heyllo everyone...I'm looking to buy a 2000 dakota, need advice on what to look for as far as common problems go and which engine size is the best. I'm looking at a v8 4x4 and a v6 2x4. I love these trucks and I'm finally getting one, just a heads up would be cool. Thanks

 

go with the v8. the 6 is under powered and doesn't really get better gas milage.

 

moe in wichita ks
yes rred is right. i have had 2 v6s one got 13-14 mpg in town only. the one i have now was getting 10-11 then i tuned it up it now gets 30 more miles out of 9. gals.

 

my v8 also gets like 12 in town and 22-25 on the highway descrive that one ur lookin at a lil moremiles,engine size, 4x4, 2x4, year

 

if your getting a 2000 or newer DO NOT get the 5.2 or 5.9 they have bad tranny's, just like the older ram's as well. get the 4.7v8 which makes more power and is newer designed than the 5.2 and it also has a newer designed tranny that they still run in the new hemi's....i have the 4.7 and you cant go wrong. my mileage is average 13.5 but it should be better. i might have to change out my plugs and hope that helps. good luck

 

try this link...it has about everything you want to know about a Dakota...there are 7 links at the top of the page for all different aspects you may want to know about...hope it helps. http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...e-dakota-4.htm

 

thanks alot guys for the advice. as farr as the truck is concerned its a 2000 5.9v8 4x4 extn cab. Unfortunately I can't choose the engine size but I was wondering if theres any tell tale signs that the tranny is on its way out. I am getting the chrysler extended warranty on this so I'm kind of covered but I would rather be safe than stranded. Thanks again guys

 

im no mechanic, but have had much luck with used cars...i go with as much research as i can find and drive the car on your test drive on all types of roads and speeds. listen for noises and feel for smoothness...you can also spend the money to get it checked out before you buy it too. i believe most places have specials for people buying a car and want to get it looked at before they buy.

 

Personally, I own a 2x4 v6 Dakota currently. I must say, they're quite well made by Dodge. They seem to hold less issues than the v8's, transmission wise. I am a great example, owned since 2003, and never had a single mechanical issue of any sort.

As for the under powering, my dakota is a quad cab, and I have plenty of power... Sure I can't peel out on a dime, but frankly, I don't want to. They have plenty of torque for even the biggest rushers. The only reason to honestly bump up to a v8 4x4 is if you plan on towing large loads frequently or plan to go mudd boggin' frequently.

As for a street truck, the 2x4 is an overall great truck, despite the crap it's given.

I will have to agree about the gas mileage though... Dodge did let us down by not being able to make the v6's any more fuel efficient than the v8's...

 

I say its a matter of opinion really, i'd go with the 4WD Dakota. However i love my v6, not the greatest gas mileage for what power you get, but hey i'm not looking for a race car. Pretty good low end torque, and mine can burn out from a stand still without even flooring it.

So it really comes down to what you're looking for. The extra power, and option of 4WD. Or, a great street truck that's reliable and can get you from A to B without alot of hassle.