I just thought having the U-connect would be OK to order but it doesn’t mater anyway. The AWD was an option I was going for but again Dodge reneged on that too. Even the dealer was surprised that both these options are listed but can't be had. They where not even notified of the changes until I tried to order these options. Do not advertise what you cannot provide. That is business 101.

 

All the whining you've done about your last Dakota,Why is it starting sound so familar,a few months from now all you have to do is copy and paste,But speak for yourself,some of us are happy with our Dakota despite no glove box light and and lack if interior refinement,and that's what makes it so strange after all your bashing, belly achen and Toyota promotion about the 4.7,the Dakota and DC,you're getting a 07,I've never seen you post anything positive about the Dakota,So I reason you're either a flamer or you get some kind of kick out of it or you have a screew lose,

 

He has posted lots of positives for the Dakota thank you very much. It was just way before he started running into all his problems.

 

I'll give Graythang a little support also. My truck is being bought back by DC next week and I really like the truck. My problem is the inability of my local service facilities to fix anything. I've had a few trivial problems and it goes back literally four or five times before they ever fix it.

I had an exhaust manifold leak when cold that they always gave a "no problem found" excuse. It was in there five times for that. They finally fixed it after dropping it off the nighe before and making them ride with me as soon as the truck was started the next morning. They have still not fixed the delay to engage reverse when cold and engine shudder at idle whch I believe are problems outlined in TSB's... I also had an airbag light on that took them six times to repair before they finally put in a new airbag module. It was always a "no problem found" and reset the computer.

I wouldn't have started this buyback routine if they just kept the truck an extra day and actually DIAGNOSED the issue instead of giving it back an hour advising they can't find a problem. I feel like a lot of the problem lies with DC and the likely minimal amount they pay the dealer for proper diagnosis and repair under warranty. I'm sure if they gave these guys a reasonable rate for troubleshooting then these things would probably get fixed the first time.

 

wow, after reading this post i wonder if my truck is the only one that has not been back to the dealer 27000 on it and have had it for 2 years. just wanted to let you know about my recent episode with the gas mileage. at 25000 i changed out my plugs and went to the autolites. first week was great , no lack in performance or drop in mileage. than week after week mileage was dropping after driving 2000 miles on the new plugs i lost on an average of 45/50 miles to a tank of gas. pulled out the plugs and went back to the factory champions and slowly my mileage is creeping back up to were it was when i changed out the plugs.i figure another 500/600 miles and the truck will be back to normal again

 

And on the original topic. I would see about 15-16 mpg city driving and about 21-24 highway. Once I put the 20's on it dropped to about 14 city and 20 highway on a good day.... This is a 4.7 auto equipped quad cab with 3.55 gears and two wheel drive.

 

"0 city, 1 highway"

[IMG]local://upfiles/948/B3B729E47E4348C999EBC095C2858412.jpg[/IMG]

 

hahha...

 

The problem is first with the manufacture. Chrysler before Daimler was a nightmare of build problems, ask most anybody who owned vehicles from the mid 70s into late 80s on just how bad it can get. And the dealers where always noted to be some of the worst in all the industry. Just read back issues of Consumers Reports or other similar publications and they pretty much tell the whole story on both product and dealers. The saving grace was when the Daimler group took over. Well unfortunately, the Dealer situation stayed in major disrepair. The introduction of on-board function computers in vehicles led to the no code found era of dealer dialog. For example in my case the engine runs bad. Bad enough that even the regional DC manager admitted it runs like crap. However “NO codes found” what freaking good is this diagnostic process tool in this example alone? It was mention that I never say anything positive about the Dakota. I have as also noted. I still feel it is one of the best looking truck designs in a long time. So far, it has the tightest, quietist interiors I have ever experienced. The size of the truck is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to deal with full-size. I had mentioned that the Dak is shortchanged. Well it is! Dodge for very little money could have opted to give the Dakota at least a dozen standard and optional amenities. Some I would have been glade to pay for if just available. Some of DCs most low-end vehicles have more amenities than the Dak. As far as Toyota sorry but they have become #2 in the world for many reasons and one of the most compelling is quality and reliability. You want to argue this with the rest of the consumers and reviewing population, have at it. I chose the Dak again because I really feel in spite of its shortcomings if I get a good Dak it will fit my needs at a fair price and in great looking package and its American made. I’m trying to give American manufacturing and DC the benefit of the doubt once again.

 

Was this post originally about 20's?[sm=bling.gif] Anyway awhile back I recently seen a truck almost just like mine (black 4.7 ho) with ram 20's on it. I thought it looked really good. From what I understand if you run 265-50's on 20s it'd be the same diameter as the stock 17" tires. I've been wanting to do this, but not if it makes my mileage go to crap because I don't like my gas mileage now. I could really expect a 2mpg drop just from slightly larger wheels if the tires were the same diameter???