I'm looking into getting a used Dodge Dakota Crew Cab. I've been looking at a couple different ones in my area and have narrowed it down to about 3-5. I've been mostly looking at 06-08 with mileage between 20-40k. I was wondering if there were any differences between the model years that I should know that may sway my opinion one way or the other?

Also, I've noticed a couple 2008 Dakotas advertised as SXT/Lonestar/Bighorn, but on every one there has not been a single badge or sticker saying this. The back only says "Dakota" on these where I have seen 2008 SLTs at least have the SLT badge of the passenger side. These same Dakotas also have plastic or rubber black/grey bumpers (not color match like the rest). Is there anything positive or special about these trims?

I'd appreciate any assistance you all can provide.

Thanks,

JD

 

I like the color match bumpers and grilles. but the 08 and up has a more powerfull engine. but the body style changed alittle but. I like the look of the 05-07 better.
And i think the Big horn is the high end trim pkg

 

hendrixx lol jk ita personal prference

the 08s have more power in the 4.7L and a few little features like oil change warning and and the ability to pull codes from your odometer if you ever get a CEL.. i think not tosure never got familer with the 05-07. as far as i know if you dont have a colour match bumper its probably an st low end package but we dont have the lonestar or big horns north of the boarder. we have the slts though and you can get them with leather and dash display monitor... i have an sxt with limited slip and 3.92 gearing and the only difference between mine that i know of is said dash display

 

I believe the Big Horn and Lonestar packages are a mid-range level where they just bundle a bunch of the popular options and give it a fancy name. The top level is the Laramie. I'm partial to the 08+ Daks, but I did enjoy my 05. I'd say you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose.

 

Here you go
http://www.allpar.com/trucks/dakota-2008.html

 

An '08 SXT would be nice. Get that extra horsepower from the semi-hemi motor.

 

Go with an 08+ for the extra power if you plan on using it for towing or having some fun. If you care more about looks, then do an 05-07 with the color match. To get an 05-07 to the same HP as the 08 4.7 would take alot.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Most of the Dakotas I have been looking at are 3.7L V6s. I don't plan on doing any towing, or at least haven't had to yet.

I probably should have mentioned that this will be my first truck. We used to use my wife's Rav4 to do most of the hauling. We would just drop the back seat down and we got by carrying most large items in the back. After our son was born we discovered that it was no longer convenient to do that as the back seat was now dedicated to him. I figured that a crew cab mid-size truck would allow me to haul my son and whatever else we may need.

I don't know if any of this info changes the input, but I appreciate the help.

 

fair enough we should also mention that the v8 gets better fuel economy than the v6 just some food for thought

 

I think the 08 V6 puts out about the same amount of power (if not more) than the 05-07 V8's.