Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: billythekidrock on September 24, 2010, 07:46:23 PM

Title: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: billythekidrock on September 24, 2010, 07:46:23 PM: 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. :bash:
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?
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: markts on September 24, 2010, 07:51:12 PM: I love my 06 Dodge Quad cab but have never been a fan of the Dakota :twocents:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: rasbo on September 24, 2010, 07:52:53 PM: never again would I own a dakota...
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: bobcat on September 24, 2010, 07:54:19 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: billythekidrock on September 24, 2010, 07:55:46 PM: Quote from: rasbo on September 24, 2010, 07:52:53 PM
never again would I own a dakota...

Then why did you pick Dakota?
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: penndy on September 24, 2010, 07:56:44 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: rasbo on September 24, 2010, 07:57:38 PM: Quote from: billythekidrock on September 24, 2010, 07:55:46 PM
Quote from: rasbo on September 24, 2010, 07:52:53 PM
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 :bash:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: turkey buster on September 24, 2010, 07:58:05 PM: 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
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Buckmark on September 24, 2010, 07:59:36 PM: 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)
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Tony 270 on September 24, 2010, 08:00:03 PM: 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
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: flinger on September 24, 2010, 08:34:28 PM: tacoma no question
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: chester on September 24, 2010, 08:54:36 PM: Buy the tacoma, my 97' has almost 200k on it and still runs like a champ.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Wa hunter on September 24, 2010, 08:57:47 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: JCClement on September 24, 2010, 08:59:28 PM: 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
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: 7mag. on September 24, 2010, 09:06:01 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: jackelope on September 24, 2010, 09:08:28 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Jason on September 24, 2010, 09:25:20 PM: 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
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Special T on September 24, 2010, 09:56:29 PM: 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.. :twocents:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Holg3107 on September 24, 2010, 10:21:05 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: rasbo on September 25, 2010, 05:25:17 AM: 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,,,
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: billythekidrock on September 25, 2010, 06:16:23 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: jackelope on September 25, 2010, 09:16:21 AM: Quote from: billythekidrock on September 25, 2010, 06:16:23 AM

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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Bean Counter on September 25, 2010, 10:11:24 AM: I am a lifelong Toyota fan.

When was the last time you heard somebody regret buying a used Toyota?
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: billythekidrock on September 25, 2010, 10:24:47 AM: 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. :chuckle:
... then get the wife to buy 4x4 quad cab to replace her mini-van. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Bofire on September 25, 2010, 10:25:02 AM: Toyota, holds value better, loads of them around, good performing rig. not perfect. There are some quirks doing service on them.
Carl
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: bucklucky on September 25, 2010, 10:29:40 AM: Get the Taco, they taste better ....... um I meant Tacoma :chuckle: Im pretty positive you'll be happier with it.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: jordano on September 26, 2010, 08:54:34 AM: 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!
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: actionshooter on September 26, 2010, 09:34:32 PM: I won't buy another Dodge.............I'll leave it at that. >:(
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: MagKarl on September 27, 2010, 04:32:07 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Woodchuck on September 27, 2010, 04:50:52 PM: i work at a repair shop and would suggest the toyota over the dodge
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: C-Money on September 27, 2010, 05:22:22 PM: I'd go Toyota! I have a 1982 4x2 with a 4speed manual. 110000 miles and keeps on going! I drive it to work once or twice a week. It get's 30mpg. Comes in handy when I have company that needs to borrow a car, I just drive the Yota everywhere.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: JBar on September 27, 2010, 05:37:17 PM: Toyota! Have a Dakota that blew the motor at 100,000 been a good truck besides that but... None of my Toys have done that, my wifes last Tacoma had 180000 on it and we sold it :bash: for what we paid for it :IBCOOL:!
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 27, 2010, 05:47:04 PM: I would go with the Toy. I have owned the exact vehicle that you are considering, and I loved it, even when I traded it. They go FOREVER, take almost NO maintenance, and hold their value forever. If nothing else, you can always sell it to a teenager that will rebuild it and run it as a wheelin' rig. They are in high demand.
I have never owned a Dakota, but my sister had one (a 2002, I think) and she traded it in pretty quickly for a 1500.

That being said, I traded my 1999 Toy for a 2000 F250 Superduty diesel, and I love that even more... :twocents:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: MuleySniper on September 27, 2010, 05:50:22 PM: No kids? Toyota. Kids? Quad cab :chuckle:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: elk311 on September 29, 2010, 07:26:46 AM: got an 05 Ram 2500HD with Cummins... love the engine! A friend owned a Dakota and had nothing but problems...

Tacoma in a heart beat (out of those two choices anyway).
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: elkoholicmike on September 29, 2010, 07:48:28 AM: I will say that I have owned trucks built by all of the builders. Only the most resent truck is the only real truck I have ever owned. This is 09 dodge 3500 cummins with a standard transmission. It's not the dualy either. It is economical to drive and it don't turn away any kind of a load. I have never been so happy in a truck.
Good luck with whatever you decide on. Happy hunten my friends.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: archery288 on September 29, 2010, 07:52:34 AM: I think my vote is obvious.. :chuckle: This is my second Tacoma and I honestly wouldn't want anything different! Maybe the 4 door version for a little more room in the back seat but thats about it.. Extremely reliable and plenty of power even with 35's.. Only crappy thing - gas mileage sucks with those tires.. But what else is new when you lift a truck.. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: yakimarcher on September 29, 2010, 07:55:26 AM: My buddy just got a '03 dakota this spring, less than 100k on the clock and the trans crapped out on him within 4 months.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: MtnMuley on September 29, 2010, 08:00:43 AM: There is no decision to me. Toyota. I've owned a half dozen or more over the years, and will never be without one. I think nearly every hunting buddy of mine has or does own one now, and those that don't wish they still did!
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: croix on September 29, 2010, 08:04:21 AM: i say tacoma.

as for thoughts and opinions, i think that they are both priced about $2000 over book value. i can't find any combination of trim packages or options to get either of those trucks to reach those asking prices (both kbb and nada). i think if you can get the tacoma for about $10,300 out the door it would be a decent deal.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Rick on September 29, 2010, 08:14:25 AM: $12,000 for a 12 year old Toyota with 130,000 miles? Thats insane.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Widgeondeke on September 29, 2010, 08:33:24 AM: both of the prices seam high. I have an 04 Dakota 4x4 club cab with canopy and believe it only bluebooks around $10k. I have the 4.7L V8 and 75k miles. Gas mileage isn't the greatest, but the power is awesome. Posi rearend is great for snow & 4bying. Only problem I've had is the battery died 2 weeks ago, no warning while hunting in WY. I typically go 5000 between oil changes.
I'd either get a Dokata with the V8 or a Tacoma w/V6, but again those prices appear to be too much. :twocents:
I'm looking at moving to a full size, I'd let it go for $11,500. ha
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on September 29, 2010, 08:36:36 AM: Am I missing something here? I don't know what bells and whistles these have but a quick KBB check had the private sale values of these far below those prices. About $8K for the Dodge and and $6K for the Toyota. I don't think I'd pay much more than half those asking prices.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: MtnMuley on September 29, 2010, 12:02:16 PM: NRA, have you looked at buying a Toyota? Half of KBB of 6K = 3K. You will never find that truck for 3K. You will probably never find that truck for 6K (in decent shape). They go fast. I've bought and turned several of them, and always have my eye open for a deal.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: croix on September 29, 2010, 12:07:38 PM: i think he meant that he wouldn't pay more than half of the "asking price" not the "book price".

so he wouldn't pay more than 6k for the toy :dunno:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on September 29, 2010, 12:32:45 PM: Croix's correct. I just was pointing out the asking prices were a lot more than the KBB numbers.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: jackelope on September 29, 2010, 12:46:01 PM: All you Toyota guys must be little tiny people.
:chuckle:

KBB, NADA, etc are all pointless values to look at. Vehicles are only worth what people will pay for them. The way to look at prices is to look on Craigslist and see what others are selling them for. When it comes to trade-in values, you need to have access to the auction websites to see what vehicles are currently bringing to accurately judge fair trade in values.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on September 29, 2010, 05:07:46 PM: I always wanted a toyota as a teen. Turned 19 and had to have the big lifted fullsize, bought a toyota 5 years later. Just bought my second. I'd go with yota!
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: archery288 on October 05, 2010, 12:59:03 PM: Quote from: jackelope on September 29, 2010, 12:46:01 PM
All you Toyota guys must be little tiny people.
:chuckle:

KBB, NADA, etc are all pointless values to look at. Vehicles are only worth what people will pay for them. The way to look at prices is to look on Craigslist and see what others are selling them for. When it comes to trade-in values, you need to have access to the auction websites to see what vehicles are currently bringing to accurately judge fair trade in values.

Hey now Josh - I am only 5'6" :chuckle: My tacoma is just fine! :'( :chuckle:

And as for the auto auctions, this is a true way to see what your vehicle will trade for. Auto dealers are constantly pricing / searching / buying vehicles from auto auctions to replenish inventory or find a specific vehicle... Your best deals will can come from these auctions as well if you can find someone that is a wholesaler... The normal consumer has no clue if a vehicle came from one of these auctions and most will tell you it was a trade in and make up some story.. I have witnessed this first hand and in most cases this is where huge or above normal profit margins are made.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: billythekidrock on October 09, 2010, 07:33:04 AM: Quote from: jackelope on September 29, 2010, 12:46:01 PM
All you Toyota guys must be little tiny people.
:chuckle:

KBB, NADA, etc are all pointless values to look at. Vehicles are only worth what people will pay for them. The way to look at prices is to look on Craigslist and see what others are selling them for.

I agree.
I have been doing a lot of price checking on KBB and most vehicles are at or slightly higher. Except Toyotas, they seem to be running about two grand more than KBB. And that seems to be everywhere. Dealers, Craigslist, Autotrader, etc.

But I have it narrowed down to a Toyota a 4 door Tacoma.

Thanks for all the opinions.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 09, 2010, 03:48:35 PM: That's a good choice BTKR. I think you'll be happy with that truck for a long time.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: jackelope on October 09, 2010, 04:23:43 PM: Quote from: archery288 on October 05, 2010, 12:59:03 PM
Quote from: jackelope on September 29, 2010, 12:46:01 PM
All you Toyota guys must be little tiny people.
:chuckle:

KBB, NADA, etc are all pointless values to look at. Vehicles are only worth what people will pay for them. The way to look at prices is to look on Craigslist and see what others are selling them for. When it comes to trade-in values, you need to have access to the auction websites to see what vehicles are currently bringing to accurately judge fair trade in values.

Hey now Josh - I am only 5'6" :chuckle: My tacoma is just fine! :'( :chuckle:

And as for the auto auctions, this is a true way to see what your vehicle will trade for. Auto dealers are constantly pricing / searching / buying vehicles from auto auctions to replenish inventory or find a specific vehicle... Your best deals will can come from these auctions as well if you can find someone that is a wholesaler... The normal consumer has no clue if a vehicle came from one of these auctions and most will tell you it was a trade in and make up some story.. I have witnessed this first hand and in most cases this is where huge or above normal profit margins are made.

Point made then, Jon.

Dealerships make their (sales) money selling used vehicles. There's no money in new.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: jaymark6655 on October 10, 2010, 10:24:40 AM: At 6'4" I am still taking the Tacoma. Dad has a 90 or something, I don't remember the mileage. It almost has no paint left on it, was a 4 cly and can no longer go any faster than 70 and the A/C stops working if it idles for more than a minute, but it is still going and I don't think he even changes the oil on it anymore. He is waiting for it to die so he can buy a new one. He might be waiting for awhile.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions... which truck?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 10, 2010, 10:26:05 AM: Quote from: jaymark6655 on October 10, 2010, 10:24:40 AM
He might be waiting for awhile.
:yeah: :chuckle: