Nothing out of the ordinary has occured. I replaced 2 water pumps, clutch fan, 2 alternators, and transmission at 260,000 miles. I just replaced the radiator at 375,000 miles.
This truck has performed well beyond my expectations. I drive 100,000 plus miles per year, mostly highway the past year. Fuel mileage averages about 17 mpg combined. I change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles. Still has original exhaust. Engine has never been apart except to replace oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets.
Except for something unusual to occur, I expect to put well in excess of 500,000 miles on this truck and original engine. I run Castrol 10W-40 winter and Castrol 20W-50 summer. I use one quart of oil every 3,000 miles.
Lucky you. The rear end went out at 10,000 miles. At 90,000 miles I'm now on my third radiator. The transmission was replaced at 110,000 miles. This morning the starter died. This truck has cost me plenty in repairs and lost hours at work.
Re: to the "Lucky You" writer; I would like to know your maintenance history as compared to the original writer you commented on. Seems he kept real good care of his truck and got the most out of it. How was your care factor as opposed to the vehicle problems?
I agree... except for the part about the transmission. It's a Chrysler product! What do you expect? The only Chrysler vehicle made in the last 10 years that I know of as having a reliable automatic transmission are those good old Plymouth Acclaims/Dodge Spirits, made from '89-'95. The 4-speed automatic in my '92 lasted 200,000 miles and it was not a babied car! Mind you, mine was a 4 cylinder/4-speed automatic model, not the terribly unreliable V6/4-speed automatic model. The Dakota is a great truck, except for that transmission. Everything else is great about it though! Reliable, safe, rugged. What more could you ask for in a pickup!
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