Hi all,

I was wondering if someone could tell me about the reliability of the Durangos, specifically the 1999 5.8L.
I am currently looking into buying one but it seems that their are more bad review on this vehicle than good. It actually shows up as one of the "Consumer Reports" user cares to watch out for. Now, I know if you maintain a vehicle the correct way it will hold up longer but I have to be cautious of the overall dependability of this vehicle as this will be my every day driver for my family.

The deal is a 1999 (VIN: 1B4HR28Z8XF711411)with 48,000 miles and they are asking $13,900. I just don't want to make a mistake in choosing something that I will end up having a huge repair bill for. Another thing is that I would be purchasing from an authorized dealer and get the extended warranty.

Thanks in advance,
Jason

P.S.
Also looking to possibly get Carfax reading on it as well if anyone can help me out.

 

Personally I wouldn't get a durango before '00 but if it runs and feels good and it passes your own mechanic's check then its not too bad of a deal.

 

As much as I love this country - and have always bought American Made vehicles, I gotta tell ya, Durango's have issues. Jason, there is a reason why Dodge's cost less than comparable class/type vehicles.... its because Dodge ( in my opinion ) settles for less quality to keep the price down ( and that's why there is no such thing as resale value on a non-Cumming Turbo Diesel Dodge ). So if you buy in, your buying in for the long haul.

Good Luck

 

I would also pass on pre 2K Durangos. Just my 2 cents.

 

Well, I have only worked on a few thousand Durango's. My wife drives a 99 2WD, I love it. It has 46K, has never been in my stall except for oil changes and tires. My Dad has a 00 4X4 with 68K, I just built the rear diff, no other problems. The only thing we have regular concerns with are rear diff bearings, intake gaskets( but thats all magnum engines), and t-case input seals leaking fluid. They are great trucks, especially for the family,I'm not turned on at all by the new body so i won't be replacing mine soon.

 

I have a 99 w/ the 5.9 and overall have been pleased w/ it. I bought it off of eBay from a dealer for $11,800 w/ 56,800 miles. I had to replace a broken leaf spring (which I had never seen) and just put a new speed sensor ($22) in it today. Other than that it's been a great vehicle. It sucks gas like no tomorrow (11 mpg city/16 hwy), but I knew that going in. I would highly recommend the CarFax for piece of mind if nothing else. Best of luck!

 

Jason,
My Parents have a 1999 Dodge Durango an it ran well until the Mileage got up in 65 to 70k. After that it started cuting out every once in awhile when you drove it and one time it cut out on the freeway at 70 MPH. It Gradualy got worse and worse. They had it in the shop about 8 times and noone could figure it out. I'd say, If you do get it, make sure it has a Warranty over all the electrical, Drivetrain, and Computer stuff. Also if you do get it, Make sure you have AAA because its Probably going to need to be towed to the dealership alot. That is only my opinion but, Good luck if you decide to buy ot.
Sincerely,
Kevin Robson
P.S. I hope this information helps you

 

i would be lery of the sludging issues as even with the extended warrenty they wont replace the moter if it blows. and when u get a used u never know how it was maintained. hell for a few thousand more u could get an 04 v6 st.

 

I just bought a 99 SLT 4x4 today so I will soon find out how well they are put together. It's a wedding gift for my finace so I hope it won't leave her stranded. Don't think it will, the one I got is the cleanest used car I have ever seen, but time will tell.

Also, look for an email from me. I checked the VIN for you. The results are in your inbox.

-=Scott=-