Hey, I'm looking into buying a 4.7 05 or 06 Dakota with a 6 speed. Preferably a quad cab. What should I look out for? How is gas mileage? I hear issues with the brakes, and some overheating issues? Should I stick with an 06 vs 05? All input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

There are no huge issues with brakes or overheating that I am aware of. The main issues with these trucks are the front end parts. There is not a real difference between an 05 or 06 model. Big changes to exterior sheet metal occured in 08, but the 05-07 are pretty much the the same trucks. Front end issues with these trucks revolve around crappy struts from the factory. Whatever you do, have the front end checked out. Ball joints, tie rods, sway bar end links and the aforementioned struts. Other than the these trucks are fairly rock solid. There have been a few "Monday" trucks in the bunch, but you will find that with all makes. If you can find a 6-speed, go for it, those are not that common. If your looking for a good size truck with a V8, the Dakota is your choice. Mileage is not that great, so don't think you will see 20+ MPG's, even with a 6 speed. It's a big, heavy truck with a V8. As long as you realize that going in, you won't be dissapointed. Good luck and let us know if you find one, we can help you out with choices.

 

I bought an 06 Quad Cab ST with the 4.7 and 6 speed with 40k in it. I dont think you can get that transmission after 07. ST is the bare bones model and it didnt come with power anything. I added door locks and keyless entry. Still no luck on getting power windows. I also added cruise control and the trailer harness. Gas mileage was 15-16 with 85% highway. With my mods i regularly hit 18.5. I usually fill up when I get home after the light kicks on so about 355mi is the farthest i have ever pushed it. One good thing mine came with is the LSD, so no one wheel peals here. My gears are 3.55, so there is room for improvement but since it is 4x4 i would be looking in the 1-2k price tag. 30 days after i bought mine the sway bar links broke and the dealer went halves with me since I didnt elect the added warranty and mine expired.

Edit: Cooling was never an issue with mine, but after my front end accident I upgraded the radiator & water pump, added an efan, and put in a 180 tstat. Even with the AC on in traffic it is holding right below half way. it hangs at 195 during normal driving.

 

Well there are two for sale right now with the 4.7 6 speed. The first one I looked at was a 2006 ext cab it was pretty much one up from base. Has 106kms, is a salvage title and was actually in pretty rough shape but they are only asking $9800.

The 2nd one is a 2005 ext cab fully loaded model with 120kms leather, heated seats and all that but they are asking $13800. The whole front end on this truck was loose as hell.

I honestly like the 05 because it's fully loaded but I think I'm going to wait it out for a quad cab because there isn't even enough room to fit a 12 year old kid in the back!

And yes I realize it's not going to be great on fuel but I hear the older dodge's were just horrible on gas, just wondering if they've gotten any better.

 

$9800 for a salvage title club cab is too much, imo. Hold out for the quad cab if you can, you will like it much better. Too bad cause I just sold my 05 quad cab laramie a couple weeks ago. : (

 

I am not sure where you are at, but you could buy mine! PM me if interested.

 

My 06 Quad cab 4.7 6speed is for sale.. PM if interested - They have gotten better, I had a 1999 dakota with 5.2 5speed extended cab 4x4 and I was happy when I saw 15mpg highway ... I get 16-17 in town with my 06.. I live in NC ... PM me if interested

 

Damn I wish either of you lived closer, I'm in Canada, BC so that would be hard haha. Thanks for the offers though.

 

must be $9800 and $13800 in canadian money? oh wait.. thats still $9500 ish and $13200 ish right? you should be able to get a quad cab for that no brob..just wait till the right one shows up

 

I bought mine last August for $14,000 out the door. '06 quad cab, 4.7l, auto, 4x4 with a tonneau, 67,000kms. I've spent this summer putting some front suspension parts in and new rear shocks and sway-bar end links.

Mine came off a Mazda dealership lot, just came in on a trade when I found it. Arrived Friday morning before the August long weekend, it was mine by Tuesday night at 7:00 PM.

There is better for less out there than what you are looking at.