Possibly trading - opinions on Dodge Dakotas

ncsu602 · 10-11-06, 09:13

Since I've got a company vehicle and drive my ZR2 maybe 6000 miles a year, I'm thinking if selling it and buying an older truck. I'd also like something with a larger back seat and a V8. 4wd is a must. I've been considering the 97-04 Dakotas. Any opinions on these? Anyone wanna buy a 2001 Sonoma ZR2? Thanks!

qballjr13 · 10-11-06, 10:23

Here is my personal opinion...they are gas sucking pigs! I had a Chevy 2500HD with an 8' bed and the Dakota with the V8 was rated for 1 or 2 mpg more then my truck with the 6 litre in it. I wouldnt touch one...ever! Is it obvious I am not a Chrysler fan? Just my $.02

AL-53 · 10-11-06, 11:37

My friend has a 05 Dakota....is a lease..worst vehicle he ever owned he said....he said it eats fuel like a 747....he can not wait for the lease to end....

Others told him not to get one..but said the lease was to good to pass up...Well what ever money he saved..he is paying in gas..lol

Used ones are a dime a dozen here in New England...the most seen truck in the lots are Dodge's...

AL

ncsu602 · 10-11-06, 11:50

so......Autopia is anti-Dodge, huh?

I'm probably looking for a needle in a haystack. I want a 4wd V8 with enough back seat to put an adult (no fold down like I've got now), less than 100k miles, and around/less than $10k. I'm actually looking at stepping down some, I don't need the truck I've got. The Dakotas seem to be the only thing that fits. I've heard good and I've heard bad. Depending on who you ask, the gas mileage is amazing for a V8 or it's the worse gas hog ever.

xtahoex · 10-11-06, 01:07

I've never owned one or known anyone who has, but from all the articles I have read in different publications I would stay away from them. The complaints I have heard is that the gas mileage is as bad as a full size truck and the power is like a midsize truck with a V6. Pretty much you get all the downsides of a V8 and none of the upsides. Don't ask me why.

martinager · 10-11-06, 01:14

for that i would check mid to late 90's f-series.

ncsu602 · 10-11-06, 01:22

I'd get shot by both my father and father-in-law for bringing a Ford home. I was raised in a die-hard GM family and then married into the same thing. Nothing wrong with a Ford though....thanks for the responses!

qballjr13 · 10-11-06, 01:47

Geez, I would have thought a die hard GM family would have been better off with a Ford than a D-O-D-G-E! Is there a reason you HAVE to have a V8? Like someone said above I think you can get the same power from some of the 6'rs out there with much better fuel economy.

ncsu602 · 10-11-06, 02:01

Yeah, I'm strange.......

The main reason I'm thinking about trading is I want a bigger back seat. The seat in my Sonoma is basically non-existent. It doesn't have to be a V8, but since I'm thinking trading, might as well. It's not a daily driver, so gas mileage isn't that great of a concern. I'd like to be able to tow a little better. I got my feelings hurt a few weeks ago with my father-in-law's trailer. I had his JD lawnmower and some landscape timbers (all together ~3500lbs) and my truck hated it. It felt like it stayed in passing gear the entire way.

Guy · 10-11-06, 02:10

well, I have an 02 Dakota and I love it! I needed a truck and a car so the 4 door works well for me. But yes they are a gashog! I get 13 and 18 driving nice, my neighbors 4 door F-150 gets lower to mid 20's and of course is a bigger truck. However mileage wasn't a major factor in my purchase, I put about 5 to 6k on it a year plus it fits in my garage with ease, where as a full size would be a tight fit. I love the size and feel of the dakota but if I put lots of miles on a vahicle in a year I'd have something different.