I have a car and I've been wanting to get an SUV for a while now. A guy contacted me and said he had a 2002 Dodge Durango with 135,000 miles and he would be interested in trading. He claims it's 'Mechanic Owned', but as we know that doesn't mean much.
What are some things to look for? What is the last word in the Engine Sludge situation? Should I worry? I know gas mileage won't be stellar, but with this morning's 4"-6" of snow, I'm not sure I would care, but what will it generally be?
I plan to use this to haul bikes. How long is the cargo area? It needs to be at least 6' long.
Sorry for all the questions. I like to really research things before I jump! Thanks for any advice.

 

Edmunds.com will have all the measurements you're after.

Sludge is just owner neglect, if it is indeed mechanic owned, I wouldn't worry about that. Check to see 4wd works (assuming that it has it), ac, heat. No knocking, and transmission shifts smoothly.

My 02 after 12K miles (bought with 179K and has 191K) is averaging 15.5 so far. 14ish for winter, 17ish for summer.

 

Oh, that's not terrible gas mileage at all. I was thinking 15mpg. More is always better, but I'm coming to the conclusion that I can't do what I want to do with a car, so......
I'm hoping I can spot any issues with the 4wd as I have very little knowledge of them. Thanks for the advice!

 

Check for leaks around the front and rear 4wd units.

Guessing you might not know how to engage 4 low in the Durango to test the 4wd?

 

I know hardly anything about 4wds! lol I'm definitely new to this. School me, if you have time........

 

Stop in a snowy or dirt road, keeping the Durango in Drive. At least something wet, not dry. Turn the wheels fully to the right or left, whatever is clear.

Turn the 4wd **** to 4Low, shift the Durango into Netural (you'll most likely hear it engaging, give it a few seconds), then shift it info Drive.

Now, when you step on the gas moderate/lightly, the Durango should plow/push forward, rather than turn sharply.

Just do that for a second to test the 4wd. 4 Lo isn't mean to be used over a few mph.

I am not sure if others have a differnet method of testing the 4wd, but that is how I have always done it.

 

Once Done, turn the 4wd **** to 2wd again, put it in neutral, then back into drive once it's back.

 

Ok, thanks........

 

No prob.

 

Yeah you'll definitely be able to feel that it's engaged. Like mentioned only use 4wd on loose/slippery surfaces, with the exception being if it has an awd position. If you're in 2wd or awd and want to switch to 4hi you can do it in drive and moving at up to 40mph as long as you're not feeding gas. If you want to switch to 4lo you need to stop, switch to neutral, and then shift into 4lo. You can't go more than a few mph in 4lo, it's meant for low speed crawling.

Sludge is a bunch of bs. If even really crappy maintenance is done there won't be any.