Hello, I'm new to the forum. My wife and I are expecting a baby and currently have a Mazda Protege and Civic Coupe. We're looking to get rid of the Protege and buy a SUV or truck. We were going to buy a new SUV but I cannot justify the rediculous prices. I need a vehicle that can tow at least 2000 lbs as I have a 4x4 ATV and go on hunting trips with buddies and take at least 2 ATVs on a trailer over 8 hours away. So I've found quite a few 2008+ Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4's 3.7L for sale with anywhere from 13000-35000kms for anywhere from $18k-20k (Canadian). What I'm looking from the members here is any common problems, anything to look for when buying, and just the overall quality of the vehicle. My cousin had a full size RAM and had trouble with it, so I'm doing my research to see what I'm getting myself in to. Also, if anyone has pictures with a carseat in the back of their quad cab, can you please post it. Thanks in advance, any help would be appreciated.

 

love mine no kids havent had to tow any thing but have had a stack of drywall bout 20 sheets and a pile of lumber plus a hand full of moves. including one from thompson MB to calgary AB. didn't fase the truck. I got the 4.7 though I would suggest looking for the 4.7. if you plan to tow. I've put it through the a gauntlet of bs I use mine as a 4x4 no major problems cv's and ball joints mostly seem to be the common problems with the 3rd gen's as far as I know. if you plan to lift or lower not much aftermarket support. still I wouldn't give mine up even when the dealer called and said they have a guy looking for my exact truck im sure others will chime in happy shopping!

 

i love the truck. the only problems i have with it is the aftermarket support.

 

love mine but i have th 4.7 and i am with hendrixx no aftermarket

 

If you want aftermarket, go with a Hemi Ram. You might want to check out some Hemi Rams, as the Dakotas can be a pretty pricey midsize truck when compared to a fullsize. Just remember, every vehical has its problem.

 

I'm aware of the lack of aftermarket support but I'm not going to be adding much. A tonneau cover, maybe nerf bars and after seeing those six spoke Ram wheels, maybe a set of those too. The reason that I am looking at the Dakota is because I wanted to get a V6. I know the Ram can be had for almost the same price but I don't want or need a truck of that size and also a V8. Thanks for all the replies and if you have anything else to add, feel free.

 

also and you may wanna look further into this but apparently.... the 08 4.7l Is rated better mpg than the v6 factory sticker says 28mpg I don't get it but I got a heavy foot

 

When I was looking for a truck, it had to have 4x4, 4 doors and a V8. Do NOT get a V6, if you can. You will regret it. I marvel at the creamy smooth engine every time I am on the road. V6 gets no better mileage.

 

It's a lot of truck for a V6. I average under 20 MPG, without any of the benefits of a bigger motor.