Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.
Dodge Dakota
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Thanks for that info, that is the same thing I was not sure on. My credit union has an internet service that gives me invoice costs and when I checked I saw the $18040 and the $520 and the packages had the same costs as last year. I assumed that this is just because they did not yet know what they were and so they did not update the prices. It is hard for me to believe that the prices didn't change at all, especially when they are now available with the 4.7 V8. Let me know if you hear any prices soon. Thanks
Last night I had a message on my machine from a dealer I visited Sunday (this makes 4). He talked to his guy who does the invoice pricing and he said come in and we can do a deal. I asked him again are you sure this is for a 2000? and he said yes. That Sunday I left him a worksheet that I had made up for the truck I wanted to order and it included the two new prices that I added. I am going there tomorrow and will either have a solid deal OR I suspect that they will accept my invoice + 2% offer and really lowball me on my trade, or they will estimate what the increase will be, and when the truck comes in if it is more than the agreed price they eat the difference and if it is less I pay that price. I have never ordered a truck using the last method but as said before on this site don't trust anyone! I am sure they make money one way or the other. I will let you know on thursday what went down. By the way the the third dealer called me at work (the one who was going to check the computer and says they have nothing yet. this is another reason I will have my guard up tommorow night. I agree with the last part of your message about the new engine my first dealer said not only a new engine, but new front axle, transmission, Hybrid cooling fan, new shift pattern for transfer case, high output alternator, (the one that was in the heavy service group) and paint colors to name a few. One of the dealers I called said that they had the new Base Price but did not have the option prices yet. These could be coming later and may be higher. This is another reason I will be cautious tommorrow.
Overall I've had almost no problems with the truck and the few that did pop up were fixed quickly under warrenty. I'm happy with my truck, but another person with the same exact set of problems might be calling it a piece of junk.
I visited that dealer last night and the saleman hooked me up with the sales manager. The manager basically said that the other dealer was probably taking a gamble by pricing the vehicle with these numbers. I know that night I went home and added up the numbers the first one gave me and he was high by about $500. Anyway this manager admitted that he had no new prices at all and guessed that they would have all information in about three weeks. So I could wait three more weeks get the prices and start shopping around. Then when I order I could expect a delivery in about November!
If I place an order now delivery would be in late october. So here is what he offered, since the options and the truck are pretty mainstream, he can put the order into dodge but no prices would be assigned (we loaded this configuration on his computer in his office and there were no prices displayed) now when the prices come out my order would now show the option and invoice price of the vehicle. He will call me tell me the price I add 2% and say yes or no. If I say no he said no problem he will still take delivery and sell it too someone else and I get my deposit back. If I say yes then the next thing would be to talk about the trade. He gave me a ballpark figure of what he would give me today and it was about 500 to 700 dollars more than anyone else. But again if the truck comes in and they lowball me on the trade I can still backout and they will sell it to someone else. the advantage would be that I would have the truck earlier than waiting for the three weeks. He also said that when the prices come in I can come down and see the invoice myself. This is where I hope edmunds will also have the prices so I can double check. I called him today and said go for it.
I have been following your discussion and just wanted to say thanks for the info and to add my $0.2. Just last week I ordered a 2000 Dakota without knowing the exact price (no one here, NY, seems to have that information either). We agreeded, and I got it in writing, that my cost would be $100 over invoice. We are probably going to have to negotiate our definitions of invoice, however (hold back, advertising, etc.). I figured it was a good thing to do for the reason you post (earlier delivery), and I did a lot of looking and had settled on this truck anyway. I was surprised to find that Dodge was no longer producing 1999s...
belder
Now we in CR Iowa have just about all the 2000 prices except for the 4.7 L engine.
Also did you all know that Farm Bureau gives you $500.00 if you are a member? Membership is $40.00.
Also just for your information I presently do not have a price list but from what I had ordered up on a Dakota Club Cab 4X4 with options I am only looking at a 158.00 increase over and above the '99 prices. But still waiting for the numbers on the 4.7L engine.
But anyhow I will get list and post em for you.
ppoulin All you have to do is go to the Farm Bureau and sign up for membership. They fill out all info. Tell them where the dealership is that is placing your order. The only stipulation is that you have to be a member for 30 days before you can take delivery of your Dakota. So if your seriously thinking about a Dakota better run down there and slap 40 big ones on their desk pronto:-)
truck 26b
dgb,agu,ajk,ajl,gt4,raz,ajb,cla,gfd
I think this is it.
jwm2, belder, since are ordering have you talked about your trade in? (If you have one).
This guy gave me a ball park figure as of now but would not commit to a firm price. He said buy the time october rolls around the truck could be worth less because mileage, accidents, Bla, bla,
But I will not wait until the truck arrives then negotiate a trade in price. My plan right now is
when he gets his prices we will have a firm price on the dakota If I say yes to delivery I want a commited price on my trade in. Do you both have firm commitments on trades or are you in the same situation? When I ordered my ranger 5 years ago my trade in value was computed and agreed before I ordered. But the prices were already available and I did not have to wait. I feel that this should be the same situation here. I get a trade in price in writing when the prices come in or I walk, even if I am three weeks ahead of schedule.
I am going without trade, so I can't be of any help here. My current car is a 1986 Nissan Stanza in need of about $500 in front-end work. Interested?, because the dealer sure was not...
belder
jwr, I'm going to sell a '86 Suburban myself. I didn't try to trade. Might as well drive it over a cliff as to trade em. They just don't give you anything for them.
This article just gives the base prices so I will still have to talk to dealer for exact option dollar package.
2000 MODEL YEAR PRICES
DaimlerChrysler Corporation announced prices today on its 2000 model year Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth and Jeep© vehicles, limiting the typical price increase to an average $108 per vehicle, or 0.4 percent, compared to 1999 models. The typical transaction price is the configuration, which can include popular packages and options, traditionally selected by more than half the vehicle's purchasers.
Included in this action are value packages offered for free or at a large discount on some models -- among them Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth minivans, and Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze vehicles -- which in effect have customers paying less, since these packages are greater than the vehicle's respective price increases.
This represents the third consecutive year the Company has held new model year price increases to a fraction of one percent.
Dodge Dakota 2-Wheel Drive
Dakota 4X2 Regular Cab $13,555 $520
Dakota 4X2 Club Cab 16,750 520
Dodge Dakota 4-Wheel Drive
Dakota 4X4 Regular Cab $17,030 $520
Dakota 4X2 Club Cab 19,955 520
4x2 3.9L on Wednesday. Paid $100 over invoice. Looked at all the trucks, including Toyota and Nissan. This truck is superior in almost every way! Quite frankly, I think the imports are not even in the same league. Both Toyota and Nissan have visible spot welds along the bed rails, and generally do not feel as solid as this Dodge. I can take railroad tracks without slowing down and without a hint of rattles or squeeks! Way to go Chrysler.
My last truck was a 94 Ranger, which gave me five years of flawless service. I would have stayed with Ford, but the V6 Dakota is about $2K less expensive than a 4.0L ranger (with all the rebates), and much more appealing. Not to knock Ford, the Ranger is a solid truck. Another factor is the Dakota can seat three in relative comfort, whereas the Ranger only two.
As far as the V6 vs V8 debate -- the V6 has plenty of power and torque for spirited driving. It can easily run 30mph in 5th gear (1000rpm) without straining. The V6 also has that throaty musle car like note -- just like the V8. If you have the need to blow away Toyota's (go get em!), get the V8, otherwise get the V6 and enjoy the extra MPG! (I found the EPA estimates on the sticker to be very representive under average driving conditions).
On the negative side, I do find the Dakota has a much more truck-like ride than the Ranger. This was a suprize as the reviews brag about Dakota's nice ride. Handling is great on both trucks however. Still like my Dakota --- What a Truck!!!
Mark
Ordering my Dakota next week (SLT, 4WD, etc ).
Haven't made up my mind about the color just yet.
Personally, I like Emerald Green. Since I will be living in CA within a week, I would like some feedback about this color (and others).
How are the colors in real life and how good do they look on the truck ?
Any color you would recommend for the Bay Area ?
All info is welcome.
PS I am abroad right now so no dealer visits for me this time.
I got the Emerald Green with two-tone for my Dakota. I love it. It looks great and I've received a lot of complements. I also have the SLT, and color works great with the chrome grille. My truck is new, so I don't know how the paint will work over time. Good luck and enjoy your truck.
DP
I have a 3 month old 99 Dakota CC sport 318 etc, and its in emerald Green and looks really nice. I have heard nothing but complements from people over and over again. I think the colour is really sharp and it is kinda rare, only seen 1 other here in Toronto Canada.
Go for the emerald green!
No way give them a deposit. It's not necessary. They've got some of your $ and will play with you. Check Edmunds/kbb for invoice price on truck and options you want and value of your Ranger. Once YOU have done your homework go talk to them. If they won't deal walk out. You'll be suprised how quickly they will run after you...good luck!
I have a 99 R/T C/C Deep Amethyst, love this truck never own a car again, but have some unresolved questions that could'nt be answered here..
I brought the truck to my dealer when nobody answered my questions. heres what happened...
1. Door Ajar light doesn't light(dash). he said it's not equipped!
2. Ignition doesn't light(plastic Ring on column). he said they did away with it for 99?
It took him 10 days to tell me this.
Can anyone verify?
PS-is there supposed to be an open door Chime?
Mark
thanks for the quick response.
Does your ajar light on the dash?
please take a look at the ignition ring.
I don't mean to be anal retentive about these little things but you pay money for something and it should work... at least for a little while.
PS- i would love to go back to the dealer and tell him he is full of you know what!!
Sorry to hear about your problems, especially since I just ordered a 2000...
Your point about the reviews is a good one, and I have seen them since they helped me with my decision. Perhaps your truck is just a "lemon?"(this is me selfishly hoping of course...) It happens, and I think it can be dealt with if your state has "lemon-laws". Might be worth a look.
belder
Something like that anyway.
I think the least stressful solution is to just sell it and get a nice sedan... Ponitac Grand Prix.
Just can't buy a foreign car... or truck.
Jim
For you guy's that keep asking about the front tire wear, I had the same problem with my Eagle LS's. My local Goodyear guy's got it pretty much in control though by adjusting the toe away from the factory specs. Anyone who really knows what their doing should know what to do. Also,for you that don't know, those Eagle LS's were made special for the Dakota. I bought my last two from Tirerack.com for $80 each. My Goodyear dealer was giving them to me for $110 plus tax! I think they list for around $175. I've got an extra set of rims with some good snows so I don't go thru them like I was. They are a nice riding and looking tire. I've seen some that have substituted others. (Not good!) well enough is enough, anyone want to know anything special drop me a line, Happy Truckin! GO MOPAR!
PS also thinking about trading in the Caravan we own next year on the new PT Cruiser. Looks pretty nice!
Second, why does it take an adjustment out of factory specs to fix a problem? You pass it off like that's the way it should be and anyone who doesn't know it is an idiot...
Sorry... it's poor engineering and there's no excuse for it. Plus the freaking Dodge dealers just tell me "yeah the Rams are the same way. they both eat through tires." Oh yeah, that's a good company....
Just be glad you got a good one.
Jim
cHuCk.
Perhaps he has a valid complaint about uneven tire wear, but I have not heard of anyone else having this problem. Actually, 35-40K miles on a set of tires is reasonable, especially if you drive spirited like most guys do in these trucks. These are big and heavy vehicles -- just because you can get 70K miles out of the tires on your sub-compact car dosen't mean you should expect it on any truck. Uneven tire wear is quite common, and present to some extent on almost any vehicle. My dad's Honda Accord is especially bad in this area. Tires hum due to uneven wear after 10K miles.
The Dakota is one damn nice truck! The reviews and the majority of owners rave about it. I love mine. Throttle and brake response is excellent. Handling is outstanding for a truck. Interrior design and layout is tasteful.
Thats total nonsense about these trucks being "expensive cars". For one thing, they are a much better value than any car. I paid only $13,900 for my Dakota Sport, and still got all the options I care about (AC, Limited Slip, Cruise). What kind of car could you get for that? Perhaps a Geo Metro? And Jim, look under your Dakota, ever see a supension like that on a car?
Hope this helps.