Decisions, decisions... which truck?

[jackelope]

I work at a Dodge dealership in the service department.

What engine is in the Dakota?

I'd probably go with the toyota if I didn't mind a little tiny cab and no power.


Transmission problems are few and far between but they do happen.
We see 60-70 vehicles a day and a few of them are dakotas. I wouldn't even think about the v-6. If it's got the crew cab I'm assuming it's got the 4.7v8.


I would take the Dakota because my big azzz won't fit in a tacoma comfortably and they don't have enough power for me.

[Jason]

I have a 99 Tacoma xtra cab 2.7 4cyl, 188,000 miles 23mpg avg, 4 sets of tires since new, tune up every 60k, I got 80k out of the last set of brakes, besides that only thing that I have had to replace was a starter at 140k, oh and I change oil every 5K

my votes for the Toyota

[Special T]

I would go Tacoma. I have had 5 1 tons and my folks have a pt cruser and durango... The only reason i like dodge is the Cummings diesel and the 6 speed tranny... I think on my one tons that i love those are the only things i like and the rest is garbage.. 

[Holg3107]

Can't go wong with the Tacoma. I'm on my second had a 97' now have an 04'. The v6 has more than enough power for me and the damn things are bomb proof. There is really no comparison with the toy and the dodge. Gowith the Tacoma you won't regret it.

[rasbo]

the dakota I have is a perfect size for a small truck..Its a great ride  in the backroads,,its to low to the ground for a 4x4,I should send hancock a bill for grading the rds there with it LOL,to many sensors that fail.and a gas hog and gutless.It has got 200 thousand in miles on it.I put 30 thousand in dirt rd miles on it.I only use it in the woods..But its parked now and trying to figure out what electrical has gone wrong this time,,,

[billythekidrock]

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

Lots of good info guys.

For the record, I currently drive a 1991 Dakota with 137000 miles and it is falling apart fast. I too have had a few sensor issues and most people I know with any Dodge have had similar problems.

[jackelope]

The Dakota is a 2004, 3.7 V6 MPI with 72000 miles.

pass...good motor, very few issues with them in the Liberty and Grand Cherokee and what not, but if those are your choices and the cab is comfortable in the Tacoma, go that way. My wife drives a '06 Grand Cherokee with the 3.7. It's fine for her but I feel it's a turd motor and doesn't belong in a truck, even a little one.

[Bean Counter]

I am a lifelong Toyota fan. 

When was the last time you heard somebody regret buying a used Toyota?

[billythekidrock]

Thanks guys.

The opinions are very much in line with mine. Just might have to go with my "want" instead of my "need" on this one.  
... then get the wife to buy 4x4 quad cab to replace her mini-van.  

[Bofire]

Toyota, holds value better, loads of them around, good performing rig. not perfect. There are some quirks doing service on them.
Carl

[bucklucky]

Get the Taco, they taste better ....... um I meant Tacoma  Im pretty positive you'll be happier with it.

[jordano]

I'd go with the Toyota... it'll last ya a whole lot longer and will be able to be put through its paces with no problems!

[actionshooter]

I won't buy another Dodge.............I'll leave it at that. 

[MagKarl]

I had a 99 Tacoma, it was a great little pickup.  V6 was great, plenty of power.  I bought it new, and sold it with 182K on it for $10,500.  It never stranded me and never went to a shop.  The springs are soft, I had to upgrade to stiffer springs on both ends, I had a tiny SixPak cab over camper.  It still had original starter, alternator, battery, brakes, etc.  I changed fluids, filters, tires, and clutch.  That's it.  I got 20mpg empty.  The only reason I sold it was the extended cab was too small for kids car seats.   

[Woodchuck]

i work at a repair shop and would suggest the toyota over the dodge