Howdy ya'll,

New user here. I'm planning on buying a new first-generation Dodge Durango SLT or SLT+. Particularly, I'm looking for a 2003 one as it's the newest model of the first generations. So, here are my questions:

1 - A lot of them have a tow hitch. Does this mean the car was used to tow and there's more 'wear' on the engine - or - do some packages come with the tow hitch?

2 - I don't like the chrome grill but it seems many 2003 used Durangos for sale have it. Is there a way to exchange the chrome grill with a grill that's the same color of the body?

3 - Finally, have any advice? Maybe there are some technical problems or recalls I should consider. I want to buy a 2003 Durango that will last a while because I'm a big fan.

Thanks!

 

I can't stress this enough... GET A CARFAX! Regardless of what you find, your decision should be based on how well the previous owner maintained the vehicle. You can change the grill. Just because it has a tow package, doesn't mean it was used to tow. You don't want someone else's neglect. Trust me, been there, done that. I bought my 2002 and the previous owner did NOT maintain it. I had to put $1,000 into mine after I bought it to fix what the previous owner broke. But, it was worth it, cause I LOVE my Durango!

 

1) A towing package was an option from the factory. I have a hitch, but I hardly ever use it, so it depends on the person.

2) The chrome grille can be replaced with one that's body colored (a junkyard would be the cheapest place to get one), but if not you can always have yours painted body color. It does unbolt fairly easily.

3) As long as the proper maintenance was done these things are pretty bullet proof. 200,000+ miles is extremely common, and over 300,000 miles and beyond is a fairly common occurrence as well.

 

i bough 4.7 slt 4x4 and pretty happy, had 5.2 dodge durango in the past. actually had 2 of them and both of them had transmission problems but i even heard 4.7's are new engines and have better technology.

 

The only reason you'd have issues with 2 transmissions is from improper/lack of maintenance or from putting the wrong fluid in them. ATF+4 only!

 

1- Towing was a huge part of dodge's marketing pitch for these trucks, esp. in 1998 when they first came out. IMO, that is why alot of them have a tow hitch. It's not really a good indication if it was used hard in towing. I have a tow hitch on mine and if i had a dollar for every time i used it, i would not have enough to buy lunch.

2- as mentioned, the grills easily swap.

3- look around! you can tell alot about a owner by simply pulling a dipstick or looking underneath a bit. Regular service is key with these trucks. I have seen them with 300,000+ miles, running strong and i have also seen them with alot less miles screaming death. its all in how it was treated.

Check the fluids, make sure it has red trans fluid, the oil is not pitch black, ect.

Check to make sure the ball joints where replaced... I am sure by now mostly all of the trucks have had them done but the top one will have bolts holding it on not rivets if the where replaced. I would also take a jack along and lift up the front and move the tires side to side, up and down. Any play would tell you it ready for some ball joints or tie rods. Usually a seller that has a issue with you doing this has something to hide.

Take a flashlight and look over the drivetrain.. Look for any leaks or signs of leaks. Take it for a good test drive. Note how it feels driving down the road, when braking, ect.