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Plex
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2002
23:08:11
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 Subject: Sick of this....
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I know I'm not the only person who owns a Dodge that is just pure out right sick of the quality in the product. My truck is hardly 4 months old and im on my 7th time returning it for warrenty work. Ever so many days I find another screw up done at time of production. At this time I have about 12 things that went wrong with my truck. From missing screws to screw ups. I love my truck but I'm very displeased about the quality in it. I own a 2001 4.7l V8 Dodge Dakota CC Sport+ and find it to be one of my most annoying vehicles I've own. How many more times must I miss work to fix my truck? If I wanted problems, I would have bought a used vehicle. The latest screw up on my truck is just downright shocking. I pulled the floor mats to replace them and found out the driver seat is missing bolts which hold it to the frame. There are holes where bolts should be but no bolts. Also, the middle seat's belt isn't even all the way trapped down. The middle seat is bolted down with the bolts that are missing.
I just hope this truck makes me happy and doesnt screw up down the road or I might think twice about buying another Dodge product ever again.
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Alien
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
00:18:41
|  RE: Sick of this....
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I picked up my special ordered QC 4x4 Saturday and here's what I've found so far:
Poorly aligned bed to cab. (Unbolted both and aligned myself)
Small dent on right front passenger door below and in front of mirror. (Appears to have been dented prior to painting)
Scratches in paint on cab roof. (Could have happened in transport)
Scratch in pigmented paint of left front fender flare which was clear coated over. Obvious factory defect.
Scratches in paint on both sides of bed below rear bumper. Obvious lack of care installing bumper at factory.
Soiled headliner and visor on drivers side. (Anyones guess when occured)
The automatic transmission shift lever started squeeking when pulled back to change gears during the first 100 miles. I used silicon spray to silence that problem.
The quality of materials and design appear to be sound. However, I get the impression that assembly is rushed or performed with poor attitudes. In any event, quality control is in need of improvement.
At this early point of ownership I will add that the ride is outstanding. It's quiet and comfortable. Visibility is very good, except for the door mirrors which should be mounted lower. Steering is good. Power is good with the 4.7L. Dodge certainly has a unique product with this truck.
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kota on 20s
GenIII
 
2/19/2002
00:53:05
| RE: Sick of this....
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if you are so sick of them, get rid of them! i have only had 1 or 2 problems with mine, since i got it in 98. if i had thoes kinds of problems, i would not be on this board right now.
Eric
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Rex
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
01:04:23
| RE: Sick of this....
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"The automatic transmission shift lever started squeeking when pulled back to change gears during the first 100 miles. I used silicon spray to silence that problem."
Great tip.
Looks like I'm not the only one with the squeaky gear shifter.
Keep those tips coming.
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Big59er
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
01:18:54
| RE: Sick of this....
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Does any of your trucks make like... a humming sound when you put it in reverse?
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Todd Bouton
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
03:06:37
|  RE: Sick of this....
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Plex, he he
The only factory recall on my 01 4.7L QC 5spd LSD was a note that the seat belt bolts may not have been tightened at the factory, O/W, no problems, 12months/13.500 miles!
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Todd Bouton
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
09:19:52
|  RE: Sick of this....
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Alien,
NO offense, but, why did you accept a truck from the dealer in this condition.
Believe me, If I waited x amount of weeks for a truck I ordered, and it was on the lot, I know it's hard not to just take it anyway. I think the consumer has more leverage if it's not picked up until in acceptable condition. Most dealers are only concerned with #'s, turn em over, out the door.
Luckily mine wasn't too bad. I bought mine from a dealer 70 miles away to get the invoice price on a truck I ordered. When I got home, I looked under the truck also, and noticed gouges in the spare wheel mag, I got the 16's x 8. I had to drive it all the way back the next day so they could exchange it out. Other than that, no real problems. Also got the 5spd Lsd 4.7 Qc, etc. etc.
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Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
09:24:34
| RE: Sick of this....
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I must've had mine built on a good day. 5 months and 7,000 miles later and no complaints. (except for the truck tranny not liking being shifted really fast)
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CThomp
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
09:34:26
| RE: Sick of this....
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Mine must have been built during a good month as well. 2 years later and 32,000 miles. January of 2000 4.7L CC SLT 3.92's LSD. Only problems have been the brakes. The rotors have been grooved by the pads. They are still plenty safe to drive on according to midas. I got a good deal on some new rotors and pads though for the day that my current ones start to show signs of poor braking.
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
2/19/2002
11:18:28
| RE: Sick of this....
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Mine was built on a Wednesday...no probs!!!!
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails, Aluminum Billet 3rd Brake Light Cover, Bug Guard
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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alex
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
11:29:29
| RE: Sick of this....
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My damn tires wore out after 32,000 miles. I can't freakin' believe it. They wouldn't even cover them under warranty! Those German Bastards!
And another thing, everytime I stomp on the gas, the tires just spin & spin and make all this smoke and the vehicle is hard to keep straight in the road. It wants to slide all over the place. They wouldn't even take it in and inspect it to see what causes that.
I tried to sue Mr. Daimler, but they said he was dead. Today I find out that Walter P. Chrysler has been dead for quite some time, so I am running out of options here. Any legal advice?
ANyone? Sheesh......
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SloDak39
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
11:42:37
| RE: Sick of this....
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I feel you pain,guys. Heres my list of defects on my 99 CC 3.9 auto sport:
1)lower ball joints replaced a few times....still makes annoying noises. (less than 20,000 miles)
2) chronic spark knock or ping....dealer finally fixed it after a year but now it seems to be returning (since day one)
3)runs in paint, dirt in paint.....only visible when up close such as when waxing it...did they paint this thing outside??
4)replaced lower seat cushion on drivers side 3 times!! Sagged real low and bits of foam began falling out of the bottom....thats just plain cheap!And i weigh less than 200 lbs so i know its not from being too heavy.... Now the fourth one is shot but the truck is out of warranty....
5) Cab bolts replaced....turning onto an incline made the cab lift off the frame a bit and then slam back down!! (10,000 miles)
6)Poor idle quality...wants to stall when i put it in park....actually does sometimes....dealer of course finds no problem. ( almost since 0 miles)
7)Tape deck ate a tape and wouldn't give it back.....replaced(15,000 miles)
8)Transmission shot!!! 40,000 miles!!! Of course, i had pay for that. 1000 bucks!!And i don't beat this thing at all. Sure this truck wasn't made in Russia??
9)And many other less serious but still inexcusable problems that i don't have time to type up right now. You should see how thick my dealer invoices stack is. Before i hear "why don't you get rid of it if you don't like it?", well i have all ready tried but i can't get nearly enough on a trade in and being in college and working gives me no time to deal with selling it myself. I bought a new vehicle for that very reason but i guess buying gay dodge was a BIG mistake.
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fourgivn1
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
12:21:10
| RE: Sick of this....
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One of the guys on Edmunds.com said it right when he said "For every dissatisfied automobile owner, there's another satisfied one." I have had mine for 2 months and 6500 miles, and the only problem I have had was a 'rattling' sound from the engine area. The fix? Bend the oil dipstick tube down so that the dipstick didn't rattle against the hood. I'm not saying that all Dodges are great quality; but neither do I think that all Dodges are sh!tty quality either.
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JimB
GenIII
2/19/2002
12:25:55
| RE: Sick of this....
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No bolts for the driver's seat?? And all the problems you are having (Plex). When are you going to exercise the Lemon Law option?? - Jim
99 SY 3.9 Dakota Sport
99 PB 5.9 Durango SLT
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Mike
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
12:26:55
| RE: Sick of this....
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I've posted it once, and i'll post it again....Dodge quality ROCKS! I had NO problems with my 2000 Sport, till college forced me to sell it, and i ended up in a ford taht sounds like its going to rattle itself to death every time i get in it....i fully plan on buying another Dakota this summer once school lets out...i don't care how much it costs!!
Mike
La Grande, OR
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y22man
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
12:39:55
| RE: Sick of this....
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I would have to agree. I have had far more probs with this truck than any vehicle before. Sell it??? I am. I am buying a Chevy duramax. I am tired of tring to make a Huge corporation, stating they have a quality product, spend more time in the shop then driving it. Currently it has been in the shop for a 2 and a half weeks.
problem,
From the dealer the front was not level. They cranked the torsen bars. That should have been my first clue.
At 300 miles it would VIOLENTLY slam out of first gear.
Took anther 8700 miles to finally prove it to them. Fix. Replace the tranny. It took talking to a reginal rep and the dealership letting me show the tech. Techs words, Wow did that hurt. It should not take the dealer a total of 3 weeks to find the problem when it took 2 lights to show the tech.
T-case, It is junk. I have gone through 2. The last I went through when I put it in 4 high to get up my drive way 3 times. I drove stright in the snow to my garage. who knows how long they have had it for that?
Paint, Who wants to go there. My biggest grip among many, is what they call fallout. BS fallout. I have not owned a vehicle that has ever had this problem. 72 chevy, 88 chevy (had a paint defect due to travel to utah and repainted and fixed the probem), 94 2500, and 2000 dakota. 2000 dakota has rust spots all over the truck. Dealer says it is fallout. Due to a paint change in 88 paint is softer now and have problems with this. Well There is a white 96 altima accross the street that does not have the problem. My brother has a 94 ford f250 that does not have the problem. Hmmmmmm, that is a lot of vehicles that do not have the problem. My best freind was a tranny tech at Hinkly dodge, says it is a paint defect. It must really be soft.
I am sick of dealing with dealerships and this truck. It is too bad too. This truck is what I need to a T. Little but can still pull something on occasion. I liked dodge until this truck. I do not want a jap truck. I am sick of dealing with condisending dealerships. Hopefully I can save enough to get what I want. Wait I can't I have my dakota.
Jay
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Viper6
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
13:22:00
| RE: Sick of this....
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Big59er, my truck does, 2002 R/T, when its cold, the first time I put it in reverse it hums, never when its warm.
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mayor79
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
13:28:45
| RE: Sick of this....
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Alien,
I noticed a small dent in my factory ordered dakota too, on the left front fender right behind the headlight. (you can barely notice it, pretty much only if the light hits it the right way, but of course not that I found it I see it every time I look at the truck) The factory actually left the orange QC card inside the truck (found it when I was cleaning it a week ago) that made a note of the dent being there.
Took it to the dealer and had them look at it and they told me the only way they would fix it would be to drill it out and fill the hole with bondo and then repaint it. I wont let them do that to a truck that has less than 1500 miles on it.
If I called and complained to Chrysler do you think they may give me anything as compensation for sending me a factory ordered truck with a dent in it. I'm not so much pissed that theres a dent in the truck as I am that it came from the factory that way. I mean they should have found it when they inspected it up there and replaced the fender panel before I ever saw it!
-Mike
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Dr Q
DakotaEnthusiast
2/19/2002
14:38:04
| RE: Sick of this....
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I have owned my truck for 14 months 15,000 miles. I have had it to the shop once for four hours (a/c leak & ground strap) dealership gave me a ride there and back.
I had bought a 1986 Poniac Fiero-Engine blew at 500 miles (some dude for got to tighten a bolt!)and it was down hill from there! I swore I would never buy another american car!
So I drove hondas ever since-sure they were dependable and economical-a smart buy! But I was embarrassed to be seen in one!
My Dakota has regained my faith in the American made car. I couldn't be happier with mine!
Q
Dr.Q
'01 Patriot Blue SLT RC 4.7 5sp 3.92 pegleg
0-60 @ 6.20sec.
1/4mi @ 14.75@97.1
Home Brew Airbox
K&N Drop In
Lakewood Traction Bars
Dremel TB Port and Polish
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Big59er
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
14:46:53
| RE: Sick of this....
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Alex, I think your complaint lies with good year :P
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Big59er
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
14:48:57
| RE: Sick of this....
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Viper Ya thats the way it works with mine... Guess it just has to do with cold R/T's hehe
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Todd W
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
14:58:11
| RE: Sick of this....
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2000 Dodge Dakota Regular Cab Sport
3.9L V6
5-speed
Problems so far-
Uh... there is a spot on the tailgate where the primer shows through...
Other than that? Uh... intermittent wipers are very intermittent.
Thats really about it.
30000 miles so far, keep on truckin!
Ever since my accident (rear-ended by a full-size 1981 Chevy 3/4ton), I've been in awe of the truck. It required a bit of repainting, a new bumper, and the bed re-aligned after that but the truck suffered no other ill effects! Amazing... the front of the Chevy was a mess though. ;0)
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Dave
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
15:03:43
| RE: Sick of this....
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Same thing happened to me, I was rearended by some 16 year old kid driving a volvo when my truck was not even 6 months old. dented and scratched the bumper a little, little paint and it's barely noticeable. The volvo was totaled and I just had a little bumper damage.
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Big59er
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
15:57:27
| RE: Sick of this....
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I was rear ended by some 35 year old man in a nissan when my truck wasnt even 6 months old :^\ ... Although its funny you should mention the other car in your accident was totaled... In mine It smacked the bed up against the cab, Bent the bumper up into the tail gate, and tweaked the frame i forget how much. The guy that rear ended me didnt have a scratch... Or so he tried to lead me to beleive. I imagine there was probably internal damage on his car, I dont know though... it was his problem and he had to pay for it. Anyway though the guys insurence picked it all up and when everything was said and done 2000 dollars later, she's as good as new :P. Thought he was going to take advantage of this little 19 year old.
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Wade
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
15:58:35
| RE: Sick of this....
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My problems so far with 98 5.2 dakota:
1) 3 ring and pinions (differential still noisy)
2) transmission overhaul
3) bad ball joints
4) engine ticking at #6 cylinder (not injector noise)
5) left rear tire sticks out further than right
rear tire
6) loose steering
7) bad tps sensor
8) bad vehicle speed sensor
9) front end pop when turning
Dodge dealers won't fix anything, unless the part falls off somewhere along the road; otherwise, they say, "it's within specs". This is my first new truck. It looks good but looks aren't everything. When this one goes I'm getting an older truck and fix it up.
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Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
16:02:01
| RE: Sick of this....
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12 months 8500 miles on my 01
Ive had what seems to be a common problem with water leaking into my cab(repaired myself with black silicone rather than trust the dealer buttheads)
Also another common problem with the brakes being junk(will fix myself with new pads and aftermarket rotors)
All in all, its held up well over the past year..
My other family vehicle is a 2000 chevy blazer which hasent held up as well, although it is mechanically fine and there hasnt been anything wrong with it, Ive noticed that it is very noisy on the interior now. With every bump, i hear some cheap plastic piece squeak or rattle...
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scat pack
GenIII
2/19/2002
17:57:47
| RE: Sick of this....
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Chevy is the solution Jay ? One of the reasons my last Chevy will always be my last Chevy was the dealers response to a transfer case problem. Good luck ! Currently happily plowing a Dak.
2K RC 4.7 4x4
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y22man
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
18:56:57
| RE: Sick of this....
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Well Chevy has been a better truck for me. I dorve my dads 72 and NEVER EVER had a problem. My brother bought my dads 88 from him in 90. I bought it from him in 95. Never had a problem with the truck. The 88 had some problems with the paint about 2 months after my dad bought it. Chevy repainted it as soon as they saw it. The 88 did have some problems with the altinator. My bro did have to replace something in the front of the 4wd system. I helped him with that. That is the only things wrong with the chevys My family has owned. We rebuilt the 400 in the chevy in 86. For me and my family they have been pretty good to us. I understand each vehicle is differnt. But this one could of been one of the odd ones. But I got it and I will prob not get anther dodge again because of it. Nothing but hassle. I am doing the research and it will prob be a chevy dmax stick. I do not like that they are only maken 5% sticks. Ford is doing the same. I don't understand. If you want a grocry getter get one. I will never own a auto in a truck. There is always a time I need it. I admit most of the use of the truck auto would be nice. But I tow with my trucks. I do not want it hunting for the right gear.
Sorry enough for the ranting. I apologize for both long posts. I am venting some frustation.
Jay
Jay
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Alien
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
19:39:36
| RE: Sick of this....
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Todd & mayor79 (Mike),
Thanks for sharing your views and experiences.
To answer Todd's valid question of why I took delivery with the obvious problems noticed at the dealership is multi-decision related. First, the salesman indicated he would do whatever was needed to make things right, at my convenience (which at 95 miles away isn't much), and I beleive him. (In addition it is a 5 star dealership that has it's reputation at stake). Second, the problems were not any worse than what a single visit to the grocery store can do to a vehicle. Having been overly anal about these things in the past, I've decided not to let them bother (stress) me like they once did.
As far as the bed to cab alignment, I didn't see that until I got home. Eight loosened cab and bed mount bolts, a strait edge, tape measure and a couple hours on and off a creeper lined things up nicely. Like Mike, I don't want bondo and a repaint, and that's what they would do for the dent repair.
There's a point where the number and degree of flaws definitely should be addressed before accepting a vehicle. And that point is the buyer's decision based on his/her judgement of the situation.
I consider the information I've shared to be in the public interest to know, as well as for Dodge Corporation if they happen to keep track of these message boards. I plan on mentioning these problems on my vehicle survey when/if I receive one. This feedback, if properly utilized by Dodge, should only make for a better product.
I still am, at this point, quite excited about this new vehicle and look forward to many good miles with it.
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handi2
GenIII
2/19/2002
20:14:38
| RE: Sick of this....
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I have had all kinds of vehicles in the past. In 1988 at age 35 I was injured and have since used a wheelchair. To still be able to use a truck I had to use the small extended cabs. First was the S-10 w/the 2.8 liter. 95k miles later and one water pump, I gave it to my son. Next was a GMC Sonoma w/the 4.3 liter. 84k miles later I gave to my son. Replaced two batteries.
My 2002 Quad Cab does have a few paint problems and I just found another small dent. 3 total. I just hope they give me the same trouble free pleasure as the GM products. Time will tell.
2002 Quad Cab SLT 4.7 Every Avaiable Option
Bed Rug/Access Tonneau Cover/2"by3" drop
Airaid Intake/Jet 2/Roadmaster Suspension/Bed Extender
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toast
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2002
20:49:36
| RE: Sick of this....
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big59er and viper6 my 02 R/T moones in rev only when it is cold and it has done this ever since it was new.
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