My father owns a 1997 Dakota and he has 140K on it and it is running like new, the only thing that has had to be repaired on it was the batter after it froze in a -40*C spell, but it was an old battery too. He's had no problems with it to date. I owned a 1991 Dakota, that had gone to hell and back, and I sold it a few months ago with 270k on it and it was running quite well. I kind of miss the truck. I sold my 1991 for $1500 and my dad has had his appraised, for insurance purposes, at $9000 (mint condition, looks like it drove off the showroom yesterday). Then again, where I am trucks are expensive, no matter their age or condition. I'd say go for it, I was happy with mine, and my Dads been happy with his.