Hello, Sorta new guy sorta not. Can't remember old login from the days of owning a 98' Durango.. Anyways...

About to drop the hammer on a Dakota and was hoping for some insight. Between an 04' and an 08' what would you choose?

Here is what I know (which isn't much except both have clean records and they cost basically the same.)

2004 QC Dakota SLT
4.7L V8
AWD / 4x4 (no idea about gearing or limited slip yet)
49k miles
All leather / Gray exterior
Tow package

Personally love this is AWD and prefer this Gens look over newer. Also like that is has less miles.

2008 QC Dakota SLT
Flex fuel 4.7L V8
2wd / 4x4 (limited slip but no idea what gearing)
57k miles
All leather / Black pearl
Tow package

Only thing selling me on this is the newer 300hp 4.7 with flex fuel and the limited slip. Not crazy about the newer style.

Any feed back would be great. I loved my 98' Durango and have been itchin for a dodge again. The truck will be used for towing / daily commuter / snow & Mud in the winters.

 

I personally like the 2nd gen looks vs the 3rd gen. I say take the 04.

The general Dakota section is usually dead, I can move this into a sub-section if you would like if you don't get enough responses here. Just tell me where you would like it to move to.

 

Cool, Thanks for the input!

I as well prefer the older gen look. Pretty confident I will shoot for the 04' but not against feedback. Does seem like the 08's don't have many performance parts out there but maybe im wrong. Havent dug that deep yet. However, I am aware it will cost more then id like to spend to get equal performance out of the 04'.

As far as moving the thread I will leave that up to you. I've sadly been out of the dodge forum loop for a few years. If you wanna talk Polaris rzr xp's thats a different story.. That is what this truck will mainly be towing. Thanks again.

 

the 08 will be quicker if you like to drive fast on occasion but there is nothing wrong with the 04..the lsd is either 3.55 gears or 3.92. If I had the same views as you I would base my purchase off of rust and suspension wear

 

I'd take the 04. I personally do not like the 08+ front ends. If it were 05-07, it would be different. Imo.

 

Another thing to consider is, are you planning on lifting it? If you want to lift more than 2" it will be cheaper/easyer on the 04. Not a,lot of options on the 08

 

Hey,

If you want a build sheet on them, PM me the vins and I will send them to you.

 

If I were choosing (and I've had two of each generation) I would go with the 04 also. I just think they were better driving and handling overall. Especially if you can get one with that few miles on it.

 

I've owned a black vehicle before. Thats another reason to go for the '04.

 

The 2008 V8 will be quite a bit quicker than the 2004. I liked the 2008+ front end, and picked my 2010 because that is when they upgraded the front struts for a better ride. As long as you're happy with it, thats what counts. Lower miles, on the other hand, is never a bad thing.