Hi everyone, I was not sure how to search for this before posting so here goes.... I am new to this forum and am in need of a new vehicle. Out of all the quad cabs the Dakota seems to be the best fit for having 3 kids with one having special needs.The way I figure we can throw the rods in back, pile the kids in andget some fish hunting done!I am stumped though, this truck will be a daily driver and was wondering on if I should go with the 3.7 V6 or 4.7 V8. Gas is obviously a factor and I am not certain if there is a great difference between the two. Would the V8 be easier on gas being a powerhorse and seem to move the truck like a NASCAR or is the V6 more efficient on fuel economy? Any input wouldbe greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

 

If you're looking at the new ones (from the sounds of it I'm going to assume you are) it doesn't seem like the 3.7L gets much better mileage than the 4.7L does. I have the 4.7L in mine and I usually get close to 18mpg on the highway. Some of the guys are getting a lot better than I am with it (I've got a bit of a lead foot). Also the 4.7L seems to have more aftermarket support.

 

I believe the 3.7's a bit anemic for a truck of this size...the 4.7 is more responsive and will give you similar, or better fuel economy than the 3.7...

I have a 4.7 in mine, too, and I get 19 mpg on the highway, 16-17 around town.

 

i love my dakota, it would have been nice to get the ram, but optioned how i wanted was just a little too much for me...being in college, and havin friends in the back of the truck, i can tell you, there is more room back there than one would thing (quad cab) and is quite comfortable....i do a lot of hunting, i tow a lot, and i do some fishing...i love my truck..gas isnt horrible, my v6 ram was getting more than this truck, but it could be worse...i hvae a heavy foot...around town i would estimate i get around 15 but highway is closer to 18....maybe a little more...strong truck..main complaint, shocks....cant wait till blistein comes out with them, should be soon

 

Thanks for the input, you made me fell a little better about the 4.7l, mb18 nice way to put it a little anemic... I drove both the 8 and6 and the 6 did seem to have get up and go but definitely not like the 8, the one I drove romped and broke loose like I couldn't believe... You should have seen the salesmans face... We have a Grand Cherokee with the 6 and it seems a little less responsive than the Dakota with the 3.7l. Pretty much all I am gonna be doing is driving to and from work about 20 miles a day and to my kids baseball games and every now and again get them in and do some fishin' But hey if all I am gonna do is loose a one MPG then I think that the 4.7 may be the way to go.

Thanks again for the input !

 

no prob, let us know if you get one or not

 

Will do this is one that I am looking at..

http://www.bargainnews.com/viewad_la...0/529D2474.jpg

 

as far as that year goes there is everything and any thing avail. for it. its when the 05 and up models came out that they stopped making stuff. the 4.7 is a great motor. mine has better power then my 318 did. and with a few aftermarket stuff. my mileage is great. 18/19 around town and 20/22 on the highway. the cruise control will be your best friend on trips.

[IMG]local://upfiles/31284/939B3AD3EF6045D7BE984058CC78A74B.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thats pretty good to know about aftermarket equipment availability.Dodge got a pretty good deal going on for new Dakotas I would likenew buy financially I have to keep alower payment and go used so I am being really picky on which one to get. I do like the white instruments on the 05 and 06 makes it look sharp.Seeing how you seem to be in CT as well I am sure that you know where I am coming from with the MPG. Right now I am looking for an 04 and one should pop up sooner or later. As usual I have fear on buying used but some of the truck I looked at seem to have been really well maintained such as the one posted. I don't know if mileage wise there is a "breaking" point to look out for on these trucks so thats what I am here for. Perhaps if things get a little better I can get into a new one but not right now. Freaking health insurance stinks but kids if your like me you would pay anything to see your children healthy. Anyone hear about a diesel coming in a Dakota in the 08' season?

 

OK guys at a dilemma.... I can get an 04 Dakota with a cap 6cyl (a little off from what we discussed) with 40K for 15G OR and 03 with 20Ka tonneau cover and nerf bars for 15G... These are twin trucks same color options and etc...any help here??? p.s. cap and tonneau are no big deal for me...nerf bars are nice touchthough..