Recently picked up a well-used 1997 Dakota (270k miles!) to replace my ancient (and falling apart) GMC Safari.



I'm really enjoying this truck! Surprised at how much roomier it is than my friend's Chevy S-10.

I knew when I bought it that it needed work, but it's actually in far better mechanical condition than I expected. (The opposite of what I typically experience when buying used vehicles!)

Tires, ball joints, fixed some exhaust leaks (there were no gaskets on the exhaust manifolds!), and replaced the timing chain.

Runs and drives beautifully, but I really hope to improve the gas mileage. I'm consistently getting 12 mpg with mixed city/highway driving (mostly city). According to most reports I've found online, a 3.9L Dakota should manage at least 15 mpg city. I've already found several helpful threads here for other issues, so I expect I'll get plenty of help on this, too.

-- Mike

1997 Dodge Dakota, Club Cab, 3.9L V6, auto, 2WD.