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canadian eh
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2003
20:42:06

Subject: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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i'm looking at buying a new 2003 quad 4x4. Going to get the 4.7 any other options out there recomended? Looking at an SLT, wheelpackage,anti slip,trailer pkge, skid plates, power,tilt,hi buckets console, shift on the fly...any thing else needed? Will be pulling 14 foot aluminum boat ocassionally. Mucho Appreciated!!



TOYMAN
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2003
20:48:55

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET A TUNDRA YOU'LL BE HAPPIER FOR A LONG TIME, JUST GO TEST DRIVE ONE AND YOU'LL SEE...........................



jswagner
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2003
23:26:22

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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Do yourself a favor and dont listen to him. The tundra will burn out long before the dakota. Plus you have the same displacement motor in a smaller truck with the dakota. Consider a manual for better gas mileage. Plus its more fun. Just give the truck a good look over before you take it off the lot. Especially look for flaws in the paint, and other little stuff like that. I hope you enjoy your new dakota.



GetReal
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2003
23:36:00

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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Dude, get your Dak if you like, and you will enjoy it, but this statement by jswagner is ridiculous: "The tundra will burn out long before the dakota."




ToyotaTrash
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
00:27:45

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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Toyota is a JOKE! If you want to drive around in a truck that looks like it is meant for a guy dressed in a suit, get one! When I buy a truck I want rugged looks and rugged ride, the Toyota is one of those trucks that the guys who buy them don't even want to get a scratch in the bed...everytime I hear Toyota and truck in the same sentence I about pee all over myself!





m
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
07:02:01

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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"Plus you have the same displacement motor in a smaller truck with the dakota."


I think you need to pull up next to one they are the same size, the TOY gets a full size rating because it has a full 4 ft. between the wheel wells



> TUNDRA CC 4x2..............DAKOTA CC 4x2
> Overall height 70.7.............................64.9
> Overall Length 217.5............................215.1
> Wheelbase 128.3............................131.0
> Track (front/rear) 66.2/64.9........................61.4/62.4
> Turning circle 44.9...............................41.1
>
> Interior Dimensions front/rear
> Head room 40.3/38.3.......................40.0/36.8
> Shoulder room 62.4/63.2........................57.2/54.7
> Hip room 59.3/56.6.........................54.9/53.1
> Leg room 41.5/28.6..........................41.9/32.1
>
> Curb weight................4,450 -V8......................4,035 -base V6
>
> Fuel Tank Capacity 26.4..........................22.0
>
> Rear differential ratio 3.92:1........................3.55:1






TT
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
09:00:37

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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The Toyota may not look as "rugged" or ride as harshly as the Dakota, but at least your Toyota will sit in your driveway more than the service department at your local Dodge dealer.



JES
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
09:06:25

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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What a riot!!!! Did anyone read the question? He didn't ask a damn thing about Toyota!!!!!! Sticking with the question -- I got the Sport Plus Package with 265/70R16 tires, AWD, and 3.92 w/ Limited Slip -- couldn't be happier with it. I had my suspicions about the AWD, but it's just an open diff in the transfer case, not an active system (like subaru, et al) -- works great. Hope this helps (unlike so many others that feel the need to respond to a question that wasn't asked).



007
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
12:21:23

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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"He didn't ask a damn thing about Toyota!!!!!! "

That's true Jethro he didn't we'er just tring to save him the misery and BS we have put up with....


Water on the floor

warped rotors

bad ball joints

Kats that only last 15-20k

just to name a few, we don't want to make your P of S l@@k to bad.......



Like TT said keep it in your own driveway not the dealer's








JES
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8/11/2003
12:36:01

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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Whatever ... I'm sorry .. ur right ... moving on.



J.P.
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
14:43:10

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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What are Kats. Not familiar with that term.

What problems have you had with ball joints?

I have had a 2000 SLT Plus without one problem with it. I have 81,000 miles on it.

The 4.7L is the best engine I've ever had. Not one leak or damp spot on it.

Just replaced the front brake pads 3 weeks ago for the first time. Never had a disc warping problem. My 1996 Dakota had a disc warping problem.

Looking to get a new one in the next 6 weeks when the 2004 hit the showrooms.

Should I wait to get the 2005. What month/year is it supposed to hit the showrooms?

This will be my 3rd Dakota. I fell in love with them in 1987 when I rented one in Canada on a hunting trip. Never needed a trunk until 96 when I bought my first for pulling a boat.

Canadian EH Get the Dakota. Toyota's are a rip off. They charge you a full size truck price for a Dakota sized trunk body. I can't believe the Toyota has a better ride especially since it has a shorter wheel base. Before spending all that money on the Toyota I would buy a real trunk like a Chevy/GMC full size trunk for the same price if not slightly cheaper.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOU NEW DAKOTA!!!!!

















Rich
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
14:49:10

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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I have a 2002 Quad cab, 4.7 auto with 3.73's.
I find it has plenty of power for everyday driving. Gas mileage is 14 or so.

Tow a 18ft boat built in '64, which weighs a ton. It is not a problem and I don't have the special towing package, etc.

I think the truck is great and would get another in a heartbeat. The only thing I don't like about the truck is that the stock radio is somewhat lame, it doesn't get loud enough.





ErnieQuad03
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2003
15:01:24

RE: buying new 2003 quad 4x4 what to buy
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I will give you a recommendation based on what I have because I love it!

2003 Dakota Quad Cab Sport Plus 4x4
4.7L w/3.55s and 5spd Manual
Part-Time 4 wheel drive system
Tow Package
Heavy Duty Service Group
Deluxe Convenience Group
Anti-Spin Differential
Rear Sliding Window
Tilt Steering
Split Bench Seat
Wheel Package

Only thing I wish came with it but I will add myself are the skid plates. The package you mentioned in your post sounds great!

As for the seat(bench or buckets), tranny (auto or 5spd), Sport or SLT, etc...that is up to you and is personal preference. I got the Sport Plus in black clear coat because I loved the looks of it. Got the 5spd manual because I hate driving an Auto and I tow a good bit, and I had bucket seats in my last Dakota and just opted for the split-bench this time because I liked it. The 3.55s came with the truck and I decided I would try those and upgrade if needed. So far, no need to upgrade, I tow a 3450lb 24' travel trailer with much ease. Absolutely love this truck!

Good luck on what you decide, you can't go wrong with everything you listed in your post.

Rich, I agree with the stereo system...terrible, the head unit just is not that powerful. I have already installed my own head unit and will be upgrading the speakers to handle the extra power.



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