One of my favorite vehicle finds is an otherwise ordinary car or truck with terrific options and in preserved condition. The reason for this is because it usually indicates a first owner went out of their way to order said vehicle just the way they wanted it, as it would be unlikely for a dealer to take the chance on a high-option asset languishing on the lot. This 1993 Dodge Dakota extended cab listed here on craigslist certainly seems like a case of this, as it is a 2WD truck with a 318 V8 and loads of creature comfort features.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ron for sending this in. You can also tell straight away based on the two-tone paint job that the first owner had a very specific vision in mind when they strove into the Dodge dealer and put the down payment on the table. I’d also also wager an extended cab with two-wheel drive and a V8 wasn’t exactly a hot ticket item, especially in a climate where four-wheel drive made sense (the truck is listed for sale in Lincoln, Nebraska). Combine all of this with incredibly clean cosmetics – just look at that chrome rear bumper and the laser-straight bodywork – and I doubt this rig spent much time out in the elements.
The interior is in time-warp condition, and features very period-correct colors, with maroon cloth and plastics as far as the eye can see. The Dakota also sports optional woodgrain trim on the dash and instrument cluster. The listing notes it comes generously equipped with cruise control, tilt column, and a tach, along with power windows and locks. Look at the seat upholstery, the door panels, the matching floor mats – everything in here is mint. This truck has now had three owners and it seems each one took better care of it than the one before them. The seller notes it (not surprisingly) has never been driven in winter, and that the Dakota is also equipped with the Premium Appearance Package.
The 5.2L Magnum V8 produced a respectable 230 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is still a solid number today. I imagine it has to move this rear-wheel drive Dakota down the road confidently, routing that power through a 4-speed automatic transmission. Assuming fluid changes have been done annually, this setup should prove reliable for years to come. It’s rare to find a truck spec’d out in a way that doesn’t rely on complex technology features and oversized wheel and tire packages to get customers in the door, making this Dakota a special find in more ways than one – and all for just $10,900.
Very Nice Dakota. Its a shame that most of these were just used up and junked when done. I was actually very surprised to find out it has had 3 owners. I figured it was one older gentleman who kept it in his garage and only used it to go fishing or something like that, especially with the cap and full length running boards that were very popular back then. The interior is remarkable too, again, it really shows the care. A 318 and lighter 2WD combination will definitely make this thing scoot along really well too. That was another surprise, I thought for sure it would be a V6. Nice find, great write up Jeff.
My brother had a similar truck, only a V6, and was his commuter truck for years. Put a jillion and 6 miles on it, eventually, the frame broke. He got a newer Dakota, but I don’t think he likes it as much. I had a reg. cab 4×4, that was pretty shot, but still, the Dakota was the perfect size. Not some Asian tin can and not a full size either. The V6( a 318 minus 2 cyl) was a bit underpowered and the V8 was the better choice. Mileage wasn’t that much different, and the 318 is probably the best motor,,,,ever. You looking for a pickup, you simply can’t go wrong here. I wouldn’t drag your feet on this one.
I’ve had two of these 2WD models,both V6’s.
With a 5 speed,it was a nice truck,but with the
automatic,there wasn’t any reserve power when
getting on the freeway.The 318/360 is the way to
go,& like Howard said,doesn’t get much less mpg.
I bought the one with a 5 speed for $1500 –
1/2 of wholesale book (the owner was going to trade-
it in),& sold it about 10 years later for more than I paid
for it.I need a few more deals like that!
As many of you know,I have a ’94 4WD Dakota,
& hope to keep it the rest of my life.
Had a two tone blue/blue ‘94 without the shell or steps but set up exactly like the one featured here. Hauled landscaping rock, hauled/trailered motorcycles all over, moved furniture, etc. It and the Durango were ahead of their time-they created and filled a midsize truck niche perfectly. Sold it to my BIL, who drive until he couldn’t drive any longer at which time my MIL drove it until she passed too. Wouldn’t mind having it nowadays.
The sticker on the back was perfect too-
“YES it’s MY truck.
NO I won’t help you MOVE.”
Had a two tone blue/blue ‘94 without the shell or steps but set up exactly like the one featured here. Hauled landscaping rock, hauled/trailered motorcycles all over, moved furniture, etc. It and the Durango were ahead of their time-they created and filled a midsize truck niche perfectly. Sold it to my BIL, who drove until he couldn’t drive any longer at which time my MIL drove it until she passed too. Wouldn’t mind having it nowadays.
The sticker on the back was perfect too-
“YES it’s MY truck.
NO I won’t help you MOVE.”
Not sure what happened there..
Very nice pickup, and the right size! And it has the drive train I’d want. One thing I noticed, the “malaise” era had officially ended. Here is a 318 Mopar producing 230 HP, when in 1977 a Mopar 360 only produced 170. Bigger engine, less power.
These were peak Dodge Dakota. After ’96 it was all down hill IMO. Sure, you could have a 5.9 R/T but the cab was cramped and not as accommodating for large drivers. This is a perfectly able drive train but a 5-speed and 3.91:1 axle with Sure Grip would liven it right up. Nice truck.
The Dakota became history after 2011, and it’s a shame. Ram could use a midsize truck in their lineup, and there’s a market, as Ford has proven with the new Ranger pickup.
They made a R/T in a extended cab….there’s one around that’s been babied but he won’t sell……and then there’s mine an extended cab Sport with the V/8….pushing 275,000 miles and I’d buy another…..this one’s reall nice.
Always liked the Dakota, perfect size for a non-‘working’ truck. Church friend and I both had 94 Dakota 2wd, mine a V6, his a 318. My V6 had to work hard to move it, never got over 14-15 mpg. Ramon’s 318 loafed along at 20-24 mpg with plenty of power.
Ram is set to release the Rampage truck, although it is considered a compact. It currently is in the lineup in South America and schedules to be brought to the U.S.in 2025.