Decisions, decisions... which truck?

[billythekidrock]

Looked at a couple trucks tonight and am weighing my wants versus my needs.
I want a small pickup for hunting, but need more room for the family. Both rigs are 4x4 automatics with color matched canopies and have had only one owner.

Both check out with AutoCheck.
The Tacoma scores a 96 with similar vehicles ranging between 80-90.
The Dakota scores a 93 with similar vehicles ranging between 88-93.

The Tacoma is a 1999, 3.4L V6 EFI with 130000 miles.
The Dakota is a 2004, 3.7 V6 MPI with 72000 miles.

I know Tacoma's can hit 300000 miles, but am not sure if a Dakota could hit 250000.
The Tacoma has a standard bed and the Dodge has the really short bed.

Tacoma is about $12,000
Dakota is about $15,000

Any thoughts or opinions?

[markts]

I love my 06 Dodge Quad cab but have never been a fan of the Dakota

[rasbo]

never again would I own a dakota...

[bobcat]

How big is the back seat in that Tacoma for your kid?  Have you tried looking on craigslist and buying from a private party instead of a dealer? You might find a better deal.

I can't give an opinion on either truck, as I have never owned a Dodge or a Toyota.

[billythekidrock]

never again would I own a dakota...

Then why did you pick Dakota?

[penndy]

From the description you have given I would choose the Tacoma.  From my experience bed size is important.  I have an 2004 S10 with 4 full size doors and a short bed.  I can't begin to count the number of times that I thought that the bed would be big enough for what I needed.  But every time I try to haul something I end up falling short.  It will barely begin to haul tent, coolers and water for camping trips for my family of 5.  I end up having to have a trailer for nearly everything I want to do that requires a truck.

Good luck with your journey and hope my experience of short bedded trucks helps you.

[rasbo]

never again would I own a dakota...

Then why did you pick Dakota?

I hit the wrong button and couldnt take it back,same mistake I made with the truck

[turkey buster]

what motor is in the dodge V6/V8? My brother in law bought a brand new 2004 Dakota w/v6 and he hates it, he has had it in the shop numerous time for stuff going out prematurely it is a hog on ice in the winter, it's under powered his 93 ranger w/4.0 liter 290,000 miles on it has more power than hid dodge v-6, don't get me wrong I'm not trying to bash on Dodges just stating facts, and my bro in law is not one of those guy's that don't due maint on his vehicle's, good luck on your decision BTKR
Chuck

[Buckmark]

Lets just assume i have been in the auto repair business my whole life.
Bwtween the 2 choices here, and not needing any mre info i would choose the toyota no questions.
Do however factor in a timng belt service on the taco if it has not been done (V6 motor)

[Tony 270]

Used to sell Dodge vehicles and I'd stay away from the Dakota! I'd hate showing a used one to a person because it was rare that they ran really well. Lot of tranny issues.

Go with the Taco

[flinger]

tacoma no question

[chester]

Buy the tacoma, my 97' has almost 200k on it and still runs like a champ.

[Wa hunter]

Have had 4 Toyota 4x4 with over 600k between them without any major problems.  Just did a timing belt maintenance, all new belts, front seals and water pump on my 97 cost over a thousand at the dealer, I had a 100k the belt 207k on the truck.  Toyota without a doubt.

[JCClement]

My dad has drove the wheels off his '99 Tacoma.  Great trucks.  Before I got my Silverado I was thinking about picking one up.  Can't go wrong with a Yota

[7mag.]

First of all I love my Dodge(fullsize), but I don't think I would own a Dakota. The Toyota is great truck, it should run for a long time. It seems that the Dakota's don't have a lot of life. I also think that you would end up hating the extra short bed.