If the dealer can't find what you're looking for, I'd advise you wait and
order. I have a '99 CC PT4WD that I bought off the lot, and there are a
very few things I'd change if I had it to do over again (probably end up
ordering). Namely the gear ratios (I got 3.55, I wish I had 3.92),
limited-slip, maybe full-time 4WD, and maybe a 5-speed instead of the auto.
I don't have 4 wheel ABS, I don't really miss not having it. I've never
had a situation where I locked the front wheels - trucks come standard with
rear ABS because the tails are so light the back wheels lock up pretty easy.
Living in the Great Northeast, get the 4WD option (can't recommend either
way on PT/FT, but I know my father wishes he'd ordered FT on his Durango),
3.92 rear gears and the limited slip. FT vs. PT 4WD you won't see much, if
any, difference in fuel economy. I was in Boston (stayed right by Harvard
Square) March 7-10, when that storm came through over the previous weekend
and then another on Friday (the 10th) and the roads I saw were like a
warzone - I don't think I'd want to be driving my truck in 2WD in that
stuff.
You can use PT4WD on the road, but not until things start getting pretty
sloppy.
I don't think any of us can make the decision for you, but think about this
- when your co-workers are stuck at home because they can't get their
Accords out of the driveway, you'll be cruising to work in 4WD and getting
lots done in the nice, quiet office :) If you're going 4WD, I'd recommend
full-time.
The downside of any 4WD is there's more maintenance - 2WD it's oil,
transmission and rear differential. Add on the transfer case and front
diff for annual fluid changes on the 4WD. I recently had my annual 4WD
service (t-case and diffs) in addition to an oil change and it ran me $120
at Jiffy Lube (not allowed to do it in my parking lot). I'd save $80/year
right there if I had a 2WD. 4WD tires tend to be more expensive, too (ask
Ed Halterman, who went shopping for tires for his '01 QC).
I have the 40/20/40 split bench, and I find it very comfortable. Switching
to the buckets later on will cost you a lot more than getting them to
start. Riding shotgun in my father's Durango with buckets, it almost feels
like there's less butt room on the buckets. Give the bench a try.
Probably a bigger deal for those of us who are forced to put people in the
front than it is on a QC. Because the center console is wide and not deep
(flips up), I don't lose things down in the bottom - stuff would probably
go missing on me with the bucket console.
The bench makes it easier for my girlfriend to sit right next to me, too :)
The two convenience groups you spec'd are must-haves, IMO. My previous
vehicle was completely powerless (including in the engine) and I don't
think I can go back.
It'll be a longer wait, and I know that can be difficult (I just got done
waiting 2+ weeks for a new camera b/c I was waiting to get a special deal
through a friend) but if it's the difference between getting something
built to your exact specifications and "living with" not having one thing
you wanted, it's worth it IMO.
Val Lowe wrote on Wednesday 23 May 2001 11:00 pm:
> Hi,
> I'm new to the list, new to Dakotas and new to trucks, in general. I need
> some advice. I'm interested in buying a new 2001 QC from "dealer
> stock." The options I'm looking for are:
>
> Sport trim
> 4.7L auto
> 4 wheel ABS
> Full time electric transfer case (if 4WD)
> limited slip differential
> bucket seats with center console
> Sport plus group (AC & wheels)
> Power convenience group (windows, locks, mirrors, keyless entry)
> Deluxe convenience group (tilt & cruise)
>
> I'm having trouble finding dealer stock vehicles with the above
> combination, especially I have found NO trucks with any of the following:
> 4
> wheel ABS, limited slip differential, FT 4WD or, oddly, bucket seats. I
> can probably live without bucket seats (maybe I can add them later?) but I
> feel like 4 wheel ABS is something I really want. I'm not sure if I need
> the limited slip differential.
>
> I'm also undecided about 4X2, 4X4. I live in the Boston area, drive in a
> mostly urban/suburban environment with mixed winter conditions. Sometimes
> the winter weather is moderate but other times it can be quite
> heavy. (Last winter was a beaut!) This will be my daily commuter. I am
> not going to drive it off road. I am moderately concerned about gas
> mileage but I probably drive less than 10K miles per year. I like FT
> AWD, I have it on my current vehicle (Aerostar minivan) and its great for
> the
> kind of winter driving we have. I also have the impression that PT 4WD is
> something that's really intended for off road use. I'm wondering how much
> utility I will get from it given my driving habits & conditions. However,
> I've heard that the FT option will noticeably impact fuel economy. Maybe
> I should stick with 2WD?
>
> Factory ordering for this model year has ceased, so I need to pick a truck
> from what's out there (or wait till next year :-( ). I could use some
> help prioritizing these options: 2WD, 4WD PT, 4WD FT, 4 wheel ABS, and
> limited slip differential.
>
> Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Please help me figure this
> out!
>
> Thanks,
> Val
>
> (no Dakota ... YET!)
>
>
>
>
>
-- -andyhttp://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/ --- andylevy@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------------------- modesty, n.: Being comfortable that others will discover your greatness -------------------------------------------------------------
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