Any news on Dodge Dakota Crew Cabs in 2000

rlholm · December 1999

bookitty, I have a 4X4 Quad, 4.7l, auto, 3.55, limited-slip, trailer package, hd service. Basically everything you listed in post 213 except with an auto transmission. However, I probably had one of the very first deliveries on this list and they seem to have changed their tune a couple of times since then. It may be the 5sp that makes the 3.92 required. I'm guessing maybe the torque of 1st gear was too high so they put it on restriction. I know I had to get the limited slip. Some things seem to be design issues and some are availability issues. For instance the guy I signed papers with saw my invoice, he said he had tried to order the same thing but couldn't get the 4.7l. Doing it over again I would definitely get limited slip and probably the 3.92 rear. I have no complaints though with the 3.55.

lancelarue and I worked with the same salesman although it appears he didn't have to even pay the $218 over invoice I did. How'd you pull that off? My guess is 5sp=3.92, limited slip required until they get around to making some without (more or less an availability related restriction).

lancelarue · December 1999

Rholm:

I got Dave Smith to waive the $218.75, because at the time of my order, there was some question as to whether the Farm Bureau Discount applied to the QuadCab, as you may recall from previous posts on this list. I had a local dealer who was selling for $500 over invoice, then guaranteeing that I would either get the Farm Bureau Discount or he would eat the $500. When I conveyed this to Randy, he talked to the sales manager, and matched their offer of straight invoice, then told me that if I got the Farm Bureau discount, I could keep that too. Ultimately, it was a matter of lucky timing more than anything else.

gbilhimer · December 1999

I ordered a Flame Red 4x2 Quad yesterday.
4.7L with auto trans, Sport Plus pkg, Deluxe conv. group, HD service group, trailer tow group,power overhead conv. group,alarm,limited slip diff.,am/fm cd cassette, touch controls,leather steering wheel,heated rear window with heated power mirrors,floor mats and Agate interior. I paid $750 over invoice, not as good as some of you but, not bad.

henne · December 1999

well i now have about 800 miles and im averaging about 15 mpg, the truck should be getting 15 town and 20 hwy (so they say) but milage usually gets better after about 2000 miles, so im almost halfway there, but so far the truck is great, the only thing i love and hate about the truck is its so powerful, quiet and smooth so when i jump on the interstate and accelerate slightly to merge, by time im in traffic and look at the speedo, im doing about 90 and it feels like 40 AWESOME!!!

i have only one minor complaint, i have the 4.7 with auto tranny and there is a slight ticking noise that they say is from some sort of fuel managment relay mounted on the firewall under the hood, but it resonates inside the truck, you can only really hear it when you turn down the radio, but i already knew about the ticking from some other dakota owners and some jeep grand cherokee owners, but other than that its fantastic.

good luck with your toys,

robert

cwirth · December 1999

I thought that if supply exceed demand that the dealerships would be willing to sharpen their pencils in order to reduce supply.

bookitty · December 1999

I seemed to get a bit mixed up here, you are absolutely correct. I will do the make up for Economics 101.

Bookitty

michaelj3 · December 1999

Hi All,

To those with a Quad. Anyone using child carseats in back? Any problem with the kids leg clearance from the carseat to rear of the front seats?

Thanks!!
Mike

tgr1 · December 1999

I dont have mine yet, but Ive driven them and sat in the back-plenty of legroon, even for adults!

henne · December 1999

i dont have a child, but a friend of mine does and he has a full size 2000 chevy silverado x-cab z71, his child seat fits great in the back of his truck and my quad cab has more room all around (except for width of course) than his truck does in the back, so i would have to say yes you will be happy with the room in the rear, its fantastic.

good luck,

robert

michaelj3 · December 1999

Hi All! Merry Christmas!

Just back from the dealer, a Carpoint dealer no less in Hershey Pa and they want $1500 over invoice! PLUS $210 and $250 zone advertising fees! This seem a tad outrageous, they did sell one at $800 over but that's not a great deal either. And what about these zone fees? Why two? Anyone doing better than this in Pennsylvania??

Thanks for any advice,

Mike

michaelj3 · December 1999

Bookitty,

Thanks, but if Reedman's offered me any vehicle for $1000 under I still wouldn't take it. For personal reasone I would not buy anything from Bernie Reedman.
The dealer said if I could show them on paper a better deal than theirs they would match it..whoopie. No problem, time is on my side!
Mike

gbilhimer · December 1999

I test drove a 4x4 Quad Cab with the 4.7 automatic and was impressed with the back seat room. I don't have kids but I think those of you that do will be very happy with the back seat room for children or adults. my friend looked at them also and he is 6-3 . he said that after setting in the back seat he moved to the driver's seat and was amazed that he actually had to move the seat forward to reach the pedals comfortably.
I am looking forward to my 4x2 coming in in the next couple of months. (ordered Dec. 16)

bookitty · December 1999

Yesterday, Xmas Eve day, I ordered a 4X4 SLT Dodge Quad Cab, Amber Fire Pearl, 4.7, 5 speed, limited slip 3.55 rear(s), SLT Plus, power overhead, tire and handling group, 6X9 power mirrors, engine block heater, tow pack, HD service group, sliding rear window, skid plates, body side molding, and leather wrapped steering wheel. This is about the same specification as my 1995 Dodge Dakota Club Cab, which incidentally I ordered on Xmas Eve day in '94. The contributors to this topic were a great source of information and help. Michaelj3, I ended up ordering the truck from the dealership you hate. I wrangled a deal for $125.00 over invoice, and I will receive a $500.00 discount via my farm bureau membership when I take possession. I did find a very helpful and knowledgeable sales person at the dealership. I tried to order through Autovantage, except that the dealer to whom they referred me preferred playing head games rather than selling a truck. I accommodated them. Now, all that remains is delivery, and that may turn out to be the most difficult part. Thanks to you all for the input in this forum, and for the exchange of pertinent information. Happy holiday.

Bookitty

henne · December 1999

hello all, i hope the holidays are going well for you and that you are enjoying your new quads and/or are happily waiting on yours to come in. my quad 4.7 auto 2x4 now has 1800 miles and seems to be doing great, i do have the slight tick many people have mentioned about the 4.7, but they say it has to do with a relay mounted on the firewall, it is in no way engine related, but all in all the truck is great, the ride, room and performance were all well above my expectations so i really think that the ones of you waiting on yours will be well worth the wait.

good luck all and happy holidays,

robert

themacguy · December 1999

Picked up my black Quad from the dealer on Christmas Eve. Been so busy playing with the steering wheel mounted audio controls, I've got a blister developing on my left middle finger.
A little pointer for you snow belt folks (or anyone buying a dark color truck): If you request the dealer (as I did) to leave all the plastic on the seating surfaces, floorboards, etc. (they complied) and to specifically not wash or detail the vehicle in any way (again they complied) make sure you don't put any swirl marks in the clear coat (no, I didn't!). In other words, use a touchless wash a couple of times and don't spray wax it until all the crud is off. Swirl marks and streaks in the paint don't come from the factory - they come from wash mits, dirty brushes, etc. after delivery. Sand and road salts get trapped in the material and we inadvertantly scratch the surfaces post-shipping. So be careful with your paint. Avoid rubbing anything on or into the paint by dissolving or loosening with presoak first - it's what I do with my Porsches. It works.
By-the-by my mileage is atrocious (4.7L, auto, 2wd) at 17mpg, but just like a kid I simply can't believe this is a truck. Hemi? I'm a believer. This truck is nearly as fast (and much more comfy) than a Lightning, Typhoon or Syclone. I'm going to get into insurance trouble for sure...
PS - if you order a Quad, check off the RAZ radio with the steering wheel controls - you'll thank me later.

henne · December 1999

im sorry to hear that, my quad was a wedding present from my new wife, we were married on nov 26, 1999. has your wife lost all the romance? did she see the back seat? (maybe romance can be rekindled after you buy the truck) p.s. that was from my wife.

good luck all,

robert

dallasg1 · December 1999

I just returned from a local dealer this morning. I went down ready to spec out a Quad Cab and do some dealing because my wife and I plan to order one soon, but I was told that they cannot order any right now. Apparently Dodge is done with the 2000s and the next thing that can be ordered will be a 2001. It seems there is a usual pause in ordering when this rollover occurs so the manufacturer can work up the new pricing. Any ideas why Dodge has decided to scrap the 2000s so soon?

dallasg1 · December 1999

I just returned from a local dealer this morning. I went down ready to spec out a Quad Cab and do some dealing because my wife and I plan to order one soon, but I was told that they cannot order any right now. Apparently Dodge is done with the 2000s and the next thing that can be ordered will be a 2001. It seems there is a usual pause in ordering when this rollover occurs so the manufacturer can work up the new pricing. Any ideas why Dodge has decided to scrap the 2000s so soon?

tpmiller1 · December 1999

Was at a dealer last nite (12/28). I was told there is a restriction on 4x4 2000 Dakota Quadcabs. 3-4 months b4 order can be filled. Mentioned nothing about '01's.

dallasg1 · December 1999

tpmiller1,

A "restriction" of that length would make sense if Dodge is indeed moving on to the 2001 models. I spoke to a representative at the dodge 1-800 number who said that some dealers are no longer filling orders for 2000s because the 2001s will be going into production soon. I'm still not too clear on what is up but am really curious since I've been planning on ordering one for the past several months. My wife and I are just about ready to do so and now it is seeming as though I may have to wait quite a bit longer unless one like I want it magically appears at one of my local dealers.

gbilhimer · December 1999

When I went to order my 4x2 on Dec. 16 I ran across this tactic. I drove a 4x4 that was on the lot and then began dealing on the 4x2 spec,d the way I wanted. After we had arrived at a price on the truck the salesman went to search for one like it on the computer. he found nothing equipped like I wanted. I told him I did not mind waiting for my truck to be ordered and I expected a wait. That's why I went to deal now instead of 2 months from now. He then came back a few minutes later and told me he could not take orders because they were going to be switching over to the 2001 model year. I said that made no sense because they just went on sale as a 2000.
After I stood up and said I would try someone else he quickly found out that he could order from his manager who happened to be walking by!
So I sat back down and he wrote out my order at the price we had agreed to earlier. He told me the truck should be here in 6-8 weeks. I hope he is right. I would try another dealer if I were you. I was unwilling to buy unless I got the color and options I wanted.

tpmiller1 · December 1999

daimler customer service told me today that there is no indication of any lengthy restrictions other than CA and 2001's not scheduled till mid year.

dallasg1 · December 1999

tpmiller1/gbilhimer,

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to be contacting a few more dealers in my area to see what kind of story they give me. Some dealers really want you to take something in stock and others are eager to order for you. Its interesting that they buying expereince can vary so much.

tgr1 · January 2000

Picked it up from Jeff Scherer at Carlysle (now Autoway) Dodge in Clearwater. No BS when it was time to pick it up, but had to wait an extra hour for them to detail it - they were backed up. Paid $300 over invoice, less $500 farm bureau rebate ($200 under invoice total). They've got 6 or 7 quads on the lot, and the retail guys are not negotiating much. Ordering from the internet/fleet staff gets you the best deal. Give Jeff a call if you're in Florida. You probably won't do better. Anyway, mine runs fine after 600 miles, 17.5 mpg highway, 13.5 city, with the 4.7L auto and 3.92 rear. Hope the mileage improves with break-in. The 3.92 is way quicker than the 3.55 off the line, but it revs at almost 3000 rpm at 75 mph! I'm sure it costs an average of at least 1 mpg, compared to the 3.55, especially on the highway. Only noise I hear is a slight whine from the rear when I let off the gas and coast. The rumble/resonance from the engine sounds great - like a muscle car, only more subdued - I love the sound!

bikestuff · January 2000

Ok I got mine yesterday, Forest Green Sport 4.7 3.55 axel auto with most of the options. I have to admit it rocks. People say the 3.92 axel is faster off the line but wow!. This thing is quick. Now a couple of questions. Where can I get a bed liner, one of the fold out bed extenders like the Nissan and tubular step up like the Nissan.

myersed · January 2000

After months of searching, it was time to update from my 1981 F-150. I picked up my Quad SLT last Tuesday- 2 tone, 26G, Lim Slip, SLT Plus Pkg., 4.7, Auto, Rear Slider and Fog -
for $21,485 (period). MSRP was at $23,550. I have put almost 400 miles on it and love it. Too early to tell MPG but appears to be getting 16-17 (Local) referencing a 10 Gallon fillup at 167 miles. I have not had it on an extended highway run to check it out. I have the 3.55 axle.

balser · January 2000

Ordered my 4x4 Quad Cab 11/23 and it still hasn't been scheduled for production. When I checked with Dodge customer service today, they told me all 4x4 Club and Quad Cab Dakotas are on restriction until they catch up with 2wd demand. Could be two weeks or as long as a month before it's even scheduled. The dealer is trying to confirm this.

I'd hate to have to cancel my order, but this is real disappointing. Called the Ford dealer and the F-150 SuperCrews will hit the lots mid-February. I figure Dodge has until the end of January to have my truck in my driveway or my order might be history.

jaalfs · January 2000

I visited Del Amo Dodge yesterday to look into ordering a new Quad Cab. This short experience left me wondering why I want to even buy a Dodge. This dealership treated me very badly. I just wanted to find out the procedure to order the Quad Cab. They started off by telling me they expected a profit of $1200 on any ordered truck. I laughed at that. They then went on to ridicule me for using the internet to research my purchase. They insinuated that if I succeeded in making a purchase for $500 over invoice that I would somehow regret it later. That the dealership would somehow rip me off in an unseen way. I must now find another dealership to order from. If you choose to visit this dealership please be aware of the response you will get by trying to be an aware and informed consumer.

aerohead · January 2000

I talked with DC's customer service today and they told me that 4x4 quads are currently being built. My order, placed 10/20, will be built this Friday, the 7th and I should be seeing it hit my dealership by the end of January. I got the 4.7L, full time 4x4, with a 3.55 rear.

I sure hope they are on the up and up....I've already waited 12 weeks.

bookitty · January 2000

I'm certain that they gave you accurate information. My order did not go in until 12/28, and right now 4X4 quad cabs are on restriction. I called with my VON today, and my customer service rep asked me to call him next week. He is confident that I will get it, the question is, when? Good luck, and enjoy your truck. The Ram Quads are on total restriction, and one can only get a 2001 model at this point. Popular unit.

Regards,

Bookitty

windskin · January 2000

I also ordered a quad cab and own a Porsche. What brand of touchless wash and wax do you use? What is the best way to spray the new truck? I have access to a pressure washer, but would that be too harsh?

-=windskin=-

ferous · January 2000

Wow, I'm impressed with your car washing process. My dad always told me the most important part was the pre-rinse/soak, then go at it. I guess that's why I'm going with Light Driftwood Satin Glow, it hides a lot of marks and road grime. Living in Michigan, we do have to get use to dirty cars this time of year.

themacguy · January 2000

Rule #1: Dads are unusually bright. I 'learned' my technique from asking questions of the cruisers and observing (for many hours) how the dudes with the really sharp black cars/trucks cleaned 'em. I entered dozens of car shows with a Vette or two and (currently) a couple of 15 year old Porsches. Clean black cars always beat mine - until I entered one myself. I've been hooked ever since. Guess I'm a glutton for (hard labor) punishment.

There are two Driftwood QC Sports sitting on the lots here in Midland/Odessa - both are very, very nice looking: one has the grey interior; the other, agate. You'll be happy either way. I've not seen a bad combo yet - says a lot for the design.

By-the-by, I talked to my buddy/carwash owner (Turtle Wax based washes) - he says to never let the presoak 'set dry' or 'sun dry' on a clear coat finish - they have very mild acid-like components that will 'burn' the paint if left too long. Maybe that's why the pre-presoak with the RO rinse is so important. Your dad's smarter by the minute.

Also, just installed a silverish bed xtender from Amp-Research; bought it from my local motorcycle shop a mile from the house; $185 incl. tax - bought the small version. Took 20 (easy) minutes to install. Bought a Rubbermaid (no kidding) 46 qt. 'tool' box about 20" D x 40" W x 17" H (bed ht.) with the silver-grey top, black body (lower 2/3) and red lockable handle. Mounted it in the K-Mart parking lot with velcro ($4) to my Dodge branded bedliner ($225 installed) in two minutes flat. Got the Dodge branded 3 piece hood (complex) protector, too (about $100). All of these items fit like custom pieces and are super sharp on this truck. The most interest is in the box. Go figure.

Bought the color matched fender flares at purchase ($200) - should have them soon (they were waayyyy backordered). Am buying the 'gullwing' tonneau from the dealer I got the truck from, along with the thermoplastic, body colored side 'tubes.' Looking into a wood dash facia, as well. Keep you posted till I run out of money - or stuff to buy. Will try to post some pix before a Texas redneck (like me) totals it at the local burger joint! %-)

henne · January 2000

hello all, i wanted to get an idea of what you guys are getting on your trucks, i have a quad, 4x2, 4.7, auto, 3.92 rear and at 55 mph my rpm is 2000, whats yours? and also have any of you reached 3000 miles yet, they said at 3000 my rpm would drop from 600rpm to 500 rpm, which it has done but it also will sometimes be 700 or 600 rpm, kinda confused.

thanks,

robert

coulterc · January 2000

My ordered quad dakota is on restriction because of the limited slip rear axle, 3.92.

First it was scheduled to be built 12/15, then 1st week of January, and now late January or early February.

8-[

-Curt

balser · January 2000

My 2000 SLT Quad Cab is still on restriction too, with no end in sight. Got a call from the dealer this past weekend offering me a 'comparably' equipped one in green - no thanks - I'll wait for mine. The only thing I'm worried about now is build quality - hope the folks putting them together aren't over worked and under paid from slamming too many out the door.

antony · January 2000

I doubt they are "slamming too many out the door".
I believe the restrictions are due primarily to
parts shortages, because the Dakota and Durango
are essentially the same vehicle, and the 4.7L V-8
is common to the Dakota, Durango, and Jeep. In other words, they don't have enough parts around
to overproduce Quads at this time.

cashcow2000 · January 2000

I am getting ready to order a QUAD soon. Any options I should avoid to get my truck built fast? I have heard limited slip and 4x4 will put your truck in Dodge limbo. Balser what options put your truck on restriction???

With all these restrictions I hope Dodge speeds up delivery time for everyone else.

bookitty · January 2000

Checked with my guy at DC today, all Quad and Club Cab 4X4's are on restriction. Also, tirev and handling package as well as limited slip differential. He told me to check next week. I await anxiously.

Bookitty

dok1 · January 2000

I just picked up my Quad Cab today. I saw one at the gas station about 3 wks ago and new that I had to have one. I have been in the market for a truck (for hunting and towing a boat) and needed ample room for the three kids. I didn't want a full size truck however since I will also use this truck at work. The Dodge Dakota Quad Cab was the logical answer! I solicited bids over the Internet(easier if you know exactly what you want) and ended up purchasing my truck from Dona Turner at Crewnlege in Kerville, Tx. They were extremely nice and straight forward with me - no haggling! I paid $500 over Invoice($22,030).
2wd with 4.7/v8,SLT Plus Decor group,Automatic, Heavy duty service grp,Trailer tow pkg,Anti-spin differential with 3.55 rear end, rear sliding window(nice feature),leather wrap steering wheel, Air conditioning,fog lamps, cruise, power windows/locks, 6x9 power mirrors(very nice),side molding. Tire handling grp.
I drove the truck 100 miles today, I am very impressed!!!! Lots of power,very smooth and tight fealing.The dash is very simple but smart - just the way I like it!! The color is bronze (very nice).

balser · January 2000

I got the same answer as bookitty when I checked with Dodge customer service. All 4x4 Quad and Club cabs are on 'indefinite' restriction, it doesn't seem to matter what options are ordered. Ganley West in Cleveland confirmed this - they're frustrated because they've sold 4 and can't get them delivered. I did check out the Ford Supercrew, but it doesn't seem as good a value.

I should have done more research on my next question before I ordered, but does anyone know for sure if the full time transfer case in the Dakota is the same as the Grand Cherokee LTD? I assumed it was, but read another post complaining about 'open' full time transfer cases. Every one I know with the Jeep transfer case loves it. Thanks.

antony · January 2000

The full-time xfer case in the Dakota has the
following positions:

4WD LO, NEUTRAL, 4WD(open diff), 4WD(locked diff).

The Jeep Selec-Trac xfer case has:

2WD, 4WD(locked), 4WD(open diff), NEUTRAL, 4WD LO.

In essence, one could say that the Full-Time Dakota xfer case is the same as the Jeep Selec-Trac xfer case but WITHOUT THE 2WD POSITION
(important exception, in my opinion)!

The Jeep Quadra-Trac xfer case is an entirely
different beastie altogether..................

cashcow2000 · January 2000

I plan to order mine with the SLT plus package which includes the tire and handling group. Are those wheels and tires going to kill me? Say it aint so Bookitty. How long of a delay are we talking about here???

bookitty · January 2000

My guy does not know how long the restiction for anything will be in effect. It could lift aqs soon as a vendor supplies the item. In my case Chris, the following restrictions apply. All 4WD Quad and Club Cabs, tire handling group and the limited slip differential. I check weekly. My order was placed by the dealer on 12/28/99. On the bright side, my salesperson called me yesterday to tell me that a Dakota RT had just come in painted amber fire pearl. This is the color that I had ordered, with only a tiny sample to view. It is really cool (or hot if you please). Now, if I can only get my darned truck.

Bookitty

P.S. I'll post as I gain information.

tiltboy · January 2000

Hey, I am checking out some Net ordering sites as well. Anybody have any advice/experience with any? Good or Bad! Please help! Looking forward to ordering a Quad soon! Thanks Feel free to e-mail me.

ozark · January 2000

Is the chrysler marketing adjustment a real invoice item? I've recently got a good quote on a 4x4 quad sport but the $510 CMA charge kind of surprised me. Any body know about this.

tpmiller1 · January 2000

Just ordered 4x4 quad sport. No CMA even mentioned, not on my copy of order.

tpmiller1 · January 2000

Please keep us updated. Ordered 1/17. 5 months price protection. Any chance of switchover to 01's?

bookitty · January 2000

Herb, unfortunately the "MARKETING ADJUSTMENT" is factual even if it rubs one the wrong way. The good part is that whenever you see a magazine or newspaper ad, or a television commercial, you can nudge a friend or relative and proudly say, "I paid for that, isin't it great!". The charge differs from area to area, but it is a fact of life.

Bookitty

bookitty · January 2000

My source @ Daimler/Chrysler said not to worry unless the restrictions start carrying over to April or later. At that point, you may have to consider a 2001 model. Five months protection seem sufficient at this point in time.

Bookitty

Any news on Dodge Dakota Crew Cabs in 2000

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