Hey everyone

I'm currently in the market for a new car. I am driving a 1993 Mercedes now, but I've decided I need a little more room and a lot better control in the snow.
I'm thinking the Durango is my SUV of choice - I think it's the best looking exterior/interior combo out there, and I really want to stay away from Ford.
I know my way around a German car, and they say if you can do that you will find ease with Americans, but I want to shoot a few quick questions before I commit -

Is the Durango good in snow? That's a BIG concern.
How is reliability? With a search I found that the Rear End Diff. and "Engine Sludge" are typical propblems, but if I get the correct sized engine I should be okay "sludge" wise. What size engine should I look for? I was hoping to get the V8 but if reliability is at risk I will go for the 6.
When parts are needed, are they relatively cheep? (They have to be less $$$ than what I am paying for Mercedes parts.)
Does the Durango drive like a truck, a car, or is it lost in between? I don't mind if it drives like a truck, nor like a Car, but if it's a car that thinks its a truck or vice versa that doens't usually make for good driving.

I'm in NE, and most of my dirving would be town/city.

Thanks a lot for your help guys, Happy Driving

 

Before those questions can be answered we need to know which model year you are thinking of.
The two styles 98-03 and 04 are totally different.

I have an 04, it replaced a 97 Range Rover. It is a much better, and bigger vehicle than the RR. The Dodge doesn't have all the bells & whistles of the RR, but it has most of what is necessary to me. I ordered mine with exactly the options I wanted. It has a very stiff/rigid frame and drives very much like a big, very big that is, sedan. I wish it had the front seats of the Pacifica, the Durango's are a little flat for my taste. The hemi motor is wonderful. It gets better mileage than the underpowered RRs V8. I'm sure that helps the mileage. I haven't had any of the problems others have with AC. The only problem I've had so far was a passenger map light switch that didn't work when delivered. I had it replaced at my first oil change interval.

I don't think there is a better value for the $ in a medium to large SUV.

 

I would be looking at an early probably 98-03 but prolly 98 for the $$$.

How are Durangos when the mileage stacks up? Are they a bad investment when they are above 100k or will they keep running as long as all maitenence has been performed?

 

Just bought an '01 Durango sport 4x4. It has the 4.7L V8 with the "engine sludge" problem. Made me hesitant to begin with so I called a couple of Dodge dealers in town to talk to their mechanics. The mecahnics told me this: When you're looking at the truck you want make sure the engine is cold and take off the cap to the oil resevoir. Run your finger around the top of the resevoir tube. You'll get a little oil on your finger which is normal. If it's a really dark black and more solid than regular oil the engine has probably developed the sludge problem already. They then told me regular oil changes will prevent the problem. This I found out was not quite so. Talked to the fluid expert at my mechanic's shop and he said Toyota had / has a similar problem with their V6s in the 4Runners. The real trick is a complete engine oil flush once a year in addition to regular oil changes. Also, my mechanic adds a chemical called MOA which helps eliminate oil build up. Anyway, all this set my mind at ease about the engine and so we bought the truck and I couldn't be happier. The ride is good for such a large vehicle. It's super quiet on the highway with great pick-up when needed. Just went on a long road trip this weekend and put about 600 miles on the truck and enjoyed every minute. Got the better part of about 20 - 21 mpg on the highway and I'm averaging around 14 in the city (depending on how hard I drive it). It may not be a mercedes but for my money I can't find a better truck!

 

I have a 99 SLT + 4X4. I love it. it's a little bit heavy on the gas consumption, but what do you expect for a V8 SUV. Sludge/ball joint problem varies. I haven't had either (knock on wood) If you need it for snow this one handles great. Mileage for me is around 14-16 right now. I've done a few mods to try to improve it as much as I possibly can. There's a ton of aftermarket parts out there if your into DIY.

 

I have a 99 with 122k purchased new. At 70k, the computer went and it took 3 times for the dealer to finally replace the computer under the warranty (the dealer subsequently went out of business- no surprise there).
I am very happy with it but am now concerned about what to expect. Anyone having suggestions over and above the obvious (oil and fluid changes frequently) would be greatly appreciated. I have the large 8 so the battery was replaced at 39 months the first time and 37 months (yesterday).
If I keep it that long, I will replace it exactly at 3 years.
Just put in the first set of shocks.
Again, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. What preventative things should I be doing to keep ahead of the tow truck????
thanks,

 

I have an '03 R/T and I love it. I have had two problems with it so far- one was the central timing module which cost about 330 dollars to replace and the other is the A/C switch or something that has to do with it. I haven't gotten a chance to drop it at the dealer so I do not know as of now what it may be. The A/C works with the switch turned up to full blast but any setting less than that and it acts as if it is turned off all together, blower and all. Besides that it has been a great truck! I love th einterior with the two tone suede/leather combination, the legendary 5.9 has all the power I need and the styling is one of a kind which the new body style could only hope to live up to! It is excellent in the snow so you will have no worries there! I assure you it would toss your Mercedes around in the snow and have fun doing it! The ride is not bad but not good. I guess it is what is to be expected of a heavy truck of this size. Being a Dodge, parts are plentiful and reasonably priced depending on the dealer.

Good luck on your search!

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As the proud owner of a new '05 Durango, I can't really comment on the earlier first generation Durangos. That having been said, my '05 is a joy to drive. And my other 2 cars are both Jaguars. The ride of the Dodge is firmer by nature, but it is well controlled and is not "bouncy" like the Chevrolet 4WD vehicles. Mine is equipped with the 5.7L HEMI and all wheel drive. It is significantly thirstier than the Jaguar around town, but still delivers around 23 mpg on the highway.

I haven't paid for repairs, but as a technician, I can assure you that repairs are significantly less expensive than Mercedes.

Welcome to the boards, and I hope this helps somewhat.

Jeff

 

I love my D. I had some small problems with it but it all worked out in the end. My truck gets up and moves. Talk about throw you in your seat performance baby.[sm=badbadbad.gif] Parts are pretty cheap considering it is a 4X4.

 

all i can say is that my 98 5.2 has 173465 miles on it and i just had the dif rebuilt limited slip wore out . treat it right and it will treat you right