i've been out on the market for a dodge caravan but mainly a suv that can handle towing a car on trailor so I decided to search for a 98-2001 durango but everyone i talk to about these always says they have alot of tranny problems and electrical problems, is this really true, whats you guys experience with these and what should I stay away from????

currently I'm looking at a 1999 durango with 120,00 miles and 4x4 for $4900

 

I've got a 5.9l 99 D with 100k km (not miles) here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia...
here's the work to date after 6 months ownership;

1 X complete engine rebuild, plus also replaced water pump, fan module, radiator, upper suspension bushes(both sides), upper ball joint (one side), rear driver sides window motor, drivers side front and rear power door locks, entire drivers seat, shock absorbers front and back, A/C compressor cooling pipe

in fairness the previous owner had probably seriously abused the vehicle with a zero maintenance regime... a lot is going depend on how your potential purchase was treated, how it was maintained and did it have the oil changes at the prescribed intervals...

if not, then expect trouble...

Chris

 

thanks, now what about the 4x4's should I stay away from it and just stick to RWD or stay with a 4x4 and leave the RWD alone??? I dont want the transmision problems

 

you may want to check out Katooka's reply on this post on Dodge talk.com

replace the **** with "dodge talk" (no space between the two words) - this seems to be done automatically by the forum to prevent posting of cross messages, and I'll probably be in trouble for this...

http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123300

Chris

 

Dude, Everyone has some problems. Dodge has been negligent in the trans department. But, I love my truck and wouldn't sell it for the world! Man throw a car behind my truck and I'll toss it around like a rag doll. Just have it checked out by a good mechanic before you buy.

 

Mainly crap.

Any D that has been serviced routinely and properly will exceed your expectations.

I drive the **** out of mine, treat her like a race car when I want to, a crusier when I need to and a off road 4x4 mud bogger when I feel like it.

2000 5.9L SLT+ FT4X4 3.92s at 160,000+ miles and it is as strong as ever. Over the next 10 days from Indiana, I'm driving to Kentucky on Saturday, Chicago on Sunday, Back to Indianapolis on Monday and all the way to Delaware on Wednesday/Thurdday (for the annual Durango manufacturing plant for the owners club tour on Friday) then back to Indianapolis on Saturday.

Who knows how many miles I'll have after that, but I don't care. I'll be driving her with no fear of any breakage. I know my D will get me there and back and I love driving it. If you buy a used one, and get it all treated and past due maintenance done on it, and if everything checks out, you will have a great truck on your hands. You certainly won't be doing any car towing with a Caravan.

In fact, I'm looking for another 2000-2001 Durango for my son's first car. He gets his license in 90 days and since I know the D, I know it is safe and reliable when treated right... safe and reliable enough for a kid's first car.

IndyDurango