Truck Forums - Looking for a Dakota

OK so I have a 2004 Dodge Neon SXT that has about 38,000 miles on it. I like the car, it's decent. It handles really well in the summertime but the winter is a different story. Just touching the brakes sends me spinning. I could probably get better tires and everything but I have wanted a Dodge Dakota forever now. I was thinking about seeing what I can get for the Neon and trading it in and maybe getting a loan or something and buying a decent used Dakota. Now I probably would only get about $6,000 for the Neon, if even that. If I got that I could probably get a 1999-2002 Dodge Dakota that has 60k+ miles on it. Would that be worth trading my Neon in for that? How long do the trucks last? I know my father's 88' Ram for almost 200k miles before it bought a new truck. If I decide to buy a dakota, what should I get? I really can't afford a brand new one but I have seen a few Dakota's that have about 55k miles on it selling for arounnd $6500-7000. Any help?