Looking at buying a 2004 Dakota Sport with only 80,000 miles for a pretty great price but when I climbed underneath to check everything out I noticed a significant amount of rust. After seeing the Carfax it appears this truck is originally from Pennsylvania (where they most likely salt the roads) ... so I'm afraid the rust that is on this truck could lead to some serious issues eventually.

If someone could check out these pictures and let me know what you think I'll be extremely grateful.

 

IMO I'd pass...it's cheap for a reason. Lots of wire wheeling to be done there...

 

My 98 was similar when I bought it in 08 with 73k on the clock. The first year it was ok but after that rust started poping up everywhere. Cab corners,front fenders and wheel wells are great places that love to rust. Everywhere I started to tear apart had some form of rust poping up. When I sold it I made it a point to buy a rust free truck. I paid a little more for a rust free pa truck(the roads to heavily salted here) Its well worth it. I would pass on it if it were me unless you can get it extremely cheap. You looking at about a 1,000.00 worth of work at a good body shop to fix the rust.

 

That's a bummer, sorry you had to go through that. I really am turned away by the rust, but the price is so tempting. Where I live in Idaho they do not salt the roads so further damage hasnt been done in quite some time. The Carfax shows this truck left PA in 2006, and ended up in California, then was auctioned and ended up in Idaho and made it to the guy who now owns it.

Makes me wonder how long the current rust has been there. If I can remove it and lay down coats of anti-rust, maybe its worth it? Or should I just walk away now and spare myself the trouble? $10K for a loaded 2004 Dakota Sport with only 80,000 miles and in great condition aside from the rust is very tempting.

 

Knowing the way dakotas were built/designed, I'd appraise that truck closer to 7-8K myself. And that's a stretch. Closer to the 6-7 window.

 

Really? They seem to hold their value decently well according to KBB, and most sites rate 2004 Dakota's (last production year of 2nd gen) very well.

What specifically devalues 2nd Gen Dakota's in your opinion. I love the way these trucks drive & look. Should I steer clear of them?

 

Nothing unusual if you find one well maintained. But if you find one that's not, it can make for a huge money pit. Ball joints, control arm bushings, brakes, control modules (hit and miss as usual for any electronic contraption), power steering pumps (hit and miss), transmission issues aplenty (when, not if).

 

Well your truck is as old as my truck when I bought mine in 08 and I paid 5k for it with 73k,4x4 ,auto and 5.2. You can get a full size ram for 10k Heck I only paid a few thousand more for my cummins with 138k on it. The 2nd gen rams look pretty much the same and drive the same but with added room. No way would I be paying 10k for that truck.

 

No way I will pay 10k for it with the rust. When I addressed it that was the first time he had seen it, if he was lying he would have had to be the best actor in the world with his reaction. I told him I would counter offer after researching the rust. At this point I'm going to pass on it after further research. I appreciate the input everyone!

 

To be honest, the frame doesn't look all that bad to me. Im in Ontario where they salt the roads alot and most cars look like that even if they've been oilsprayed.

If the last 4 pictures are of rusty wheel wells or rockers then Id stay away. For some reason they won't show for me.

My frame is solid but my body is starting to rust. Will be repairing that this summer.