I'm looking at possibly getting a Dakota, but I have some questions.
My son will be 16 before too long so I thought it would make a good first vehicle as well. My neighbor down the road has a second gen 4wd that he beats mercilessly and pulls heavy loads and loads it with firewood, too. I've seen quite a few through the years take some pretty fair abuse and keep going.

Seems the second gen ones have better rust protection ?

I'm looking at a few Magnum V8 ones on Craigslist possibly 4wd to pull a car occasionally; is the truck up to 5,000 lbs ?

Is there anything to avoid or look out for on these trucks ?

 

I've never had a dak.. but assuming the v8 magnum is what i believe it is, the plenum would still be an issue? Someone can correct me if im wrong.. but heres a good thing to look at to start..

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html

 

do check for crash damage. broken glass in tight places under the hood. new tires on the front covering up bad front end. this where you a mechanic and body friend. the body / paint guy will spot a repaint. my 01 had a tire size diff than called out. but think it was done at the factory cause the computer was set for the tires on it. a good trany shop can check that for you.