Get the HEMI! If not, get a 2008+ 4.7, it gets 303HP over the older 235HP 4.7. I also like the 2007+ nose better.




Here are improvements with the 2007+

• New front and rear fascias are body mounted eliminating gaps seen on previous models; updated front end appearance is achieved with a new grille, front fenders, hood and headlamps. Limited model front fascia incorporates a bright insert
• New liftgate light bar incorporates the Dodge brand logo
• New bodyside moldings are standard on SXT, SLT, Adventurer and Limited models
• New larger (six- by nine-inches) rearview mirrors are heated and folding
• New exterior color offerings include Marine Blue, Steel Blue and Brilliant Black
• New optional quad bucket seats (rear seats are heated when heated front seats are ordered) are available on SLT and Limited models
• New seat materials and sew styles. YES Essentials® Stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric is standard on SLT cloth seats
• 115-volt power inverter is standard on all vehicles equipped with rear HVAC
• Express up and down driver and passenger windows
• Standard side air bags
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center is added to the overhead console
• Leather-wrapped center console lid is standard on Limited
• New SLT center stack bezel finish—Maple Pommele Woodgrain
• One-touch, three-blink lane change feature
• Dual zone front Automatic Temperature Control
• Available in 45 states, the optional 4.7-liter engine comes standard with flex-fuel capability (operates on E85 ethanol)
• 18-inch aluminum wheels now standard on SLT models with either black sidewall or outline white letter tires; 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels now standard on Limited; 20-inch chrome clad wheel added as optional equipment for both the SLT and the Limited; New 17-inch aluminum wheel is standard on SXT and Adventurer models
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment with standard trailer sway dampening
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) is standard on SLT and Limited models
• Ultrasonic rear park assist is standard on Limited and optional on SLT

The auto up/down driver and passenger windows, EVIC, and one touch turn signal is worth it to me alone. Also, 2006+ only have the power liftgate.

I had to drive 400 miles to get my 2007 Limited 4x4 HEMI 1.5 years ago, very hard to find with every option! (heated front/rear buckets, sunroof, dvd player, skid plates, factory remote start, navigation, 20" wheels, tow package, etc.)

Also, don't rule out a Jeep Commander if you need 7 passenger seating. The Jeep has a much better 4x4 system, especially if you get Quadra-Drive II. The Durango's 4x4 system doesn't have a locking rear differntial, so if you get in some bad situations, you could just be spinning!

 

Research the heck out of the Commanders if you want one. They reportedly have a ton of issues (at least, compared to most Jeeps).

You can also get royally SCREWED on Craigslist, even if you're careful. Its great when everyone is honest, but there are a lot of people there that are not. Father-in-law got what looked like a mint condition riding lawn mower on there, worked great for a little bit. Got it home, first time he tried to use it, thing started on fire.

It'll add sometimes up $4000 USED up here as well. Usually $3000 ish, maybe a little less. Can sometimes be negotiated down to $2000 difference, but the asking price is what I was referring to.

Like with almost any vehicle, go as new as you can and with the best options you can. Depends on your budget.

 

What issues does the Commander have? It's the same thing as a Grand Cherokee (same platform, same engine, same tranny), just the body is a few feet longer. I would get a 2007 or 2008, since most of the bugs should be worked out (same with any cars).

 

I've got a 2007 Limited, Hemi, 83,000 miles on it for sale, asking $16,500, it its loaded, the only thing it does not have is in dash GPS, not sure they offered that in 07

 

GPS was offered in 2007 Limited model.