Hey, so I know this is an extremely old thread, but if you happened by it like I did in a simple Google search, let me tell you a few things about my little ol Kota.
Its a 2000 3.9L 4Spd Automatic.
It does have a check engine light on, but it is not causing the truck to run abnormally, the code is P0601 Which is a Check Sum Error, meaning at some point in this Truck's rough life, it had a few too many power surges that fried an unimportant part of the ECM.
Anyways, so this ol 3.9L is a tough V6. It may not be quick, but it will run its butt off!
It had, and I do say HAD some major oil leaks coming from the various gaskets, Timing chain cover, valve covers, and oil pan. But it's honestly as simple as buying new gaskets and putting them on, and you dont need to be a mechanic to really do that, but I would suggest you get one for the timing chain cover only because of its location.
I normally run just Regular unleaded ethanol gas, and about every 4th or 5th tank, I'll run higher octane with a fuel stabilizer in it, not really necessary, but its a habit I carried over from my old 82 Chevy.
Every thing still works, all lights all sensors, I mean, the radio has been replaced but who hasn't replaced their old stock radio?
I have yet to have it break down on me, save for the few times I thought I could make it to the gas station.
The only thing I have had to replace on it thus far is a couple of light bulbs, spark plugs, tires, brakes, and the fuel pump.
But honestly, that's just regular maintenance things.
I do recommend replacing the stock muffler on it for a muffler that is a bit more "open". Since doing so, it has actually had a slight increase in power, and when I hooked my OB2 Scanner in, then took it for a road test, my fuel economy increased by roughly 1-2mpg. I know that may not sound like much, but in the long run it does make a difference.
This is my first Mopar I have ever owned, and I've got to say, I have completely fallen in love with this machine.
It rides smooth, it doesn't rattle like you'd expect a 20yr old truck to do.
My only real complaint about my Dakota is, it has been severly abused and the body has some ugly looking dents. Oh, and that 1 Tire Fire is slightly annoying at times, I understand the function of it, but sometimes it gets me stuck on wet and muddy dirt roads.