I'm currently car shopping, looking at late 1st Gen Durangos, found one at a car lot for $2500.

The bad:

Failed Virginia inspection because the daytime running lights wouldn't stay on. The instrument panel flickers as if a short or loose wire when driving over bumps and the instrument panel back light doesn't work, possible connected to the DRL?

The good, everything else, strong motor & trans, all the options, 4wd works.

I know nothing about Durango's, are any of those issues fairly common?

I don't wanna buy a vehicle to chase electrical issues but if it's something fairly common and easy $2500 is a good price for this area.

Any ideas?

 

I don't see how you can get failed for DRLs which still over 10 years later aren't required. Only canadian models had them from the factory, and they had a little module in the engine bay I believe. Check the fuses for the lights, check for loose grounds, and check the headlight switch as well.

 

I have an 03 durango and I got it at 168,000 miles and currently have 205,000 with no major problems that weren't caused by me. Very reliable suv