im posting this in two spots becase i want different opinions from dakota owners and non-owners, im thinking about purcheseing a 2000 dakota 2wd with the 3.9 manual transmission single cab. no power anything 89,000 miles. it has 31x10.50x15 in good shape on them, new brakes,injectors,hard fiberglass bed cover,very clean, no rust only 1 dent on the tailgate about the size of a half dollar. i was wonering in your opinions how much i should pay from a dealer on this also what should i look out for, whats good,are they good etc. are they a good buy ya know all the stuff that usually hapens. im a ram owner so i dont know too much about the dakota

 

Using the basic info you have, Kelly BB gives:
Suggested Retail: $6820 (excellent condition)
Private Party: $4900 (good condition) $5400 (excellent condition)
Trade In: $4000 (excellent) $3500 (good)

Edmunds "True Market Value" says:
Suggestd Retail: $5200
PP: $4500
Trade: $3700

(These prices were adjusted for your area by the websites)
I would see if they go for $5000-5500. (I paid $6000 for mine just this January [:@] Actually, now that I enter the info for my truck, the price for mine is just a couple hundred less than the one your looking at!)

If its from a dealer, keep in mind they probably paid less than $3500 for it. It's a buyers market, if they don't want your money, too bad for them!

 

buy a V8. the gas mileage is going to be about the same and your going to want the power about a week after getting the v6.

 

I second this. Infact, pretty much, the only thing I DON'T like about my truck is that it's lacking 2 cylinders. Other than that, these trucks are great. (So what if I've got a 1st Gen, 2nd Gen owners will agree! )