The front end issues others have pointed out is valid. Be prepared to replace a ball joint or two - or three. The sway bar end links also are suspect, but a beefier design was later introduced. Good news is parts are replaced and you're good to go for awhile.

Rust however . . .

I'd also start looking at rust issues as several have started commenting on rust creeping out from the back side of the rear wheel-well seams. Also look to the radiator support for rust as well.

My '06 QC Laramie exhibited all of that - plus rust coming from the inside of the roof at the top of the A-pillars! Dodge warrantied the right side repair as it perforated the sheetmetal in the roof in March of 2011. A year later it was coming back and appearing on the left side A-pillar/roof area as well. I was prepared to fight the wheel well rust, but once it perforated over the A-pillars it was time to move on. I traded the '06 in with 126k mi.

Unfortunately the Dakota is the *perfect* sized truck for me so I traded it in on a 2011 Dak QC - glutton for punishment I guess.

Good luck!

 

Actually the 05 I looked at did have the rear wheel well rust and rad support rust. I thought it was just that truck that was rusting but I guess it's a common issue. Thanks for that info, maybe I should stray away from Dakota's...

I'm starting to realize that any car 2005 and up isn't made to last past it's warranty. Just my opinion...