I have a '99 4x4 with 33K on it and have had very few problems, no more than I
think you'll find with any other truck out there.
-Peeling paint on the bumper. Not an issue with '01s, they have a plastic
cover
-Pinging, haven't heard of this problem with the 4.7L (I have the 5.2L)
-Foglight switch broke (redesigned in 2000)
-Leaking (very slightly, weeping really) transfer case tailshaft seal, need to
see dealer on this
Problems I have heard others with '99s had that I have not had.
-Balljoints wearing out
-Cab bolts popping (easy fix)
Bottom line, take care of your truck and it will take care of you. Anywhere
you look, you're going to find more people saying "I had so many problems with
product X" than "I have product X and it's perfect!" simply because people in
general like to complain. And keep in mind that in the same type of product
(pickup, washing machine, whatever) you'll find the same shortcomings in all
brands & models. I recently bought a digital camera even after hearing a lot
of people complain about image quality problems, odd quirks, etc. Why?
Because almost every other digital camera has the same problems. My particular
camera is flawless, in terms of build quality, and with each picture I take I
find it getting better because I'm learning how to use it better. But I don't
see many people on the forum I read saying "hey, mine's perfect!" - which
reminds me, I should go do that.
Aaron Fuehrer wrote:
> 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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