what kind of steering issues?

 

The steering pumps seem to fail in 02s more often/earlier then any other year. Mine went out after over 240,000 miles. So I didn't complain but, according to msn and a few shops near where I worked a year ago. The 02s just generally had more issues with it than other years. No idea why, is it a big problem, no. It is a clear, obvious and easy to fix problem. My favorite year is what I own, an '01 (probably biased being its my first Dak). But I might buy an 03-04 when it comes time.

 

cool thanks. i definitely like this body style best compared to any other generation. i'm just trying to find the best deal out there, so i am keeping my eyes open. i did find an 02 with somewhat low mileage and a 4.7L 4WD. my Ram looks like it should sell on ebay. so once it does, i will really start looking for a Dakota.

 

If it doesnt, craigslist and cash is pretty popular in the northeast.

 

well, it looks like the reserve was met on my ebay auction.as long as the bidder actually pays, then i will have a dakota, lol.


i found a 2003 4.7L 4WD in my price range too. getting a little excited. about everything.

 

oh yeah. Ram sold on ebay for $6550. now to find a Dakota, lol. i found one in Brooklyn, NY (so i would have to travel to get it). but it has low miles & appears to be in good shape. i'm trying to find one that is rust free.

 

Just trying to help here. But if you can, look south and west of you. In the northeast the counties use salt to melt the roads. Salt causes a lot of rust issues, especially on dodge vehicles (use to be worse, our gen is 10x better). The farther south you look the better off you'll be. But out west the use ash, this washes off easily. I don't remember if you live in PA or not but PA has strict resale laws for dealerships. So they legally can't sell you a vehicle with rust issues. MD doesnt really have Dakotas and if they do, they widely vary in quality and Maryland doesn't have many regulations to protect buyers of used cars.

 

Mind you that is only for inspection. Tho it usually only fails if there is holes into the cab.

 

It isn't perfect but it is still a good baseline. I've had it save my butt twice. Once on frame reconstruction. But that being noted, always have a third party mechanic under your pay, inspect any vehicle before you purchase it.

 

Depends how well you know your inspection guy lol My dakota should of never passed with my exhaust dumped after the cat and with a check engine light on.