Well, I is new here! Have a few questions on the 98-2003 Durangos. How reliable are they? Any year better than other years? I am looking for any Durango(4x4) in green from 98-03. Don't like the look of the later years. MPG? My wagon gets 9 in town,16 hwy, so used to low mpg. This will replace it, hate to see the Merc go, but she needs work I just don't have time for or $$$$. I can get around $7,000-8500 for it so looking for a Durango within that price range or close to it for a large down payment. Any info will be greatly appreciated!

 

I have a 2003 that I bought in '06 with 27k on it. She now has 140k and despite my best efforts, she still runs great. She started "getting hungry" once the odometer turned over 130k but that's to be expected. I've changed the e-fan, front driveshaft, and upper radiator hose but other than needing lower ball joints, she's good to go.

 

they handle great in the snow.... i get 14 city, and probably 20+ on the highway on a good day

 

There is no way you are getting 20+ with a 5.2...

 

+1 what samnbensdad said

however 2003 is generally held lto be the best year of the first generation trucks, they can be had (in 2003 only) with rear disk brakes, and they have a bigger set of front brakes as well, they will be the newest, and probably have the lowest mileage, the 5.9 and 4.7 were both available (4.7 is the more efficient engine, 5.9 if you need to tow), the interior changed (for the better) in the 2001 model year, so you definitely want the new interior (at least thats what i would recommend)

 

IMHO, i think that all years of the 1st gen D are solid trucks.. i think it boils down to what you like.. Like stated above the D had improvements over the years and for sure the 2003 is the most popular 1st gen. D.. I personally have a '98 and love it. when i set out on my quest to find a D i did some research and found what the options where for each year. I knew that i dont like electronic 4x4 ( had bad episodes with other vehicles with it) so 01-03 where out. that left me with 98-00 so i set out to find the nicest one with the lowest miles for the lowest price.

 

I'd get a 2003 Durango with a 5.9L engine and 3.92 gearing in a 4X4. I'd also ensure you get one with a tow package installed as well.

Then bend over for the fuel mileage......LOL

 

The general consensus is that they are very reliable, I've never been left on the side of the road, and I used to do some real dumb s%@!

 

Thanks for all the replys! My Merc never left me on the sideof the road, original 312, updated to a C-4, so the Durango has got to be as good! Yeah, I like mechanical stuff better than electronic anyday! Hard to find that nowadays! I'll check out the 98-2000 D's. Thanks!

 

i said on a good day... lol... ive only averaged that about 2 times... probably had a tail wind that day