A First Nations tribe, the Dakotas take their title from the phrase “pal” of their language. As we speak’s Good Worth or No Cube Dodge Dakota appears good sufficient to name a pal, however is it a really pleasant deal?
Within the historic constructs of social standing, a marquis slots above barons and counts (sorry, Rely Chocula) and beneath dukes and princes. In automotive parlance, a Grand Marquis was the highest canine in Mercury’s lineup, and we had an particularly fancy-pants 2002 Grand Marquis Montigua version come our manner yesterday. That automobile had low miles, a clear presentation, and a $9,995 price ticket. Lots of you discovered that worth a noble gesture, giving the Grand Marquis a grand 62 p.c Good Worth win.
Whereas these United States have given us each North and South Dakotas, the native folks for which these states had been named had been typically divided into japanese and western enclaves. In 1987, Dodge launched a brand new mid-sized pickup truck, calling it the Dakota after the folks, the states, and maybe even the New York condo constructing the place John and Yoko as soon as lived.
A parts-bin construct, the Dakota was initially powered by a selection of a weak-kneed four-cylinder or extra muscular V6 engine and could possibly be had in six or eight-foot mattress configurations. The mannequin proved widespread sufficient for Dodge (and later Ram) to proceed manufacturing—gaining further bodystyles and a V8 engine—over two extra generations for a complete 25-year mannequin run.
This 1994 Dodge Dakota SLT is a type of V8-powered editions, rocking a 230-horsepower 5.2 Magnum below its hood. That’s mated to a four-speed computerized and drives the rear wheels solely.
Like yesterday’s Mercury, this Dakota seems in nice situation and appears remarkably clear for its age and 99,000 miles. This can be a top-o-the-heap SLT mannequin, so it’s fairly well-kitted too. That implies that energy home windows and locks, A/C, and cruise management are all on board. Being an prolonged cab means there’s loads of room for all that, though the again bench is fairly cramped for anybody apart from the kidney beans.
On the surface, there’s some fancy two-tone paint with accent stripes and, glory of glories, brand-new white-wall tires on the manufacturing unit six-lug alloys. This can be a California truck, so the undercarriage is simply as clear as above and suffers from virtually no floor corrosion in any respect. Additionally, not like John and Yoko’s New York Metropolis condo, this Dakota has by no means been smoked in. It has an accident-free historical past, comes with a clear title, and has the vendor’s boast that it “Runs and drives like new!” The asking worth is $8,500.
We should now resolve this Dakota’s destiny at that $8,500 asking worth. What do you say? Is {that a} affordable sufficient quantity to ask for an outdated truck that also appears new? Or does that worth put this Dakota on the down and out?
You resolve!
San Diego, California, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
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