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Rory
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2002
20:22:47

Subject: Should I get A Dakota?!
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Alright, Im about to turn 16 and my parents are going to let me buy a used Dakota for my first truck, good idea?? I want something that can pull a 3 place motorcycle trailer with 3 bikes loaded up, something thats good in the snow and mountians, is the dakota for me? Ive heard a lot of good but some bad, like the trans going out, i want the auto trans in a 1998 Dakota ex. cab short bed sport with the 4.7 V8. Is this a pretty trust worthy started truck? i want a pretty fast tuff truck. After i get it I want to put cold air intake, 3" body lift and 33" tires. Thanks for everyones help!



Cal Dak
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2002
20:27:35

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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Definetly, this truck is the best one out there. I had the same decision a year ago, same dilema, same age. The choice was a tacoma or dakota. I chose dakota, parents chose tacoma, ended up with a dakota. its got 50K and nothings happened to it yet, just replaced brakes, that's it. The only thing i don't like is its kinds slow(V6) but im workin on it, ive got many mods on the way.

Definetly go with the Dakota, everyone at school loves the truck, especially the chicks!!!
hahaha

Hope ya get the Dakota. Good Luck



Rory
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2002
20:29:14

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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thanks for the info, i want it to be 4X4 too by the way



Cal Dak
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2002
20:36:45

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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thats what i got too!

'97 3.9L auto ext. cab 4X4

mods-
TBS(throttle body spacer-crap)
K&N
soon to come-
Flowmaster 50 series
V8 throttle body
8mm spark plug wires
autolite 3293's



kevster
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2002
20:50:20

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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Rory, Welcome! I am old enough to be your father, I have two Daks, a 2K Club Cab, 4x2 looks like an RT now,and my new 2002 Quad Cab 4x4 loaded both have the 4.7 and automatics, I love em both. The 4.7 is a great motor, but it came out in 2000 so if you get a Dak older than 2k it will be the 318 or a v-6, personally I prefer the v-8. But I really like the performance and gas mileage from the 4.7 and it is easy to maintain..I dont know how much money you are allowed but if you look for a while you will find one for you, Good Luck..



Rory
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2002
20:54:38

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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thanks again! I guess ill be going with the 318 V8. Im allowed about $10,000 for this truck, found a lot on autotrader.com. Thanks for the help



Stephen
Dodge Dakota
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1/27/2002
21:53:05

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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hey, im 16 and my dad had a Dak and gave it to me so he could get an f-150 super crew. i like it alright though its 2wd and i dont like its height. i have a 3-in body lift kit but am unable to put it on now b/c my tranny burned up and it cost my mom $2156. anyway its a pretty cool truck and im sure youll love it. i wish i had the V8 though.



Rory
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2002
20:43:41

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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Thanks, anymore help anyone?? thanks again. This truck sounds exactly what im looking for. It has the looks, the power and the feel of a really tuff truck.



R Middleton
Dodge Dakota
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1/29/2002
21:14:40

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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I'd look for a gen II 4x4 in decent shape. I think if you go too new you'll regret it. As far as towing I'd call the V-8 a necessity. All the V-6 will do is burn as much gas as the 8 and go a little slower unless you start talking about expensive mods.

My $.02

Middy.



fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2002
08:04:17

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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I'd agree, unless you aren't going to tow them all the time. If you aren't, the V6 will be fine, and for the price difference between the V6 and the V8 (about $600) you can slap on a K&N filter, muffler system and some other mods that will up your MPG by about 2 or 3. You'll then have better gas mileage on an engine that will cost you a bit less on insurance. However, if you are going to tow a LOT, then get the V8. That's the only reason I got the V6. I wanted the V8, but couldn't justify it since I don't tow a lot.



TheJZA
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2002
08:51:58

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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I can confirm what Cal Dak said. One of the first things I noticed is that chicks dig the Dakota. :)



fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2002
10:22:58

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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I've noticed the same thing. On top of that, my girl didn't believe me when I told her that she'd get noticed a lot more when she drives the truck. Just about every time she drives, she gets a thumbs-up or a wink or such from some other guy who thinks she's the bomb because she drives the truck. She loved the truck first time she drove it, and she thinks it's hilarious.



Tim S
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2002
11:04:27

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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Hey Stephen,

Why did it it cost mom to fix (your?)
truck?

Do you actually pay for gas and insurance?

Tim S.






Simpleman96
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2002
11:48:07

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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HEY! Your on a "Dakota Web Site"!!!
Asking anyone here if you should buy a Dakota is like asking a crackhead if you should hook him up with a fix. LOL. Yes they are great trucks, and built like a brick sh%$ house as well. Ive had mine for six years and would never think of giving it up. With any truck, new or especially used you take a chance with problems.



Plex
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2002
20:56:25

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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I too am 16 and got my Dakota as a late birthday present =) 2001 4.7l V8 Club Cab Sport+ Had a tuff choice between Dakota, Tacoma, or Ranger. Don't like the look of the Ranger so it ended up being Tacoma vs. Dakota but once I found out Tacoma's dont come in V8's and how many features Tacoma's leave out, went Dodge :) I love my truck but Dodge and Dakotas have some problems I dont like. Parts is one of them, I ordered a replacement front bumper over 1 month ago and still havent receieved it plus I swear Dodge uses some shytty bumpers =P Mine crumbled up during a minor fender bender. At least the car that smashed into me was totalled :) Also, I dont know why Dodge doesnt put locks on their tailgates/gas tanks. Wouldnt cost "too" much. And Dodge's quality control isnt too good. Im on my 4th or 5th? time taking my truck back for warrenty work. I swear, Dodge dealers have some dumb people working for them. They ordered at least (3) 4x4 decals to replace my crooked one and lost everyone. It wasnt crooked at time of purchase but 2 days later, it slanted and the dealer said it was the adhesive. Also, some of the insulation is beginning to come apart. Shytty glue I guess =P Then again, all car companies have their faults.

Overall, I love my Dakota. If I could go back and choose, I would go all Dodge. Cant let minor issues ruin a truck. Plus, Dakotas look so damn stylish when certain mods are added. I still turn eyes even with a busted up bumper LOL!



Rory
Dodge Dakota
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1/30/2002
21:24:47

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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Well, you do have the point about this website and crackheads lol You guys are a lot of help. Whats the difference between the genII and the gen III?? Do the dakotas respond to mods well? Because after i get done helping pay for this i think i might go with a 3" body lift and 33" tires. Then a K&N cold intake system, and probably something like a borla double exaust. Then a high performance chip. Do these help out a lot with these trucks? Thanks for all the help



Simpleman96
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2002
01:03:35

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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I am a Gen II (96 4X4 3.9 ext cab)owner and can tell you that the bodies are built alot better than Gen III's. Gen II, are more boxy, and look like something your grandpa would drive. At least that is what they tell me. Personaly I like the look of the Gen II more. Less curves= less cost of body work. Accesories for the Gen II,s are harder to find, I can tell you that. The engines havent changed much except for the 4.7 but they do respond to mods very well. Look for the V8, and that way you won't be so worried about mods right away. Plenty of power to be had already. Being your only 16 look for a 98 0r 99 that way you will be able to find parts and accessories for years to come. Dealers dont usually carry parts for vehicles over 10 years old.



gromit
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2002
17:23:37

RE: Should I get A Dakota?!
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I have a 2001 4.7l 4x4 extra cab. I love it. I have a few mods but it is still pretty stock. Anyway i have a three place mototrcycle and if my truck and the trailer are fully loaded, it tows fine. I have taken my truck and trailer all over and never had any problems. I would go with a V8 for sure though. Mine is stick and i personnally think that the auto. would have been better for towing just because i find myself shifting quite a bit. But then again having a stick is what makes owning my truck so sweet. so good luck



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