1989 Dodge Dakota Convertible 4x4 Manual

1989 Dodge Dakota Description

1989 Dodge Dakota Convertible
Living in the South, this is quite possibly the most eye-catching vehicle on the roads today (if you ever see one). Even up North, it is impossible to go anywhere without someone pointing out how nice this vehicle is or simply stating its rarity. In the last 30 years, I have only seen three of these trucks on the road (my father's in the early 90's, a white one in Washington State, and this one).
This vehicle is one of the few attempts to combine the practical moving power of a truck along with the sporty look and feel of a convertible...and unlike other attempts, this one looks amazing. This truck is over 25 years old, and has been driven over 212,970 miles. It still runs great.
I bought this truck several months back because my father used to own one in the early 90's. As I had hoped, the nostalgia quickly took over. It even had that same, 90's smell to it. However, the truck had issues that needed to be fixed, which was part of my goal - and the major one had been fixed - but it seems I do not and will not have the time to own a vehicle that I can simply play with in my free time. I have a basic skill in automotives, which was enough to keep the truck running well, but as an engineering student I have no time to improve on this skill enough to get this truck running like brand new...but it is completely possible.
Work done:
When I bought this truck, it was clear that a lift kit was added, the hood replaced, and the original radio was replaced. Otherwise it appears to have its original paint, interior, just about everything. I also bought it with a fuel leek that I was able to fix. The battery needed replacing, so that was done. The u-joint was also replaced.
Known issues:
The truck still does have some issues. The tachometer had stopped working, and will occasionally work again. When shifting to fourth gear, it grinds. When turning the vehicle there is a loud noise in the rear. The front fan does not have a cover (which is probably why the A/C does not normally work). Though I still have the cover, I have not had time to reshape it. The check engine light remains on, as well as the emergency break light (even after it is disengaged) and the left turn signal light. The passenger window needs assistance going up. The passenger door lock needs to be manually pushed or pulled to engaged (does not respond to power lock button). The alternator is going out. The battery does not get charged.
These are all of the issues I can think of or have encountered. As I said before, this truck is a classic, and it has been driven. I drove it from southern Missouri to mid Oklahoma in one night with absolutely no problems. If you have the time, the skill, or even the finances (which should not be too much - unless you're a poor, college student) then it is completely possible for this truck to run like new. It still looks amazing for almost being thirty.
As far as I can tell, there is no rust on the frame (surprising since I bought this truck in Missouri).
Still has the cover for the soft top.
4x4 with manual (5 speed) transmission
While I do not recommend this vehicle being a teenager's first car (it did an amazing job - and I was surprised - at stopping and maneuvering the other day when a vehicle pulled out in front of me), this truck will turn heads and start conversations no matter who drives it. If you are looking for a truck/convertible hybrid, this is the best they ever made. If you are looking for a classic truck, it fulfills all of the obligations. If you want a vehicle that runs and looks good, then this vehicle runs (and will need maintenance like any used vehicle). The bottom line is this is an amazing truck...if I enjoyed driving trucks (which I do not...I have always driven small, fast cars) then having one of these in my garage would be a must!