Should I buy a Dakota?

[bhart1990]

Here in the next few months I plan on buying a newer vehicle than my 20 year old t-bird. I've been looking at 1997-2000 Dakota's (probably v-6, ext. cab, auto) and needed to know what people thought about the truck in general (relability and maintence wise).

Thanks

[MagicRat]

look at www.carsurvey.org. There you will see 373 owner reviews of the Dakota plus hundreds of comments and additional input. For the years you are looking at, approx. half the reviews have an overall bad experience for reliability only. (Everyone seems to like the design and performance)

IMO a 50% bad review count on that site is a bad sign. Most other vehicles get more positive reviews. This is an indication of poor overall reliability for these trucks.

Also look here: http://www.dontbuydodgechryslervehicles.com/

I do not mean to slag Dodge trucks at all. But these opinions are generated by the owners. Yes, I know people say bad things about even the best trucks. But IMO when so many people complain about Dodge then you should know what reliability issues to expect if you buy one.

[2000izusu]

here is some evidence and you make ur own mind. here is a link to all the dakotas in the 200,000 mile club along with major repairs to them. there are multiple pages so hit next at the bottom of the page. mike
p.s. one has 476,000 miles on it and alot are over 300k

Link:
http://www.allpar.com/old/club/searc...ota&type=model

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by 2000izusu

here is some evidence and you make ur own mind. here is a link to all the dakotas in the 200,000 mile club along with major repairs to them. there are multiple pages so hit next at the bottom of the page. mike
p.s. one has 476,000 miles on it and alot are over 300k

Link:
http://www.allpar.com/old/club/searc...ota&type=model

Well, ALL those trucks on that site were the old , pre '97 design. It looks like the later models , (the ones in question here) are the ones which seem to have attracted the anger of so many owners.

I think the lesson here is to buy an older Dakota

[wafrederick]

Some people say the transmissions are junk,wrong and will last a long time with simple fluid and filter changes about 50,000 miles using the Mopar fluid ATF+4.The 2000 and up transmissions are the Dodge Intrepid/Chrysler Concorde transmissions changed to a rear wheel drive transmission

[2000izusu]

the 3.9L was available from 1987-2003, and the 5.2L was available from 1991-2000. both are very solid motors.

you can learn more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Dakota

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by 2000izusu

the 3.9L was available from 1987-2003, and the 5.2L was available from 1991-2000. both are very solid motors.

The 5.2 developed an odd (IMO) reputation for oil sludge, in the late '90's.

Many owners complained that their engines failed due to sludge build-up which produced often catastrophic oil pressure loss (see the sites I posted earlier)

Generally, oil sludging problems are due, in part to oil overheating (a design defect) and/or simple neglect.

Again, I am not saying the 5.2 was bad; the basic design has been around for decades and is very reliable. But something produced a rash of 5.2 engine failures in the '90s, so if you look at a used 5.2, try to look at copies of service records to be sure the oil has been changed regularly and be sure to look for good oil pressure and listen carefully for odd noises.

The other big problem for Dakotas is the front ball joints wear out pretty fast. Expect that you will have to keep an eye on then and change them more often than in another truck.

[Scotty89]

Over all they are a good truck. They are pretty dependable as long as they are maintained and treated good. Every vehicle has their quirks, i know people that would never buy a dodge due to past expierence, but ive worked on them a lot and i would still buy on.

[Scrapper]

i agree on dakota dodge picups go for ever if you take care of them but my pick be a ford ranger xlt mpfi there tuff but i sold my 87 dakota at 325000mls.

[wafrederick]

I know a Carquest parts store that has one,a 1988 or 1989 for parts deliveries that runs great with maintenance done.

[John86]

Yea.......You should buy Dodge Dakota. I' m using my dakota last 2 year its performace is cool. The Dodge Dakota has an impressive power plant and delivers top rated performance. Starting with a 4.7 liter SOHC 16 valve V8, the Dakota produces 302 horsepower and 329 lb ft torque. The suspension is nicely done with independent upper and lower A arms, gas pressure shock absorbers link type stabilizer bar, ultileaf two stage longitudinal springs, and staggered gas pressure shock observers. Its really a good and better to all.

[Rainelli]

I suggest you should....the engine is great and it has a good performance.