My '05 Dak is my first Dodge.

I didn't buy it because I was looking for a truck, or even considering a Dodge, I bought it because I really needed a truck a lot more than my Malibu, which I treated as a truck. I knew that getting my 1985 GMC S-15 Jimmy back together was going to take more time than I really had (Still a project, just put off for now).

I was at a local wreckers about a month ago, that a friend of mine is a part owner in the wreckers mentioned this truck to me he got in. I didn't think much of it at the time, but decided to do some research that night, and for the price he was asking, I could not say no.

I'm glad I bought it, even though the radiator that needed to be replaced was quite expensive and the tranny change didn't go quite as smooth as I had hoped for. It's been a decent truck for the two weeks I've driven it. There are a couple small issues that need to be worked out, but so far, I can't believe I'm about to type this, I like my Dodge. *Shudders in fear* Ok, it seems that I have not been struck down by lightning. LOL

 

If you are buying a new 2011 Dakota, for 100 bucks you can custom order your truck with anything you want and or do not want on the truck. I did this for my 05 Dakota. I got to pick and choose the options that I wanted.

 

yeah welcome to the forum...alot of the issues have been addressed....but yes the front end i haven't had any problems with really besides the tie rods had to be replaced at 45K...no biggie will be doing shocks once i get to Texas. But rust there are several places it pops up alot...fortunately its not really visible cause as i've seenand been told it doesn't get on the body really. Its on the front cross member and the inside the doors by the weather strips, GUYS CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG. But thats where i've noticed alot of dakotas having them! Otherwise if your looking for a 4dr 4x4 V8 then there are plenty out there, just do a good search and get what you want, you can always upgrade! like the touch monitor you want you'll have to have custom done. but unique is the way with dakotas since after market pretty much has its back turned on our trucks, but were making our way up!

 

I use to have an 85 S10 Blazer. Loved it, one of my favorites over the years. Sorry, off topic.....

 

sorry to say guys but if u Get a dakota ur looking at a truck with potential but needs help... or i ve seen a couple 09 rams as low as 23,000...believe it or not sum had the hemi.... lol

 

yeah just keep the options open and really look around! dont get me wrong i'm not discouraging your dakota wantng but look at somethings! what is the after market support and power i can get or how much i can tow and problems!

 

but if your in the market for a smaller truck with a v8, the Dakota's it. I could had a Ram, but I don't need nothing that big. It's probably a good thing because I'd be broke broke buying all the cool aftermarket stuff there is for the Ram.

 

thats very true i agree with that

 

i went and looked at a dakota..dealership was closed so i didnt get in or anything but it looks to me like it had the same seats as the ram and same leather dash..i could be wrong i guess.. it was the trx off road 2011... im not going new but im sure 08+ would be the same


im in the markey for some kind of truck.. i dont know what.. i might haul small loads.. nothing big..if i pull something would be a small trailer or boat nothing big. sure i dont NEED a ram.. but im a redneck.. bigger is better hahahah

and i think the ram is going to have more room for my fatass

if i get a dakota i would be the offroad one im sure

 

yeah well my brother had the same delima...he got to were he could afford a truck over the 94 puke green escort coupe manual he'd been driving around! he ended up getting a 2005 Dodge Ram Hemi...has the Power Wire, K&N intake, SC tuner, Hi-flow cats, true dual exhaust with flowmaster 40 series mufflers, leveled out the front end and has 2 12's under the rear seat with Sony speakers and tweeters. Now this wednesday he is getting a 6" lift put on it with 35's i belive...so yeah needless to say i'm jealous a little but hey i'm gonna get my DAKOTA the way i want itand be happy! GOTTA be HAPPY with what you have and not spend your time wishing you had bought something different! so take your time and look and get what you WANT!