Hey group, I'm ready to buy a Dakota, I need 4x4, 4.7 engine, quad cab. I'm thinking in the 2003 to 2006 range. Is there much difference in the Gen 2 and Gen 3 models? Any advice or suggestions will be much appreciated. I have a 97 Ram 2500 conversion van that I'll get rid of when I find my Dakota. I'm only looking at private party sellers because in Arizona there's no sales tax that way, where thru a dealer you do pay tax. Thanks, Tracka96

 

"How much are you looking to spend?"

I'm hoping to stay below 16,000, but I want a really nice truck. Tracka96

 

I paid for my 07' Dakota quad cab laramie 4x4 trx4 off road package 17,000.00 with 15k miles. So, i think you could get an awesome truck in that price range!!!

 

yup, my 05 quad cab 4x4 (4.7 v8) has 45,000 miles, laramie package, tow package, chrome 17" rims, heated/power seats, bluetooth hands free system, satellite radio, steering wheel mounted radio controls, all for $14,999. awesome truck!

 

for the amount of money you want to spend I would get a tacoma or a frontier, dont get me wrong I love my DAK but can not see myself paying 16k for an 05-06 model. I got mines about 5 months ago and paid 12,700 for a 2005 slt, quad, 4x4 w/ 35000 miles on it

 

Is your 2005 dakota a v8? Either way a comparable nissan or toyota truck,miles and option wise, to your dakota would probably be at around 4 to 5 grand more then your dakota.

EDIT: Correction, a comparable tacoma would probably be about 7 - 10 thousand more then you paid for your dakota.

 

i had them all....none beats my dak.....and this awesome forum....

 

If you get a G2 you can find a Quad Cab with a 5.9L, they are out there and have a huge aftermarket support.

If you go with a G3, look for a 4.7L High Output. Stock its rated at 265 hp and gives you 30 hp over the regular 4.7L right out of the box.

Good luck.