I am looking at a 1996 Dakota reg cab 2wd truck,auto,v6-3.9 l with 100,036 miles.Would do i need to know about them.As in the motor,hoses,belts etc the body looks to be in great shape thanks

 

Sounds like my find. I bought the same truck last month (except mines an extended cab), with 113,000 miles on it. 1 thing I would check if I were to buy it again would be the spark plugs. Make sure they are dry. After I bought my truck, it's been in the shop now for about 2 weeks. To me that's 2 weeks to long. But, we originally thought the truck had a bad head gasket, but that wasn't the problem. If the spark plugs have oil/antifreeze on them, make them fix the truck before you buy it. Also check the air filter to see if it is clean, or dirty. My trucks air filter was horribly dirty, I expect because he let it sit so long a mouse was living in it. It chewed thru a hose and lived there for awhile.
Otherwise, other people on here who've had their trucks for longer could probably tell you more. My story is only from my month of owning it in the shop.
Otherwise my truck is clean, no rust. Awesome shape!!

 

Bit late to post i guess but i picked up a 96 v6 five speed with 155,000 on it and it runs like a champ. I love it. I asked around at work and another guy has one with 134,000. Its so funny how many people ask me about it. I was at the post office today and a guy was asking me where i got it and said that he has had a hard time finding one. By the way i found mine at the auto auction and paid $1000. The only work ive done to it is new tires and e-brake cable.

 

Are there any website that I could find any performance parts for a 3.9?

 

I just picked up this same year too. I'm looking for suspension lift kit for it. It's a 2WD 1996 Dakota. Anyone know where to find one?

Thanks.