Dakota as a daily driver?

[shotgun_000]

Are Dodge Dakotas as problematic as people say they are, specifically the front suspension and auto tranny? Also, what about the 4.7L engine? I've heard a few bad things about them too.

I'm considering a 2002 Dakota, 2wd, extended cab, auto. I just love the way these trucks look, and the performance. The price is not bad either, unless this is a case of you get what you pay for.

Also, what kind of mileage can I expect from a 2wd, 4.7, and auto?

If anyone has owned a Dakota, or knows someone with a Dakota, I'd appreciate some feedback.


BTW, they should make the hemi available for the Dakota

[Dakota00]

All vehicles have there share of problems.

As for the Dakota, here's the main issues that are common.
-Upper and Lower ball joints, a complete set of greasable Moog ones will fix this problem. BTW, DC has a secret 10yr warranty on the uppers
-Brake rotors are pieces of junk, a good set of rotors and pads will fix this problem.

Other than that, it all depends on how the previous owner took care of the truck. Some guys get lemons, some guys never see a single problem.

I do suggest (if) you do buy it that you change the fluids, rear diff, trans, rad, etc etc.... If you plan to keep it I would also use synthetic oil. Helps with mpg and wear & tear.

The 4.7 is a great motor lots of power and takes a beating!! From all the Dakota & Ram forums I visit, I don't hear much of the 4.7 having problems. As for the Auto trans, in the later years (like the one your looking at) they seem to be reliable.

As for MPG it all depends on how you drive it and what gears you have in the rear end. Some guys get 13-16 mpg and some can get as high as 17-20 mpg. Around 16 mpg is very common.

I bought mine 5yrs ago new and it's been a good truck. If you need a truck I would recommend getting it. If you don't, get something that gets good mpg!!!

I hope this helps!!!
Anthony

[Skyline_BNR34]

the new 2005 dakotas have the available hemi if you didnt know. Every Dodge car basicly have the Hemi Option EXCEPT the Viper cause it is an Alummium V10

[Dakota00]

You better check again, the 05 Dakota doesn't come with a Hemi.
Comes in 3.7V6, 4.7V8 and 4.7V8 (H.O)

[Skyline_BNR34]

the new Dakota does have the available Hemi. it is an option it isnt standard equipment it is eather the 05 or the 06

[Dakota00]

The only option motor is the 4.7 and 4.7 H.O.

DC stated that the Hemi would not fit in the engine bay as it's too wide to fit in between the frame. Which I believe is BS. Can you provide proof about the Hemi statement??

[Skyline_BNR34]

no sorry bout that i must of been thinking of some other vehicle and your right about the BS on the frame thing if they wanted it they could put a HEMI in it

[theFREAKnasty82]

I agree, the new Dakota is built on the platform of the Durango and if the Durango has an available HEMI, then it should fit. The whole reason why it doesn't come with a HEMI is because if you want that big engine, you have to up for the Ram.

[Skyline_BNR34]

they should have the HEMI lets all bitch at dodge and say put the fucking HEMI in it.

[Wolf0503]

I have a 93 Dakota 2wd Ext Cab-Ext bed with the 5.2 V8. I Love it. I get about 10-15 mtg, which sucks with prices but it's alot fun to romp on.

[wehswarriorS-10]

well i have a 2002 dakota 4x4 clubcab auto with the 4.7 and have had no problem what soever out of it...it is a great truck, i get around 15mpg, on the interstate it gets about 17, but the 4.7 is a strong motor, if u get a truck with under 30k on it, go ahead and switch to mobile1 syn. and change the tranny filter and fluid, but use the mopar fluid, its a lil better for it than the advance auto stuff, but i would definately recommend a dakota to anyone wanting one, oh and for mileage, we have a 99 durango with the 5.9 and we have 147k on the clock and still hasnt been in the shop for the first thing

[nfaber]

I bought a 2002 Dakota Quad Cab 4X4 with a 4.7. I've used it for a daily driver ever since. All I've ever done is routine maintenance, except for an upper ball joint replacement which was a recall item last month. I have 64k on it.

I have found the 4 wheel drive to be excellent. I once went up a 4X4 trail here in Colorado that a couple of Fords and Pathfinders had tried and failed. When I got to the top of the mountain there was only me and a couple of heavily modified Jeeps. My stock Dakota just plowed right throught the snow.

[Skyline_BNR34]

snow is hard to get through and no stock vechile can make it unless it was 1 inch of snow hose comercials say you can get through lots of snow no they are all false and no stock vehicle or heavy modified can go though 1 foot of snow easily it is too hard to go through so just take back you last post about the snow its impossible but dodges are good my favorite car company

[jlistunner]

I bought my first Dakota back in 1997. It was a Sport Club Cab, Flame Red, 3.9 V6, 2wd, 64 miles on it new. I loved it! Traded it in 5 years later with 32k miles on it. Don't ask why I did, I wasn't thinking right during the time. The whole time I had it I loved it. It had power and good mpg. I missed it until last month when I came across a 2000 Quad Cab for sell. Wife test drove it and informed me that I definitely needed to look at it. Well, I test drove it on over to the original one time owner (found out it was my insurance agent) and asked on the history and came away with my decision, it was going to be mine. Like I said, it's a 2000 Quad Cab, 4.7 V8, 4wd, SLT plus package (30 x 10.5 tires), 63k miles, sprayed in Rhino liner. I have had it a little over a month and just love it. Mpg could be better but I really don't care. I finally have a truck that I can play in and haul family around in. BTW the previous owner told me he gave around $30,000 for it new. I got it for around $13,000 (Paid $10,000 after trade-in of the vehicle I traded my first Dakota for). Just shows that patience can be a good thing.