me and the woman are going to buy a 1st gen durango and i was wondering what are the problem ereas and what should be looked at the closest. thanks

 

Great choice, sure youd love it..
Im not going to tell you how to/what to look for but just what i would.
(As well used as bargining chips for dropping prices )

-First off, 5.9... (partial )
-Secondly- rear hatch, huuuge lip rusting problem some just dont last (atleast $700. new)
-Under the hood, is there a sticker (radiator support) "Authorized Factory Update" - Some vehicles have had an issue with slight pinging, so the dealer reprograms the computer dropping down the performance. also known as the death flash
-Window trim - the lower window trim lip (rubber with metal support) Rusts inside out bubbles (purely cosmetic, often overlooked but easily $30 a pop for four trims.
-Miles are really not an issue unless a non maint, owner. great vehicles over 100k easy
-Heat/AC- Front and rear (some have separate AC on headliner for rear seat)
-Price- shop around, pretty tempting to grab the first one.
-carfax

Almost forgot the plenuim gasket (intake manifold gasket) - if possible to take a look down the intake man. with AF off, look for oily/coolant conditions. Not a huuuge problem, but every now and then D's require replacement due to cheap flimsy plate

Im doing six things at one right now so that just a few things, i'll check back if you have specific ?'s

 

I go threw cars alot. I first ask what work has been done. If the person say it has had work done ask for reciepts otherwise its bull. If looks like it hasn't been taken care of, it probaly hasn't, I'dask them that you want it be coldstart up, meaning feel engine before you start it up make hasn't been running. Before you run itI 'd check tranny oilfor color,check oil,coolant, power steering,check for any leaks.then take it for atest drivefor least 20 mintues make sure you get on highway, the radio be off recheck items listed people do ****ty things to hide stuff like adding racing oilin it to bost the oil pressure,wipe leaks off. Be surewear ok cloths check underneath for rust, leaks anything odd looking, checkgeneral stufflikeAC see if it is working, it is A big cost if not working, it willdrop the value ton on resell. I would never beleive oh it just needs a refill, if so why wouldn't you do it for the 20 dollars its so easy.Check the windows that they roll up and down ,heat works on all settings, all doors lock and unlock also theyopen and close right, radio works right make sure the speakers don't sound like crap,test 4x4,these are the things I check. I will addmore when I think of them

 

i woud rather go for the 5.2 (318) than the 5.9 (360) myself. thanks for the tips

 

Whatever floats your boat but the 5.2 is a dawg compaired to the 5.9.

 

I'm looking at a Durango as well......its a 2000 with a 4.7litre. How are the 4.7's in these bad boys? Anything specific to look for? I have Dakota right now with the 3.9 so i'd have a clue if it were a 5.2/5.9...but i know nothing about the 4.7.
Thanks in advance.
Mac

 

Brymac, Check out the obvious stuff, tires, brakes, A/C battery, accessories, etc.... But I would strongly recommend a detailed inspection, Transmission, engine etc... Decide what you can live without and what is critical, obviously a/c is critical but most vehicles since about the mid 90's have A/C cruise power windows etc... I have the 4.7, and yes the 5.9 is powerful, but also thirsty. I will let you know up front, before you purchase, HAVE A GOOD FUEL BUDGET!!!! If you are looking for economy, you are defintely in the wrong vehicle. Other than that let your conscience be your guide. TheD is comfortable, powerful and responsive. With that comes great responsibility including attentiveness, and proper maintenance. Read some previous posts on problem areas, it is like any other vehicle, some areas can be frequent while others are flukes that could happen to any car. I have had the following replacements, some of them are more of a start with a fresh baseline and changed for own peace of mind due to questionable condition.

Brakes, 2003, I believe, was the first year for 4 wheel disc brakes. I had pads and rotors replaced all four corners, (but the back caliper bracket safety cage was a bear, it required a dealer visit for loosening. ($400 approx for set of rotors/pads.

R/R tires with 4 Michelin X-RAD's($500) I am not an offroader, so theywerea nice combination of all season handling but quiet ride.

Replaced factory stereo with Sony XM stereo/CD player. (Transferred form my 98 Cherokee)

R/R Serpentine belt with Goodyear Gatorback. $30 (approx)

R/R transmission, well we won't get into that now, but I am sure you can read for yourself in the post.

Next project is radiator/coolant hoses/flush etc....

Preventative maintenance can add up after a while but peace of mind can be priceless.


These are just some examples of what can be done, find a good one, and work them on price. The d's are nice, and spacious but remember have that fuel budget. My recommendation would be the 03, due to the 4 wheel disc brakes, and that was also the last year for the full gauge package, (04 and above went to just a fuel and temp gauge) also if you get ABS make sure which one you are getting, I believe prior to 04 ABS was rear only, or if it was 4 wheel it was extra, mine only has rear.

That should be some basics to get you started, one more thing, if you get an 03 do not lose the key.Infact if there is not one available then try to work dealer for 2nd remote. key and programming, they are very critical and expensive if lost.

Good luck in your search!!!


Steve

 

Steve,
Thanks for all the info. A huge help..I know what to look for now and what to ask. Havnt actually done anything but look at this Durango's price and the miles. The body looks in good shape but needs new tires. Reallly just looking at it because of the 3rd row of seats and im partial to Dodge vehicles. Im just worried about the high miles 109k is nothing to shake a stick at if it wasn't maintained well.

Thanks again....if you think of anything else to check out send me a line.

Mac

 

wasn't too sure about the maintenacne the PO did on my 2000 w/ 4.7L... bought it with 140,000km on it.... It had dealer service records, but large intervals between maintenance that may have been done at small shops or by the PO, either way records were missing... She now has about 270,000km on it pretty much problem free...

 

With that kind of mileage, I would strongly encourage a good professional inspection of most major items, transmission, engine, differential, axle, etc... The inspection should be independent of the dealer, remember they want to sell, sell, sell and move product. I had one done on another vehicle at Firestone ($21.99, Indy area, prices may vary by market) They went over it with a fine tooth comb, more than I thought they would. Brakes, underside, steering, belts, engine, exhaust, tires obviously!!!!you know the usual areas. They may not get as detailed with internal engine/diagnosis, but you won't know until you ask.

I am not sure of what mechanical background you have but some items that are inspected, if they replace,are more labor than parts, something to keep in mind.

If these are items that are critical for repair, you can start as a lower negotiating price and have the work done elsewhere, or have them do it, but keep in mind, if you have it done on your terms or do it yourselfthen you know what you are getting. Dealers will use the cheapest available, unless specified.

Again, good luck!!!!

Steve