2WD OR 4WD? To buy or ot to buy!
We are looking into purchasing a used 2000 Dodge Dakota Club Cab.
It is a 3.9L engine, V6 Automatic Transmission, 2Dr and only 63,063 miles.
My Question...This has RWD,( 2WD) and I was told by a source I trust that if it is not 4WD then it is a waste of money. Anyone have any thoughts on this or does anyone have or had a RWD that they were happy with?
We live in the North East so driving on snow and ice cannot be avoided. I don't want to make a mistake purchasing this vehicle if I can avoid it.
Any comments, pro or con will be appreciated.
It is a 3.9L engine, V6 Automatic Transmission, 2Dr and only 63,063 miles.
My Question...This has RWD,( 2WD) and I was told by a source I trust that if it is not 4WD then it is a waste of money. Anyone have any thoughts on this or does anyone have or had a RWD that they were happy with?
We live in the North East so driving on snow and ice cannot be avoided. I don't want to make a mistake purchasing this vehicle if I can avoid it.
Any comments, pro or con will be appreciated.
Cars & Trucks - Dodge - Dakota - 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab
Answers & Comments
Hi...
I'm living on Florida.
I have a Jeep G. Cherokee.
But I had a Dakota 2WD.
And because I'm a Mechanic.
I drive all Kind of vehicles.
The DIFERENCE on a 2WD and 4WD. is:
4WD- Better traction than 2WD.
4WD- better power for hauling. than 2WD
4WD- Better stabilitly and handling than 2WD,
4WD- are 4 wheel ABS. 2WD only few , some only rear ABS.
If you live on SNOW and ICE.
I recomend buy a 4WD vehicle.
It's gonna be BETTER on your zone..
I hope this work for you.
Thank you for use fixya.
On the plus side, 2wd gets better gas mileage, is cheaper to operate over time (no 4x4 transfer case or any 4x4 components to wear out or maintain). With a good set of snow tires and weight in the back, winter traction should be ok. The mileage 63k, is good too. If u live in southern New England, as I do, u can probably get by w/out 4x4.
On the negative side, If you have a job that requires u to be there no matter what the weather, and u live where there's a lot of snow, then maybe 4x4 is really necessary. How many days over the last few winters did you REALLY need 4x4? Around here, I'd say maybe 6 days a year. Do you really need it for 6 days?(or however many for your area). It is great to have when u need it, but u have to justify the extra expense for occasional need.
On a personal note, my 1st truck was 2wd, and I hauled a lot of stuff to the dump when I purchased a run down house. After loading up to overflowing, I got stuck in the yard, and had to unload everything to get out. I swore I'd never own a 2wd truck again. But gas was about 45 cents a gallon then, and now, 2 4x4's later, I avoid driving the truck due to gas prices, (I do plow snow, haul firewood, lumber, etc, buts after all this blah blah blah, I probably have u more confused than ever! GOOD LUCK, and let me know what u decide. countrycurt0