I have been in the market for a new, well new to me, work truck and came across a Dodge Dakota that will be available shortly. It is a 1998 SLT 4x4 with 104K that has been very well maintained and has never gone off road, it has been a daily commuter. The owner offered it to me for $2000, which is what the dealer offered him as a trade in.

Now the bad news, it will need tires and brakes (no big deal here), there is a small area of damaged clear coat on the roof, and the transmissions whines when in overdrive. My concern is the transmission, any thoughts on what is causing the whine? Is this a minor issue or a potential transmission rebuild?

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

 

cant tell u bout the whine but i love my 98' 4x4, amazing ride smooth and has alot of power

 

Chrysler automatics arent the best to begin with (autos blow period ) and at 100k, it's been through alot. I can't advise you on what to do but I am a new owner and its a blast. I can't wait to start building it up and get it off road. Looking at about $1000 for tranny work/replacement, that would leave you at $3000, which is less than what I paid for mine which has 134k miles. But it also just had the tranny replaced.

 

agreed..my 01 was $7000.

Brakes are about $200, shooting a swatch of clear coat should be $50 or so, tires are $400. A transmission flush and fluid/filter change and overall servicing should be $600-$1000 (supposed to be done every 50K so it would be due anyways).

 

I am still undecided, but am considering this truck. I have no problem doing most of the work myself, heck I rebuilt a non running 89 BMW 4 years ago and am still driving it with almost 240K on it today. The trannie worries me a little, having changed one slushbox recently I would prefer to not do another. Though at this price it is very attractive, I can do most of the work required and have a nice truck to use for work.

 

worst case scenario you could pick up a used tranny from a forum with like 50k on her, i mean, it.

 

paint is common stuff

 

If you go into the purchase being OK with possibly replacing/rebuilding the tranny, then you can't go wrong for $2000. Hell you can't get anything for $2000 today, let alone somthing thats a 4x4.