I have around 7,000 to spend on a dakota. and from what ive been seeing i can get a pre 2000 dakota with around 50,000 for that much or a 2005-2006 with 120,000ish miles on it.
should i get a newer model with higher miles or an older with lower miles?

 

i'd go with the less miles.
besides 2nd gen looks way better. lol

 

Yeah get a 2nd gen by far...

 

low miles and I agree 2nd gen looks better. You will thank us later lol

 

Older. "We" look better, and less mileage is always a plus.

 

Yep I agree with every comment made above. Also the 3.9/5.2 will run forever if well maintained. Mine has 130,000 and still going strong and i know if had a rough life before I got it at 105,000 and I am not the kindest to it either.

 

97-04 best looking years imo

 

one of the best features on the dodge trucks were the smooth lines that set
them apart from ford/chevy.
i think they really droped the ball w/ the squared 3rd gens. imo

but the new motors are putting out alot more power out of the box.
just something else to think about nygiants.

 

my 01 5.9 is at 144k and still going good!

 

Yeah, but 16 sparkplugs to change? haha