Hello - I was in the same boat. Never buy a non-jap product again. Well - was doing my homework as well and had to admit was very against the Dakota.. Not very - just really in love with the tacoma. Went to drive one and all was thought to be in a toyota. Engine not as strong as I anticipated.... good overall ride.. - Could not get a few dealers to budge from numbers in the 25-28K range for a nice loaded pre-runner. Think 24,088 was the best. But lacked the four doors I wanted.... I owned a 1997 Dakota Club/SLT 4x2 and had some issues with water in the bottom of the passenger floor with no luck ever to fix it. So - when I went to the Dodge dealer looking at the Dakota, I was not looking to buy one, just to see what the truck looked like ( pictures looked kool new style ) - Well ! - Drove a 4x2 Quad Cab 3.7l auto with special 17' wheels. Thing drives like a car!!! quiet , very easy to move the truck around. Feels like a big car with oversized tires ... lol... Well - after the thought of getting a total of 5,100 ( rebats + loyaty push I did ..... ) 27,855 list came in at 22,400 out the door! - Very happy to see the Dakota again ! - See everyone later !

 

I am also weighing a decision on getting a Dakota, Really comparing the Ram, Dakota and Silverado and for what I want to spend and what I hope to get the Dak keeps coming out ahead every time. Great to here your all so excited for your new trucks, cant wait to join you!

 

For what it's worth, a Hemi Ram will cost you more, but the gas mileage won't be that much worse than the 4.7. What are you going to use your truck for? Hauling? Offroading? A daily commuter? For a daily commuter, I'd probably go with a Dakota. For hauling, offroading, and just plain having fun, I'd go with the Ram 5.7. The Silverado, um, not a big fan of them.

 

Yeah its going to be a daily driver and not much of a hauler but I need a PU for when the call of home depot arises! Also I dont off road so for city driving the Dak just makes more sense. Plus I am in the market for a new minivan for the wife too so I am on a budget for what I can spend on my truck.