My Dad replaced his '03 Dodge Dakota with a brand-new Inferno Red '06 Dakota today.
It was an impulse buy to say the least.
A water-pump had gone on his '03 earlier today, so he brought it directly to the dealer for service. Instead of coming home with a repaired '03, he came home with a new '06.
The dealer practically gave the thing away (he had several months left on his original lease). It's a fully-loaded Dakota Laramie complete with the 4.7-liter V-8, leather interior, 17" Aluminum/Chrome Wheels, upgraded Infinity sound-system w/ in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player, SIRIUS Satelite radio, and just about every other imaginable option. It stickered for just over $34k, yet he's paying $70 less per month than he was with his '03. The dealer is also paying for the first month.
I know it's not the best-looking truck out there, and I was hoping he'd hold out for the Avalanche, but it was really a deal he couldn't refuse. Still, I think it looks great. The 17" wheels and chrome trim really make it stand out, and the color is gorgeous. I'm actually warming up to the way it looks.
I'm happy for him because he normally doesn't treat himself to anything as feature-packed as this truck.
I drove it for quite some time earlier tonight, and I was really impressed. I'll have a complete review up in the near future. Stay tuned.