I need some opinions on wether or not I should keep this truck. I bought it 5 months ago from a dealership for $8k. So far the alignments been adjusted 3 times, back breaks totally replaced, major tune up (the spark plugs were rusted onto the battery) and a mystery problem (turned out to be the oxygen sensor). I have spent over $3k already fixing it. Not only that, but the ball joints need replacing (another $300). I'm stuck between keeping it because i've put so much money into it now or selling it because i'm afraid in the future it'll have more problems. I didn't do my research before buying the Dakota and I see it has nothing but bad reviews. Opinions please!!!!!!
2007-08-18 13:12:36 · 11 answers · asked by Louise 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
It's a '99 dodge dokata sport, single cab. 3.9liter/v6. 2wd. 80k miles
2007-08-18 13:13:43 · update #1
"the spark plugs were rusted onto the battery"
If someone actually told you this, you need to find a new mechanic!!!! The spark plugs are no where near the battery!!
As to the front end, you need to take the car to a good front end shop. There is no reason that a truck will need three alignments in 5 months if all the correct repairs were done the first time.
"mystery problem (turned out to be the oxygen sensor)"
Any half qualified mechanic can do a scan test and find a bad O2 sensor quickly!
Find a good mechanic, and have the truck checked over. I think you will find that the truck is not as bad as you think!
2007-08-18 14:06:16 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you got a bad one, as any manufactuer can put out. Of course, if you bought it used you have no idea how the previous owner treated it. A used vehicle, regardless of who makes it, is only as good as the owners maintenance and treatment.
As for bad reviews, I own a 98 3.9L 5-speed 2WD and haven't had any problems with it at all. I work at a Dodge Dealer and several of the owners that are regulars love theirs. Of course, we also get those who don't like theirs, either.
I'm wondering how you got "spark plugs rusted onto the battery." That one doesn't add up to me. Did someone leave them there previously and cause a battery problem? Or, did some mechanic give you a line?
Spark plugs don't operate in or on the battery.
Maybe have another shop check it over before you decide to dump it. You might be being sold a bill of goods or bought one that was abused and not taken care of.
2007-08-18 13:41:08 · answer #2 · answered by Lew W 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Every problem you listed is routine maintenance, it also sounded like the previous owner was negligent with keeping up on the truck. Ball joints, brakes, alignment due to bad ball joints, and a tune up are all things that will at some point need to be replaced.
2007-08-18 13:46:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
find a new mechanic.....and keep it. my 95 has 135000 on it, gets better gas mileage than the new ones, and have never let me down. i really like the 3.9, good power vs. economy. i think that i have spent approx $1000 in the 40000 miles i have had mine, tires, battery, starter, tune and some brake work. all stuff i would have expected on a near 100k vehicle. 100% pleased with my dakota, almost bought a new one but got a neon for mileage as i drive near 100 miles a day to go to my dodge dealership i work at!!!
2007-08-19 03:48:21 · answer #4 · answered by chevy_man_rob 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
just sell it cause it's rwd that is pain in the *** during winter but trucks are goods to keep if the truck is rusty it's not worth keeping it but if it look clean u can sale right away make sure it's clean from inside do it by ur self it will sell fast !!!!\
here is my opinion get a chevy colorado or a dakota they are around 17000$ if u want 4x4 extend cab or crew cab that's extra crew cab should do the job
2007-08-18 13:20:14 · answer #5 · answered by shadow_relevant03 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
tough call. After all this work, the truck seems like it won't need more suspension work. I suspect you bought someone's old work truck.
Seems like the only things left that are typical fixes are 1) cooling system 2) fuel pump 3) serpentine belt
Chrysler transmissions benefit the most from a transmission system flush.......has been known to save them from destruction. (just don't go to jiffy lube....minimum wage workers are bad)
If all this plus your previously spent $ exceed the blue book value of the vehicle.......lose it.
2007-08-18 13:24:29 · answer #6 · answered by vile_fly 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Sounds like routine maintenance problems with a slight hint of neglect. And if that is the case then, the truck will be a nightmare. If the truck was neglected even something as minor as an oil change can cost you thousands
2007-08-18 13:28:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Keep it.Do the maintenance required to get your Dakota in top notch running condition.After that take care of it and it will be a keeper.
2007-08-19 01:12:34 · answer #8 · answered by James Dodge Boy 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes it is better to lick our wounds and take our losses than to continue to pour money into a bottomless money pit....
It is a helpless feeling and a tough decision to make...(take your loss) you can laugh about it later on down the road while driving something more dependable.....
2007-08-18 13:22:39 · answer #9 · answered by RiverRat 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
i had trouble with mine. It was a 96. It was always something different.
I would move on, take a loss if needed, just get away from it!
2007-08-18 13:16:24 · answer #10 · answered by Corruptfile34 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋