Hi guys:

Within the next few months I will be selling the 99 RAM 5.2L/auto, hoever, I am undecided on what I will buy.

3 choices:

'05 Pontiac GTO
6.0,6 speed, fast

2nd gen Dakota
not sure which year to buy, but I WANT a V8 with a manual stick shift and ext. cab. Which year do you guys recommend? I dont really want the 4-door, but ext. cab would be nice.

05 Magnum RT


So out of those, I think I will lean towards the Dakota (cheaper). Which year so I be looking for? '01? I don't want 4x4. This is something I want to drive and play with on the streets. I'm talking headers, no cats, x-pipe, 40 series Flowmasters, 4.11 gears or higher.......basically something to make me feel like I was driving my Mustang 5.0 a few years ago.

I'm Jason by the way! Thanks!!

 

It is technically the 3rd gen dakota. 2 gen looks kinda like first gen. Depending on your budget, you may want an 03' or newer for a couple reasons. As an owner of an 03, the brakes have been redesigned and I have not had premature rotor warpage as many earlier gen 3s were prone to. Also, the new ball joints are installed on some of the late year '03s. No recall on the 2wd just an extended warranty. The 03' 4.7L has the newer, redesigned high-output intake manifold as well. This is a mod for many earlier gen3s to get a little more flow. You may also want to check out the RTs (ended in 02??) Although, they do not make a manual tranny on an RT. Good luck on your search!