Good evening everyone,

I almost always buy used vehicles. Lately, I've been doing more towing than my little S-10 can handle, so I'm looking for a truck that can handle a little more than my 5x8 utility trailer. That has led me to the Dakota. So, I found a truck that looks promising, but I'm apprehensive because of the mileage. It is a 2008 Laramie, 4.7L, 4WD with 170K miles on the clock. This truck doesn't have a receiver on the back, which tells me a) it wasn't used for towing, or b) the owner removed it prior to trading it in. I'd be more inclined to think this was a non-towing vehicle. There isn't a spot of rust on it, which tells me this vehicle was probably garaged most of it's life. Anyhow, being at a dealership, I doubt they have maintenance records, but it is a Chrysler dealership, so I suppose that is something I can ask. Anyhow, asking price is $9700, which is lower mid-range on KBB for all of the options (Leather, sunroof, remote start, etc....). So, my main question is, (and I know I'll get the usual " We can't tell you without knowing the history" answers) assuming this was a well cared for vehicle, would this be a good purchase and could i expect to get 50-60K more miles out of it without major issues. I've already read about the front end issues, and I'm not as concerned about those issues as I am the transmission and engine. Any opinions would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

That seems pretty high to me for a ten year old truck with that many miles.

 

That's what I thought as well, but NADA, Blackbook, KBB all concur that clean retail should be around $13,000 with the options on it, so I figured $9,700 was a pretty decent deal. That is around the price associated with an average trade-in. I guess I'm most concerned with the reliability of these trucks with higher mileage.

 

I have an 05 4.7 with only 47,000 miles. I have not replaced any fluids other than oil and coolant. I do have a small power steering leak I think that has been for 2 years now at least that needs addressed.

If you are only going to be using at occasionally, I think I would look for a less expensive unit that already has the factory tow package.

 

Not sure where you are located, but I just purchased my 05 4.7 4X4 Quad Cab Laramie in SLC, Utah for $9600 with 87K miles.

I did shop around for a Dak for about 2 months and I think the dealer messed up and posted the price at least $1000 less than what I had been seeing in the ads for an equal truck. As soon as it came online I called on it immediately and had a check to the dealer within 24 hours.

I did purposely stay away from high miles. I test drove another '05 Laramie with 175K on it and the FSBO was asking $5900 but I passed on it due to the high miles (actually offered the guy $4500 for it and he got pissed).

Not sure if I have helped you other than to give some reference points. Honestly, when shopping for my Dak I looked high and low every day waiting for the right deal so I knew when a new truck came online if it was priced too high based on the year, mileage, or feature set.

 

Okay, so the 2008 I was looking at I decided I wasn't comfortable with the miles. I was looking at 2002 Quad Cab 4.7L V8 for $6000 with 90K but it sold before I could bite. . No big deal. Now I've got two others I'm looking at. 2004 Quad Cab 4WD 4.7L V8 with 114,000 miles on it for $5995.00, and a 2007 Quad Cab 4WD 4.7L V8 with 144K miles for $6995.00. Is there any advantage to the 2007 model over the 2004, beside the styling? I'm mainly concerned with performance and reliability. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Dakota

Here is a great summary on the Dakota in its three generations. It gives a good run down on the differences between the second and third generations. There was quite a lot done in the third gen vs. second gen including a new frame.

I also did a lot of reading of 1st time reviews of the third gen on Edmunds and other auto trade sites. Obviously they are old reviews (circa 2005), but they give some information on some of the updates from the second gen.

My advice is to read the reviews, but more importantly go drive! Test drive both generations and see which one you like the most. I test drove two second gens and three third gens before deciding on my 2005.

 

If you go with an 07 or newer 4.7 V8, you get 310 hp and 330 lb·ft of torque. Much better than the 05-06 versions.

 

Picked up a new to me Dakota tonight. 2007 SLT quad cab, 4wd, 4.7L V8. 140k on the odometer. 7400 after tax title and license. I think that's a pretty good deal. New tires, brush guard, immaculate body. I had to put on a new set of wipers. The exhaust is going to need some attention, but the frame is in great shape for being a truck from central Illinois. I'm planning on switching out all the fluids and throwing in some new plugs at the very least. Hopefully the aren't any gremlins hiding inside this truck.