Ok. so i just really got into the real world like a year ago, (AKA dropped outta college and got a real job). i bought an old ford bronco II because i liked the offroad capability (which it had plenty of btw) and it was affordable. but i got screwed. transmission was apparently recalled, busted on me twice, and i ended up spending $$$$ on top of $$$$ to keep it running. i decided the third time the tranny screwed up to leave it parked. now i've found a 2002 dakota, v6, 4x4, auto. prettiest thing ive ever seen, but it has 103,000 miles on it and the guy wants $8,000 for it. should i talk him down or just look the other way? can a dodge handle this amount of miles well? please somebody give some input, i dont wanna hafta park another one after owning it for 5 months. thanks

 

any vehicle can handle a lot of miles IF it was taken care of. My 02 Dak has 150,000 miles, runs and drives as good as they day I drove it off the showroom floor in 02.

Go to www.edmunds.com and www.kbb.com and find out what the that truck is worth.

 

Oh man, the old Bronco II. I had an '88 Eddie Bauer as my first vehicle. That thing could barely make it up hills on the highway.

 

Agree with Glk. These days, vehicles and take alot of miles if taken cared of. $8K doesn't seem too bad of a price but I would definiely try and talk them down some. When I was looking for my 02 Dak, I saw several 02's with over 100K mileage for about $10K at the dealers. These were quad cabs with the 4.7 V8. Do a kelly blue book search and it should give you a rough ball park for value in you area.

 

It might be a good deal but......

I've noticed several members here on the forum who want to swap out their V-6 for V-8....why join them.

There is also one guy who had his V-6 toasted because a wrist pin slid out for no apparent reason and wrecked the motor.

From what I can tell the 4.7 gets just as good mileage as the 3.9 with more power.

food for thought.

 

i agree with brian2171----my '00 dakota has a 4.7L and during the summer i average around 15 miles per gallon, not to mention that a k&n air filter helps out, but i am very happy with my 4.7L, it has plenty of power!

 

Currently i own a V8 2002 Dakota, it is the sweetest thing i've ever owned I paid 20k for my truck and it's worth every penny. The gas milage can be a little harsh depending, however in regards to the V6 you are looking at, if you want something with decent with the power capabilities to 4x4 around and such you may want to look for a nice V8. I see alot of the dakota V6's and they just don't seem to match with power capabilities that the V8 offers. Keep a good look around for the 4.7 you won't be disappointed. With the fuel price hikes people are practically giving trucks away now as they do not want the overloaded cost to fuel up weekly. I average about 18miles per gallon with my Dakota, a little less in the city.

Kyle..[8D]

 

lol

Standard cab I'd say a v6 would be fine, but club/quad and I'd pass. I got mine for $18k or so with a 100k mile extended warranty, quad cab 5.9L 4x4. Sure, I get 10-12 in town and 15-17 on the highway, but who cares? If I was concerned with fuel economy I'd drive a Golf diesel or Civic hybrid or something.

 

The only real thing that would concern me about buying a high milage vehicle (as long as it has been cared for) would be the automatic transmisson other then that id have no fears. Maybe a water pump replacment or sometihng but thats all minor stuff. Good luck with your search.

 

hey guys, don't hate on the 3.9. i have a 2wd 5 speed 3.9 rc that is damn quick and still gets 22 mpg. even with 145,000+ miles it's still running strong too.