Aaron I had the same questions when I first went looking at the Dakota for
almost the same reasons you are. Not only has consumer reports listed the
Dakota as a best buy I think for the last two years but the Dakota has 4 out
of 5 for front crash ratings and 5 out 5 for side impact crash ratings.
>From listening to the DML, which has been a wealth of information I do have
to say that the rotors have been a problem on the Dakota but it sounds like
this is reasonably eliminated with a good set of aftermarket rotors once the
original warp. Cost sounds like its about 50 to 150 bucks depending on the
make of rotors you get and weather you do it yourself or not. I haven't
heard anything about the ball joints though. Some of the other folks here
will know for sure though. Seems the DML has every type of driver out
there, from off road to street rod to soccer mom. As far as electrical I
haven't heard anything here that I haven't seen or had happen on the Chevy I
used to own or the Pontiac my wife owns at this time.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET]On Behalf Of Aaron Fuehrer
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 10:14 AM
To: 'dakota-truck@buffnet.net'
Subject: DML: Dakota Reliability / Quality
I am a new member to the list and wanted to get some answers from real
Dakota owners prior to my next truck purchase. I am looking at a 2001 Club
Cab Dakota with the 4.7, 5 speed, and limited slip - just the basics. This
truck / configuration is great because its larger than say a Ranger but
smaller than an F-150. I don't want to spend 28 to 30K on a full size 4X4
GM or Ford truck, but for a few thousand more than a small Ranger or S10 I
can purchase the mid-sized Dakota with a V8.
My question is quality and reliability. I have heard of several quality
issues with the Dakota such as rotor/break problems, electrical problems,
ball joint wear, and overall build quality issues. I realize that no
vehicle is perfect, but I don't want the truck in the shop more times than
its on the road. I am a long-term vehicle owner and want to keep whatever
truck I purchase at least 10 years or 200K miles. My basis for this is my
current car, 89 Firebird 5.0 V8 with 207K on it. All of the consumer
reports over the years never rated my Firebird very high either, but I'm
still driving it today.
Any input from current owners who want to share their experience is greatly
appreciated.
Aaron
afuehrer@acuta.org
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