Hi, I'm 15 and am wanting to buy a second-gen dakota when I get my license. I was wondering what were some things to check for when I look at them? Thanks

 

Biggest thing are the ball joints. Most problematic thing on our trucks. Nothing too bad.

Check the fluids and brakes and for any play in the steering wheel.

If you live in an area where rust is common check the wheel wells. My Dakota had no rust or so I thought in Nov 11 but she's covered in it now just over a year later.

 

Best thing I've found with any vehicle purchase...... Take it to Firestone Auto Center and have them inspect it for $20.

Whether you take it there or not, make sure all the dash warning lights come on when you turn the key. If you're looking at a 4x4, make sure the selector switch is lit in the position it is in.

Beyond the obvious, let us know when you've found something you like. post a link to the sales ad and we can help you out with the specifics.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the answers and I live in southern Minnesota so rust is a big issue. I also have about a year until I buy one but I'm still looking around.

 

Ball joints and tranny are the biggest things.

Check the easy accessible fluids(engine,tranny,anti freeze,brake fluid,power steering) Usually clean fluids will tell you how well the ower took care of the truck,
Check the make sure the front end is tight
Check the brakes and let go of the wheel and hit the brakes and see if it pulls to one side.
Make sure the tranny shift smooth and no weird noises. Try lugging it up a big hill and see how it acts, Dont be afraid to open it up and see how it shifts at high rpm(use a back road with no traffic)
If 4wd check to make sure 4wd and 4lo work,
Look at the truck during the day(never at night)
Check for rust around the fenders,cab mounts,cab corners,wheel wells, If it has a plastic bed liner in it. Lift it up and check under it and see if the bed is all rusty.
Check to make sure nothing is leaking under the truck(oil pans usually start to seep after so long which is ok as long as its not dripping oil)
When looking around in the engine bay check to see how good the belt and hoses are.
if looking at a 3.9,5.2 or 5.9 take the air hat off the top of the motor and shine a flash light down the throttle body and see if you can see puddles of oil on the bottom of the intake. Residue is ok but puddles arent
While looking around the bay look inside the fender and see if you can see rust forming(usually the front fenders rust out below the engine badge)
If you can I recommend getting a carfax on it to see if it was in an accident or fleet/rental vehicle.



Thats all that comes to mind for now.