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Dennis
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
06:30:57
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 Subject: Would you buy another Dak??
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I currently own a 95 dak ext cab with a 3.9. My question is would you buy another Dak? After reading all the posts about all the problems with these trucks breaking down, worn out parts, dealers that can't fix or won't fix the problems, would you spend your hard earned money on another Dak? If you read posts in other make trucks, there don't seem to be all this nonsense. And if you compare a new Dak against the others, you might want to buy a Tacoma. What do you think?
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John K
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
07:13:12
|  RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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I would buy another one second hand, and get a good deal from a pi$$ed-off owner, since I now know what problem areas to look for, and how to fix them. I won't be stepping into a DC showroom anytime soon, since I am one of those pi$$ed-off owners! Lack of quality is inexcuseable and there are a lot more competitive choices than were available 5 yrs ago when I bought my quad cab.
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GB2000
GenIII
7/04/2005
08:14:27
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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I like how you gives all the cons of a Dak and include no pros...
Yes, I WOULD buy another Dak. Why? Because I have had very very few problems with my Dak and I run that puppy HARD. And you know what, even after owning one with a 3.9 in it, I'd still be willing to go that route again. It's been the most reliable engine I've ever seen and it sure cost me a helluva lot less than a Taco. Both overall and when I did need repairs...I bet it'd have cost me AT LEAST a couple hundred bucks more on repair costs had it NOT been a Dodge.
But whatever...that's my opinion.
Josh Blackshire - Owner, Ohio Dakotas .NET
Red 98 Dakota Sport - Check it out!
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John K
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
08:57:37
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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Sorry to sound so negative, I really *do* like my Dakota QC ...and I'm *not* sorry I bought it new 5 years ago, for almost $40 grand, and I plan to keep it for at least another 5 years. In my first reply, I was going to complain about dependability, but that wouldn't be accurate ...my 4.7 has been completely dependable, only minor problems have been the TPS and a dead battery. The rest of the truck likewise has shown excellent performance, despite the problems encountered.
That does not excuse the overall lack of quality. Examples: Bad TPS, worn rack & pinion, bad intermediate steering shaft, bad brake rotors (3rd set,) sloppy seat tracks, worn shocks, poor fit & finish ...all this at less than 50k miles.
Also, my dissapointment should have been directed more towards the dealership's (lack of) service dept, which I fortunately don't have to deal with any more.
This is the most expensive vehicle I've purchased in my life, forgive me if I'm a little jaded.
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New Owner
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
09:17:05
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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So far im happy with mine (i've only had it about a month. You guys on here are making me a little nervous with all the problems i see on here like the paint chipping. I think if i keep it waxed i wont have that problem (my 94 tempo does that too but then again i havent waxed it in about 5 yrs too) the ball joints breaking (hopefully im out of that range i have a 2004). This is my first Dodge i usually buy Ford both sides of my family worked for ford for like 30 + yrs I think i got a good deal on my truck so i grabbed it
2004 quad cab 4x4 3.7
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John K
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
09:47:48
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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other 'quality' problems noticed on delivery or years later;
detached weather stripping, doors that rub at the sill, annoying and stubborn suspension squeaks and creaks, only one screw out of 6 holding down the center console, screws holding door panels where over-torqued stripping the holes in the doors -this I found while replacing 3 of the failed power door locks (at $100 a pop,) missing battery hold down, corrosion from leaking battery, unusual 'chipping' damage on brake caliper pistons (will they crack and seize some day?)
...not to mention ball joint issues, and DC's stubborn denial of same.
good points:
-great looking truck
-no body rot noticed yet despite salted roads
-comfortable ride despite sport suspension and tow pkg.
- 4.7 has plenty of power
- AWD is awesome, I highly recommend
- comfortable rear seating
- lots of room for storage in the cab
- very dependable
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luvmydak
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
10:37:35
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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I would buy another dak. Mines been pretty good so far (2002 sport, 4x4, QC, 4.7, auto, 3.92, loaded).
The 4.7 is fantastic. It's the perfect motor for a 4x4 QC, not too big not too small. Thats the way I feel about the dak's size too, I wouldn't want a wider truck or a smaller truck.
Mines's been very reliable and has performed good for me. The only things mine has needed so far is a gas cap, brakes and rotors (36k) and ball joints (free).
I've done worse with other brands that's for sure.
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
11:17:21
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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IMO there are 2 keys to a regret-free vehicle purchase - 1) buy preowned at a good price, and 2) search for exactly the vehicle (engine/tranny, color, options, etc.) you really want. This second one is important because if you do end up having to fix alot of problems you'll still be happy (and you'll most likely still be way ahead of buying new). And with a used vehicle many of the initial QC-related problems have already been fixed.
When I bought my (then) 3yr old Dak with 47K on it I paid half of what the same truck would've cost me new, and it was (is) in great condition. Right away I (preemptively) replaced the timing chain, ball joints, brakes and tires (less than $1K total) and have had no other problems with it (at 77K now). I've got exactly the truck I wanted and am still over 10 grand ahead of buying a new one.
Worst case, if you end up with a complete lemon you won't take nearly as much of a hit if you have to unload it.
Yep, I'd do it again.
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
11:18:55
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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QC=Quality Control, not Quad Cab.
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GB2000
GenIII
7/04/2005
13:44:42
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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John K...my apologies, I was referring to the original poster when I wrote that, not you. Sorry for the confusion though.
Josh Blackshire - Owner, Ohio Dakotas .NET
Red 98 Dakota Sport - Check it out!
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GB2000
GenIII
7/04/2005
13:51:04
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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Oh yeah...one other thing John K.
...about the unusual "chipping" on the caliper pistons. That was one of few repairs I had to make to my dak. When I went to change my brake pads we pulled the caliper off each side to find the piston was almost completely shattered. I ended up replacing both calipers.
Other repairs needed...transmission shifts weird at times (and now leaks due to me overtorquing a bolt on the pan). That prolly needs fixed soon...but haven't yet.
Also had to replace the serpentine belt at around 50k miles and a speed sensor at around 61k miles. I think that's really bout it though. Oh...brake pads, calipers, and rotors at 50k miles as well. Still starts and runs like a champ. Occasionally idles crappy due to a dirty IAC but nothing that a few bucks (for a new tb gasket), a can of carb cleaner, and a bit of free-time can't fix. lol
Josh Blackshire - Owner, Ohio Dakotas .NET
Red 98 Dakota Sport - Check it out!
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John K
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
14:54:32
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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GB2000: no problem, I needed an opportunity to rant anyway LOL!
Caliper piston: that concerns me somewhat, I think they are powder metal castings, I've never seen that condition on any vehicle before and was surprised to see it.
Overall, I don't have an big issue with sh*t breaking -that's a given with any vehicle. It's the lack of customer support from DC, and lack of skilled 3rd party mechanics that's a problem. When I was 20 I had no qualms about fixing sh*t, 20 years later I now have other priorities!
-John
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
7/04/2005
15:30:11
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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I like my Dak. But also recently found a few things with engineering that I DON'T like. Like the power window assembly I just fixed. (See other post of my fix).
I'd say the body and frame is probably about the TOUGHEST out there. I've done so much HARD CORE off roading with my Dak in it's first two years that Taco owners would only dram about LOL!
(I've got some videos to prove some of it!)
Here's my take. I'm going to KEEP this truck until it's paid for. I'm not sold on the new design just yet plus wouldn't mind getting rid of one of our two car payments.
Hopefully by then it will only have a few problems needing fixing. By then I'll have some money freed up to invest back into it here and there when I need to. Hopefully more invested into performance and other mods :)
But so far 30K miles and no real problems that I didn't directly cause except for two stupid things...
1) shift lever came loose. Didn't want to go into park fully and wouldn's start one day. Checked shift cable and found the locking mechanism under the dash came loose. Didn't break, just came loose! WTF??? SImply lined up cable and pushed locking mechanism back in and it's been fine for a few months now.
2) this weekend the power window cable system BROKE! Had to fix, see other post.
But then again. Could these two problems been agrivated from the serious off roading I did in the past???
My bro in law (2000 Ram) asked me to go romping behind Lake Pleasant today. I declined. I think I've romped the sheet out of my baby enough.
I'll continue to go off road to explore and to get me through the snowy mountains. But no more jumping over small hills, flying 45 MPH through 3 feet deep of water/mud, climbing straight up ROCKY hills balls to the wall, etc etc etc!
When they say to break in a new truck. I sure took it a little too litterally!
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deerridge
GenIII
7/04/2005
15:51:13
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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I've got 64000 on mine with ZERO failures. Ball joints replaced by recall, but I don't think they were bad. Brakes and rotors still working good and the original Goodyears won't wear out either. Most versitile truck I've ever owned too. My Silverado had a new pinion gear in the 4x4 and new hubs with a radiator to follow by this milage. I do plenty of towing and significant off road too. It ain't no town car, farm truck. I'll keep til' it falls apart. The new ones are too big and ugly.
Real Horsepower
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ID4x4
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
16:01:59
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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Knock on wood! I have been very happy with my 01 cc4.7 5-speed 4x4. Gas cap and ball joints under warranty. Rancho lifted on 33 mts, tuner, exhaust,and other stuff. I drive the piss out of it, off-road and on pavement. I guess when I do manage to screw something up, would look for a used gen 3 as I can't stand those ass ugly gen 4 s
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
20:59:31
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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I'm going to provide a little different answer. Mine is not based on the successes or failures of the truck, but functionality. Let me start by saying I currently have a 95 SLT CC 4x4 with 3.9 auto. I won't say I've had no problems with it, but I've not had any problems I could not eventually fix.
I'd buy another dakota IF they came out with a quad cab long bed (as in 6 footer). Toyota has an optional long bed for their quad cab so I can see DC potentially doing the same. I am married and will soon have kids so an RC or CC will no do. That leaves me with only the QC as an option.
If they do NOT offer the quad cab in a long bed, then I will not be getting another dakota. Instead I'll be looking for a full size quad cab. I need the full size bed, not some little rinky dink thing that comes on the current QC's. I do have many needs that require a full size bed.
- Dan M
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John K
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2005
23:13:59
| RE: long bed vs. short bed
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I was worried about the small bed when I bought my QC, but hauling lumber wasn't a priority at the time. Well, times changed! I built a frame from a few 2x4s that fits in the bed and sits on the open tailgate. Another 2x4 sits in the OEM bedliner notches at the wheelwells. With this setup I can, and often do, haul 4x8 sheets of plywood, sheetrock etc. Overhangs the tailgate about a foot. Works like a charm. I've also carried 10' and 12' lumber, stuck it through the rear sliding window into the cab right onto the dash.
I actually like the short bed and find it not at all impractical.
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Brad
Dodge Dakota
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7/05/2005
00:07:12
|  RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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Maybe, but the new ones don't appeal to me,,,
I have people asking to buy mine cause they want a Dakota, but don't like the looks of the new ones...?
01 4.7 QC loaded, auto,with 96,000Km. only paid for rotors and pads and battery. Dodge did ball joints, stearing rack (leaking oil) and door decals (flaking). Tranny dip stick wouldn't stay in place until I put a bend in the right location,,, Not other problems, never left me in trouble, not even a flat tire. The battery almost did, but it was in my driveway. 4 years, never a hint of battery trouble and I shut truck off and took out my golf clubs and went to start truck to bring it in the garage and things were stone dead! LOL,,, wife and I went to get battery next morning :)
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dakkid
Dodge Dakota
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7/05/2005
00:10:25
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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mines completely paid off and i'm keeping it till the body rusts away. i love this truck. i'm eventually going to replace the engine with something fun, and will probably step up to a fullsize in about 3 years but keep the dak to play in or go all out as a show truck. i've only had a few problems like the water on the passenger floor, that was a pain in the @ss to get fixed and supposedly a bent wheel but i have seen no proof nor felt anything out of the ordinary with it. it's a 4x2 and i have put it through hell offroading. got stuck alot but it was worth it. i only wish i had a little more room in my standard cab. so all in all, no complaints here except room, and i wish i had gotten an RT.
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Dennis
Dodge Dakota
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7/05/2005
02:40:31
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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Don't get me wrong, I love my dak. I bought it used 3 years ago and haven't had anything major go wrong with it. It's running a little sluggish because it probobly, no definitely, needs a tune up but I'm still getting 16mpg mixed driving. The reason for the question would you buy another Dak is after reading this months consumers report on p/u trucks, the tacoma and the honda ridgeline look impressive. Not that I would buy either because I'm in no position to buy ANYTHING new, and my Dak is fine even with her chipped paint. I was just wondering if anyone felt the same as I do after reading all the posts about they're NEW trucks breaking down and the dealers "They all do that" excuses or that's not under warranty responses or it's not doing it now and our next appt. is in 3 weeks. People spend alot of money on their vehicles and then these factories and dealers treat them like they're doin you a favor by even looking at your truck.
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ID4x4
Dodge Dakota
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7/05/2005
03:21:05
| RE: Would you buy another Dak??
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Well Dennis I feel for you, some people get lemons, but I understand what you are saying, whether it's DC or ford or whoever, you spent big bucks and you want fair value, welcome to marketing. You think your dealership gives a crap about your USED vehicle, when today some guy will walk in and drop 30- 40 g's for a hemi ram or a loaded cummins dually to recreate?
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