So I've been considering making a purchase of a 2008 Dodge Dakota ST (automatic trans extended cab). It caught my eye a week ago and I have been mulling over whether I can bring myself to spend the money for it or not since! It has exceptionally low mileage (21,000ish) for $14,599. The dealer doesn't seem to think there are any problems with it, though I'll find out for sure when I take it for a test drive!

The thing is, however, that when I started looking around online I noticed that all the 2008 Dakotas that were for sale had very low mileage- I've yet to see one above 60,000 and most are averaging in the 30,000 range. I also noticed on Edmund that the 2008 Dakota reviews stated a great deal of electrical problems. Now, I am cynical when it comes to online reviews- folks rarely bother to review something if they are happy with it, so the reviews may be quite one sided. So, I figured I would come to where the experts are at!

Are there any 2008 Dodge Dakota owners here who have put some wear and tear on their truck and are happy with what they have/would recommend the purchase to someone else? I've been looking specifically for either a RAM or Dakota, but I wasn't sure if maybe 2008 was just a bad year for Dakotas or if the internet was being... well, the internet.

Thanks in advance for the replies!

 

as far as i know the 08 drivetrain wise is the same as my 07. I have 100k kms on mine and the biggest issues were front end problems like tie rods, wheel bearing, end links, intermediate shaft and shocks and struts. The engine in mine has been flawless and the transmission hasn't given me any issues.

they are decent trucks and are easy enough to fix if you are handy and the parts are pretty cheap.

another thing is rust loves them, my rear bumper is horrible and my rad support is pretty horrible looking and i have a couple bubbles around the rear wheel wells. I also live in Ottawa, canada where they use rediculous amounts of road salt.

 

one other thing. As an owner of a 3.7 it is not fast at all....in fact its very underpowered....but its a truck and not a sports car so i deal with it.

 

That's great to hear about it hitting 100k kms. That's the sort of information I am looking for! One question on the 3.7 underpowered issue- does it have decent hill climbing power?

 

Depends on the grade of the hill, I know it has plenty of power for anything you need it for. I can't vouch for stock, I bought my truck with 4:56 gear ratio's installed, so that helps a lot. lol

 

I've got an '05 ST Ext Cab (again same drive train, just exterior and interior styling changes as teh '08+) with 111,xxx kms and it's been really solid. Just had to do rotors and pads recently, but otherwise no issues. Comfortable, quiet, handles nice in town, fits bikes in the back.

The 3.7L is fine power wise for me, enough power for hills, carrying dirtbikes, etc. But the mileage is pretty crappy and seems like the V8 guys get very close to the same mileage (maybe 5-10% worse mileage if that) but have more power. If I did it again, I probably would get the V8 for the extra power, even though I don't really need it.

 

I'm happy with my 2008 SXT. I would buy another one.

 

CTS,

If you want to PM me the VIN I will check for any recalls or warranty restrictions that apply to the vehicle.

 

I don't know what you're driving now, but FYI I think 2007 is when they started putting TPMS in these trucks.

08 & newer have the Mercedes design changes, but are close enough that they are called the same generation as the 05-07's. One example is that 05-07 had a High Output engine option. 08's and newer do not have this, but they made base engine changes that brought up the total Horsepower anyway.

Check for underbody rust & if you get one get the treatments done to prevent it. Some don't have any issue with this, others do. My underbody is a bit rusty but not too terrible. For a truck that started out on the east coast and then lived in IL and now MI it's seen a lot of salt exposure so I don't think it's worse than expected, but I'm planning to get mine wire brushed down and treated soon either way.

The only real known "issue" across the board is the front end, which is easily fixed with aftermarket parts, and you can choose not to fix that if you want...

 

Wonderful! I really appreciate that. I'll PM you shortly with it. I wasn't expecting that kind of response on here- very impressed, if nothing else, with the Dodge community!

Everyone else- thank you for the information! Assuming the truck itself checks out, I'm pretty well sold on this thing. If it doesn't, I'll likely continue my search looking for another good Dodge Dakota deal!