I just bought a 2000 Crew Cab with most options: 4.7, dual ABS, Buckets, etc. My least expected favorite was changing channels and volume on the radio and CD without taking my hands from the wheel--I love it. It makes the truck a nine-and-a-half instead of only a 9. If you're ordering, get it, you'll be happy with it. And it doesn't cost that much either.
I am very interested in the new crew cabs. But I have heard bad reports on them. What experiences have you new owners had with them? Are they easy to work on? Biggest complaint?
I have been researching Dodge Dakotas for 3 months now. I plan on ordering my 2wd SLT Quad 4.7 5spd (Loaded) in the next two weeks so that I will receive it in early April. I went down to my local 5-star dealer last Saturday for the first time. I had a few questions that I haven't found answers to on-line yet. LIKE "What does the lower body-side molding look like. Not a truck on the lot with it, and the salesperson couldn't find a single picture of it."
Anyways, I told this salesperson that I had been researching the Quad cab on the internet, and had just a couple of questions. He answered them and then asked if I wanted a price. I told him point blank "I already know what I am going to pay for this truck." Much to my surprise, the next words out of his mouth were "I can't sell it to you for less then invoice." I said "OK" (calmly), he then asked if I qualified for any discounts. I told him that I belong to the local Farm Bureau. He said "OK." I told him I would call him in a week or two and we would place my order. I was in and out in 15 minutes.
Thanks to Edmunds and everyone here for the back ground knowledge.
smtango1, at the risk of being unhelpful, read the various topics on Dakota here at Edmunds. If you have any specific questions we would all love to help. However your question at the moment is rather general, I don't want to write paragraphs and paragraphs that won't help you.
I have read the reviews. But I have heard some horror stories of multiple trips back to the dealership to be fixed. I was asking more on anecdotal lines, not reviews. Quirks, hard to change oil, rattles, lower mileage than expected...
I am planning on ordering a 2wd Quad in the near future. I intend to have the 4.7 v8, 5spd manual trans, 3.92 axle, Anti-spin differential, HD Service Group, Tow Package, Tire & Handling Group (AGB - 255/65R15's & frnt/rear stabilizing bars)
My question is re: the 4 wheel Anti-lock brake option (BGK $421.) I will be pulling a bulky (8' x 21') but relatively light pontoon boat from time to time (approx 3,000# but could go 3,500# loaded). My trailer does not have brakes of it's own.
I am very interested in hearing anyone,s comments on the 4 wheel anti-lock brakes or on towing in general with a Dakota.
I'm considering ordering a Dakota Quad Cab with a 4.7 V8 with the automatic transmission in about a month. I have two quick questions:
1. I would like to have as high a mileage I can get without sacrificing towing capacity. What would the truck's towing capacity be with a standard 3.55 axle ratio and what would be the mileage if I were to upgrade it to the 3.92 axle ratio? I haven't been able to find this info anywhere in the literature or on the web.
2. What is the seat back angle of the rear seat. Is it 18 degrees as in the Ford F-150 SuperCrew? My family won't go near a rear seat that reminds them of "rear seats" in my 1991 Toyota extended cab.
I found a truck at a local dealer that is a little too well equipped for me. It is pretty much loaded with the color and engine I want. The additional options I could live without include: Limited Slip ($242), Power Seat($272), Sliding Rear($98), & 6x9 mirrors ($136). This adds about $750 (dealer cost) to the price of the truck. FYI, I plan to do NO towing with this vehicle. Regardless if I order one or buy this truck, I am 30 days out on my Farm Bureau membership (just joined). So here I sit, with a 30 day wait for this one or ??? week wait for the truck I really want. I know I'm the one who has to ultimately live with this decision, but is there any news on the restrictions? I am leaning towards this truck because I don't want to be left at the end of March wondering when I'll get my truck. By the way, does anyone know if you can get around the 30 waiting period on the Farm bureau rebate??? Thanks
Called Daimler/Chrysler today, but did not reach Ernie and thus I don't know where we sit restriction wise. Sounds like a great truck. I am a big limited slip fan, and I am used to large mirrors on crane trucks. I don't care for power seats one way or the other. But, I really liked the sliding rear window in my trucks. I realize that the location of the slider prohibits opening or closing it from the front seat, but it provides great airflow. Especially since the Quad has rear windows that crank down fully. By the way Chris, the 6X9 power mirrors are only about $16.00 above the price of the power 5X7's. I don't know of any way around the Farm Bureau rebate, unless the dealer could work it out for you. As soon as I get an update from Ernie, I'll post it.
The rear seat angle in the Dakota is at least 18 degrees or greater. The Ram quad cab is 17 degrees and the Dakota seat is far more comfortablely reclined than the Ram seat.
Chris, just heard from Ernie @ Daimler/Chrysler, and the only restriction lifted has been the Club Cab. Restrictions continue on 4X4 Quad Cabs, limited slip differentials, and tire and handling package. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but no one is more disappointed than I.
I always thought, hey I'm good enough. I can stop in any situation. That was until last Tuesday. Traveling home in the stupid Seattle traffic in my 2000 Dakota Quad, one minute the traffic was moving smoothly, the next the car in front of me was completely stopped. I slammed on the brakes and distinctly heard the antilock chattering toward the end of the stop. I missed the car in front by 3'. I barely had time to thank God for the $400 I had spent when three more cars slammed me from the rear. They did not enjoy the benefits of antilock brakes. For the record I walked away with a slightly twisted bumper and slight paint scratch. Probably two of the other three vehicles will be totaled. I firmly believe the anti-lock brakes saved me a new face-lift for my truck and I hope the little Fiesta in front of me is thankful. Least I be accused of following too closely, I'll say circumstances including a city bus trying to merge into me made the situation inevitable.
One thing I've noticed in my Maxima with 4 wheel disk brakes and high performance tires, is that if I lock the wheels, it takes a relatively long time for the wheels to spin back up again. I'd hate to know how long it takes those 31X10.5 tires. Anti-lock can hold the wheels at the point where they leave tread marks, but don't slide. I'd buy anti-lock again in a heartbeat.
Well, perhaps some of the DC customer service reps don't have a clue. I called on my QC today, and was told it had moved to D1 status on 1/19 and now had an estimated ship date of 1/31 (the truck has all three of the restricted items, lsd, tire&handling, Quad Cab, ordered 11/22). Interestingly, the last time I called, the rep called the production manager at the plant and was told "Last week of January, first week of February". I'm not holding my breath but it would be nice...
My Qcab Dakota was built on 1/18, shipped the next day, and got from Michigan to Oklahoma City by rail in 30 hours. It's been stuck at the railyard there waiting to be trucked across the state to my dealer. There doesn't seem to be anything I can do but wait. Maybe by the end of the week........
Obviously, your unit was in the pipeline. They continue to build quads, but the restrictions are based on time of order. my truck was not ordered by the dealer until 12/28/99. Some of the people inquiring as to restrictions have not as yet placed an order. The representative that I deal with at Daimler/Chrysler is quite knowledgeable and "on the ball". While I have a VON (vehicle order number), I don't as yet have a truck, or even a build date. Here's hoping. Good luck with your Quad, enjoy it.
Well it's over. I put money down on a quad today. It had a few more bells and whistles than I would like, but I don't think I have the heart to go through the "order" process. It's only money right? Real pleased with the deal I got. $300 over invoice and no dealer prep fees ($298) so it was basically invoice. Can't get around the advertising fee that is tacked on the invoice which in my area is $460. No farm bureau rebate, but they offered me a $300 commercial vehicle rebate (it's a company truck) and a free Mopar bedliner ($299 retail) to take delivery now. I thought it was fair and I don't have to wait 30 days for the farm bureau. I'm in the process of obtaining financing and should hopefully take delivery Monday. BTW, I saw an Amber Fire/Driftood 4x4 on the lot. It looked pretty sharp. I hope it wasn't your truck!
Just got back from the dealer. Ordered my Quad Cab SLT 2X4 4.7 5spd 3.55 lsd. FOR INVOICE. No problems, in and out in less than an hour. None of my options are on restriction, so I should have it by the end of March. The salesperson thought it was funny that I still haven't driven a 4.7 yet, but I couldn't find one with a 5spd to try. After we finished the paperwork he tossed me the keys to a 4.7 Auto and I took it around the block. Nice, but I want my STICK. I miss the old days with my 5.0 Mustang 5spd.
Looks like a 'no holes' set of caps is going to be avail. by the 2nd week (the ides?) of March. I contacted dquinney@wadeauto.com and he replied: Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry. Those will be available within the next two
Looks like grey, beige and black are the regular Dakota colors. There is something from Bryndana Industries that colors vinyl (abs plastic, etc.) in a 'dye-like' substance. Available at Walmart... will be using it (in black for me - other colors avail.) to color my Rubbermaid 46 qt. size 'Actionpacker' that I made into a (velcroed to the bedliner) lockable 'toolbox' in my Quad. I want the thing to match my truck. Let ya'll know if it comes out decent (or not).
Congratulations on your purchase. Your truck sounds similar to the one I will be ordering except us hillbillies gotta have the 4x4. Actually I use it more in the Rockies than the Ozarks but that's another story. I'm planning on ordering this week and have narrowed it down to two dealers. The best I can do seems to be about $300 to $500 over invoice but I should get farm bureau or college incentive so all and all it should be a pretty good deal. Funny that the dealer thought it a little strange that you wanted a 5spd. I've heard the same thing at every dealer. Only one that really appreciated the idea was a dealer that sells to a lot of farmers and views the Quad as a real truck and not a compromise SUV. One question to you truck orderers out there--how much deposit are you putting down when you order the truck. One dealer offered to order it without the deposit and another wanted $500 dollars and another $200. What's the deal?
The deposit is a formality. Mostly they want one when they order 5 speed or something that the dealership would not ordinarily stock. My deposit was $100.00, but the salesperson said that if I didn't have it, that would be okay.
Ozark - They asked if I would put $500 down. I figure $500 less when I write that final check. I also wanted a 4X4, but... I drive 25,000 miles a year, and plan on putting 200K on this truck. With the extra cost for the 4X4, the reduced gas mileage, and the cost of replacing 4 wheel drive parts by 200K. I figure that 4 wheel drive would cost me $7,000+ extra. Yes it snows here, but I can borrow my Dad's 4X4 if I really need it. I lived in Michigan's U.P. for 5 years. The average snow fall is 250+"/year (347" one year). I had a '77 E-150 - 2 wheel drive. I found that ground clearance and weight on the rear wheels was all I needed to drive on the road. Offroad - I drive someone else's truck. I am ordering the LSD, so I should be a little better off.
Not sure of the exact angle, but I can tell you that it is as comfortable, if not more, compared to the back seat of a friends 97 explorer. When I positioned the front seat so it was comfortable for me in both vehicles, it seemed like the Dakota quad had more back passenger leg room, too. By the way, I'm 6' and 185.
It seemed that riding in the back seat would be comfortable. Don't know about real long trips (over an hour). Anyone have experience with adults riding in the backseat of your quads for extended periods of time?
I was wondering if anyone had the Dakota 4.7 with the full time 4wd option or if anyone has driven one. I was wondering how it works? Does it work like Jeeps Quadra Trac system?
Just when you thought you were through with bragging about the new 4.7 in the dakota. Motor Trend did a review on the new quad cab and clocked the 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. After viewing this figure I thought it was a misprint so I emailed my concern to the editor and he wrote back saying that is was not a misprint. I was totally amazed. This is one fast truck!
Concerning backseat room in the quad cab, according to the specifications published by Ford for the new F-150 SuperCrew, the Dakota quad cab actually has more total legroom than that of the SuperCrew. Now there is a thought!
Anyone know of a dealer in west virginia that is selling Quad cabs at or near invoice? I am ready to order and have all my homework done. Also, can anyone verify if west virginia exempts motor vehicle sales from the state sales tax? The state web site stated that motor vehicle sales were exempt if purchaser paid the motor vehicle title fee tax. I was unable to find what the title fee entails. (Is it a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price?) Any help would be greatly appreciated. I live in Ohio where sales tax is 6.00%; I will gladly drive to dealer out of state if it saves me $1,000 plus
Unless you have an established residence in West (by God!) Virginia, you will most likely have to cough up the sales tax when you register the vehicle in your home state. DE has no sales tax, but when I registered my utility trailer, I had to pay the tax. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Hey thanks for the information. It helps tremendously (sp). But I hate to say that I have already ordered mine (Black, 5.9L, automatic of course , 4WD, 3.92, Sport and everything you could possibly want. Anyway, I imagine you probably had fun doing your research. Thanks.
OK - so now I have a few answers, but I've also been lookin at some other discussions RE: towing.
People keep talking in those discussions about overall wheelbase of vehicle (length) vs. length of what you are towing (21ft pontoon boat - 25ft wi trailer in my case), & overall Gross wt. of vehicle vs. overall Gross wt. of what you are towing (3500 - 4000 lbs for boat, trailer, & misc loaded)
Also, I have read discssions involving tounge weight, wind resistance (a lot on a pontoon), etc.
I have even heard on a discussion regarding a different brand of "full size" truck that an auto tranny is preferable to a manual for towing as towing is hard on the clutch. Do I really want an auto tranny rather than manual?
(By the way, I was perceiving that the "very low" first gear on the Dakota Quad would be a plus to pulling the boat out of the lake up the ramp - Am I right there?)
Once again - I plan to tow an approx 3000 lb pontoon boat (relatively light but high wind resistance going down the hwy) with a 2wd 4.7 Quad 5 speed manual, with tow package, HD service group etc.
Should I go for the 5.9 with auto tranny? Auto tranny's worry me with Dodge's alleged track record with those. (though my beloved would prefer an auto)
Your advice/opinions/comments are greatly appreciated. (esp. from those with actual Dakota towing experience)
In any case, I can't keep pulling it around with my 94 3. litre auto Dodge Caravan - which has otherwise been an outstanding vehicle - despite a poor shifting auto tranny.
(aandy) I concur with your thoughts on the automatic xmission as not being the best choice for towing.
I believe that a manual xmission is better for towing. It could only be "hard on the clutch" if not shifted properly. But from this perspective it would also be "hard on the brakes" too if the load was not considered during towing.
Many that use the big Dodge's with the Cummins turbodiesel for towing have found the automatic xmission a weak link in an otherwise great package. I know of one pulling a bulldozer on a triple-axle trailer which would slip terribly up a long hill. This automatic xmission just kept getting worse and worse. This was replaced with another dodge turbodesel with a manual xmission.
It really depends on several factors including.
How often you tow
Terrain you will be traversing
How well you can handle a clutch
If one considers the internal workings of both the automatic and the manual xmission, the choice is obvious if you can handle a clutch. The wear on the clutch only occurs while getting the load moving in first gear. After that there is no wear on the clutch if shifted properly. Do not rev the engine... just get the load moving and clutch engaged before accelerating.
I just took delivery of a 2000 Dakota Quad Cab, 4X 4.7 and Multispeed Auto Trans. Now that I have learned of the on going problems with this trans. I have become a little Paranoid. What have others done to protect themselves from repair cost and making the dealer stand behind this transmission?
So far I love the truck. I have had some minor hard shifts from second to third, but nothing major. I also have what to me sounds like a rear end "whine" during deceleration. Has anyone else had this?
One nice thing about this truck is the power! I just came out of a 1999 Chevy Crew Cab with 5.7 V8 and it was a slug. This Dakota would eat its lunch!
Another question I have is, what is the best way to care for a black truck? This is my first one of this color and I would like suggestions to keeping it looking great!
I was somewhat surprised to hear people can actually order the quad 4x4 with a 5.9L engine. After visiting 2 dealers locally (Minneapolis, MN) I ordered one with the 4.7L on 24-Jan-2000. Both dealers I had worked with told me the 5.9L was not available on the Quad cab. Is this not true? It certainly conflicted with all the information I had reviewed on the net and in literature but I figured as long as they sell them they should know what is and isn't available.
Bill, I did not get a truck from the lot. I have a truck on order. It is a 4X4 Quad with 4.7, 5 speed, limited slip differential, and a great deal of other options. At present (as of 01/24/00) my unit was on "restriction". I'm waiting for restrictions to be lifted to get a build and then a delivery date. There was no way that I could find a truck on a lot that would suit me, there never is. Good luck.
I've gotten interested in 4WD again since we have had about 2 weeks of nasty weather here in NJ. I'd like to know what kind of gas mileage people are seeing in the real world for a 4x4 Quad Cab with 4.7 liter and 5 sp. man. I would probably go with the 3.55 axle because I do very little heavy hauling and want to get the best mileage possible. I talked to a salesman at the local Dodge dealer who said he is only getting about 10 on his 4.7 4x4 with the auto. He only lives 5 miles from work, and has been warming up the engine for a while before he leaves, while I have a 52 mile commute and am usually driving moderately just a few seconds after the oil pressure gage registers. I'm currently driving a '97 S10 4x2 with the 4.3 V6 and 5 sp. and getting 21 mpg. I know you have to pay for the 4WD and V8 but I'm hoping it would get at least 18 or so on the highway. Anything you can tell me will be helpful. Also comments about the Dodge dealers in the Jersey shore area are appreciated.
Rodney, I can't help you with mileage estimates, but I can tell you of a (yawn) very disinterested dealer in Manahawkin, NJ on route 72. I went to one salesperson in 1998 to lease a Dodge Durango. I am still awaiting his follow up. I recently went to another salesperson within the same agency about purchasing a Quad. I now await his response. I finally went to Reedman in Langhorne, PA, met Ray Moretti and got a great deal on an ordered truck. I now await my truck. Moral of the story: All dealerships who are interested in not doing business, please hang up a "do not disturb" sign on your door. I promise to honor it. (I have a home in PA, and another on LBI, NJ. I would have preferred to purchase in NJ, because of the amount oif time spent there, and the ease of having someone follow me to the agency to leave the car for service work.) I hope that someone will give you some insight on expected mileage returns.
Check out topic 746: posts 254, 256 - if you need more: click my screen name, then e:mail me... I've saved a (several page) response to, I believe 'windskin' about how I detail my 'redneck fleet' of black vehicles. It's sad really, I don't like black - I'm a victim of the Dodge (and Yamaha, and Porsche and Victoria's Secret - oops) Dakota brochure. ;-)
I to have the 4.7L w/multispped auto, and 3.92 LSD. I have 2000 miles on it, in just 33 days now, and have noticed occasional rough shifts, feel like a kick in the back, especially at low speeds. Also, early on I heard a rear end whine when coasting/decelerating, but that seems to have gone away, or at least diminished. It worried me, as I thought that I had screwed up the break-in period. I had to drive it home 300 miles from the dealer, and tried every 10 or 20 minutes or so to slow down, then accelerate hard, etc., like I've seen suggested, but I did get it up to about 75mph, and in hindsight thought I shouldn't have. I know a tranny guy who I'm gonna ask about the rough shifts. In the meantime, I'll just be aware of it, and see if it gets any worse. It doesn't happen often. As for the whine, it should go away- it's probably just a symptom of break-in.
I had a '97 V-6 auto Dakota w/3.55 rear. I got about 15.5 mpg during my usual city driving. Never drove it on the highway long enough to tell highway mpgs. City driving can easily vary from one person to another, but my new 4.7L auto quad, w/3.92 LSD gets about 14.75 mpg with the same driving as on my V-6, and with only 2000 miles on it the mileage seems to be getting slightly better. My first tankful was about 17 mpg highway at 70 mph, my second tankful was 13 mpg (city), and it has slowly risen since then. My last 2 tanks were 14.9 and 14.7 mpg. As you can tell, with this trip computer I have been watching mileage carefully, kind of a novelty, but the computer is usually between 1 and 3 tenths of a mile off from the actual. To me the true actual is total miles driven, divided by fuel used. I try to top off the same amount each time, that way you can tell, within one or two tenths, the actual fuel used. I'll watch it carefully for another month or two, just as an experiment, to see how much mileage improves with break-in, and to give me a good baseline for future reference. So far my experiment is proving #1- mileage does improve at least 1, and maybe 2 mpg with breakin. #2- the trip computer is pretty accurate. #3- there's very little difference in mpg between the 3.8L V-6 and the 4.7L V-8. In fact, the difference may prove to be negligible. And since my V-6 needed 93 octane to avoid knocking, I'm already ahead!
Havent't posted here in a while as I've been waiting for my quad to come in. It did so on Saturday after "3 MONTHS" of being ordered. To all you who have ordered, be patient but it could be a while. I used the cust serv line several times and found them pretty good. Got it basically loaded, no LSD or steering wheel radio controls for $26,300 at Wayne Dodge in NJ. Dealer wasn't great but not bad either. All I can say is "WOW!!!" This #$%^ thing is great!! This is a much greater value that the Ford, which I'm actually partial to. Can't wait to start getting the goodies like a bed liner-probably Duraliner and the Pace Edwards cover. Hang in there everybody, I did! Will keep you posted on trans events and any foaming in the oil cap. Happy trucking
That doesn't make much sense to me, 115 mph in 86 seconds. Even if you were going 60 mph it should only take 15 seconds to go a quarter mile. I know this is from a dead stop but that still doesn't make any sense at, least to me it doesn't.
Yes, the 4 doors are worth it - you won't believe how convenient they are. As far as the 'tranny problems' go; haven't seen nary a one of those described in any previous topic / post - mine's smooth as silk - no matter how I drive it, with one very memorable exception: my Dodge internet saleswoman (Pam) told me that it would 'adjust' itself to my driving style (or adjust just once, period?) as soon as I pulled it out of the dealer's drive. It did. Damned near killed me pulling (lurching) into traffic the first time I'd sat behind the wheel. I lived through that first few seconds. It hasn't missed a beat in the 4k miles since. My guess is that Dodge will eat some extended warranties - justified or not...
And you know the price will be 3-5% higher in '01. May be offset by some rebates then, but I somehow doubt it. Although they might have a tan interior next year (Solar yellow ext. back?). Current price difference is about $2k invoice, $2.2k msrp. Get em while they're hot.
Well...15 weeks after I placed the order, my 4x4 QC is on a train and headed my way. Hang in there everyone. Mine was 'on restriction' until Jan 2, went to D1 (firm schedule) status on Jan 7, and left the factory on Jan 25th. If it wasn't for those first 12 weeks of being 'on restriction', these things would show up pretty fast.
well i took the plunge and ordered a 2000 quad cab 2X4 driftwood in color and loaded with all but premium sound (my ears can't tell anyway)for dealer invoice less $500 farm bureau rebate for a drive off the lot price of $23278 the total msrp was $25971 i hope i got a good deal and i am pleased. does anyone know of a way to follow the process of manufacture on line or do you have to pester the dealer for updated information. this site has been very helpful in my making informed decisions in this process. keep up the great work
this is kinda funny (not!) i went to rent a uhaul for my 2000 dakota quad with the full towing package (6100lbs and a class 4 reciever hitch), surprise surprise, uhaul was checking my reciever to make sure my truck could haul the load and the reciver is rated for 3500lbs, uhaul said it is a class 2 reciever (oops!), the dealer and dc customer svc both said i should have a class 4 on the truck. any one else with the tow package option ahc checked there hitch rating? mine is a sticker on the 87 pin connector box, the sticker is between the box and the drawbar. somebody look and let me know please.
I searched for about 3 weeks in my area (Tampa, FL) to find a Quad Cab with the options I wanted. I was willing to drive to dealers several hours away to get something now as opposed to ordering one. The restriction horror stories posted here scared me off and I didn't have time to wait 12 weeks for my truck. I probably called 10 dealers to find what I wanted. I got lucky one day and called a guy who had one that had just hit the ground the day before. I went over the next day to drive it before they even had a chance to clean/prep the truck for the lot. I put down a deposit and picked it up Monday night. So far I love the truck! SLT Plus, Bright White w/driftwood two-tone, 40/20/40 bench with mist gray int, 4.7L, auto, power overhead, fog lights, limited slip, 6x9 mirrors, Cass/CD (RAZ), steering audio controls, sliding rear and power seat. Could have lived without the slider, limited slip and power seat, but it was worth paying extra to avoid the wait. Have about 150 miles on it so far and according to my trip computer I'm getting about 10 mpg. I really don't believe that to be accurate as I've been playing with the engine a little. What a sweet engine and the exhaust system is tuned great. Sounds like one mean truck. All I can offer for those who are waiting is this truck is worth it! Those of you who are looking to order one should have your dealer check his shipper log to see if anything is scheduled to come in soon. It might save you some "waiting time" if one the dealer has ordered for stock is equipped close to your specifications
I to didn't want to wait 12-16 weeks for my truck to come in. I had another truck to trade in and didn't want to take chance that something might go wrong at 76,000 miles. I called all 7 Dodge dealers in my area to see what they had. I would call back every couple of days. I finally asked them if they could tell me what they had on order, must of them very helpful. I got lucky one day and found one very close to what I wanted. I drive pass one dealership everyday on the way to work and of course I check out their lot to see what they got in. So far I,m happy with my decision to buy of the lot. Since my order would have went in the first week of Dec. and everything I wanted is on res., i doubt i would ever see my truck. Good luck to all those who are waiting.
Comments
LIKE
"What does the lower body-side molding look like. Not a truck on the lot with it, and the salesperson couldn't find a single picture of it."
Anyways, I told this salesperson that I had been researching the Quad cab on the internet, and had just a couple of questions. He answered them and then asked if I wanted a price. I told him point blank "I already know what I am going to pay for this truck." Much to my surprise, the next words out of his mouth were "I can't sell it to you for less then invoice." I said "OK" (calmly), he then asked if I qualified for any discounts. I told him that I belong to the local Farm Bureau. He said "OK." I told him I would call him in a week or two and we would place my order. I was in and out in 15 minutes.
Thanks to Edmunds and everyone here for the back ground knowledge.
smtango1, at the risk of being unhelpful, read the various topics on Dakota here at Edmunds. If you have any specific questions we would all love to help. However your question at the moment is rather general, I don't want to write paragraphs and paragraphs that won't help you.
My question is re: the 4 wheel Anti-lock brake option (BGK $421.) I will be pulling a bulky (8' x 21') but relatively light pontoon boat from time to time (approx 3,000# but could go 3,500# loaded). My trailer does not have brakes of it's own.
I am very interested in hearing anyone,s comments on the 4 wheel anti-lock brakes or on towing in general with a Dakota.
1. I would like to have as high a mileage I can get without sacrificing towing capacity. What would the truck's towing capacity be with a standard 3.55 axle ratio and what would be the mileage if I were to upgrade it to the 3.92 axle ratio? I haven't been able to find this info anywhere in the literature or on the web.
2. What is the seat back angle of the rear seat. Is it 18 degrees as in the Ford F-150 SuperCrew? My family won't go near a rear seat that reminds them of "rear seats" in my 1991 Toyota extended cab.
CC
Bookitty
Bookitty
I always thought, hey I'm good enough. I can stop
in any situation. That was until last Tuesday.
Traveling home in the stupid Seattle traffic in my
2000 Dakota Quad, one minute the traffic was moving
smoothly, the next the car in front of me was
completely stopped. I slammed on the brakes and
distinctly heard the antilock chattering toward the
end of the stop. I missed the car in front by 3'.
I barely had time to thank God for the $400 I had
spent when three more cars slammed me from the
rear. They did not enjoy the benefits of antilock
brakes. For the record I walked away with a
slightly twisted bumper and slight paint scratch.
Probably two of the other three vehicles will be
totaled. I firmly believe the anti-lock brakes
saved me a new face-lift for my truck and I hope
the little Fiesta in front of me is thankful.
Least I be accused of following too closely, I'll
say circumstances including a city bus trying to
merge into me made the situation inevitable.
One thing I've noticed in my Maxima with 4 wheel
disk brakes and high performance tires, is that if
I lock the wheels, it takes a relatively long time
for the wheels to spin back up again. I'd hate to
know how long it takes those 31X10.5 tires.
Anti-lock can hold the wheels at the point where
they leave tread marks, but don't slide. I'd buy
anti-lock again in a heartbeat.
-Curt
Bookitty
Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry. Those will be available within the next two
weeks. You can purchase our products at [www.deflectors4less.com]
Looks like grey, beige and black are the regular Dakota colors. There is something from Bryndana Industries that colors vinyl (abs plastic, etc.) in a 'dye-like' substance. Available at Walmart... will be using it (in black for me - other colors avail.) to color my Rubbermaid 46 qt. size 'Actionpacker' that I made into a (velcroed to the bedliner) lockable 'toolbox' in my Quad. I want the thing to match my truck. Let ya'll know if it comes out decent (or not).
Bookitty
I also wanted a 4X4, but... I drive 25,000 miles a year, and plan on putting 200K on this truck. With the extra cost for the 4X4, the reduced gas mileage, and the cost of replacing 4 wheel drive parts by 200K. I figure that 4 wheel drive would cost me $7,000+ extra. Yes it snows here, but I can borrow my Dad's 4X4 if I really need it.
I lived in Michigan's U.P. for 5 years. The average snow fall is 250+"/year (347" one year). I had a '77 E-150 - 2 wheel drive. I found that ground clearance and weight on the rear wheels was all I needed to drive on the road. Offroad - I drive someone else's truck.
It seemed that riding in the back seat would be comfortable. Don't know about real long trips (over an hour). Anyone have experience with adults riding in the backseat of your quads for extended periods of time?
Chad
Just when you thought you were through with bragging about the new 4.7 in the dakota. Motor Trend did a review on the new quad cab and clocked the 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. After viewing this figure I thought it was a misprint so I emailed my concern to the editor and he wrote back saying that is was not a misprint. I was totally amazed. This is one fast truck!
Check out the review:
http://www.motortrend.com/jan00/dakota_quadcab/dakota_quadcab_f.html
Bookitty
Poolman57
People keep talking in those discussions about overall wheelbase of vehicle (length) vs. length of what you are towing (21ft pontoon boat - 25ft wi trailer in my case), & overall Gross wt. of vehicle vs. overall Gross wt. of what you are towing (3500 - 4000 lbs for boat, trailer, & misc loaded)
Also, I have read discssions involving tounge weight, wind resistance (a lot on a pontoon), etc.
I have even heard on a discussion regarding a different brand of "full size" truck that an auto tranny is preferable to a manual for towing as towing is hard on the clutch. Do I really want an auto tranny rather than manual?
(By the way, I was perceiving that the "very low" first gear on the Dakota Quad would be a plus to pulling the boat out of the lake up the ramp - Am I right there?)
Once again - I plan to tow an approx 3000 lb pontoon boat (relatively light but high wind resistance going down the hwy) with a 2wd 4.7 Quad 5 speed manual, with tow package, HD service group etc.
Should I go for the 5.9 with auto tranny? Auto tranny's worry me with Dodge's alleged track record with those. (though my beloved would prefer an auto)
Your advice/opinions/comments are greatly appreciated. (esp. from those with actual Dakota towing experience)
In any case, I can't keep pulling it around with my 94 3. litre auto Dodge Caravan - which has otherwise been an outstanding vehicle - despite a poor shifting auto tranny.
Thanks
Andy
I believe that a manual xmission is better for towing. It could only be "hard on the clutch" if not shifted properly. But from this perspective it would also be "hard on the brakes" too if the load was not considered during towing.
Many that use the big Dodge's with the Cummins turbodiesel for towing have found the automatic xmission a weak link in an otherwise great package. I know of one pulling a bulldozer on a triple-axle trailer which would slip terribly up a long hill. This automatic xmission just kept getting worse and worse. This was replaced with another dodge turbodesel with a manual xmission.
It really depends on several factors including.
- How often you tow
- Terrain you will be traversing
- How well you can handle a clutch
If one considers the internal workings of both the automatic and the manual xmission, the choice is obvious if you can handle a clutch. The wear on the clutch only occurs while getting the load moving in first gear. After that there is no wear on the clutch if shifted properly. Do not rev the engine... just get the load moving and clutch engaged before accelerating.So far I love the truck. I have had some minor hard shifts from second to third, but nothing major. I also have what to me sounds like a rear end "whine" during deceleration. Has anyone else had this?
One nice thing about this truck is the power! I just came out of a 1999 Chevy Crew Cab with 5.7 V8 and it was a slug. This Dakota would eat its lunch!
Another question I have is, what is the best way to care for a black truck? This is my first one of this color and I would like suggestions to keeping it looking great!
Thanks
Bookitty
Bookitty
And you know the price will be 3-5% higher in '01. May be offset by some rebates then, but I somehow doubt it. Although they might have a tan interior next year (Solar yellow ext. back?). Current price difference is about $2k invoice, $2.2k msrp. Get em while they're hot.
and left the factory on Jan 25th. If it wasn't for those first 12 weeks of being 'on restriction', these things would show up pretty fast.
this site has been very helpful in my making informed decisions in this process. keep up the great work
for my 2000 dakota quad with the full towing
package (6100lbs and a class 4 reciever hitch),
surprise surprise, uhaul was checking my reciever
to make sure my truck could haul the load and the
reciver is rated for 3500lbs, uhaul said it is a
class 2 reciever (oops!), the dealer and dc
customer svc both said i should have a class 4 on
the truck. any one else with the tow package option
ahc checked there hitch rating? mine is a sticker
on the 87 pin connector box, the sticker is between
the box and the drawbar. somebody look and let me
know please.
thanks,
robert