I recently found a 2003 Dakota with 95,500 miles on it and was hoping to get some opinions on it's worth. Here's what has been done:

Replaced both front CV Joints
Replaced OEM Front driveaxle with solid steel lathed driveaxle
Recently replaced front calipers and rotors
Recently replaced brake lines
Recently replaced Transmission pan
New Battery

It has the towing package with the oil coolers


Here are my concerns:

Needs Torsion bar replaced
Has significant looking rust in wheelwells, was unable to look under the body from frame rust

The seller is the original owner and purchased it straight from the factory, has been keeping up with regular maintenance and has had all work performed by a master mechanic.

Owner also said he has never had a problem with the engine or the transmission and the showed me that the 4WD engages with no issue.

I have read a few threads on here about the torsion bar and it seems like it can get costly and something better left to a professional.

Without any pictures, can anyone give some insight on if they would buy this? My main concern is with the rust being that I live in Michigan and would use this as a DD.

During the test drive it felt like a solid truck with good power and responsiveness. It did pull a bit to the left, which the owner said is due to the tension bar issue, which is the correct side of the truck.

I know not having pictures of the rust makes it hard to give an opinion, but any insight from tried and true owners would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

Today I looked at buying a 2003 Dakota from a private seller and am hoping to get any sort of opinion or advice from some tried and true owners.

Bit of a backstory on the truck; the current owner ordered it back in '03 straight from the factory. Recently purchased a new car so he doesn't drive this one often. 4.7L V8 engine with complete towing package, 95,500 miles on it. Located in mid-Michigan

Here is what the owner told me was done to it:

Replaced CV Joints
Replaced OEM front drive shaft with a solid steel drive shaft
Recently replaced the front rotors and calipers
Recently replaced the brake lines
Recently replaced the Transmission pan about 30k miles ago
Full towing package with oil coolers and transmission oil coolers
Newer Battery
All work performed by master mechanic
Owner did show that 4WD engages without issue
Owner mentioned he has never had an issue with the engine or transmission

Areas of concern:
Noticed a lot of rust in the wheel wells, unable to look under the truck for frame rust
Owner did mention he regrets not getting the rust protection coat (which leads me to think the rust is bad)
Needs Torsion bar replaced, owner said it's better left to a professional, has part.


That's about it in my opinion for areas of concern. I have read quite a few threads and looked at different websites regarding this vehicle and it can't get a good idea of what to expect. I understand that the MPG is not good on the V8, but that's not a big concern of mine as I'm switching from an older Jeep.

I would love any and all advice and opinions on this truck in particular. Thank you

 

I wouldn't bother with that.

Really anything with that much rust on it makes me wonder what else the prior owner neglected to take care of?