Hey guys! I'm usually in the Durango section posting, but today i have a quick question about the Dakota..

Take a look at this craigslist ad

http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/2599344070.html

its a v6, automatic, manual windows, manual locks, no fog, no bed liner, and no tow hitch/package

I've had trucks with v8's and i know that kind of power but wondering what that Dakota v6 can do?? I will be using the truck as a work truck hauling supplies for my maintenance business around. also, doing some landscaping that will require yards of gravel, dirt, bark, etc.

i took it for a test drive today and here are the issues i found

1. Gear shift display is one gear off, so when it displays R it's in N, when it displays N it's in Drive, (not earth-shattering, but weird nonetheless..)

2. it was a forest work truck for the first 93,000 miles (so I'm assuming all fluid changes and maintenance have been taken care of, but no verification) plus, don't know how the last guy drove it, since it wasn't his of course (we all know how fleet vehicles are driven)

we talked after the test drive and he said $5200 would be a good deal, but KBB has Good @ $5,020 and Fair @ $4,395

Thoughts? anything helps guys!!

 

Way over priced! And I dunno my v6 has pretty decent power for a v6. The exhaust and air cleaner helped, but it's no v8

 

I got my 03 for 3500 from a dealer

 

Nvm I thought it was 2wd

 

wow! nice deal! and yours had how many miles??

 

That's a little bit over priced. Not too bad though. Funny thing, Nick, mine was about 3600+tax and all that so it was like 4200 in all from a dealer.

 

V6's are decent on power, though they are no performance hog. My V6 has a great amount of power & I average 18 MPG combined city & driving. My truck has great torque when hauling a load or towing. You found a low mileage unit, so that should be OK, provided it's not rusted out underneath

 

in my experience, the v6 auto combo does fine if you're only pulling a little weight. my old 98 only had 70k on it and struggled pulling a dodge neon. it was a 98 3.9 v6, auto trans, 2wd with no power options. both of the v8 dakotas i've owned have pulled heavy loads with no issues. my current truck is a 2003 4x4 with 4.7 auto. it tows great and gets decent gas mileage at the same time

 

from all the feedback I've been gleaning off the internet, it's looking more and more like I'd like to have the 4.7 under the hood.. plus with an '02 durango with a 4.7 in it it'd be nice to have that to make things easier when repairs come up..

too bad your '03 isn't on the west coast, looks like it's right up my alley! Plus, i need a truck ASAP as I'm rockin' a minivan as a loaner vehicle until i buy a truck.. so we are in some SERIOUS need over here! lmao..

 

NO v-6 for loads. unless you regear the rear to 4.11. did mine. i have ONLY drove in town my mpg went from 9 mpg to 13 mpg. i would NOT say to run it on the hiway. but i love the 4.11 with posi. it moves out much better, witch makes better mpg. remember NO hiway.