I have a 2003 Quad Cab Dakota. 4.7L, 5-speed manual, 4x4. It's got 118k miles on it. I 'm thinking of getting the 2011 Ram 4x4 Crew Cab, Bighorn package, hemi, the works. Any opinions on that? Pros, Cons? Good move? or Stick with Dakota till the end. Seems like getting rid of my dakota is like getting rid of my girlfriend. I just can't do it.

 

Welcome to the site. Check out the Dakota and Ram sections,
FF

 

Just think really hard and long on it because fuel costs are going up and a CC 4wd Hemi loves gas. Thats the only con i can see.

 

Welcome to Dodge Forum!! Enjoy the site!!

Dusty

 

I'm having a similar debate, but Im trying to decide which I want, Ram or Dakota. Sounds like you already have one heck of a truck. I think I would keep the Dakota, unless you need the towing capacity from the Ram.

 

If you hate automatics, than stay with your Dakota, My pet peave with the 1500 Ram is no hemi with a 6speed man, for a while the 4.7 could be had with a 6speed, in the 3rd gen, if your not attatched to shifting for your self, the new Ram, esp the big horn, is hands down a winner.

If you like a man transmisson, Than I would prefer a Dakota.

 

Thanks for the responses. My issue is that my dakota doesnt really have anything wrong with it. Its got 118k miles and is worth about $7.5k. If i wait another 50k miles to sell it, i wont get much for it. The other major issue is the trans. I have driven stick for 15 years. Do you think that i will be happy with the automatic trans 5.7L hemi? Or will i miss the dakotas stick shift?

 

In reality you buy a new truck, your taking more of hit on depreacation than if you worry abought the blue book vaule on paid for truck, a dealer my give you 4 grand on your dakota and than in your up side down the moment you sign the papers and thiers allways the risk a new truck is not 100% perfect.

Add the extra insurance, warenty battles and high expectations vers a paid for, well mainatained truck thats worth spending money on to keep road worthy leeds me to keep the daKota.

Put your self in a big horn Ram, or rent a Ram, thiers a lot of refignment, performance and handeling over a dakota, but if your a driver who loves being in control in any conditions, A new Ram may not be for you, its your choice.