Hello everyone.

My name is Jason, some of you may have seen me around Dodge Forum, as I've been here since 2008, but I usually hang out over with the 2nd Gen Rams, as I've owned one since 2007.

To the point: My wife used to drive a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4, until we attempted a trip to Rochester, MN, last weekend and totaled it on an icy bridge. No one was injured, and we were the only car involved, so thank God for that.

We have been searching for a replacement vehicle on a tight budget, as this was not planned (obviously).

We originally found a 2003 Durango SLT+ 4x4 (see the 1st gen Durango thread here for info), but the dealership wanted way to much money for it. There was also a tire balance or alignment issue with it when we did the test drive, and it needed a new battery (old one was basically dead, looked to be the factory unit). The dealer said they'd call us when they got those things fixed, so we could do another test drive. They never called, and we saw it back on the lot the next day.

Just down the street, we found a nicer dealer with a 2006 Durango. It had a few more miles on it, and not quite as many options, but MUCH better condition inside and out. The 2003 wasn't in bad condition at all, but this 2006 is immaculate!

Got it inspected, everything's good. Only thing we can find wrong with it is the battery is a little weak (rated at 750, putting out 550), but she starts and runs fine, and a couple burnt out bulbs (dome lamp and driver's side fog lamp). According to various banks and my own research, it retails around $14500. We're getting it for $10800.

If anyone has any tips, criticism, or comments, please let me know! Otherwise, here are some pics.

 

Looks good inside and out

2 thumbs up

 

Cool, of the three cherces you told me about I think this was the best. I'm personally a HUGE Grand Cherokee nut, but I think the Durango is a bit sturdier in a crash.
Long as you didn't pick that stupid Kia...

 

I like the front end of the 2007 and up models better than the 2004-2006 fascia. I would pick the 2006 over the 2003 though,
FF

 

too bad that 03 didnt work out, personally i like the body on the 98-03s better than any of the 2nd gens

 

The 2003 just wasn't in as good of shape, as the previous owner didn't take care of it the best, IMO. On top of that, the shady dealer just made me not want to ever go back there again. Thanks again for your advice earlier shrpshtr.

Got it home finally, sitting in our garage. Looks good in there. Thanks for the comments guys.

 

Let the mods begin!!!

 

Hi Jason:
Congrats on the sharp looking 06 Durango. How many miles you have on it?

When you get a chance, peruse the owners manual regarding service intervals. Your trans should have a drain and refill with filter change at least every 50k with either OEM or Valvoline ATF+4 fluid. The same goes for the transfer case. If you will be towing a lot, make that closer to 30k

Front and rear axles should be drained and refilled every 30k, and spark plugs have a 30k interval also.

Looks like the OEM Goodyear SRA's are still on there, so it can't have too many miles. The Goodyears are good road tires, but not so much if you go off road a lot or live in the snow belt.

Don't forget to email your VIN to Dodge customer assistance so they can email you a build sheet for your D!



Don

 

Its a little higher mileage, at 81k. However, the reason we went ahead with the purchase despite the mileage is how great of shape its in, and the steal of a deal it was. Its in better shape than that 2003 with 65k, and a few other Durangos and Grand Cherokees we looked at (between the 2002-2006 model years), some with half the mileage.

The tires are the same type as the factory ones, but they are not the factory originals.

I had a trusted shop check it all over, and they couldn't find anything wrong with it other than normal wear and tear (needed new windshield wipers, a fog light bulb on the driver's side). Transmission fluid and coolant are VERY clean. I thought she was running a little rough, even though the RPMs don't change, so I checked the spark plugs... Autolite Platinums. There's the source right there, I think. I've read on the forums here that the 4.7L V8s are like the older 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8s as far as they don't usually like platinum plugs. What is your guys' take on that?

I've purchased some factory Champion plugs to replace those platinums, and I already have some Castrol Edge full synthetic oil and a Mobil 1 filter for its first oil change this weekend. I normally buy Mobil 1 synthetic with either a Wix filter or Mobil 1 filter, but O'Reillys had a great deal on the Castrol Edge (normally more expensive than Mobil 1) and the filter.

 

Yep, with the exception of the 4.7 HO (which has to have platinums), every Mopar V8 seems to run much better on standard copper plugs.

Check your coolant while you are at it this weekend. The only two real common flaws in the 4.7 is that it's real prone to failures due to oil sludge AND it does not rebound well at all if allowed to over-heat. Make sure the radiator, hoses & coolant are all in good shape so you won't overheat this thing and it should last you a quite a while...