Any Durango owners here

[Freelance Hack]

My car just died recently, so I find myself looking for a new car sooner than I hoped. One I'm really interested in is a Dodge Durango. Anyone here care to share their experiences with them?

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Brother had one, traded it for a truck. His wife now has one. They've never had any problems with either one.

(Full disclosure: My father runs a Dodge/Jeep dealership.)

 

[Lieslntx]

I used to have one. I really loved it (as much as one can love an inanimate object.)

 

[slappy4428]

"While most SUVs are targeted to women drivers, the Durango will likely attract men. There’s nothing cutesy about its shape or its bulk."

http://trucks.about.com/od/2005sportutilityvehicles/fr/05_durango.htm

 

[HejiraHenry]

There was, at one time, a problem with (front?) wheels shearing off – obviously a great safety hazard.

I assume that got fixed pretty quickly.

 

[slappy4428]

There was, at one time, a problem with (front?) wheels shearing off – obviously a great safety hazard.

I assume that got fixed pretty quickly.

Yeah, that could ruin the trip...

 

[OTD]

I had one--a 1999 Durango. Bad mileage, and the electronics (like sensors and engine computers) kept failing. I traded it for a Japanese SUV five years ago and haven't looked back.

I would stay away. Just curious--why do you need something so big? Do you tow trailers or something?

 

[old_tony]

I have never owned a Chrysler-made product, and based on a friend's experience i never will consider it.

 

[budcrew08]

I have a Caliber... I really like it.. it's kinda like a crossover SUV, but smaller.

 

[Freelance Hack]

I would stay away. Just curious--why do you need something so big? Do you tow trailers or something?

Don't really need anything that big. Basically, I'm restricted by what my credit union will allow me to buy (2003 or newer) and what I'm willing to spend (approx. $6000). I'd prefer not to have a subcompact, so I understand I'll have something with some mileage to it.

Speaking of mileage -- how big is a tank on one of these? The one I'm looking at has a 4.7L V8, and considering its age, I'd assume the fuel efficiency is about 15 MPG.

 

[Chef]

I have a 2005 Durango.

You will love them.

 

[OTD]

I would stay away. Just curious--why do you need something so big? Do you tow trailers or something?

Don't really need anything that big. Basically, I'm restricted by what my credit union will allow me to buy (2003 or newer) and what I'm willing to spend (approx. $6000). I'd prefer not to have a subcompact, so I understand I'll have something with some mileage to it.

Speaking of mileage -- how big is a tank on one of these? The one I'm looking at has a 4.7L V8, and considering its age, I'd assume the fuel efficiency is about 15 MPG.

It's at least 20 gallons, more if I remember correctly.

 

[SoCalDude]

Considered one back in 2000. A friend ran the shop at the local Dodge dealer.
But they are V8s and got about 12 miles per gallon. Ended up with a V6 Explorer, 18-20 mpg. Still have it with 150k on it.

 

[Wallace]

I have a 1998 Durango, and I love it.

I do miss the gas mileage my '88 Honda Accord had, but I love my Durango. Nice and spacious. I don't have kids yet, but it's got plenty of room in the back seat for little ones.

Truth be told, I take care of mine, and it does get pretty decent mileage for an SUV. The wife drives a good "travel" car, so any long distance, we don't have to take the Durango.

Plenty of storage room is a plus, as is the ability to tow. A fun car to drive!

 

[Cubman71]

I've got a 2000 and I abslutely love it.

Just passed 100,000 miles on it too. I got it just before the Mrs and I started reproducing, so it's been quite handy for the kiddoes now.

Very spacious, love that mine has the third seat that can fold up for more storage space.

Gas mileage is about what you would expect for an SUV...14-15 in the city, 17-18 on highway.

I've got a V-8 and am pretty sure I have an 18-gallon tank. (I know I should know this, but it has never really mattered to me)

Knock on wood, I've had no major mechanical malfunctions. I've put in a new battery and new tires since I bought it in 2003.

 

[Mystery_Meat]

Got a 2004, and I've been happy with it. Had to replace the front brakes, as is common with Chrysler SUVs (my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee had the same drama). Otherwise, it's been plenty fine.

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

There was, at one time, a problem with (front?) wheels shearing off – obviously a great safety hazard.

I assume that got fixed pretty quickly.

Big recall on the first-generation Durangos and the second-generation Dakotas they were based on, both of which have been replaced since then.

Production on the current model ceased at the end of CY 2008 because Chrysler closed the plant.

 

[crusoes]

My sister had one, and the worst thing she experienced was her brother's teasing her about its status in Michigan as a "station wagon," which was something she had vowed NEVER to drive. It cost a lot less to get plates for than an SUV, so she was on board for all of that.

She loved her Durango and bore the jokes with good humor. I drove it as part of a long trip a couple of times and I liked it fine.

 

[novelist_wannabe]

One of my buds has one. He has a lot of stuff to haul around because he's heavily involved in community theatre, and he's loved it. I think it's about a 2004, and recently he's had problems with it overheating. He told me a mechanic told him it was a common problem with the Durango engine that starts showing up at about 85,000 miles. I've driven it a time or two and it's a very heavy driving vehicle, and it doesn't get very good mileage. But it does come with that third seat, which is handy for family trips.

 

[Freelance Hack]

One of my buds has one. He has a lot of stuff to haul around because he's heavily involved in community theatre, and he's loved it. I think it's about a 2004, and recently he's had problems with it overheating. He told me a mechanic told him it was a common problem with the Durango engine that starts showing up at about 85,000 miles. I've driven it a time or two and it's a very heavy driving vehicle, and it doesn't get very good mileage. But it does come with that third seat, which is handy for family trips.

Interesting. I test drove one today -- a 2003 with 85K. The engine light stayed on constantly throughout my trip.