Dodge Dakota trucks....good or junk?

["Turbo-T"]

I've found one I like. It's a 97 model, has 86k on it. 4X4 with manual shifted transfer case (not the electronic type), reg cab short bed, 5.2 liter engine, auto, air, power doors and windows, tilt and cruise....

It's my understanding for one these trucks are pigs on fuel, just how bad?

I've also heard stories on they have transmission failures, steering problems, wiring problems....????

Guy wants $5k but KBB says it's worth $4200 which is what I plan to offer.

But should I just steer clear of Dakotas? Are they junk?

P.S. I'm wanting a replacement truck for my old S-10, nothing big, and I want a 4X4. Thanks.

 

[Carr]

About the transmission failure, my brother owns an 06 and the transmission lasted about 18 months.


but then again... my brother's retarded.

 

[vader87]

I had the 2 wheel drive v-6 and it was a PIG on fuel. Other than that the truck was alright, nothing special.

 

[413turbo]

i've got the 4.7 v-8, 5speed, 4door- i get 14-17 mpg city and 16-18mpg hwy. the automatics are probably still trash(1 reason for the 5 speed). power isn't great for the economy either. but,,, for 130,000 miles- it has been a decent truck. only problems - worn out hub and throwout bearing at 120,000 miles.

 

[Yankee John]

I have 176,000 on my 1998 4x4 regular cab with a 3.9 V-6 automatic trans (bought it at 47K miles). I get 16.5 - 17.5 mpg highway, which is the only type of driving I do with it. I made a cold air intake for it and put in a 180 degree thermostat when I got it.

No abnormal problems, upper ball joints at 100k, a wheel bearing and front brakes/rotors at 165k (the front brakes were new when I bought it at 47K).

It does have a lazy 2-3 gear shift though, but it hasn't got any worse the whole time I've owned it.

I will drive it until it dies!

John

 

[regan j]

Ask

your mechanic who will work on it -- some mechanics will not work on certain vehicles and will definitely give u good advice on the durability of vehicles -- be careful taking it to the dealer at least ask 4 a reacharound

 

["Turbo-T"]

Lol the stealership would be the last place I'd take it.

 

[BOOSTBROTHER]

I had a 98 Full ram 1500 EXT-CAB 4x4 5.2 and auto that I bought new in 98 and I ran the HE!! out of it I pulled the Turbo-t with it and my JEEP all over the place never had any big problems with it.

I Think you should start with a lower bid and see what he will take. If you are looking for Good MPG this is not your truck. I don't think that the Dakota gets any better MPG than Ram would with the same motor.

 

[S10xGN]

I've got a '98 Dakota R/T that I bought new in April of '98. Only problem I ever had (that wasn't self-induced) was a leaky radiator from day one that was replaced within the first week. Mileage pretty well s&cks, 95% of my driving is town and limited hwy that nets 13.5 MPG. Pretty uncomfortable for me @ 6'3", but OK for my usual 15 minute commutes. No trouble ever with the tranny (I put in a Transgo kit @ 1500 miles).

 

[toofastforyou]

My son has an '02 Dakota R/T (with the 5.9 engine) and he never had any issue with it. It has a few mods (Edelbrock intake, 160˚ thermostat, reprogrammed computer, Magnaflow exhaust, MSD plug wires, K&N cold air kit, AAR fiberglass hood, Caltracs traction bars, M&H drag radials, etc...) He races it once in a while, with a best e.t. of 14.95 (to date). He plans to keep it for now, but ultimately would like to own a GN one day...

Claude.

 

[87 WE2]

I daily drive an 02, reg cab v6 automatic. Its been good to me, bought it used about 3 years agofor $8200 with 44,000 on the truck. I replaced the shocks when I bought it and tires shortly afer, I had all the ball joints & water pump replaced under warrenty. The only thing I hate about it is that it seems to kill shocks. I have 63,000 on it now and the front shocks are shot. I seem to get pretty good gas milage with mine I average about 16mpg around town about 20 on the highway.

 

[87 WE2]

Forgot the pic