Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

Hey everyone, I just joined the forum like 10 minutes before posting this. Cool site. But anyways, we are going to buy a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport. It is 4 cylinders. We are getting it saturday and I first of all would appreciate people not telling me about how a 4 is small and all that. I'm 14, and we were looking at vehicles. I wanted a truck. My dad won't get me a "big" truck. But I do like this because I am getting a good deal on it. here is the ebay page on it, in case you are wondering: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge...spagenameZWDVW

anyways, being new to the dodge truck world, I just am curious about accessories, upgrades, parts, etc. I just want people to discuss for my benefit and others things that will work with this and will not and whether or not they are suggested. Well, yeah, responses please. Thanks

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

that looks like a pretty good lil truck. and the 4 banger should be pretty good if you dont need to tow or haul anything heavy.

and you can do search here, and you will get tons of ideas on how to mod it. but I would definatly get better rims for it...

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

that looks like a fair price for that truck. I will tell you up front, dont think that you're going to be getting a fast truck. Alot of people on here complain about how underpowered the four cylinder is, and also the v-6. But since that truck is a regular cab and weighs alot less than extended cabs, and the fact that it has a 5 speed, it should be able to get out of its own way and get you decent mileage. basically, it'll get you around and maybe do some light duty work if you need to... and be reliable.

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

Thanks to both of you who have responded so quickly. I do agree on the rims. About hauling anything, I won't be. The closest thing I would do to hauling would just be transporting my dirt bike around which any truck could do.

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

I don't know what other State's laws are on driving age, but if you're only 14 why not save some money for a little bit longer so you can afford something bigger and better? Maybe something that has a few more options.

I did a quick Kelley Blue book look up on that truck, and the buy it now price is high. That's the excellent condition price. Good condition is about $2,400, and fair condition is about $2,000. Since it's been in a previous accident, exhaust manifold is cracked, tranny doesn't shift smooth, and the air bag light are on because the previous owner didn't replace the module, it's definetly not in excellent condition.

Myself, I would be very leary too about the air bag deal and the tranny. If you still go for it and get it, then good luck with it.

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

well it's his first vehicle and his father doesnt want him doing 90 in a 65 [8D], the truck looks like it's in decent shape from the pics, if your just going to use it for a go to school or around town vehicle, nothing exactly far away or on the interstate very often, i would go for it, good little work truck

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

yeah he prolly doesnt need a v-8 anyways...they have the tendencies to throw themselves at stationary object...a.k.a trees, light poles, hot chicks in suvs, and most recently i believe the back of a corolla...

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

Lol, I agree with that. My truck only has the 3.9 and it got me into some trouble when I was younger. My first car was a 2.5 dodge shadow convertable. My parents agreed to let me get it because they thought it would be a decent car to get me to school and stuff plus they didnt want me to have anything too powerful. But that thing would MOVE believe it or not. I got a speeding ticket with that. In my dak I went around a corner and goosed it and the truck kicked posi and I ended up hitting a parked car. But hey you live and you learn, I havent had a ticket in 4 years now. I think that dakota would be just fine for him, and i also think the price is fair. And it will haul a dirt bike just fine.

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

this is mainly a response to yellowjacket 99: The price is seemingly nice. I am not sure, but the guy we are buying it from says that the book puts it at 3200. Oh well. My dad won't let me get anything bigger, not even a half ton for w/e reason. I will get a bigger one later. But this Dakota is basically the biggest I can get. It is bigger than an S10 to my knowledge, and I like it better.

RE: Getting a Dakota, some Q's
 

the value of the vehicle depends on where you are from also. that is why you have to put in your zip code when looking up a price on KBB.