Hey all,

I just joined, I am looking at buying a first generation Durango, but have some questions that I figured enthusiasts would know best. Anyways, I am going to fill you in on the intended use of the vehicle to help with my questions. I am looking at spending around $6,000, but the lower the price the better, since I will be taking out a loan for it. In my area, I am finding Durangos from around 90,000 miles to 130,000 miles for that price. I plan on using this for a daily driver, I probably drive around 300 miles a week. Although, I plan on using this to tow my hatchback to and from the drag strip, probably twice a week, which is an extra 100 miles, give or take. All I really plan on doing to it is a brush guard, tint, electric cutout, subwoofer, speakers, and a DVD system. So, onto the questions, please respond to them with their number to make things easier. I probably forgot a few things, but here is what I remembered.


[blockquote]
1. What kind of gas mileage do these get?

2. Will a car with this many mileage be okay to tow and drive as often as I plan?

3. My car is only 2160 pounds and I plan on going a little lighter, I am looking to run with a full open trailer, which I am guessing is around 300 pounds, but will it be able to handle a 4,000 pound car?

4. Is there a specific model or option I should look for to be better with this?

5. Are there any problems that generally occur with these?

6. Besides a timing belt and water pump, should anything else be done for the mileage?

7. I have a double din indash DVD screen, I was wondering if it will fit or if I will have to go flipout.

8. I can't tell from pictures and have not paid attention in person, are they 5, 7, or 8 seaters?

9. How long do you think it will last with the usage I intend?[/blockquote]
Thanks in advance,

Robert McManus
http://www.rm-photos.com/(Currently Down)

 

1. What kind of gas mileage do these get?
17 highway is the best i've gotten expect 12 or so average with city and highway
2. Will a car with this many mileage be okay to tow and drive as often as I plan?
As long as it was taken care of properly it will be fine
3. My car is only 2160 pounds and I plan on going a little lighter, I am looking to run with a full open trailer, which I am guessing is around 300 pounds, but will it be able to handle a 4,000 pound car?
It will tow 4,000 lbs with the 3.55's go for a D with 3.93's and it will tow 7500 lbs
4. Is there a specific model or option I should look for to be better with this?
01-03 had the option of an overhead dvd so that could save some headaches.
5. Are there any problems that generally occur with these?
The tranny isn't all that great but the engines are bulletproof. Another issue is the ball joints but as long as you get a 2000 or newer the ball joints are under recall.
6. Besides a timing belt and water pump, should anything else be done for the mileage?
A tune up in general is a good idea. Stick with champion plugs and OEM ignition or upgrade to MSD
7. I have a double din indash DVD screen, I was wondering if it will fit or if I will have to go flipout.
1.5 DIN sorry
8. I can't tell from pictures and have not paid attention in person, are they 5, 7, or 8 seaters?
7 with the third row option 5 otherwise
9. How long do you think it will last with the usage I intend?
Long as long as you are good to her then she'll be good to you. The 5.2 and 5.9 can go for an extremely long time when taken care of. The 4.7 has a sludging issue but there is a TSB out for it and you can do a search for it or ask indydurango for the link he has a wealth of knowledge on these things.

 

Thanks a lot, the information was helpful. What did you mean by getting a "D," in reference to "It will tow 4,000 lbs with the 3.55's go for a D with 3.93's and it will tow 7500." What are the transmission issues that I may run into, are they pricey? And there aren't really any specific problems for 1998-1999's, except no recall on the ball joints? The majority of the Durangos I am finding for the price range are 1998-1999's, a few 2000's, but much lower mileage on the 1998-1999's.

 

D is Durango on the net and and the ball joints were an issue in 98's and 99's but aren't under the recall. 3.55 is the gear ratio in the diffs and is the norm for this model,r/t's have 3.93's and some other D's but they are few and far between and you would want to buy it with those gears since it is an expensive upgrade. Do a search with my sn and tranny and you will see my problem. If a tranny goes out on you just make sure to take it to someone that knows what they're doing and replace the radiator and you will be good to go...

 

Okay, will do. I have a personal mechanic that does all my stuff on the side, he knows what he is doing, I just worry about the expense on parts.