like the title says .. i'm ready to buy my first used dakota.

i am hoping people here can give me pointers, tips, any words of advice on what to look for or stay away from in terms of a used dakota. do some years have more issues that others? some engines work better? some transmissions or transfer case work better than others? some trims pointless? are there key rust spots on a dakota that i should watch out for? anything and everything will be greatly appreciated! at what point should i be worried about high mileage?

here are some specs of what i'm generally looking for in a dakota:
-used
-4x4
-extended cab (not four full sized doors)

some point this week i will check out two dakotas..a 2000, 5sd, v6 with 70k miles and a 2001, 5sd, v6 with 56k miles.

so .. what should i look out for or stay away from??

 

go with a v8

 

The dakota's , and all dodges for that matter, are known for the clear coat pealing off the paint. Watch for blotchy spots in the paint. Also, the front ends, mainly the ball joints, tie rod ends and the hub assemblies. Try to find out what work has been done and what hasent. If you can, find an 01+ with the 4.7 V8 and a 5 speed manual, you will be happy you did. For a little truck I thought I would be happy with the 3.9 V6, boy was I wrong! The mileage between the V6 and the V8 is pretty close, so go with the V8. Good luck in your journey of finding your new truck!

 

Definetly get a v8, and if going with a 4x4 also do like cowboy said and check front end parts. From what ive heard the 4.7 v8 is a nice option to go with. Also when looking under the hood check for random out of place wires. This may of just been my truck with the previous owner running random electrical tyings but you really dont want somethin thats been messed with to much or you'll be like me and have a lot to fix.

 

ok .. so v8 is preferred over the v6. good to know. does the v8 take regular gas or mid/high grade?

also with the v8.. what the difference between the 4.7 and 5.9L? does the 5.9 offer significantly more power that outweighs the decreased mpgs? or is one more reliable than the other?

have there been significant changes to the dakota from 2000 and up?
right now i think i like the looks of the second gen dakota over the 3rd gen

 

The 5.9 is old technology, plus it was never offered with a manual transmision. The 4.7 is the way to go there is plenty of power its reliable and mileage is pretty comparable to a v6. And everything from 97-04 is second gen if that wasunclear. The 4.7 appeared in 2000 and in my opinion is the way to go

 

The v8 also runs on regular gas

 

Power wise i have the 5.9, stock numbers say im pushin 250hp and 345lbs of tq, mpg wise i just read that the 5.9 in the 98 r/t stock averaged at 13 city 18 highway but i get 16mpg with a mix of both and keeping my foot out of it. Plus the 5.9 has many upgrades available. As for the 4.7 im not sure on its specs but im sure someone who has one can fill ya in.

 

Sorry to double post but i just did some readin on the 4.7, if you do choose to go with it get i would get the 4.7 HO, it has a lil bit more hp than the 5.9 and not as much tq but is a way better option than the base 4.7.

 

I have never owned a V8 Dakota, my current 01 Dakota is a V6, so was my old 2000 Dakota SLT. I would say those who recommend a V8 over a V6 are right, the V8 4.7 will run stronger and have more power without sacrificing too much MPG but I have to put in my 2 cents that the 3.9 is an old school cast iron block that is rock solid dependable. Like any engine and/or truck you have to take good care of it and it will take good care of you. I am sure the 4.7 is good too but I have never owned one and don't know a lot about them.

My 2000 Dakota was an automatic. My 01 is a 5-speed. I say get the 5-speed if you can find one. They are more reliable, have a little more power and aa bit better gas mileage and are a lot more fun to drive. An automatic transmission just seems unnatural to me.

My 2 cents.

Jimmy