So lately as I been driving I have been noticing first gen dakotas on the road, most of them have the skin peeled on them or very rusty, but today I was driving back home to hick town, when I notice one of my brothers a white first gen broken on the side of the road I couldn't help feel bad how many of these trucks break down and fewer of us are still left. I was going to stop and see if I could help, "since I am Canadian and it isn't uncommon to help a stranger" but saw that they almost got it going.

 

It's harshly true. Not many 1st gen Dakotas left on the road now. I'm a proud owner of an '88 Dakota and it runs just fine (But you should have seen the condition it was in when I bought it)! I'm going to keep it around for as long as possible.

 

It seems that when people own the 1'st gen they don't sell them but rarely and they drive them to death. I see a lot of dead dakota's that were well maintained but the drivetrain went out and it is not worth it monetarily to spend the coin to fix it. That is what is happening to mine, 177k and going strong, but new parts keep happening.

 

All that may be true but there's nothing better than not making payments on a new car!!

 

+1 I fully agree with this having experienced it with my Harley.

 

Then show me the way to the wrecked dakotas with a half decent body. I agree that most dakotas you find have an excessively high mileage, which makes mine pretty rare for when I got the truck a year ago it had 118 000 on her but the body would love a little TLC if I can find good panels with out lots of rust and or dents.

 

I'm in Idaho, and I see 1st gen's all the time. No shortage here! I even see a bunch with the center caps I need lol. I wouldn't own a 2nd or 3rd gen. Freaking ugly if you ask me haha.

 

Finally someone speaking my language about the 2nd and third gen dakotas The first gen rock

 

Not everyone has the time to do their own wrenching. Not everyone has the $4,000.00 to have a rebuilt engine installed. I have two days off a week, if my engine blows, I am parting it out and buying another pickup. I, and most other people, do not have the time or desire to yank, rebuild and install an engine, if you do, awesome.

 

But time is money, and if your paying someone else to do the wrenching on your truck, you may save a little time, but how much time did you spend to make the money your handing to a mechanic? I myself am a labor ***** no more Plus I love learning about my vehicles, and mechanics don't care for 'em the way I do. They won't go that extra mile.