My 94 Dakota,SLT 4x4 has almost 170,000 miles on it. Now I need some repairs which I cannot do myself. I have some leaks which I kinda have an idea where they might be. I may need a new water pump to start,and some oil leak problems,like oil pan gasket,now also I think some transmission leak,like a hose or the transmission oil cooler.I just checked Kelly Blue Book and it is worth $3451.00 if repairs weren't needed. Probably a thousand dollars in repairs. Decided not to get the shift indicator fixed,because the parts are obsolete and it works without it, and I don't want to take apart the dash. Any thoughts on this? I'm dead in the water right now. Don't dare drive it for chance on ruining the motor. Main seal may be leaking too. I'm not a mechanic either. Thanks

 

It isn't even worth $3450. KBB is for the most part BS.

You already know what you want to do, I think. However, I would suggest that you print out a list of what needs to be done, find a local shade tree mechanic that needs some extra $$ or an independent shop and get an estimate. The toughest thing on the list is probably the rear main seal/oil pan leak, which on a 4wd entails removing either the engine or the front differential. Older rigs tend to need people with mechanical interests--for folks with no interest in wrenching, they're too expensive.

Whatever you end up with, first priority should be safe and reliable, fuel mileage and appearance should be lower on the list.