Midsize Pickup Comparo - READ ONLY

751 messages, Last post on Nov 28, 2007 at 10:44 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Car Comparisons, Truck

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#645 of 751 Re: Help Me Compare Trucks for Hauling 4500lbs [dustyk] by jfritsch Mar 29, 2007 (8:15 pm)
Replying to: dustyk (Mar 29, 2007 5:52 pm) Looking at the sales figures for the Dakota, I'm sure Chrysler wishes there were more folks like this chap. In any event, test drives and comparison will tell. I was in this fellow's boat and was considering a Dakota. Unfortunately I test drove and inspected the competition and its 3rd from the end ahead of the Ranger and Colorado and 4th from the top. Dodge sweetened the deal by getting rid of the 7/70 powertrain warranty (down to 3/36). Of course, offerings from Mitsubishi (Raider, a Dakota knock off) and Isusu (Colorado copy) are beneath contempt unless LOTS off. You do want about 10k off MSRP for the Dakota (28-32k) Silverado, Trailblazer etc. A look at 1yr wholesale values will tell you why. --jjf completely disagree. I think the V8 Dakota is actually the best vehicle for this kind of job. In this segment it is the Dakota that stands out as the intended work vehicle. The 4.7 motor is smooth and produces exceptional low-end torque within a fairly broad power range. The V8 comes with an extremely hearty, capable and reliable 545RFE, six speed automatic, the stiffest frame in a mid-size pick-up, and the largest cargo and passenger room. It also has the highest towing capacity. The interior is quite bland, but the unfortunately Germanic-looking interior materials are of very good quality. On my son's last leave home he had a rented Dakota for three weeks. I managed to have it for one of those days. Compared to my 2003 Dakota Sport, the newer versions are quieter, have a smoother ride and improved handling. It was a very solid truck with no rattles or squeaks at 14K. Regards,
#646 of 751 Re: Help Me Compare Trucks for Hauling 4500lbs [dustyk] by jfritsch Mar 29, 2007 (8:14 pm)
Replying to: dustyk (Mar 29, 2007 5:52 pm) Looking at the sales figures for the Dakota, I'm sure Chrysler wishes there were more folks like this Chap. In any event, test drives and comparison will tell. I was in this fellow's boat and was considering a Dakota. Unfortunately I test drove and inspected the competition and its 3rd from the end ahead of the Ranger and Colorado and 4th from the top. Of course, offerings from Mitsubishi (Raider, a Dakota knock off) and Isusu (Colorado copy) are beneath contempt unless LOTS off. You do want about 10k off MSRP for the Dakota (28-32k) Silverado, Trailblazer etc. A look at 1yr wholesale values will tell you why. --jjf completely disagree. I think the V8 Dakota is actually the best vehicle for this kind of job. In this segment it is the Dakota that stands out as the intended work vehicle. The 4.7 motor is smooth and produces exceptional low-end torque within a fairly broad power range. The V8 comes with an extremely hearty, capable and reliable 545RFE, six speed automatic, the stiffest frame in a mid-size pick-up, and the largest cargo and passenger room. It also has the highest towing capacity. The interior is quite bland, but the unfortunately Germanic-looking interior materials are of very good quality. On my son's last leave home he had a rented Dakota for three weeks. I managed to have it for one of those days. Compared to my 2003 Dakota Sport, the newer versions are quieter, have a smoother ride and improved handling. It was a very solid truck with no rattles or squeaks at 14K. Regards,
#647 of 751 05 Dakota - advice? by greayregs Apr 01, 2007 (6:45 am)
I'm considering buying a 05 Dakota 4x4 Club Cab SLT, 4.7 V8 with only 2,000 miles. I worry about reliability given the ratings by Consumer reports. Also looking at used Rangers and Tundras. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Apr 01, 2007 6:51 am) jfritsch (Apr 01, 2007 8:20 am) dustyk (Apr 01, 2007 6:29 pm)
#648 of 751 Re: 05 Dakota - advice? [greayregs] by thegraduate Apr 01, 2007 (6:51 am)
Replying to: greayregs (Apr 01, 2007 6:45 am) My family had bad luck with Chryslers, but my aunt had a Dodge truck for three years and it was generally a good vehicle. I think their trucks are a better commodity than their cars.
#649 of 751 Re: 05 Dakota - advice? [greayregs] by jfritsch Apr 01, 2007 (8:20 am)
Replying to: greayregs (Apr 01, 2007 6:45 am) Is this car with a dodge dealer? With only 2000 miles that is unusual even for a demo. I share your deal with the reliability but at least that year has the 7/70 powertrain warranty. (if you are 2nd owner you must xfer.with 100 fee) You would want to pay very close to wholesale for it as this truck isn't in high demand. You might also want to see my message 14394 in the Accord prices paid forum for useful info on how to buy a car. Smoking out 10000 off a Silverado, Dakota, F series this summer may have you reconsider buying used. Good luck --jjf I'm considering buying a 05 Dakota 4x4 Club Cab SLT, 4.7 V8 with only 2,000 miles. I worry about reliability given the ratings by Consumer reports. Also looking at used Rangers and Tundras.
#650 of 751 Re: 05 Dakota - advice? [greayregs] by dustyk Apr 01, 2007 (6:29 pm)
Replying to: greayregs (Apr 01, 2007 6:45 am) I was in the fleet management business for a number of years and are very high on Dodge trucks. The Dakota has experienced a varied quality history over the years, with the first generation being very good, then a slip, then an upswing. A number of local companies use the Dakota along with S-10s and Rangers, as well as Time-Warner and Rochester Gas & Electric Co. From the reports that I've heard they have been generally pleased with them, especially in recent years. At 78,000 miles my own 2003 has been very good. I've had two recalls, one for a wiper motor and another for upper ball joints. I've had a heater fan blower resistor fail (a common Dakota problem), but they have a revised component that appears to have resolved the problem. I complained about a slight binding sensation in the steering wheel and they replaced the intermeiate steering shaft at no charge even though I was out of warranty. Most of the Dakota owners I talk to are pleased with them and report few problems. I disregard Consumers Reports because I believe their reporting reliability is much worse than average. I have no faith in them. I wouldn't try to convince you that the average Dakota will have as low a incidence of repair as a Tacoma or a Frontier (although I've hearing some bad things about new Frontiers lately). However, that being said I wouldn't have bought a Dakota if I thought they were terrible or as bad as an S-10. In my experience they are very solid and durable. When there is a problem it is generally a low cost item. The 2003 Dakota works for me and is my everyday ride. It's been faithful and runs great. If you can get past the current German designed interior I think you'll find the Dakota does more for less money, and the newer ones have higher component quality than previous versions. The Dakota will get a complete interior refresh, a stiffer frame, a new 4.7 upgrade to 295 horsepower, and numerous refinements for 2008. Good luck with your decision. Best regards, Dusty
#651 of 751 Re: Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon [jfritsch] by poncho167 May 10, 2007 (5:27 am)
Replying to: jfritsch (Aug 29, 2006 1:08 pm) Sorry I don't agree with you about CR. I don't consider them legitimate when it comes to auto reviews/tests, etc. Their recent scandal involving the outsourced childs safety seats helps confirm my already biased opinion of this company. CR is good for: appliances, tractors, televisions, etc. Replies to this message: driver56 (May 10, 2007 7:38 am)
#652 of 751 Re: Frontier best small truck, Colorado lagging [jfritsch] by poncho167 May 10, 2007 (5:48 am)
Replying to: jfritsch (Dec 11, 2006 5:38 am) "The Colorado is abysmal in quality and finish." Says who? I am aware that they have had some reliability issues with some 2004/2005 models regarding valve springs and premature tire failure, but I am not familiar with quality and finish. I have seen and driven several of these trucks and they are a very good truck. The Colorado will be redone for 2009 from what I hear, and for those finding the front end still too weird, me included, the new one will change peoples minds real fast. It will have 4,6, and 8 cylinder engines. They current Colorado/Canyon may not be best in class, but they are a good light duty truck. The Honda Ridgeline is nothing more than an SUV. The pre-production design of the Ridgeline is rumored to have come from the successful Chevy Avalanche, and the similarities can be seen by putting the pictures side-by-side. Basically the same vehicle but in a smaller size. Will Honda every get a true pickup truck your guess is as good as mine. Replies to this message: driver56 (May 10, 2007 7:57 am) jfritsch (May 10, 2007 9:38 am) kipk (May 12, 2007 3:02 am) poncho167 (May 12, 2007 5:56 am) and 7 more...
#653 of 751 Re: Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon [poncho167] by driver56 May 10, 2007 (7:38 am)
Replying to: poncho167 (May 10, 2007 5:27 am) CR and Lemon-Aid have been my "Bibles" for many years. I've picked up a number of autos on their recommendations. That said, there have been discrepancies and contradictions when comparing the two. I consider CR and L-A legitimate, but take them with a grain of salt. I read everything I can, in hard copy, through the internet, or I chat with owners. I try to take it all in before a decision is made. Regarding CR, I focus more on their long term tests than I do on their reliability surveys, of which as a subscriber, I have played a part. There is room for human error. One has to jog the memory when asked questions, or have the past year work invoices in front of them to be correct. Our memories are selective, and I have yet to drag up my invoices. In other words, it is a fairly casual process. We, as human beings, like to believe just what we want. We like to think we make good decisions, good choices, and want to project that. We like to talk about the wins, not so much the losses. But we're capable of good and bad mouthing. Also, I have not yet been able to match my experiences of my vehicles with that of the survey stats. That is my personal experience. I've owned 7 vehicles in my life, they have all been decent. American Motors, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Volvo, Toyota, Nissan ( New). I maintained them equally, they all offered me good service. Of the past six, none stood out. You do make a good point.
#654 of 751 Re: Frontier best small truck, Colorado lagging [poncho167] by driver56 May 10, 2007 (7:57 am)
Replying to: poncho167 (May 10, 2007 5:48 am) No such thing as best really. I bought an 07 Frontier because, for me, I felt it offered the most bang for my hard earned dollar. I believe that still. The Tacoma was a consideration, the Dakota wouldn't have fit into my garage, the G.M. products I was disappointed in because of their choice of engine. I think they should have up-sized slightly and stuck with the 6. The Honda? Too wide, poor visibility rearward, too expensive here in Canada. Would have frustrated me off-road. Rides nice, handles well on pavement. Odd looking initially, but could grow on you. The Honda may suit more people over all.