Hey guys, im new to the forums and wanna start off by sayin hello!

anyways. . . my wife and i have a baby on the way and are shopping around for a bigger auto/truck with 4x4 we found a 2003 durango with 4x4 and the "sxt" package. my question(s) are how safe are they, how reliable are they and how easy are they to repair in my garage? compared to any other 4x4 suv that is the same as a durango. i relize a v8 will get bad bad gas millage but my concern is my wife and child not getting stuck in snow or mud and still being able to pull a trailer or camper. thanks in advance everyone!!


P.S a little info on the durango

2003 model sxt package
100k miles
New tires and brakes

tell me what you think they are selling for 8k let me know your opinions ^^

 

The 2003 is the best Gen1 Durango available.

Reliable? Check. Safe? Check. Easy to work on? Check. Easy to drive in the snow? Check.

Towing... as the SXT is probably doesn't have the towing package. Add a transmission cooler, oil cooler and hitch. Just live with whatever rear end gears you have. Not worth the trouble considering. If they are 3.92 already... thats a plus. As the SXT, I am assuming the 4.7l motor. Towing is okay as long as you keep it moderate.

Now, $8000 is to much. With 100k, you are looking at $6 MAX... especially on the SXT (base model.) Personally, I wouldn't pay over $5000 for the miles and model regardless of it being a 2003.

HTH,

IndyDurango

 

X2 what Indy had to say...

 

thanks for your input, just one more question, when do things on the durango start to go out? we currently have a 02 ford taur with 160k on it and man its one thing after another i dont wanna buy this truck if its going to start to break down on me in 60k what is usually the durangos avg lifespan if maintained properly? not sure if this differs anything or not but this truck has a v8 with the sxt? dont know if that makes it worth more or changes anything.

 

If I were you and I could afford it I would go with a suburban. It is a little larger. you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back. The ride is also smoother if you don't plan on going off roading with it.

 

You really can't judge this.. It really depends on the previous owners and how well they maintained the truck. We hear people come on here just as you, people who bought a used truck complaining about 1 thing its another, and how bad these trucks are, then we have people on here who have 280,000+ miles on their truck and still running good. So, if the truck was maintained and driven properly there is no reason why you should not see 280,000 miles.

week points? front ball joints and transmission.. if the truck has a 4.7L as mentioned above it has a 45RFE transmission and is the better than the others (newer design). again if maintained and not abused (how one drives the truck) it will last a very long time.

Front ball joints are about 70,000 to 100,000 mile life span, take it to the dealer or a shop and u will get a big bill for the change... Plenty of information on here how to change it yourself and save about $400-600, take about a half a day to change or a day if you not really that mechanically inclined. use Moog ball joints and you are good to go for 100,000 if you drive it correctly.

 

so if there was a year of durangos that is the best as in long lasting and reliability what would it be? keep in mind im looking for a used durango under 8k so which later models are the best?

 

I wont speak for everyones experience, but 2003 went to 4 wheel disc brakes, pay attention to ABS though, dealers might advertise them but make sure you know what you are getting, mine has ABS for REAR only.

I am not sure if 4 wheel ABS was option in 03 or waited until 2004, just want you to know what you are in for and keep the salesmen honest.

Hope this tidbit helps.


Steve

 

If you re-read above... you will get to this:

All Ds have the option for 4 wheel ABS. Standard on 2003 IIRC.

IndyD

 

idk if it was ever offered standard but it was definetly an option, my 03 has 3 wheel abs, and i hate it, regardless of what they claim it DOES affect braking distance (increases it) in panic/emergency situations