about September. June seems to be a little early. Altough the codes might be released soon.
I recently purchased a 99 Dakota Club Cab. I like most everything about it except the seat belt warning bell. Does anyone know how to disable this bell without disabling the other warnings such as headlight and low fuel bell? I like to buckle up after starting the engine and have to listen to the gong every time.
I bought a 99 dakota sport.. I was gonna be doing some long distance driving so I pulled the tailgate down thinking I might get a mile or two better gas mileage..... instead what I found is that when I hit a bump the tailgate bounced up and came off the hinges..... is it really supposed to come off that easy???
I have a '99 Dakota RT with 8500 miles. The automatic trans has been jerky since new. It revs at low gas pedal to 3000 rpm's before advancing to the next gear. 2nd to 3rd is especially annoying since it hits 40 mph in 2nd before lurching into 3rd. Overdrive follows in a millisecond. I've also noticed lately after a short drive that, when restarting and proceeding forward, the trans whines like a diesel engine. It clears up in a few seconds after I floor it. If anybody has any suggestions, I would certainly appreciate it.
WELL FOLKS i AM BACK! THE SIERRAS ARE STILL THERE AND AS BEAUTIFUL AS EVER. SINCE BUYING MY TRUCK, IHAVE GONE ALMOST 700 MILES IN ONE WEEK! BOY WHAT A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE THE 1978,6CYL,STICK,AND NOW THE AUTOMATIC! 18MPG,AND ALMOST GOT A TICKET IN LONE PINE FOR 55 IN A 35. i LOVE THE SMELL TOO! NOTHING LIKE NEW VINYL AND RUBBER. THE SNOW IS STILL IN THE HIGH COUNTRY AND THE NITES ARE FROSTY BUT BOY DO YOU WAKE UP REJUVENATED! TALK AGAIN SOON AS COOKIE[MY JACK RUSSELL AND I GET THINGS PUT AWAY AND CLEANEDUP. COOKSTERDOG
Thanks for the postings above folks. Now I am looking at an SLT Club with 5-speed (finally found) but in my 3rd choice of color. And, its got the SLT Plus package, which gives you neat stuff like bigger tires and pwr locks and windows, but drives the cost up. Of course, this dealer low-balled me on my trade (one offered $5500 for my '94 Nissan, this guy offers $3500...). I'm trying to get him down to $16.5, then $4250 on my trade so it takes it down to $12.250, then I pay the Great State of Texas its share...and make it out for a little over $13K. Its been a lot of work, and I cannot get what I want. A salesman has said you can't "order" because Chrysler gets all the orders than "locks it in" and makes all of those and doesn't change it. Whatever. Makes me want to look at the new Nissan Frontier King Cab with a 170 horse V-6. Its about 3K cheaper....
Ordering shouldn't be a problem. I think the dealer you're working with is just trying to get rid of something off the the lot. If you can get that truck, for that price, then you're the man. May be pushing it, though. The problem with ordering a club cab now is that I believe Dodge has stopped building them. That's so they can retool for the new crew cab design with the four doors. It's my understanding the current extended cab design will no longer be built. So, you may have no choice about picking one off the lot. Good luck.
If the tranny probs you're having are pretty bad, take it in to your dealership (or one in your area with a respectable service dep't) and have them look at it. Many probs with automatic trannies lies in the vacuum system...at least in the older ones. I think they're still made the same way. Ask them to check there first.
Here's the latest that I've been able to dig up, listed as 'facts', then 'possibilities'
FACTS 1. Crew Cab will be the same length as the current club cab (or single cab long bed). This is because the bed is getting chopped to about 5 feet. Can't haul much in that by calculations.
2. the 4-banger engine is going away (at least for the crew cab...don't know about other models) and the 318 (5.2) is being replaced by the new 4.7 liter as featured in the concept Charger R/T. The 5.9 will also be avail. in the crew cab, don't know about the regular 2000 models yet.
RUMOR "The club cab will be discontinued." I've heard both sides, but D-C hasn't said anything yet. Some dealers say true, others say false. I suspect it will be done away with to increase the crew cab's sales. Purely a marketing decision. Personally, I'd prefer a club cab with a 3rd or even 4th suicide door. Ironic that the "winners of the 'door' prize" on the QuadCab Ram didn't make a 3rd door on the Dakota.
Finally got another dealer to fix the noisy transfer case shifter. They changed a bearing on he output shaft from the trans to the transfer case. They also removed the detent spring on the shifter. This spring holds it to the left causing it to vibrate. The shifter "floats" a bit but the rubber boots holds it steady enough as you drive. It shifts into 4WD easier also. I suspect the spring is the problem and they know it. They will remove it if you know about it. I also got rid of the engine ping by changing to Champion series truck plugs,part #4071. They really do work. Smoothed the engine out over the entire RPM range. Steve Grant
I have a 97 Dakota Club Cab with the V8 and manual transmission. I get compliments on the truck all the time in stock trim. Having been a Ford Man all my life and built monster trucks from a 86 Ford Ranger with 7 inches of lift (4"Suspension and 3"Body Lift) up to a full blown F350 XLT Lariat with 4" Suspension and 44" Mickey Thompsons, I have to say I get more attention in my little red Dakota then I did in all my other trucks. Anyway, to my questions: While I love my truck, in reading over the items listed here, I feel I might not be alone with why I fear to be a transmission problem/clutch in the making. I have about 40,000 miles and the 5 speed transmission.I had the dealer where I bought the truck to all the regular mainetenance and at about 30,000 miles noticed a noise coming from the clutch when the gearbox was disengaged. The dealer dispelled my intuition as "normal" for the truck. Now that I am passed the warranty period, I continue to hear the "chatter" and wondered if anyone else experienced the same thing. The truck takes it little bit more feathering of the clutch to get it moving now and I only towed with the vehicle once so I know it is from excessive use as I do mostly highway driving. As a matter of fact, I never had the truck in 4X4 other than to test that it worked when I bought the truck. Any suggestions/comments:
I have a 1999 Dakota club cab and am experiencing really strange transmission (?) problems. My Dakota is equipped with a 318 ci V8, HD cooling and towing package. I occasionally pull an 800# closed trailer. The problem is that the day after pulling the trailer - the drive train won't "hook up". I can almost floor the accelerator (lets say 3500 RPM or better) and just barely ease down the street. I don't think I could pull a 10 degree slope.
The local dealer has replaced the transmission once making the problem worse. Their latest try (after having my Dakota for 2 weeks!) is to replace the check valve on the torque converter. We'll see.
Hey, I'm lookin' at buying a Dakota. I'm only 16 and i don't know if i need the extended cab. Can anybody tell me if it's worth the extra money (i'm only gonna spend about 19k)? Thanks for the help.
I'd go with a club over a R/C. It's my personal choice. If you are going to have more than 2 people in the truck, go with the CC.
FYI: The choice between the CC or the R/C is not the biggest of your problems. The fact that you are 16 is. I don't think that in any state can you enter into a contract with a 16 year old and have it be inforcable in a court of law (unless you are emancipated). Even "all cash" is questionable.
Well, my parents are buying the vehicle, but I must pick out the vehicle and consider costs and things of that nature. Thanks for the information though. Talk to ya later.
AM I BEHIND THE TIMES OR WHAT...DODGE DOES NOT MAKE A REGULAR CAB LONG BED 4X4. THIS TRUCK WOULD BE A 'PERFECT' FIT FOR MORE THAN JUST ME! BUT IT SEEMS THAT POPULAR DEMAND--THE HOT THING IS THAT YOU MUST HAVE A CLUB CAB OR A 'SPORT' TRUCK. BOTH OF COURSE WITH SHORT BEDS ON THEM. ALL THE WHILE I HEAR SO MANY PEOPLE COMPLAIN BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO MAKE AN EXTRA TRIP OR TWO BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ROOM. I KNOW MANY LIKE THE LOOK OF THE SB TRUCKS...FINE. BUT WHAT KIND OF RESEARCH DID DODGE DO TO SAY FOLKS HAVE LOST INTEREST IN LB MID-SIZE DAKOTAS. I THINK THE DAKOTA IS A AWESOME TRUCK;AN AWESOME PACKAGE. WOULDN'T IT BE MORE IMPOSING AS A LB 4X4?
MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER SAID ONE 'COULD BE MADE' IF I REALLY WANTED ONE, BUT I WAS SCARED TO EVEN ASK WHAT THIS THING WOULD COST.
I'm looking at buying a 1998 dodge dakota 4x4. It only has 12,000 miles on it. The dealer will put in air conditioning. I'm wondering if this is a good buy as I will be driving it for at least 4 years. It has a v6, no fancy extras. They are asking 15,900 for it. What's a fair price?
What do people consider their personal pros and cons relating to the Dodge Dakota? Consumer reports likes it, but it appears people, especially with older models are haing transmition problems. Other choices are the Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma. I would love some advice and suggestions. Thanks.
Ter, 15,900 for a 98 Dakota 4X4 may or may not be a good deal, depending on how it's equipped. Go to Microsoft CarPoint and price a comparably equipped new model. You should be able to buy a 99 for about 100 over invoice, minus the current 1000-1500 rebate. I suspect you'll discover you're better off buying a brand new Dakota.
I have just recently purchased a '99 Dakota 4X4 CC with the 5.2 V8. Everything is fine so far except when driving at night there are shadows or dark places in my headlight beams. Is this common? Maybe its the ribbed plastic headlamp covers. Haven't been back to the dealer yet. Just wondering if anyone else notices this quirk. I still have my '89 4 banger. Big difference in the gas mileage. I find the townhall very helpful. Thanks for all the input.
Comments
I'm the original owner of a 91 Dakota LE, 5.2 V8, auto, a/c with 68,000 miles.
One problem I had was with the electronic overdrive switch. Replaced twice under warranty, doesn't work again, so I can't disengage overdrive around town if I want to.
Also replaced speed sensor as transmission wasn't kicking into overdrive at proper speed. Still a problem at times, although very rarely. I have to drive about 3 miles at 65 mph before the overdrive kicks in.
The oil pressure sending unit has been replaced twice.
Recently the steering column was loose and the dealer had to reweld certain areas.
The seat back broke once and needed replacement.
Other than that the truck has needed brakes, hoses, and belts in the 8 years I've owned it.
I'm a big guy and didn't feel comfortable in the Ranger/S10 size pickups but didn't want a full size. The Dakota was the right sized truck for me. I will probaly look at a Dakota when I'm in the market again, but right now it's running so good and the body still looks relatively new.
My truck has a drinking problem though, as it doesn't like to go by too many gas stations without stopping for a drink, but that's what you get with 4WD, V8, and 3:90 rear end I guess.
Man I can't wait until this 4.7l becomes available for the ram and dakota. If you think the R/T is fast, you haven't seen anything yet. The engine in the jeep was equipped with a kennybell supercharger adding 6pounds of boost. And boost it did, 330hp, and well over 400+lbs torque. And the best part is you can order it through the dealer. The jeep costs $50,000, but thats all decked out with ricarro leather seats and all, but when the next Dakota R/T and RAM R/T come out, Im hoping that they will offer this supercharger with these two trucks as well. The stock jeep with the 4.7L v8 deos do zero to 60 in 7.2sec, so this supercharged version should be able to knock off at least a second or two! And this is just the 4.7L powertech, we haven't even seen the replacement to the 5.9L yet!
Mistaken parking brake release for hood release.
Does anybody else get that damn annoying clicking in steering column.
I have used PLEDGE furniture polish on all of my rims. The dust becomes much easier to remove. My garden hose washes it right off. No more asbestos pads
I agree about the parking brake.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
As for the purge valve, my dealership (after the 3rd visit) finally just removed it from the firewall altogether and fastened it onto a nearby hose. The knocking finally stopped.
Thanks for the tip on the plugs...I guess it's time to go get some Bosch Platinums...
Anybody have any experience with K&N air filters on a 318 in a Dakota? Purolater=$9.95 vs. K&N=$47.99
I own a 94 Nissan 5-speed, stripped. I've been fond of Dakotas for years, but have some nervousness about buying American. My Nissan has not had a problem in its 5 years, my brother in law drives a '87 with 150K+, those Nissan's are darn reliable trucks.
I'd be interested in anyone's remarks on reliability and quality.
The other difficult thing is, after a decent amount of research in a couple of Texas cities, I cannot find the model I want which is a 'stripped' black SLT five-speed. What I mean by stripped is no pwr locks, keyless entry, etc which drives the cost up by $1000s. I like the SLT b/c of the chrome and cargo lamp and floormats.
Anybody have any advice regarding "ordering it?"
How do you do that?
If you don't want to wait, and all you like about the SLT is the chrome, why don't you just buy a Base or Sport Dakota and replace the grille? There are plenty of aftermarket chrome units out there, and most of them look better than the stock Dodge ones.
Some of the posts from dealers on this list have mentioned that practically anything was available special order, but when I ordered my truck, I couldn't even change paint - my dealer told me driftwood was not available in Sport and that was that. So I don't know if I just went to the wrong dealer or if certain things just can't happen (like chrome on a Base truck). I also don't know how a truly "special" order would affect the cost of the truck or the time spent waiting for it.
Dealers - could I really order a Base Dakota with chrome trim, 40/20/40 bench seat, and, say, Neon Salsa Red paint? Would Dodge mix/match parts like that (for a cost, of course)? If the answer is yes, I'll be pushier the next time I ask for a special order vehicle.
BTW my order took 5 weeks to arrive.
You are right about the shortage of club cabs as Dodge gets ready for the crew cab. It took my credit union buying service a long time to find one with my specs.
Dealer says this is the end of the club cabs as "everyone" will want a crew cab. News for him: Nobody I know who has seen it likes it!
My 436 above was meant for dpatton---sorry.
ALSO FOUND OUT I HAVE TO TAKE ALL KINDS OF POWER CRAP TO GET THE V-8 AUTO WHAT HAPPENED TO A SIMPLE TRUCK?
Had the same problem with the Ram I just bought. Dealers only have stripped ones or loaded ones. You'd think they would realize that some people want useful stuff like an automatic tranny or AC with out all the power junk and foofoo. Do you really need power locks with only two doors? I went ahead a paid a little extra and got the one with the extras. It's not too bad, if you've got the extra cash. Maybe it will help with the resale value.
"Do you really need power locks with only two doors?"
Yup, if you're short like me and can't reach over to lock or unlock the passenger side. And power windows? Beats having to reach down so far your face goes below the horizon of the dash! But that's just me.
cooksterdog, I hate to use the "F" word, but my 97 Ford F150 had the options, or lack thereof, that you're looking for. No carpeting, no power, but had air conditioning and auto trans.
If you can't find the truck you want on the lots, try ordering one. This way you can add or eliminate options at will. Good luck.
I have 7 more days before the new one arrives. Can't wait to answer some of the posts.
Matt D
DP
I found a dealer in fillmore ca. who not only had what I wanted, but had 5 on hand for the oil rig company that is local. I'll let all know what mileage and comfort is like next week. I am going to the eastern sierras and do some hiking in the snow! see ya soon COOKSTER
I really hope not a crewcab would be to much both in price and in size.
I also asked my saleguy when he would have information about the new model year and he thinks maybe at the end of June. When does Edmunds think they will have there information ?
I also went looking for the Dodge website but have not found one. Does anyone know the URL for this? any info would be appreciated....
Both myself and my mgr's are thinking that the new truck will hit at about September. June seems to be a little early. Altough the codes might be released soon.
Semi decent Dodge site:
http://www.4adodge.com
This is the Chrysler site and does not give invoice #'s.
If you want #'s, mine is just as good as any:
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
You can also click on the links from my page to some very good pages.
Matt D
NOW THE AUTOMATIC! 18MPG,AND ALMOST GOT A TICKET
IN LONE PINE FOR 55 IN A 35. i LOVE THE SMELL TOO!
NOTHING LIKE NEW VINYL AND RUBBER. THE SNOW IS STILL IN THE HIGH COUNTRY AND THE NITES ARE FROSTY BUT BOY DO YOU WAKE UP REJUVENATED! TALK AGAIN SOON AS COOKIE[MY JACK RUSSELL AND I GET THINGS PUT AWAY AND CLEANEDUP. COOKSTERDOG
Now I am looking at an SLT Club with 5-speed (finally found) but in my 3rd choice of color.
And, its got the SLT Plus package, which gives you neat stuff like bigger tires and pwr locks and windows, but drives the cost up.
Of course, this dealer low-balled me on my trade (one offered $5500 for my '94 Nissan, this guy offers $3500...).
I'm trying to get him down to $16.5, then $4250 on my trade so it takes it down to $12.250, then I pay the Great State of Texas its share...and make it out for a little over $13K.
Its been a lot of work, and I cannot get what I want. A salesman has said you can't "order" because Chrysler gets all the orders than "locks it in" and makes all of those and doesn't change it.
Whatever.
Makes me want to look at the new Nissan Frontier King Cab with a 170 horse V-6.
Its about 3K cheaper....
Ordering shouldn't be a problem. I think the dealer you're working with is just trying to get rid of something off the the lot. If you can get that truck, for that price, then you're the man. May be pushing it, though. The problem with ordering a club cab now is that I believe Dodge has stopped building them. That's so they can retool for the new crew cab design with the four doors. It's my understanding the current extended cab design will no longer be built. So, you may have no choice about picking one off the lot. Good luck.
DP
FACTS
1. Crew Cab will be the same length as the current club cab (or single cab long bed). This is because the bed is getting chopped to about 5 feet. Can't haul much in that by calculations.
2. the 4-banger engine is going away (at least for the crew cab...don't know about other models) and the 318 (5.2) is being replaced by the new 4.7 liter as featured in the concept Charger R/T. The 5.9 will also be avail. in the crew cab, don't know about the regular 2000 models yet.
RUMOR
"The club cab will be discontinued." I've heard both sides, but D-C hasn't said anything yet. Some dealers say true, others say false. I suspect it will be done away with to increase the crew cab's sales. Purely a marketing decision. Personally, I'd prefer a club cab with a 3rd or even 4th suicide door. Ironic that the "winners of the 'door' prize" on the QuadCab Ram didn't make a 3rd door on the Dakota.
I also got rid of the engine ping by changing to Champion series truck plugs,part #4071. They really do work. Smoothed the engine out over the entire RPM range.
Steve Grant
Anyway, to my questions: While I love my truck, in reading over the items listed here, I feel I might not be alone with why I fear to be a transmission problem/clutch in the making. I have about 40,000 miles and the 5 speed transmission.I had the dealer where I bought the truck to all the regular mainetenance and at about 30,000 miles noticed a noise coming from the clutch when the gearbox was disengaged. The dealer dispelled my intuition as "normal" for the truck. Now that I am passed the warranty period, I continue to hear the "chatter" and wondered if anyone else experienced the same thing. The truck takes it little bit more feathering of the clutch to get it moving now and I only towed with the vehicle once so I know it is from excessive use as I do mostly highway driving. As a matter of fact, I never had the truck in 4X4 other than to test that it worked when I bought the truck.
Any suggestions/comments:
The local dealer has replaced the transmission once making the problem worse. Their latest try (after having my Dakota for 2 weeks!) is to replace the check valve on the torque converter. We'll see.
Any similar problems out there?
FYI: The choice between the CC or the R/C is not the biggest of your problems. The fact that you are 16 is. I don't think that in any state can you enter into a contract with a 16 year old and have it be inforcable in a court of law (unless you are emancipated). Even "all cash" is questionable.
Matt D
http://members.xoom.com/99overNvoice/Index.htm
MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER SAID ONE 'COULD BE MADE' IF I REALLY WANTED ONE, BUT I WAS SCARED TO EVEN ASK WHAT THIS THING WOULD COST.
Thanks
Peter
http://carpoint.msn.com/BuyNewAuto/VIP/1999/Dodge/Dakota
with the 5.2 V8. Everything is fine so far except when driving at night there are shadows or dark
places in my headlight beams. Is this common?
Maybe its the ribbed plastic headlamp covers.
Haven't been back to the dealer yet. Just wondering if anyone else notices this quirk.
I still have my '89 4 banger. Big difference in the gas mileage.
I find the townhall very helpful. Thanks for all the input.
Dave