85,000 miles is a lot. Although it may be in great condition, one may think about the money it takes to maintain a higher milage vehicle. My Contour is my first car, but I have driven my mom's 1999 Durango with the 5.9 V8. That truck has some balls! That is a big vehicle with lots of power, and that is why my parents didn't let me have it. Also, that V8 chugs gas. That Dakota may be too powerful (especially with the 5.9) for a beginner.
by the way, only recently did the Hemi 5.7 V8 become available; its first application was the new Ram.
Dakota info 
