I am looking at getting another second gen dodge...this time a 97 dakota. Its a 5 speed, 5.2, shortbed, 4x4, 197,xxx miles, interior is very clean, bed has been used, some rust on the doors, clear coat is chipping off above the window and about a quarter size circle on the hood, usuall chips and scratches..nothing serious. I can tell its leaking a tiny bit of oil out of the valve covers, but its seemed ok on the test drive. I searched, but couldnt find much info...Is there anything that I should specifically be looking for? I had the 5.2 in my ram, so I know about the plenum and such...but idk anyhting else about the dakota's. I am going to have a shop look at it, but wanted to ask my friends on here....thanx!!

Also...they were asking $4900 for it...without negotiating at all they said $4000 otd....If all turns out ok at the inspections....what do you guys think its worth?

 

197K miles is quite a bit, id check the cylinder compression first, that will give you a good idea of the condition of those piston rings are and how well the valves still seat in the cylinder head.

 

idk for the price trucks are going these days thats a little much for how many miles it has but if its a good truck and the inspection comes up good maybe offer them 3500 or so if their desperate they'll take it

 

I am going to throw 3000 at them... I dont need it..I jst want another truck for winters and to be able to haul stuff.

 

I agree, price of trucks are way down. Just saw a guy selling a '99 fullsize dodge ram 4x4 ext.cab for $1500. Theirs some great deals if you keep looking..

 

yeah you can get them much lower.

 

Keep looking, I just got my (month ago) 98 sport ext cab 5.2/5speed/4x4 143k for $2900 and in looking around craigslist and such I see lower mileage like units for close pricing. A local lot has a Durango (I know its a suv)4x4 for $3999 and looks great.

James H
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I was looking at a 99 5.2 auto 4x4 w/ 82k miles for $4500. Keep lookin if you don't really need it. Deals are def. out there these days.

 

I said 3200 otd and they said yes first time.....So I test drove it again and the check engine light came on. So I hurried up and went to autozone and it was a misfire in cylinder 6...im not getting the truck. Thanx for the help guys.

 

keep looking, you'll find something, the deals are out there.