Bought a Dakota two days ago

[Drache]

This is actually my first pickup! Before that was only cars and SUV!

2003 Dodge Dakota SXT!

Has manual windows and doors which I prefer (had enough problems with auto locks and windows that stopped working).

Has air conditioning which is a major bonus and of course 4 wheel drive.

The only downside is no mini doors for the back. Don't plan on anyone sitting back there but it's easier to get my work gear out. The previous owner had a boat rack built for it as well! Nice since I just bought a new canoe!

The only rust on the entire vehicle though is the back bumper. Kinda bugs me

 

[Jonno]

Paint the bumper with blue or black tremclad and keep an eye out for a new used one.
Must be some rust free ones out in BC.

 

[No.1 Special]

Nice, I have the same looking truck except it is a quad cab...and the bumper is better, but not by much, LMAO!

 

[Budnicks]

Nice Dakota 4x4, I don't know much about the 6 bangers

I have a 99 SLT 5.2 Magnum V-8 Auto-OD 4x4, with 57k,
Hypertech Programmer, 1.7:1 Harlen sharp rockers,
AEM gauze filter & 4" air tube with 1/2 swirl spacer, 195* thermostat,
Eddy shorty headers, Flowmaster 3" catback exhaust, 32 x 11" tires etc.

This is my second Dakota,
had a 99 Durango 4x4 5.9 V-8 auto too
{not for long}

I also had a 98 Dakota R/T 2wd, until about 2008
had a HT programmer, bigger MP H/R 0.540" gross lift cam,
ported R/T 2.02 heads, 180* thermostat {live in Sacramento area}
Eddy shorty headers, H/S 1.7:1 roller Rockers, Powerdyne s/c
{adapted off a SB Chevy, got it for $500 at a swap meet}
2.5" dual cat back Flowmasters, K&N gauze filter & air tube,
1" swirl TB spacer, Holley 52mm Hi-Flow TB, Venum Injectors.
4.10:1 gears, alum. driveline, nice Proforge wheels, sticky BFG's comps,
forced induction hood w-stk air box location, from US Body Source etc.

It was a fun truck too, I love my 4x4 thou

Good luck with yours,
I hope it's a good as all mine have been to me...