Faults:

Major front suspension rebuild at 198,000 miles due to very poor roads where we live.

Replaced an O2 sensor at about 190,000, which was very easy.

The A/C needs a can every year and the heater has always been inept.

Original MOPAR radio failed in its 17th year of operation, but everything else works - even the cruise.

General Comments:

Ever notice there are more old Dodge Dakotas on the road than S-10s, Canyons, Colorados, Rangers and even Tacomas? It's not because they outsold the competition, it's because this is one very tough truck when equipped with the V-6 and manual transmission. Have owned and/or driven other small trucks, and found them to be less than stellar where compared to the 2nd generation Dakota.

A real bargain.

Faults:

Fuel pump went at 27000 miles while driving at 70mph in the passing lane.

Seat covers were replaced 3 times under warranty; the problem was there is no padding over the hinge. Now I use a thin cushion and I am fine.

Replaced clutch at 150000 miles just because I did long distance hauling.

Water pump went at 185000 miles, and then again after just 49000 with the aftermarket pump.

Starter went at 265000 miles.

Radiator fins started rotting off at around 190000 miles.

Front wheel bearings finally giving out at 284000 miles.

Original muffler replaced at 104000 miles, and have had 4 more since.

Replaced all the brake lines, as they rotted out.

Very little rust, with hardly ever washing or waxing it.

Still have the original alternator, and only on the 3rd battery.

Changed the oil every 3-4000 miles, and now add oil additives.

I get around 23 MPG highway and 19-20 MPG city.

Distributor went, causing an exhaust manifold crack. Found out you don't need to put a gasket on the manifold, and have had no problem since.

General Comments:

My truck may not be fast, but it gets me where I need to go. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles like power anything, except steering; just normal maintenance and less than $1500 to maintain.

Faults:

Normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

This has been the best truck I have had yet.

The only thing I changed is that I put an access panel in the bed of the truck so I would not have to drop the fuel tank to change the fuel pump. Change the pump every 100k or you'll get stuck on the side of the road. On a long road trip, I carry my spare from the last one I took out.