Dodge Dakota Pros/Cons?

[jason]

I am looking at a 1997 Dakota ext. cab 4x4. It has the V8 and auto trans. The truck has 54,000 miles and looks good on the outside. I was wanting to get some feedback before I take the time to drive and haggle over price.
Do these trucks have problems like weak trans or other things?
I pull a 6x12 enclosed sometimes, but mostly just have two bikes in the bed. Besides that just need it for a daily driver.
thanks,jason

 

[JTT]

I do not have any personal experience, but have a freind who was a die hard Dodge guy and had one. He put something like 4 sets of U joints in within 70,000kms. Apparently there is a design problem that puts excessive stress on these parts. He was so disgusted (this was not the only issue he had with the truck, although the only one he elaborated on for me), he sore off Dodge for life (or until the memories fade ;) )

 

[Treejumper]

You sure it was the U joints and not ball joints? The ball joints were the main problem on the new style Dakota. The automatic tranny isnt the best on the market but so far mine hasnt broke yet, 94,000 miles. I just need to change the fluid and filter once it starts shifting funny which is about every 6 monts or 12,000 miles. I have a 99' club cab 4x4 with V8.

A friend of mine has a 97 V6 with 125,00 with no problems other than 2 sets of ball joints. I'm on my 3rd set too! He has a standard transmission so i cant comment on how well the auto holds up.

I bought mine because both the Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10 was several thousand dollars more. The Dakota was bigger, faster, more powerful, more comfortable and overall better quality IMO. Other than afew quirks i'm happy with the purchase and the 7year 100K warranty didnt hurt. ;) I'm looking at a quad cab Ram 1500 now.

 

[jason]

Thanks for the replies.I currently own a 1/2 ton Chevy 2wd.I love the power,the size gets old some times trying to park it. I have never owned a Dodge and have heard some horror stories but have seen some put up with a lot of abuse also. I like to hear all the info I can.
Thanks, jason

 

[Highbeam]

The 4.7 V8 available in the newer dakotas is supposed to be superior to the 318 or 360 from the older ones. The lame thing is the extremely poor fuel mileage the old v8s get for being only a midsize pickup. I have heard the horror stories of 12-14. You pay for that power.

The dakota is not a full size truck. Won't tow as much, haul as much, or be as roomy inside. So it isn't a commuter because of high fuel costs, and not a hauler because it is more of a mini. I would call it a compromise vehicle, kinda good at lots of stuff. Surely fun and a nice looking truck though.

 

[KrackerRacin]

ITS A DODGE :-(

 

[Okiewan]

The 4.7 SMOKES the 318. I've had both. Better MPG a LOT faster and just an overall better, much more refined motor.

The 97 Dakota I had was a problem child. Yes, it tossed U Joints, not ball joints. Paint fell of the bumper. All of it. Various electrical issues that were never resolved, including 3 batteries. Various little quality issues here and there. Overall, it's a nice truck but I didn't get another one when the lease was up. Highbeam is right though about size, I went full-size after the Dakota (F150) then went even bigger (F250) when that lease was up.

 

[JTT]

Originally posted by Tree jumper
You sure it was the U joints and not ball joints?

You may be right..that's the problem with gossip ;)

 

[Kawierider]

If yo uwant someting bigger than the ranger of the s 10 or with v-8 power, the dakota is for you. I like the extra room in the cab, and the more power. Although they are not fullsize they handle relatively large loads compared to the competition, especially if outfitted right. For hauling id prefer the dakotas I drive at work to my dad's ranger any day. The rangers need more power, a bigger bed, and a stronger suspension to handle 2 bikes, and gear for camping. Ive seen a maga zine test where they tested a dakota with 2 fullsize bikes and a mini and in comparison it handeled the load much better not to mention had the power to move the load.
Good luck,
Tim

 

[jason]

Thanks for all the info. I think for now I'm going to wait until spring or summer to buy anything. I stopped by a couple of dealerships Friday and priced some 1/2 ton trucks (all used). We have had more snow in this area than most winters and the dealers are jacking up the prices of all their 4x4's. I think if I wait till it warms up I will probably get a better deal.
Thanks , jason