What to buy?

Author

Subject: What to buy?

Dick

Posted At 07:52:31 12/23/2000


My family has outgrown my Jeep and I am looking at a Dakota Quad Cab 4X4. My question is what engine and or options to get. I have driven a 4.7 and was impressed by the power but have heard that gas mileage is an issue. I live in an area with lots of hills and need enough juice to pull the grades with a load but don't need to be the fastest thing on road. Any recommendations?

Also, should I buy a new 2001 or would I be better off with a 2000? I have experienced the "new and improved" isn't always better problem before. For one, it looks like the '01 has a few less horses. What's up with that? There are a few 2000 trucks still on lots in the area and I have started to see used ones in the paper.

Is there any options or combinations of options that I should steer clear of?

Thanks for your help!

Denny Re: What to buy? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 16:14:59 12/23/2000

I've got an intense blue 2000 quad cab with the 4.7 and I love it. As for gas mileage a v8 is a v8. I went from driving a 2.5L daytona for 10 years. Is the power worth it? Oh ya. Is the extra 10-15 bucks a week in gas worth it? Hell ya. From all the posts I've read the 4.7 is the way to go. The 4 doors are great (a lot less stretching and twisting. I have no regrets whatsoever with my decision. Good luck with your decision.
DAK Re: What to buy? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 19:19:55 12/23/2000

I have a 2000 quad with a 3.9. Don't,I repeat DON'T get a 3.9.Every time you go up a hill it always drops into a lower gear,It's really irratating,If you want a 3.9 buy mine and I'll get the 4.7...
DaveP Re: What to buy? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 10:47:37 12/25/2000

I've recently purchased a 01' dak reg cab sport. As for horsepower it is the same as the 2000. The only difference between the 00-01 is the 4+4 control is electronic on the dash. The 00 is on the floor. The 4.7 is the way to go! I'm averaging 16.4 mpg with 70/40 highway to city driving. I'm very proud of owning this truck. Good luck....
Tim Re: What to buy? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 22:18:22 12/25/2000

Ya, the 3.9 sucks.....not only is it ball-less, it seems to have drivability issues more often than not....shitty idle, spark knock, hesitation, stalling...stuff like that.....and i am definatly not the only one experiencing these problems....
Bob* Re: What to buy? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 06:39:37 12/27/2000

Dick the HP OF THE 4.7L 2000 I own is 235 (OH.)..the HP of the 2001 in OH. is 230.I would bet they lost more than 5 HP.I was told on the DML that the 2001s have 3 cats.My truck is getting about 14 mpg...with only 2,500 on the speedo...it will get much better as the miles start to add up and I get some MOBIL 1 in it. PS..I would go with the 4.7L GOOD LUCK


Bob*
Bernd D. Ratsch Re: What to buy? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 09:46:34 12/27/2000


Hehehe...just a response to Tim's post.

I get 17-18mpg and can blow by most V8's without any problems...with my "ball-less" V6. ;)

After reading and talking with a lot of people with the 5.2/5.9 and 4.7L engines...the 4.7L seems to be the best all around (See...I agree with Bob on some things). The 5.2/5.9L has never been known for great gas mileage.

The overall average for all of the Dakota's is right around 15-17mpg (City/Highway).

- Bernd
Bob* Re: What to buy? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 15:24:06 12/27/2000

Thank you Bernd for that answer.You must be in the CHRISTMAS spirit. PS. Did you get my card I e-mailed you on CHRISTMAS day??? Patrick e-mailed me a card on CHRISTMAS day.Thanks Patrick...my other side is coming out again.

Bob*

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