Pick-Up Truck Advice

Ive had my 2000 Dakota since 2004 (50k miles) and its around 209,000 miles now and running strong. So far Ive had to replace one injector a few years ago and the normal brake rotors/pads and calipers (because I got them cheap). It squeaks like a mouse being murdered with a violin but that should just be swaybar bushings. Ive had it up several not so good roads in Park County and havent had many major problems yet. Needs paint badly though. On average I get 18mpg except on longer highway trips. Then it jumps up to 20 mpg.

I had a '99 regular cab, short bed, 4x4, V8 w/manual transmission. Took it on trips from here to just south of Albuquerque, up I-70 passes for hunting, down to Spinny and 11-Mile for fishing and never had a problem until some stoner POS cut me off at an intersection. It averaged about 17mpg hiway, doing 65-70, hauled everything I needed, fit me like a glove. I foolishly used it in trade for a big Ram 2500 diesel 4x4. Just last year, I saw the li'l Dakota on a corner lot for sale: 185K miles, beat up, paint fade, bald tires, but when the engine turned over, I could tell it was still strong running. I'd have bought it but the dealer was a shiny suit, gold chains wearing, fast talkin, jiving, lying sack of .....

All I can say is I have a 05 Colorado 2wd that gets 27mpg on the highway. 4 cyl 2.8 w/ auto

I'm waiting for Irving to pop in and tell you that you probably don't even need a truck.

I like them but have not known anyone with one that didn't need a big drive train repair. If I were buying one I'd find as low a mile one with the biggest V8 of that year. And buy it cheap, with the expectation of putting in a transmission some time in the future. I had a room mate with one when they were first interduced that had the 4.7 and it was a decent truck.

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Originally Posted by hurley842002

I know quite a few folks with Tacomas and Frontiers, and can't think of any of them who bought the pickup for excellent fuel mileage. Most of them (myself included when I had a Tacoma), went with a Tacoma because they don't need or want a full size pickup. I couldn't have gone the places I went in a full size without extensive body damage.

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This. I had an 03 3/4 CTD, 07 1 ton CTD, a 13 Tacoma, and now a 16 Tacoma.
The 07 CTD was awesome. Had it for 9 years. Great truck with no issues.

But eventually you get tired of not being able to park it anywhere. The convenience of room in the bed and cab is now swapped with the convenience that I can park anywhere.

Anyway, always liked those Dakotas. No idea how reliable they are.

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Originally Posted by ray1970

I'm waiting for Irving to pop in and tell you that you probably don't even need a truck.

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I'll be using my other vehicle in the snow this year.

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Originally Posted by Irving

I'll be using my other vehicle in the snow this year.

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If you get stuck in the snow you can throw that ladder under the tires for traction. [Awesom]

I worked at a Dodge dealership in the early 2000s. The biggest problem I can recall with them were the automatic transmissions being replaced under warranty.

Thanks for all of the replies and time guys.
By no means would this be my primary vehicle. I was just looking for a weekend truck for runs to Lowes/Home Depot, hauling my dirt bike, and crappy weather. I found a good deal on a very well maintained 2002. Extended cab, manual, 4x4. It seems that it will fit my needs pretty well.