Bought the Dakota

Boondox · Sep 12, 2003

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 · Sep 12, 2003

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 · Sep 12, 2003

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 · Sep 12, 2003

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 · Sep 12, 2003

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

Egon

lamarbur · Sep 12, 2003

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 · Sep 12, 2003

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 · Sep 13, 2003

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 · Sep 14, 2003

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 · Sep 15, 2003

Congratulations, Pete....

Does it have the V8 or V6?

Boondox · Sep 15, 2003

I got the six. Wanted the V8, but this was the LAST 2003 Dakota with a manual tranny in the entire state, and the $3k rebate!

Pete

Boondox · Sep 15, 2003

Re: Bought the Dakota (Pic 1)

Not sure what it is about a truck...but lower the gate and the dogs jump right in!

Pete

PS: No, the dogs are absolutely not permitted to ride back there. Dogs belong in the front seat!

Boondox · Sep 15, 2003

Re: Bought the Dakota (Pic 2)

And here's another view.

Pete

Inspector507 · Sep 15, 2003

Re: Bought the Dakota (Pic 2)

Pete,
Great looking dogs.........oh yeah nice looking truck too.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Docsknotinn · Sep 15, 2003

Re: Bought the Dakota (Pic 2)

Nice ride ! Its even the right Dodge color /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You cant beat the smell of a new truck. Dave

Egon · Sep 16, 2003

Re: Bought the Dakota (Pic 1)

Nice colour:

Egon

Kelvin · Sep 16, 2003

I bought a 1988 Dakota 4x4 (standard cab) brand new. It had the V-6 engine with throttle-body fuel injection and 3.55 gear ratio. I liked the truck a lot; it was a nice size, handled well, and I liked the interior layout. My main complaint was that it was underpowered, especially when towing.

I upgraded to a used 1992 Dakota 4x4 club cab. It has the magnum V-8 engine with 3.92 gear ratio. Accelerates very well, and I'm pleased with the towing capability.

The first Dakota got around 18.5 mpg on the highway, and was constantly going in and out of overdrive on hills. I hated to see what the new Dakota's mileage would be considering the larger engine, heavier truck (extended cab), and 3.92 gear ratio. Turns out, it got a little over 21 mpg on the highway on its first trip, and the transmission stayed in overdrive except on really steep hills. I didn't believe the gas guage, so I stopped and filled up with it showing 1/2 tank since I just KNEW that it had to be approaching empty. Accordingly, I poured gas all over side of the truck as it overflowed out the filler tube. The mileage is now down to around 18.5 on the highway; this is either due to the truck's older age or the camper shell that I put on it. One day I'll pull the camper shell off when I take a trip in it so that I know.

Troubles? I had to replace both Dakota's transmissions approaching 100k. No other significant trouble. I still have the 1992 and it is approaching 130k, and I still think that it is a very good truck overall. I bought an old beat-up dually flat bed dump truck to handle the really heavy duty local hauling / towing needs (like when I rent the excavator from the local rental shop and they require a FULL sized truck to tow it).

Lesson Learned on transmission: When you have to rebuild or replace your transmission (MOPAR, GM, or FORD), if you are going to pay someone to fix it for you, consider a FACTORY rebuilt transmission. My transmission cost just under $2400 installed in a local shop, but came with a 36,000 mile / 36 month warrantly good at any Dodge/Chrysler / Plymouth dealer nationwide.

Kelvin