I wrecked my ram and totaled it and I'm now looking at getting a dakota. As much as I love the ram the extended 1500 5.2 4x4 was killing me on gas. I figure the dakota in 2 wheel drive will be a lot better for me. I was looking on here to try and find out any info on what I should look for as common problems on the dakota? Would you buy a 3.9l dakota with 200k on it? Of course the dude claimed that the truck has almost all highway miles on it. let me know thanks

 

Rust under fender flares is the big killer. Other than that, all the usual stuff on other vehicles. Check for leaks: headgaskets, oil, tranny fluid, power steering, etc. Check the front end, shackles, hangers, body mounts.

Nothing really special fails often on these trucks other than the plenums, and that isn't of concern since you're looking for a V6 and they aren't nearly as bad for blowing them out as the V8s do.

 

what about trannys? are the transmissions better on the dakota then the ram?

 

Fact: Dodge trannys suck unless you go newer. The 4.7's have the 545's and they seem to be pretty good. The usual like tranny ball joints, reg, maintenance
Another fact 3.9 v6 vs 5.2 v8, the v6 will get maybe 1 or 2 mpg more than the v8. Since the 3.9 is a dog the v8 is the way to go. A 5 speed will bring up the mpg. Some 4.7 guys are averaging 16-18mpg!(with 5 speeds) The 5.2 is a old engine(reliable as hell and big aftermarket) down side of the old technology is poor mpg. The 4.7 is pretty much the same thing as the 5.2(still very reliable not as big aftermarket but still options) It will get better mpg.

 

what about buying a dakota with 200k on it? do u think its worth it?

 

Unless a old man owned it and it was in perfect condition with all the service records then yes it wouldnt be too bad. I advise against it. That motor might have 50k left to give. Not to mention the rest of the trucks parts has 200k on it.