Hello,

I am currently looking at a 1995 Dodge Dakota. 3.9 V6 4x4. Loaded for the time. It has 65,000 miles and only two owners. This truck looks perfect. Not even a scratch but I am very unsure about it. Is there anything I should look for? I currently own a 2000 Dakota 2wd. Since I have had the vehicle I have had to put a lot of money into repairs. This is my second Dakota. I owned a 96 b4 and I miss that truck very much. I didn't not have as much in costly repairs with my 96. My 2000 just is not the same as the 96. I really would like to to purchase this 95 model but is it a good idea? If anyone has any thoughts please let me know.

 

Check the ball joints, they are notorious for going bad if you don't keep them greased (and most people don't). Other than that, my '95 has been great to me. There's also the obvious non-vehicle specific things to check on. You mentioned that it doesn't have a scratch on it... that could be cause it has had recent body work done, so make sure you know the history of it.

 

I own a the same truck you are looking to buy, but with manual transmission. I love it, and so far every problem I have run acrossed has been one of the problems listed in the FAQ and I have been able to fix it myself. If you read it you will have a good idea of what you are getting into most likely, if you do have problems.

Like 95_318SLT said, ball joints go out. But honestly, I wouldn't let that deter you from buying it, but if they are bad maybe it will help you get the price a little lower. I have replaced all of mine. Also, when I first got it, the 4WD hadn't been used regularly so it was a little hard to get moving again and stay in 4WD, but now it is no problem.

 

Good trucks, make sure you give it a good once over, other than that I think you will be fine. 65k and in good shape, it was most likely taken care of, but like I said, give it a good once over, and then look again, make sure you are comfortable with buying it before you buy it.

 

Okay, now its convincing the wife..

 

that could take forever, or be very easy

 

i bought my 95 dak with just 65,000 miles on it at a dealer, these trucks run great. not had any problems so far, take car of it and it will take care of you, we had one at my old work it had 220000 miles and was still going strong.

 

Now, I am crazy for wanting to trade my 2000 Dakota for a 95? Has anyone had any transmission issues with the 95 4x4's?

 

LOL, thats a matter of opinion! I personally would not trade my truck for a 2nd gen. I have nothing against the 2nd gens, but I like the look of the 1st gens better, and in my state owning a 2nd gen would require emissions inspection. If you liked your '96, then you should like this '95! But don't let anyone but yourself talk you into it.

 

I have a '95 with almost 200k on the clock. I had a radiator break and it overheated bad and I thought it was done for. I changed the radiator and pulled the heads because I thought it had blown a head gasket when it got hot. Good news was everything was great and at 186000 miles it still had the hone marks in the cylinders. I don't think you can go wrong with a '95 Dakota.