My 99 Dakota SLT 4x4 5.2ltr/318cid Magnum
is still relatively easy to get into & work
albeit I only have 60k on it & has been extremely reliable
other than some bolt-ons for a bit of a performance boost
1.7:1 rockers swirl spacer, AEM airbox & K&N filter & 4" intake
a cat back 3" Flowmaster delta 50 series muffler & a Hypertech tuner
(really woke it up)
My only maintenance items, a couple speed & an O2 sensors,
new front brakes, oil, filter & fluid changes,
new tires about 2 years after I bought it (need to get new again)
My 02 F350 4x4 PS 7.3ltr Diesel 6 speed Dually (2nd newest vehicle)
is a PITA to work on, it has 155k on it
freaken' expensive to maintain too, parts are freaken' expensive
injectors, inj. tubes that leaked, turbo, gaskets, belts etc.
slave cylinders (3 now), clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing,
shocks, '6 tires' (like 6 times now), 3-4 filters (depending on what)
& 12qts of oil
not like I assumed/or was told or thought it would be
I go a bit overboard too...
I do own a 17 Chrysler 300S 3.6ltr Pentastar 300hp (296) V6/TF 8 speed,
Sports Appearance package
luxed out, leather & fully optioned, except no Hemi
I got a deal $28k out the door, $38k car list
at the end of 2017 Nov.
it's been really good too, just regular upkeep & it has about 55k on it now
my sister has it & drives the literal piss out of it
she's put the majority of the miles on it
she is now responsible for paying for all the maintenance, reg. insurance costs etc.
On the schedule, that I told her or I will take the car back...
Haven't done anything to it except oil & filter changes, new tires
due for brakes soon, & a big all points checkup, maybe struts
She got in a fender bender, had to replace a few trim pieces,
touch up some bumper paint
it wasn't cheap like $2,800 (insurance)
I like it simple...
I was going to look at a new Ranger 4x4 or Bronco 4x4 for my dad
so he doesn't drive 'the dually' anymore, I don't let him drive my Dakota
he's an accident waiting to happen
I'm really hesitant on that too...
way too much **** on new cars, stuffed in tight places
not easily accessed