2000 Dodge Dakota Sport: Club Cab Manual, Essential
2000 Dakota Sport Club Cab, 120 hp 2.5L I4, 5-speed manual; restored with period-correct blue paint and accessories, new suspension/brakes. 196,000 miles, driven 1,800 miles to RADwood; auction ends 11/11.
The 2000 Dodge Dakota Sport Club Cab for sale on Bring a Trailer is a rare find: a mid-size pickup with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 120-hp 2.5-liter I4 engine, expertly restored as a tribute to the seller’s late father. It has new bright blue paint, period-correct accessories, a new suspension and brakes, and a recent engine service. The odometer shows 196,000 miles, but according to the seller, it just completed a 1,800-mile round trip to RADwood in Los Angeles, with the AC working properly, and the auction ends on November 11.
Amid rumors of a new Stellantis mid-size pickup, this Dakota Sport evokes the clean, straightforward design language of the late 1990s–early 2000s, a worthy inspiration.
True Y2K design: clean, fresh
Part of the second generation of the Dakota, the bright blue Sport feels rugged without being flashy. The "Sport" lettering stretches across the doors like a barely-dried paintbrush, adding a strong Y2K vibe. The Club Cab adds more space behind the front seats, adding practicality to the still-compact frame of a mid-size pickup.
Rustic “mechanics”: 5-speed manual transmission and 2.5-liter I4 engine
This Dakota doesn’t have a V-8. Instead, it has a 2.5-liter inline-four, rated at 120 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque (base value: 145 lb-ft), mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The source describes it as a “hard-working” setup, with 196,000 miles of reliable service under its belt. With a manual, the driver has a direct mechanical engagement—in the spirit of a simple, easy-to-use work truck.
In-depth restoration: new paint, period accessories
The car was restored by the seller (bought new by his late father) as a tribute. Before photos show the faded, blistered bodywork from the harsh New Mexico sun. The restoration took months and included a fresh paint job, yellow KC sports bar and lights, and a fluorescent Dakota windshield banner. The suspension and brakes were refreshed with replacement parts this year, and the engine has also undergone a full service.
Reasonable, unobtrusive tires
The 15-inch wheels are shod with 235/75 Toyo Open Country tires. The setup looks just rugged enough, avoiding the “SEMA-grade” off-road look. The direction is clear: keep the spirit of the work truck—durable, easy to maintain—over style.
Long-term practicality: cool and confident
According to the seller, the car drove itself to the RADwood event in Los Angeles and back, a total distance of approximately 1,800 miles, without any problems; the air conditioning kept the cabin cool throughout the trip. This is real-world proof that the I4 manual configuration, when in good condition, can handle long-distance travel well.
Position in the Dakota timeline
The Dakota has been a mid-size addition to the Dodge pickup lineup since the 1980s, with a few interesting special editions like the convertible and the one-year Shelby Dakota V-8. This one is a second-generation model, and it retains its straightforward, recognizable styling. With rumors of a new Stellantis mid-size pickup, a clean, less-aggressive language like the 2000 Dakota Sport might be a good idea.
Main parameters of the car for sale
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Car model | Dodge Dakota Sport 2000 (Club Cab) |
| Gear | 5-speed manual transmission |
| Engine | I4 2.5 liters |
| Capacity | 120 hp |
| Torque | 197 Nm (base value: 145 lb-ft) |
| Tires | Toyo Open Country 235/75 |
| Tray | 15 inches |
| Mileage displayed | 196,000 miles (≈ 315,000 km) |
| Restoration category | New paint; sport rack with yellow KC lights; fluorescent windshield banner; new suspension/brakes; engine serviced |
| Journey of recognition | Approximately 1,800 miles round trip to RADwood (according to seller) |
Conclude
This 2000 Dodge Dakota Sport Club Cab is appealing for its authenticity: a five-speed manual, a bare-bones I4, faithfully restored to its original spirit and still proving reliable over recent long hauls. For those looking for a no-frills midsize pickup with a story behind it—and a nod to the “less-is-more” design era—it’s a good pick to check out on Bring a Trailer (a Hearst Autos like Car and Driver). The auction ends November 11.
