In the past year ive dumped more money in my Dakota then its blue book value. Why because its cheaper then a new car and I dont want to buy a used car along with its problems.

So in the last year I have replaced all 4 tires, 600 bucks.

Rear brakes had a shudder replaced the pads and had the drums turned, $60 dollars.

Front brakes new rotors $70, new calipers $120 and pads $40.

New shocks $120. New front wheel bearings $160. Transmission rebuild $2,000 dollars.

Chasing down a idle issue I replaced a ton of sensors
pre cat o2s $130,
TPS 30,
IAC $30,
MAP $55,
Coolant temp sensor $10,
Air charge tenp sensor $25,
Cap rotor, wires, plug $55
Blower motor resistor $20
Battery $65
belt tensioner $50
evap purge solenoid $35

Grand total of approximately $3,675.00

And on my list of TO DO is post cat o2s are throwing a code $100 to replace. I think I have a small vacuum leak so I want to replace all the old vacuum tubing. There is a chatter in the front end so im going to end up replacing the inner and outter tie rods, and upper and lower ball joints $340 for all moog replacements. As well as replace any deteriorated bushings.

Im also trying to figure out why I have almost NO power at 1500 rpms, if there is a strong head wind or im towing even a empty trailer on flat level pavement I lose speed in overdrive and end up in 3rd gear the whole time to maintain speed.

 

I've had 2 electrical problems costing me about $1000 total
Plus:
sway bar bushings
control arm bushings
bj's upper and lower
front drive shaft
a half shaft
front brake calibers, needs pads and rotors now too
water pump
new exhaust only because the old one rotted out
new tires
2 speed sensors
plugs
rear brakes
shocks on all 4 corners

That's what I can think of off the top of my head, I'm probably missing a couple things

Most of the repairs I did myself and just estimating there is over $2500 in repairs there easy.

All of that between 97k and 118k miles. I bought it as a one owner truck, that was owned by an older man who took impeccable care of it. Clean carfax with no accidents and was serviced every 3k at a reputable Dodge dealer. Basically you could not have bought a nicer used vehicle, and it's still had a lot of problems

Don't get me wrong, I love the dakota. It's awesome having a smaller truck with 4wd and a v8. It makes for a fun little truck. But it has too many problems. That's all there is to it. I know people who never put a dime into their trucks and they end up lasting longer. I don't get it...

 

are the 3gens any better?