I currently own a 2001 Ford Escape. Worst purchase of my life. Major headaches. I was looking for a quad cab pickup. Came down to the Tacoma and the Dakota. Although I swore never to buy a non-jap vehicle again. Doing a little research...I find I like the styling of the 06 Dakota more than the Tacoma and it has more room. I am leaning towards the Dakota because:
- rebates of $2500 and $1000
- roominess
- appearance
- dealer says (by email) he can sell it at invoice minus the rebates.

Specs:

06 Quad Cab
26A package
5 speed trans
V8
Tow package
burning red

MSRP: $27,620

Invoice: $25,212

less rebates: $21,712
+ tax: $23,449

does this look like a good deal? I know they're motivated to sell their inventory (rebates). Is there still a 7 yr/700k warranty on the powertrain for 06?

Opinions please!

Budking

(Cleveland, Ohio)

 

Sounds like a great deal to me. Buy it, beat on it, and enjoy it! But the 7 year / 70K warranty has long past. Not sure of the current powertrain warranty.

 

$23,000 is a great deal for the V8 quadcab Dakota. The 7 year 70,000 mile waranty ended a few weeks ago though. Good luck on your purchase.



-Matt-

 

My opinion is a biased one. BUY THE DAKOTA!!! You'll love the ride that it has and how well it drives and performs. This is the second Dak I've owned and I'll probably never buy another model or make of a truck.

 

Okay...here are the particulars of the truck (although I think I'm going with blue:

VEHICLE OF INTEREST
------------------------------------------
Year: 2006
Make: Dodge
Model: DAKOTA ST QUAD CAB 4X4 A Pkg.
Trim: 23A2TA
Transmission: A
Interior color: Medium Slate Gray
Exterior color: Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
Series Code: Model:ST
Series Name: ST
Engine Type: EVA
Options: Main Paints: Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Transmissions: 5-Speed Automatic 545RFE Transmission, Engines: 4.7-Liter Magnum�� V8 Engine, Model: ST,

PURCHASE INFORMATION
------------------------------------------
MSRP: 27165


Internet manager sent this:

Hello, the cost is 25243 minus 3500 in rebates= 21743.


I'm sure we'll haggle on trade in value but I'm only asking for Kelly Blue Book at the vehicle is in great shape:

Year: 2001
Make: Ford
Model: Escape XLT
Odometer: 98000


Is this an unbelievable price or what? I'm pretty sure I'm getting an extended warranty. What do you guys think? Any idea on the cost of an extended warranty?

Thanks for the input! Budking

 

You won't get Kelley Blue Book for a trade-in though.....and the dealer won't care what the KBB value is
They'll try and offer you probably $1,000 under KBB value....always happens

They go by the "Black Book" for trade-ins.....which is the wholesale value.

Sounds like a decent truck, but try and step up to the SLT package....it's nicer & comes with more standard options. Especially if you're buying it....it'll be worth more in the end. If you're leasing it....then it doesn't matter & it's just whatever you like.

The ST is the bottom end package for the Dakota.....SLT is the middle....and Laramie is the top of the line.

Just my 2 cents though

 

all i'm going to say is GET-IR-DUN!

 

Okay folks! I bought the inferno red SLT 4x4 quad cab. I gotta tell you, I love this thing. I went with the SLT as suggested. Much better with great amenities! I like the ride except, as mentioned in reviews, it tends to be a little jumpy on larger bumps. I'm more used to an SUV ride so I'm not use to this. I also notice steering is a little spongier (not as responsive) as the Escape. I guess this is the difference between a real truck and a SUV. Next will be the spray on liner. Any recommendations?



Thanks for the feedback!

 

hey man congrats on the truck! I hope you have a great time with it, and good luck. I also just got a dakota and I love it. Theres so many things I wanna do with it, but unfortunately my pockets are very empty :-P

 

Congrats. You won't regret it.