Bought the Dakota

[Boondox]

After lots of research and test driving of both compact and full-sized trucks, we narrowed it down to the S-10 and the Dodge Dakota. My wife was simply too intimidated by the big trucks and after reviewing our needs decided a compact would do. So we took the Chevy on a yet another test drive...right down to the Dodge dealer. With the two trucks side by side, we went over them point by point, then test drove them on the same back roads. We liked the mid-size of the Dodge, the smoother tranny, and the simplicity of the dash and controls. Plus it was $2k less, which greatly appealed to my bride.

So we put down a deposit last night, and will pick it up today after work. Thanks for all your help and advice. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Pete

 

[RobertN]

My Pa has a '87 Dakota Sport, 318/auto. He has 135k miles on it. The only problem he has had is paint. Seems GM and Chrysler had problems in that time frame with new enviro friendly paint formulations.

I have driven and used it. It handles nice and runs good. The shortbed is small for my tastes, and it does not haul like my 3/4 tons(I didn't expect it too...).

I'd get one if I was in the smaller truck market.

 

[riptides]

Hey BEST of luck with it.

I tried feverishly to post some pics of my S-10 4 banger after it hit some black ice. I did NOT want to influence your decision. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif The episode at around 35mph was very frightening.
But like the commericals say "Like A Rock..."
Damage was around 7k, front-end smashed, tail end-smashed, right-side smashed. Funny how momentum can BOUNCE you around in the trees.

I drove it the last 1/2 mile home, after it bounced off some pines, BACK, /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif onto the road, and well I got a lot of speed back as it went down-hill. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

When my wife saw it, she busted out crying. "Didn't think you cared about my truck so much..." She was crying for me. I was once again very lucky.

Anyway, 97 with 85k relegated to horse chores....

The Dodge in our family is holding up well too....

Best of luck with it.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tc35dforme]

Boondox, my wife just bought a year old SLT 4X4 with 5K miles...you know the little old man story /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif...its a nice truck. Only problem we have is keeping gas in it. It has the small V-8, and my wife thinks it is fun to use the power. She runs it like a Corvette. I hope she outgrows it !!

Never owned a Dodge always been a GM guy, but we'll see!

 

[Egon]

Every good man requires a good truck. Hope you are happy with your choice.

Egon

 

[lamarbur]

Had two Dakota's, the first when they first came out. Had a V6, 5spd and Fisher plow. Second was a 98 club cab auto, 318 with Fisher plow. They won't mount plows on Dakota's anymore. Replaced the 98with an 02 ram diesel.. Neither Dakota ever gave me a lick of trouble. First one was a tad under powered, but still., no troubles.

 

[Will_C]

Pete; Congratulations /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif No matter how many you buy in your life, that new vehicle feeling is still exciting. Hope the truck serves you and Mrs. Boondox well!
Will

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

When do we get to see a pic of it with your three guys and little girl in the back? Or has the 'family' grown again?? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Docsknotinn]

Congratulations !! I am sure it will serve you well. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif They seem like a great deal and the Mid size is pretty spiffy for your needs. Hope you can post a photo. Dave

 

[fivestring]

Congratulations, Pete....

Does it have the V8 or V6?